Quality CVs

31/07/2024

What length should CVs be?

I am often asked if CVs should be kept to two pages.

Many of these questions seem to be based on online searches, where the majority of samples are American resumes, which are often one or two pages. The expectations for CVs in New Zealand are slightly different. They are definitely shorter now than they used to be, and often two pages, but it is not an obligatory length. In the majority of cases, CVs should be no longer that three pages, but there are exceptions to that too.

In the past a CV covered your whole work history. Currently, the focus is on what skills you have now (rather than when you left school), so focus on the last 10 – 15 years. If anything from earlier than that is relevant for the role you are seeking, then add it into the Skills section, or in your Employment section, without dates.
Obviously if you are just finishing school or university, the focus is different, and more details of your qualifications and training need to be included, along with any part time paid or voluntary roles you have had. If your CV is only one page, that is fine. Don’t try to pad it out. Keep it short and to the point, with the focus on your ability.

Send a message to learn more

29/03/2023

If you are considering changing jobs, or worried about the future, recession-proofing might be something you would consider.
This article from Seek tells you the top three recession-proofed industries, and some indication of salaries in a variety of in-demand roles.

https://www.seek.co.nz/career-advice/article/new-zealands-top-3-recession-proof-industries?tracking=PSM-FCB-SOP-SocialAlwaysOn-32273&utm_campaign=SocialAlwaysOn&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=PaidSocialMedia&utm_content=Vis_CA_Spotlight_Feb_23_Image_V2_R&fbclid=IwAR3gsppGHbPxZtgvVxoZogulQIC8yFvuvlyFnh3YtrgbZ7yDYqUVng32FX8

Find out which are New Zealand’s top 3 recession-proof industries and how you can market yourself during a downturn.

09/11/2022

Well, this is something to celebrate!
New Zealand's parliament has more women than men - without requiring a quota. It is also fairly culturally diverse. Hopefully this is also increasingly reflected our workplaces.

The milestone comes as new MP Soraya Peke-Mason enters Parliament, meaning there are currently 60 women and 59 men.

19/08/2022

If you are interested in a job related to the airport, then check out this job fair on Saturday.
https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/jobfair?fbclid=IwAR2Pk2HuGfzwm1RdsRdFz9zkoZjcAG80kdnVwJZ62I45jOJCvm2X5rvycA4

We have more than 20 employers needing people right now across the airport campus. There’s more than 250 jobs available, so you could start immediately in retail, hospitality, baggage handling, government agencies, or airlines, to name a few.

14/03/2022

Did you see the article on Seven Sharp last week where they said that Christchurch is a job seekers haven?
Apparently there is a 'Great Southern Migration' and a plethora of jobs available, making the Garden City a job hunters paradise.
They interviewed Matt Tolich, the Trade Me Sales and Job Director, He said that Christchurch was the highest searched region in 2021, double that of Auckland and Wellington combined!
We have a growing tech industry and jobs are currently available at a golf course, as a pizza chef and for a cheese maker.
So, if you're considering changing jobs, maybe now is good time.
The full article is on their page - Wednesday 9th March

21/01/2022

Do you have a gap in your CV because you had a child, cared for an ill family member, etc.? I suggest you state those reasons in your CV, so a potential employer isn't left to imagine why you had that gap.
There are plenty of reasonable reasons to take some time out of the workforce. Own them.
As it says in this article, you don't suddenly lose all your skills and abilities, but you have probably gained further skills and experience because of what your were doing during that gap,

https://www.workingmother.com/ceo-dads-thoughts-on-hiring-moms-with-resume-gap-should-become-corporate-policy?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR2prRm9vpVVpxoIisOx1MJeOZViloJLqzlY9DwzA2Lp-8_-zbcMJCo2-SQ

This CEO promises recruiters they will find major winners in working mom employees—and we agree.

26/07/2021

Any primary teachers looking for a job? Here is an ad from the Halswell Community Group page on Facebook:
We are looking for a teacher aide at Seven Oaks School starting on Monday, August the 9th. The hours would be 9:00 to 12:15 Monday and Wednesday, and 9:00 to 10:30 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. You would be working in a class of 16 Year 5/6 students.
There will also be a few more jobs coming up for next year
Please contact Jeremy Orczy at Seven Oaks School if you are interested.

02/06/2021

Here are some points from an interesting article on Seek on how to make an impression in an interview (and in the workplace):

Express confidence - “A smile and good eye contact during a greeting are enough to indicate the person you’re meeting is confident,”

Show curiosity - Asking your own questions in a job interview can help you demonstrate your interest in the role. Prepare your questions thoughtfully to show that you’ve done research, and ask about topics that you’re truly interested in.

Demonstrate your passion – “In an interview, don’t just say you’re passionate – demonstrate how you’re passionate by providing detail. … if you’re asked the question ‘So, tell me about yourself’ it could be a good opportunity for you to talk about your passion.”

Show that you’re proactive – “It’s a quality that shows that you’re able to get things done, can be independent, and that you’re likely willing to challenge the status quo. An interview question such as ‘Give me an example of a time you took initiative’ could also be a good opportunity to demonstrate this.”

Communicate clearly – “Communication is a two-way street, and great communicators are also good, active listeners. If you want to focus on communicating clearly for an interview, practicing answers to common interview questions is a useful way to prepare and boost your confidence.”

The full article, along with other useful articles can be found on 5 traits of highly memorable people - make sure you're unforgettable - SEEK Career Advice
If you are unable to locate the article, I can email it to you.

23/03/2021

CVs have changed a lot in the last few years. Apart from being shorter than previously (now 2 - 3 pages on average), the focus has also shifted away from character referees to previous employers. This is because a character referee will always say good things about you, but a previous employer can give a different, more robust perspective of your work ethic. Ringing a referee also means a prospective employer no longer needs to 'read between the lines' of a written reference, but can ask direct questions.

17/11/2020

Please be aware of messages you may receive which seem to be too good to be true. This is an email which a client received from Seek:
"This year has presented challenges for all New Zealanders and unfortunately some see this as an opportunity to take advantage of others.
Your online security is important to us and it’s our priority to keep you in the loop which is why we wanted to make you aware of scammers who may be targeting New Zealand Internet users including job seekers.
The reason for this email is to remind you to be alert to any communications that appear too good to be true, ask for an upfront fee, bank or credit card details, or acceptance of money transfer. Be cautious of any unsolicited emails, calls or texts that are impersonating SEEK or other organisations that may include government agencies, an energy or telecommunications provider, a bank or the police.
If you suspect that you’ve been targeted by scammers, please visit the Consumer Protection website.
You can also find more information on how to protect yourself when job hunting by visiting the Protect yourself online link in the footer on the SEEK website.
Regards,
The team at SEEK"

17/08/2020

We now have a Covid 19 QR code at the entrance of our office (as required by the Ministry of Health). You can scan this as you come in to improve contract tracing (if necessary).

14/08/2020

If you send an email to Quality CVs and do not receive a reply within a day, please ring me, as I am not deliberately ignoring you - some of my emails are ending up in spam.