Work out plan of OE action

By MARK STORY

With a little work experience behind you, and some of that student loan paid off, you're probably getting ready to do the big OE in Britain.

Congratulations, you've timed things perfectly - not only will you be able to gloat over the All Blacks winning the World Cup, with the exchange rate where it is you'll get more pounds for your dollars than ever.

And there's another reason to cheer: Britain eased its working holiday visa restrictions this year, meaning those who were tardy out of the OE starting blocks now have a until they're 30, not 27, to get going.

That's not all - New Zealanders on a working holiday visa were previously supposed to work only long enough to finance that extended holiday around Europe. It's all changed, and they're now entitled to work for the entire two years of their working holiday, so the career-minded can focus more on work than play.

Up until now most British employers offered Kiwis on working holiday visas one-year contracts only. But the easing of restrictions means those employers can now hire New Zealanders, knowing they can get two years' work out of them, says Melanie Fletcher, New Zealand manager with the British-based recruitment agency 1st Contact.

So if you're about to join the 8000 Kiwis who start their big OE every year, how do you start planning?

Rule number one, says Fletcher, make sure you've got the necessary visa before leaving, plus a minimum £2000 the authorities will ask to see when you arrive.

"It may be worth opening a British bank account before you leave, and most local banks can assist," says Fletcher.

"It's equally helpful to take advantage of UK-based family and friends so you've got a bed when you arrive."

Where and when should your job searching begin? Fletcher says a lot of people register online with British employment agencies before leaving New Zealand - it's even possible to tee up interviews or jobs before arriving in Britain. New Zealand's reputation for producing well-educated, flexible and hardworking employees means agencies such as 1st Contact regularly pre-screen applicants in New Zealand.

Given that many New Zealanders end up working in Britain through recruitment and temping agencies, how should they play the agency game? Preparation is the key, says Fletcher.

"It's important to ensure your CV is current and relevant, with referees well checked. Interviews require at bit more formality in dress and language, but common sense should prevail."

For starters, Fletcher recommends you register with at least three agencies. That way you can choose the one offering the most interesting job at the best rates.

With contracts varying in length from a day to a year or beyond, Fletcher suggests you limit your first contract to three months. Not only will this give you a feel for the company you're working for, it will give you time to assess what else is on offer.

"Fully understand the contract you're entering. There's often room for negotiating pay, but most of the time it's set."

The hot jobs in Britain right now, says Fletcher, are in primary and secondary school teaching and healthcare. She's now screening applicants for the London Borough of Islington, which is looking to hire New Zealand social workers.

Should you look for work within your chosen field? This may depend on where you are within your career. But Fletcher suggests recent graduates use their British experience to try something new.

And Kim Smith, manager of Robert Half Finance & Accounting, warns anyone moving to Britain specifically to advance their career to think carefully about whether highly specialised British experience will be recognised once they return home.

"British experience can be invaluable, but to ensure maximum marketability at home, stick to experience that will attract a New Zealand employer," she says.

While London is the obvious work mecca, Edinburgh and Brighton are also popular working destinations for many New Zealanders.

Is there a danger the big OE can rapidly turn into one big work-feast?

New Zealanders in Britain still get around, but unlike years past, says Fletcher, they often travel for much shorter stints.

"With four weeks' paid annual leave, plus statutory holidays, there's still time to explore."

ON THE WEB: www.1stcontact.co.uk/nz

Seek.co.nz

topjobs.co.uk

monster.co.uk

robertwalters.com