Tag: migration employment

Job Finding Stories

Overcoming a Sudden Job Closure: Juan’s Case Study

Tate

A Systematic Approach to find work

Introduction:

Juan’s journey to securing employment and residency in New Zealand is a testament to the effectiveness of a structured job-hunting strategy, multimedia presentation, and proactive engagement with potential employers. In this case study, we explore how a tailored approach, confidence-building techniques, and networking helped Juan overcome unexpected challenges to land his second job within two days of direct outreach.

1. Core Strengths Development and Profile Preparation

From November 2023 to July 2024, Juan worked with Tate’s Employment for Immigration to identify and summarize his core strengths and achievements. This foundation, reflected in his CV, Video CV, and photo portfolio, helped Juan stay clear on his key selling points throughout the job search.

  • Result: Juan was always well-prepared for interviews, able to confidently recall his achievements, which provided potential employers with a clear understanding of his technical expertise.

2. Cold-Calling Confidence and Proactive Job Search

A crucial turning point in Juan’s journey was overcoming his initial reluctance to cold-call employers. Through Session 4 of his program, Juan witnessed live demonstrations of cold calls made on his behalf by his consultant. This gave him the confidence to engage directly with hiring managers.

3. Effective Multimedia Presentation

Juan’s photo portfolio and Video CV set him apart in a competitive job market. These tools allowed potential employers to see his practical skills in action, making his profile more compelling than a traditional CV alone.

  • Result: His multimedia materials helped confirm Juan’s technical expertise and contributed to him being shortlisted for interviews, where he continued to impress.

Unexpected Challenges: A Lesson in Networking

Although Juan’s first job in New Zealand helped him gain experience that contributed to securing his second job, the process didn’t unfold as he expected. Juan’s direct boss, who had promised a referral, declined to provide one when contacted by his prospective employer. Instead, he only confirmed Juan’s employment details, leaving the new employer with limited insight into Juan’s performance.

However, Juan’s networking efforts paid off. The site engineer who worked closely with Juan stepped in to provide a strong reference, confirming Juan’s skill with repairs, maintenance, and equipment installations. This confirmation aligned with Juan’s interview responses and ultimately reassured the employer of his qualifications.

  • Result: Despite the setback, Juan’s professional relationships with other colleagues proved valuable. The site engineer’s referral helped secure his new role, even without the support of his direct boss.

Outcome: Securing Employment and Residency

Juan’s journey demonstrates the importance of a proactive job-hunting strategy and the value of networking. Despite unexpected setbacks, Juan’s persistence and the strength of his preparation led to a positive outcome.

  • Job Secured: Juan received a job offer within two days of his cold-calling efforts, securing his visa and allowing him to remain in New Zealand.
  • Professional Growth: Juan’s experience in his first New Zealand job, along with the skills and materials he developed, made him a standout candidate for his second role.
  • Overcoming Challenges: Despite his direct boss’s lack of support, Juan’s site engineer provided the referral needed to confirm his abilities, underscoring the power of professional relationships.

Conclusion: A Story of Overcoming Setbacks with a Structured System

Juan’s success is a testament to the power of perseverance and a well-organized job search strategy. Through effective coaching, multimedia tools, and a proactive mindset, Juan was able to navigate the complexities of redundancy, visa constraints, and competition. His story is a reminder that even when unexpected challenges arise—such as the lack of a promised referral—strong preparation, networking, and persistence can overcome these obstacles.

Key Takeaways:

  • Structured Approach: Identifying core strengths and preparing a multimedia portfolio provided Juan with the confidence and tools needed to succeed in interviews.
  • Cold-Calling Mastery: Live demonstrations of cold-calling helped Juan adopt this approach, leading to rapid results in his job search.
  • Networking Pays Off: Despite a lack of support from his direct boss, Juan’s relationships with other colleagues, such as the site engineer, proved crucial in securing his second job.
Job Finding Stories

Nanoscale “Theoretical Engineer” Snapped up by The Netherlands

Tate

I’m excited to share a success story about Nick, a brilliant engineer with a unique market niche. Nick is a Mechanical, Electrical, and Theoretical Engineer. What is a Theoretical Engineer, you might ask? Well, they are very rare and specialized. They are found working in the nonphysical world, in nanoscale processes that create computer chips, for example.

For 10 years, Nick was the go-to Principal Equipment Service Engineer for 15 companies, managing 50 machines valued in the tens of millions of dollars. When others couldn’t solve the problem, Nick was the one they called. His expertise in semiconductor manufacturing, one of the most advanced industries in the world, is truly exceptional.

