Migrants will learn how to land a job

A workshop has been planned to teach migrants how to find work.

Moving to a new country can be hard enough but trying to navigate the world of job hunting in a different culture can be even more daunting.

In a bid to make it easier for new migrants to find work in Rotorua, a workshop is planned for next week. It will look at the cultural differences and the "Kiwi" ways of getting a job and also where to find help.

The Citizens Advice Bureau Rotorua is running the seminar after picking up a contract to provide a face-to-face information service for new migrants.

The seminar, on Wednesday, is aimed at new migrants who are looking to find work in Rotorua. Ideally, it is for those who had been in the country less than two years.

Manager Jane Eynon-Richards said they often received queries about work and it was one of the top things new migrants were interested in, which was the reason behind the seminar.

"It will cover the "Kiwi" approach to finding and applying for jobs - how to develop a network of useful contacts in New Zealand, how to create a New Zealand style CV, finding and following job leads, preparing a cover letter - and more."

She said it was aimed at those looking to find work in Rotorua, and would be presented by Brendon Gardner of the Settlement Unit, Immigration NZ and Tina Mischewski, Careers NZ to facilitate this seminar."

She said the approaches to writing CVs and what to include were quite different in different cultures.

"One of the most common enquiries we receive from new migrants is how to find a job - so this seminar is very topical, and will provide valuable information and tips for migrant job seekers."

Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chief executive Darrin Walsh believed the seminars would be beneficial.

He said ways of finding jobs could be different, as could the requirements of the CV.

"CVs are the first thing an employer sees. They are the first impression."

The workshop will be held on April 29 at midday. People are encouraged to register through the Citizens Advice Bureau as soon as possible.