Employment in New Zealand

And so am I… In fact, all of us are assholes! Yup, I mean it. Now, before you start hurling aggressive comments towards me and pray that I rot in hell… hold your guns!! Let me try and explain what am I saying…ok? It so happened, that I met a job seeker couple of weeks back who felt recruiters are the lowest form of life on this face of the earth. They are a bunch of heartless dummies who are interested only in their commission. They don’t respond and they don’t feel the need to inform you about your rejection. They have no idea how it feels to get rejected, they are assholes. Understanding his frustration, I tried to reason with him for almost 30 minutes only to reach a conclusion that he felt even I am an asshole. (I mean, he didn’t say that out loud but I think I figured it out) He thought I was being defensive about how recruiters behave by justifying their actions. I didn’t support him and that was not what he was expecting or anticipating. I asked him some heavy hi...

Students, when they arrive at the Auckland International Airport; what do they have? A big smile on their face, spark in their eyes, enthusiasm and determination to achieve their goals, butterflies in their stomach and a commitment to themselves that they will try to get a job as soon as possible and make sure they are not a burden to their parents back home and friends, if any, in New Zealand. Their attitude is nothing less than that of a total innocence and sincerity. Once here, they don’t take much time to make friends with the groups they stay with or with the guys they move around or the ones who are in their college. Soon they get introduced to this very special group of students/immigrants who are the ‘been-there-done-that’ kinds. They are a respected lot having solutions and or opinion on almost everything and are often addressed as ‘Seniors’. These so-called seniors always feel the uncontainable sense of responsibility in sharing their pearls of wisdom with the...

Said no immigrant job seeker ever!! However, we all know that the transactions are taking place. Money is being DEMANDED, money is being OFFERED and money is being ACCEPTED in broad daylight and jobs are being SOLD. You know it, I know it and I am sure even the Government and the authorities know it, but the problem is you and I can’t prove it and I doubt if the Government has the intentions and resources to prove it as well. That said, we should expect some movement as this (2017) is the election year in New Zealand but employers who are involved in all this are so beautifully covered and have found exceptional ways to work around the laws, that they are almost untouchable. They are making a mockery of the system, abusing their privileges and laughing their way to their banks. Their books and records are perfect and yes, you guessed it right… the transactions ARE taking place!! Since no one can prove the foul play, hence it’s proved that they are doing nothing wrong! A...

Discipline is the key to success - this saying hold true for all people of all age groups. But for international students who are new in the country, away from their friends and families, it holds a great value. Sorry I might sound like your parent but in our series of 'Top 5 tips for international students in NZ', here is Tip # 5 #5 Lead a disciplined life International students often find themselves in difficult waters while making that transition to the more independent learning schedules required at the tertiary institutes / universities here in NZ as compared to their previous study. Students are expected to take the responsibility of their own learning, to be more self-directed, to make decisions about what they will focus on and how much time will they spend on learning both inside and outside of a classroom. Coming from a study environment where they are used to more support and direction and even 'parent like' relationship with their teachers to a self...

"You can't get a job...if you don't have a reference!!" You must have heard this statement time and time again from people around you forcing you to question the way the NZ employment market works... Right? I am new in NZ and I don't know anyone here. Until and unless I don't get a chance to work for someone how and where do I get a work reference from? How do you expect me to know someone in the company I am applying for? I can get a job only if my friend can refer me to the employer where he or she is working... Right? WRONG!! Agreed that having other professional speak on your behalf as a reference is an important and critical part of a job search but using your being new in the country and lack of references as an excuse for not getting a job is totally unacceptable. WHY?? Because references can be created!! Amongst various social media platforms available; you've heard of the big three, 'LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook'... Rig...

We all hate to admit when we don't know something!! Especially when you are in a new country, new surroundings, amongst new faces and sounds; trying to figure out your own way could not just result in more work but additional stress as well. So, I am here to tell you: It's OK to ask!! We don't know everything and it's alright to admit that. Actually sometimes this could be your best strategy and my  Tip # 2 # 2 Seek Support Remember, there is nothing wrong in asking for help Even if you come from a culture or a country where asking for help is considered to be rude or inappropriate. Ask for help even if you are shy; it would be difficult for the first few times but it will come out right. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness But please be polite when you ask for help In general, you want to be clear, concise, complete and polite  Reach out to your friends and family Remember if your friends don't motivate you or inspire you...

How did you imagine yourself as an international student before you became one?              Partying? Studying? Or just walking on the campus carrying books with an awesome smile like you see on all the college advertisements? Most of us have these fantasies. Thanks to movies, TV and advertisements!! However, it is quite alarming to see how many students venture out to new unknown territories without appropriate planning. Sorry to break your dreams guys... This is no movie world!!! Employers in NZ are looking for students who lead a balanced life, are resilient, and who can communicate. So, other than studying hard, in the series of 'Top #5 tips for international students in NZ', here is my Tip # 1 # Communication Skills Ya...Ya... I know a lot has been said about it and you've heard everyone asking you to improve your communication skills, but here's how you should do it: Remember, your classroom is one of the best places to impro...