Although his market was too small in New Zealand, Nick secured a prestigious role in the Netherlands using the strategies we developed together.

No dust allowed

Market Updates

Is there a recession in New Zealand?

Tate

I will try to explain clearly and briefly.

Hiring Cycles:

Yes, there is a recession. But there are also hiring seasons. Every winter is a slower period for permanent hires in New Zealand as people are still recovering from the post-COVID inflationary environment. The best time to prepare for work is now because every year, there is a hiring boom in spring. Sometimes early spring in September or even late August, and other times mid-spring in October. But every year, it happens. I can explain why if you like, but the short answer is that business activity picks up in the warmer seasons with the longer days.

Leading Industries:

Yes, some companies are struggling. But some companies are doing well. Every industry will have a mix of poor performers and top performers. Let’s see how New Zealand primary industries are doing. “New Zealand Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT) estimates the country’s major primary sectors of meat, dairy, fisheries, wine, forestry, and selected horticulture products to export up to 95% of their output, revealing how crucial exports are to the very industries that characterise the island nation.” (4 Apr 2024)

Resilient Industries:

Some sectors have shown robust growth despite economic downturns. Industries such as technology, healthcare, and primary industries (including agriculture and forestry) have maintained steady or increasing hiring rates. For instance, job ads in primary industries have seen a positive trend, with notable growth in regions like Manawatu, Hawkes Bay, and Southland, which have all recorded significant increases in job ad volumes compared to pre-pandemic levels​ (SEEK)​​ (Live and Work New Zealand)​.

Strategic Job Seeking:

For skilled professionals, the key to navigating the job market lies in identifying top-performing companies within resilient industries. Presenting top-level skills in a polished, best-in-class format can capture the attention of hiring managers. Personalized applications and targeted presentations significantly enhance the chances of receiving a positive response. Tailoring your approach to each company shows dedication and helps you stand out in a competitive job market​ (MBIE)​​ (MBIE)​.

Supporting Metrics:

  • Inflation Rate: Increased from 1.5% in 2020 to 5.9% in 2022.
  • Mortgage Defaults: Rising trend due to economic pressures.
  • Grocery Prices: Significant increases, particularly in fresh produce and dairy, doubling or tripling in some cases.
  • Job Ads in Primary Industries: Steady growth with regions like Manawatu up 75%, Hawkes Bay up 61%, and Southland up 56% since pre-pandemic levels​ (SEEK)​​ (Stats NZ)​.

Helpful & personalised insights available to you:

If you are skilled, your best opportunity to find work is to find a company that needs your skills. The time to prepare is right now because when August is here, you will want to be fully engaged into your job market. Leading companies will require quality candidates at that time. It is the best time in 2024 to find work. If any questions, drop me a line with your CV for helpful insights in response – tate@employmentforimmigration.nz

Everyone Need Encouragement

Emigration Encouragement

Tate

We all need encouragement sometimes. Here are 10 challenges that you might feel as a new immigrant, plus 10 encouraging ways to manage each of these challenges.

1) Language Barrier: Mastering the local language is crucial for effective communication in the workplace. Remember, language skills improve with practice and immersion, turning this challenge into an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

2) Cultural Differences: Understanding and adapting to the local culture and workplace norms can be daunting. Each step towards cultural integration enriches your global perspective, making you a more versatile and adaptable professional.

3) Recognition of Qualifications: Sometimes, foreign qualifications may not be directly recognized. Exploring equivalency programs or additional certifications can open new doors and highlight your commitment to your career.

4) Limited Local Network: Lack of a professional network in a new country can hinder job search efforts. Building a network from scratch is a chance to forge valuable connections that can offer support and opportunities in unexpected ways.

5) Visa and Work Permit Issues: Navigating the legal requirements for working in a new country can be complex. Staying informed and proactive about visa regulations demonstrates your dedication to securing a position and can lead to successful employment.

6) Employment Gaps: Time spent relocating or adjusting to a new country may lead to gaps in employment. Use this time to acquire new skills or volunteer, showing potential employers your resilience and continuous growth.

7) Bias and Discrimination: Immigrants might face biases or discrimination in the job market. Your diverse background brings unique perspectives and innovation to teams, making you a valuable asset to any employer.

8) Understanding Job Market Dynamics: The demand for certain skills can vary greatly from one country to another. Adapting your skills to the needs of the local job market can make you a more competitive candidate.

9) Access to Information: Finding reliable information about job opportunities and application processes can be challenging. Utilizing online resources, local employment services, and community networks can provide clarity and open up new pathways.

10) Mental and Emotional Stress: Relocating and job hunting in a new country can be emotionally taxing. Remember, resilience and patience are key. Every challenge overcome is a step closer to your goal, and support is available through community groups and professional services.

Market Updates

Every year there is a hiring boom following the holiday season

Tate

A hiring boom happens every year following the holiday season and now is a perfect time to prepare.

Reason #1 – New Year Resolution – Increased hiring happens because holidays bring about change: new diets, new exercise programs, new inspirations in life and of course new jobs happen as inspired change. This means that roles need to be replace, often with urgency.

Reason #2 – Business Plans – As with people, businesses also generate new visions for growth at this time of year. They come into the new year with strategy plans, new budgets and new requirements for staff.

The challenge – Finding a new life isn’t easy. Even for locals, switching jobs can be stressful. Similar to moving house, another one of life’s many challenges. New Migrants are doing that that plus new friends and switching cultures and all family members are doing these same thing together, often risking everything in the process.

The best approach – Plan well, implement effectively and stay flexibile. As with any complex project the key to success is to break it down into bite-size tasks that can be mastered and implemented successfully, one after the other. Like building a bridge, it can be done. This bring us to the topic, how to take advantage of the current situation if you are a foreign migrant wanting to enter New Zealand. You know that there is a hiring boom after the holidays. You know that hiring slows down dramatically in December. What can be done now to maximise your opportunities to get hired into a great job as soon as possible? I believe the answer isn’t difficult.

Firstly to prepare, then to get into the job market as soon as possible so that real progress is being made and hopefully do it this year so that you can build relationships and experience. Even if you aren’t hired this year, the experience of being in the job market this year will prepare you for what is coming.

In the post-holiday hiring boom there will be some urgent jobs that aren’t possible to fill by locals. If you are super skilled and experienced and qualified, you may be a snapped up if you are in the right place at the right time, having already some experience so that you are able to deliver good content, being practiced up in the job hunting process already.

A customised approach is essential to finding the right job fit. Your unique professional strengths are your best assets, and should be the main feature in your profile.

If anyone reading this would like helpful insights into how specifically you can manage your job search, send your CV to me at tate@employmentforimmigration.nz for a response in about a day. Let me know your experience so far for context. I have been helping migrants apply their strengths to the job finding process for 15+ years.

Uncategorized

Hiring happens pre and post holidays. Prepare for both options.

Tate

Tate emphasizes the importance of preparing before starting a job search, with four to six weeks of preparation time needed for a best-in-class presentation profile. February is highlighted as the hot zone for hiring.

Tate offers end-to-end support for job searching for qualifying job seekers. Just send a few comments about your job finding status and your CV to tate@employmentforimmigration.nz

Testimonial Posts

Raymond: Team Lead / Senior IT consultant in Singapore – Testimonial

Tate

Video Transcript:

Tate: It’s a pleasure to work with Raymond. Raymond’s at the top of his game. And Telecom – one of the largest ones in Asia – and he’s the center point of Big Data turning that into strategic success for his employer.

If anyone can explain how my system can work successfully for them in their own country, or Australia, New Zealand, anywhere in the world, – Raymond is the one to do it. It is a pleasure to work with people like Raymond. It’s people like you, Raymond, and others that keep me at the front of my game.

Raymond: So actually, I’ve tried your approach – the one that we’ve discussed, and you’ve shown to me – here in Singapore and it actually works. So, I managed to book some meetings and book some interviews. So yeah, I can attest that your approach is working perfectly well, so I must have to check – to apply the same approach and also do some job applications in New Zealand, since my goal is to finally find a job and settle at New Zealand. And I’m actually also exploring… like what I’ve shared in the email… Australia, and also expand my market in Canada.

Tate: So, you’ve been applying to some of the big companies in Singapore?

Raymond: I’ve managed to book two to three interviews, so my recent one already undergoes a final interview. So hopefully I’ll be receiving some good news in the next few days.

Tate: Well, it works in Singapore, it works around the world – it’s a good system and I’m glad you’re discovering that.

Uncategorized

For Middle Managers Seeking Work in Injury Risk Industries

Tate

I regularly get calls from middle managers asking for support covering all sorts of industries and roles. Super-skilled and highly qualified are complex profiles that need clear communication to win. But what is the strategy for skilled and under-qualified? Well, like a typical consultant, I can only say “that depends”. Usually, skill level and industry are main factors when under-qualified. The most challenging situation I most often see where my service has limited value is when an underqualfied middle manager is looking for a managerial role in a a high risk industry.

What is so difficult about a hiring a super-skilled, under-qualified middle manager?

