Guide · Work & CV
The NZ-style CV.
Two pages, no photo, achievements with numbers. What goes in, what stays out, and the mistakes that quietly sink international applicants. Conventions, not rules, but they are strong conventions.
Why NZ CVs are different
NZ employers want a two-page CV. No photo, no date of birth. Just clear, relevant experience, in order.
If your CV runs to four pages, most NZ recruiters won't read past page two. The format signals that you can edit, and that you understand the local market. A six-page CV from a strong candidate can still go straight in the bin.
What to leave out
Leave these out. Including them can work against you:
- Photo or headshot
- Date of birth or age
- Marital status
- Nationality or passport details
- Reference letters (provide referee details separately, only when asked)
Sections, in order
- Contact details: name, phone, email, LinkedIn (optional), city of residence
- Professional summary: three or four sentences on your background and what you bring. First person is fine.
- Key skills: six to ten bullet points, specific to the role you're applying for
- Work experience: reverse chronological. Each role: job title, employer name, dates (month/year to month/year), three to five achievement bullets. Use numbers where you can ("reduced processing time by 30%", "managed a team of 8").
- Education: reverse chronological: institution, qualification, year completed
- Referees: "Available on request" is standard. Don't list contact details unless asked.
Example layout
An illustrative skeleton, not a real person. Tahatū Career Navigator (tahatu.govt.nz) publishes free full CV templates. Use those for the real thing.
Proven ability to deliver results in fast-paced…
Strong communicator adept at cross-functional…
• Data analysis • Process improvement
• Managed cross-functional team of 5 to deliver key project.
NZ cover letter conventions
One page, max. Address the hiring manager by name if you can find it. "Dear Hiring Manager" works if not.
Structure: an opening paragraph on why this role and this company specifically, two or three body paragraphs with concrete evidence, and a closing paragraph with your availability and genuine enthusiasm.
Cut the opener "I am writing to apply for the position of…". Everyone says it, no one needs it. Start with something specific to the role or company instead.
Common mistakes from international applicants
- Adding a photo. NZ employers are generally aware of fair-hiring practices. A photo can create issues, so leave it out.
- Going over two pages. Your CV gets skimmed fast. If the key material isn't visible quickly, it won't be found.
- Listing referee contact details on the CV. "Available on request" is the standard. Sending contacts upfront is read as not knowing the local norms yet.
- Using a functional (skills-based) format. NZ recruiters expect chronological order. Functional formats look like you're hiding gaps, even if you're not.
- Putting salary expectations on the CV. This isn't done in NZ. Salary comes up later in the process, usually through the job listing or in the interview.