Your Personal Guide to: Writing a NZ CV

Feeling stuck on how to write up your NZ CV? Look no further than right here! Writing up a resume can be daunting or annoying or even just plain boring, so here’s a guide to get your CV looking spick-and-span…fast!

The Introduction

On the first page in the header section, you should have your first and last name, best contact number and email. It would also be convenient to have your current postal address, but that may be hard if you’re still deciding where to settle or if you keep moving around. Having your name and contact details at the beginning, immediately establishes who you are and the best way to get in touch with you.

In the first paragraph below your contact details, it’s always nice to have a personal statement or summary to provide a little snapshot of yourself (not a literal picture!), but make sure it’s not too generic or extremely long-winded. Additionally, don’t treat it like a Facebook profile either – we don’t need to know your relationship status or if you have a dog (even if she is arguably the cutest little pup ever).

The Body

Repeat after me: Reverse Chronological Order - Reverse Chronological Order ! When listing your employment history, start with your most recent role moving down the list to the oldest, including both the month and year, or else potential employers will think you haven’t worked in how many years. For e.g.:

(Job Position)

(Company)

(Month and Year – Month and Year/Present)

This advice is the same if you’ve completed any tertiary qualifications, however, stick to years only. For e.g.:

(Qualification)

(Educational institution)

(Year of completion)

Also, place your Education section before your work history for structural purposes. Don’t include primary, intermediate or secondary school, because it really isn’t necessary. Otherwise, if you went straight into working after school, you can either just have your high school listed or leave this section out completely.

When explaining each role and the duties you held at each company, break it up into concise bullet points, starting off with a nice subtitle like ‘Responsibilities’. You don’t need to have a huge chunk of text explaining every single task in the most detailed way possible — keep it short, but relevant. Try stick to 5-6 key responsibilities, though not more than 6. Another subtitle you should add is the ‘Achievements’ you had in each role. This immediately highlights exactly what you accomplished during your time and will always help make your resume much more appealing.

The Conclusion

What usually goes at the end are referees aka people you’ve specifically chosen to provide recommendations. Not to be confused with reference , which is what the person will be saying to support your case of being hired. It would be appreciated if you’ve listed people with their full name, job title, company, best contact number, and email underneath. However, at this stage, it is not necessary to have a list of certain people and their details; you may just indicate “Provided upon request” instead — just be sure you actually do have referees ready and you’ve let them know well beforehand and they are happy to provide a reference for you.

A few last tips:

  • Try to keep your resume 1-3 pages max
  • Don’t use colours or different styled fonts – utilise bold or italicised words instead
  • Don’t make the font of the main body of your resume too small or large – anywhere between size 10-12 is a good, readable size
  • Don’t put any sort of images especially ones of your face, or any logo or Word Art
  • If you want to add an ‘Interests/hobbies’ section, place this before your Referees’ names and don’t list one-worded activities, i.e., Reading. At least follow it with a short sentence as to why you enjoy participating, or even better, add some achievements here too!

Get in touch

Shell Bongares • November 25, 2018

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us

Share this article

Useful links

Search for jobs today

Got a vacancy?

What's happening in the market?

How do I prepare for my job interview?

Share this article

Recent Insights

By Claire McNab May 26, 2024
In today's rapidly changing world, the call for environmental responsibility is louder than ever. With climate change looming as a critical global challenge, businesses are increasingly under pressure to play their part in mitigating its effects. One of the most significant ways they can contribute is by taking accountability for their sustainability practices, particularly in reducing carbon emissions.
By Esha Nischol May 19, 2024
In today's rapidly evolving landscape, automation is reshaping industries and transforming the way we work. While automation offers numerous benefits, including increased efficiency and productivity, it also presents challenges and uncertainties for the workforce. Understanding the opportunities and challenges of automation on employment is crucial for individuals and organizations alike as we navigate the future of work.
By Hamish Lamberton May 15, 2024
In recent years, the rise of remote work has revolutionized the way companies approach recruitment. With advancements in technology and a growing acceptance of virtual communication tools, many organizations are now embracing remote recruitment strategies to attract and hire top talent. In this blog post, we'll explore how companies are adapting to virtual hiring processes and the strategies they're employing to succeed in this new era of recruitment. One of the key challenges of remote recruitment is creating meaningful connections with candidates without the benefit of face-to-face interactions. To overcome this obstacle, companies are leveraging video conferencing platforms to conduct virtual interviews and assessments. These tools allow recruiters to assess candidates' communication skills, professionalism, and cultural fit, all while providing a more personal touch than traditional phone interviews. In addition to video interviews, companies are also utilizing virtual recruitment events to engage with candidates and showcase their employer brand. Virtual career fairs, networking sessions, and informational webinars allow companies to connect with a broader pool of candidates regardless of geographic location. By hosting these events online, companies can reach candidates who may not have been able to attend in-person events, thereby expanding their talent pool and increasing diversity. Another important aspect of remote recruitment is the use of technology to streamline the hiring process. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruitment software help companies manage job postings, track candidate applications, and collaborate with hiring teams more efficiently. These tools automate repetitive tasks, such as resume screening and scheduling interviews, freeing up recruiters to focus on building relationships with candidates and making strategic hiring decisions. Furthermore, companies are investing in employer branding initiatives to differentiate themselves in a competitive talent market. Through social media, company blogs, and virtual office tours, organizations can showcase their company culture, values, and employee benefits to prospective candidates. By highlighting their unique selling points and demonstrating their commitment to employee satisfaction, companies can attract top talent and create a positive candidate experience. Finally, remote recruitment requires a strong emphasis on communication and collaboration among hiring teams. With team members working from different locations, it's essential to establish clear channels of communication and set expectations for roles and responsibilities. Regular check-ins, status updates, and feedback sessions ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards common hiring goals. In conclusion, remote recruitment strategies are becoming increasingly essential for companies looking to stay competitive in today's digital age. By embracing virtual hiring processes, leveraging technology, and prioritizing communication and collaboration, organizations can attract and hire top talent regardless of geographic location. As remote work continues to evolve, companies that adapt and innovate in their recruitment strategies will be best positioned to succeed in the future of work.
Share by: