How to prepare a CV for Auckland employers

Find out how to create a curriculum vitae (CV or résumé) that will impress Auckland employers.

1. Adapt to the Kiwi style

Adjusting your CV to appeal to Auckland employers is essential. This may mean changing the length, layout, level of detail, or style of language you currently use.

Top tips:

• Use warm and friendly language. Your CV needs to be professional, but may be slightly less formal than what you’re familiar with.  
• Start with your most recent role and work backwards (rather than chronologically).
• Quality not quantity - New Zealand CVs may be shorter than what you’re used to. Make sure there’s enough information to show your skills and experience, but cut any irrelevant details. 
• You don’t need to include every job you’ve ever had. If it was a long time ago or isn’t relevant to the job or sector, consider leaving it out, or keep to one sentence. 
• Make it easy to read - don’t use small or hard-to-read fonts. 

 
Remember, Auckland employers may not be familiar with the companies you’ve worked for overseas, so you could include a short description. 

Take a look at New Zealand Now’s guide to creating a Kiwi-style CV.

2. Focus on your accomplishments

Rather than just listing your job title and description, include specific examples of things you achieved within the role. This could be something like taking the lead on a large-scale project, contributing to the development of a unique innovation, or receiving an industry award. 

3. Write a tailored cover letter

A well-written cover letter is your first chance to make a good impression. Some job ads receive hundreds of applications (or more), so it can even influence whether employers or recruitment agents take the time to read your CV.

The most important things to include are why you are interested in the job and what skills and experience you would bring to the job. 

Top tips:

• Tailor your cover letter to each job. This shows how your experience specifically matches the job requirements.
• Include keywords that match the job ad. Some companies use scanning software to pick these up.
• Be concise - keep it to one page.
• Include a short personal statement and key highlights that will help you stand out.
• Use clear, natural language - avoid clichés and buzzwords.
• Use the name and contact details given in the job advertisement (if provided), rather than using Sir, Madam or To Whom It May Concern.

Get started with this guide on how to write a cover letter. 

4. Research the company

Before applying, find out about the company so you can highlight any areas of expertise or work history that fit well. For example, if a company uses particular technology, equipment or systems you have experience in, it could be worth including it in your cover letter and/or CV. 

5. Show your personality

It’s common in Auckland to share a few of your personal interests in your CV, such as a sport, hobby, community involvement or volunteer work. This may seem strange if you’re used to a very formal structure, but it helps paint a picture of you as an individual (just keep it short). You may have something in common with your potential employer and it can make you stand out among other candidates. 

Find out more about getting job-ready at New Zealand Now. 
Get a free job hunters’ ebook at careers.govt.nz.