I always kindly decline anyone unless I can see a clear shot at job success in the profile. When I arrive at this decision, I have sometimes found it difficult to explain to foreigners who may have built 100 different structures ranging up to to multi-million USD in value why they are unlikely to get a managerial job in the construction industry without adequate qualifications. Probably the best explanation can be presented in the graph below.

The above chart comes from a factsheet published by WorkSafe New Zealand. This act is enforced where the potential for injury to employees is reasonably high. Such environments will include construction sites, factories, stock yards, tree harvesting sites, etc…

As this chart indicates, there are severe consequences for those found reckless or negligent – that’s right, you don’t even have to be reckless, you can simply overlook something and it happens. For example, employing an unqualified manager might be considered as a failure to comply with health and safety duties when that decision is later seen by investigators as a cause for a risk of serious injury, illness or death.

If you are a middle manager lacking qualifications working in a high-risk industry, what are your options?

There are other roles below “manager”, including team lead, foreman, skilled carpenter, etc… This may be a viable entry point for a manager willing to work back up to the managerial level, while also allowing the local employer to keep risks low enough so that a hiring decision can be made.

What if you have little or no “hands on” skills?

Upskilling takes time. For some, it is the best option. I would suggest either to acqauire a relevant bachelor’s degree or learn some “hands on” skills to a level of a qualified tradesman. Maybe even get qualified if that is an option.

What if you want to try anyway?

There have been a number of cases where I have successfully worked with underqualified middle managers in high-risk roles. What happened in these cases was that I gave a clear warning, they decided to go ahead anyway and we went to work to maximise their chances on a range of issues including past practice, performance levels, ongoing study and motivation. Three things help: preparation, persistence and going the extra mile. It is about finding and building relationships. It is about a willingness to conduct face-to-face interviews on the spot. And that is how you maximise the chances, and yes, it can work, but I prefer to look at the other options first because I like to maximise the opportunities and not just the chances.

Finish

And that, my friends explains the challenges in terms of risk and the options in terms of job strategy. I am good at assisting with work but I am not touching your immigration or visa requirements. That will be up to you or your immigration agent. New Zealand and Australia have many high-demand job sectors that need strong candidates. The best job strategy in a nutshell is to position yourself as a low risk, high reward candidate. For details how that might apply to you, just send your CV to me at tate@employmentforimmigration.nz for helpful insights in about a day.

Practical Advice

A short Checklist: Are You Able To Get Hired In New Zealand Or Australia?

Tate

Have you ever wondered how easy or difficult it will be for you to get hired?

Here are the 3 main inicators of hirability
1) Skill level
2) Qualifications
3) Role demand

Highly skilled candidates: New Zealand and Australia are particularly interested in workers who have demonstrated expertise in a specific field and can add significant value to employers. If you have a track record of excellence in your field, you are likely to be in high demand. However, if you haven’t had the opportunity to develop high-value skills, you may face the challenge of differentiating yourself from local jobseekers. To overcome this challenge, it’s important to emphasise what makes you different and how you can make a unique contribution to the NZ/AU job markets.

Relevant qualifications: Employees with relevant qualifications are highly sought after in both New Zealand and Australia. Generally, a full trade qualification or at least a Bachelor’s degree is required, sometimes higher depending on the role. If you have these qualifications, along with high-value skills, you are likely to be in high demand. However, if you do not have the specific qualifications required for a particular industry, your skills may still be able to compensate in some cases. For example, some industries may prioritise skills over formal qualifications. However, it’s important to note that certain professions, such as doctors and plumbers, typically require specific qualifications that cannot be overlooked.

Roles in high demand: Our job markets are particularly interested in candidates who can fill roles in skills shortage areas. It’s worth noting that being on an official skills shortage list is not a prerequisite for being considered for a high demand role. Sometimes in-demand roles aren’t widely advertised and it’s important to understand that demand arises when employers have a genuine need for a particular skill. It could be a highly specialised niche that is not widely known. For example: I assisted a drone designer / distributor / business owner find work with New Zealand’s largest drone company. There is no list anywhere that considers that candidate as a high demand role for New Zealand. But that employer understood he was the best guy in South Africa with population 60 million. He was ready to hire him instantly. So keep an eye out for job advertisements, but also explore hidden opportunities that your skills may attract.

In summary: We are looking for overseas candidates with high-value skills and relevant qualifications who can fill roles in high-demand sectors.

Basic strategy: By showcasing your expertise, highlighting what makes you different and targeting employers who need your specific skills, you will increase your chances of being a desirable candidate for employment in our part of the world.

For a free assessment of your skills, send your CV with a few comments about your status to me at tate@employmentforimmigration.nz I answer in about a day.