resume sample for new zealand

New Zealand Resume Formats, Templates, and Writing Tips

Applying for a job in New Zealand? This New Zealand resume guide has some tips, FAQs, and templates to inspire you to write the perfect resume.

If you want to get a job in New Zealand, it’s important to learn how to write a great New Zealand resume.

No matter what industry you’re in, you will need a great resume if you want to land an interview.

In this article, we will discuss:

• Requirements for a New Zealand resume
• New Zealand resume sections
• How to write an effective New Zealand resume
• New Zealand resume FAQs

New Zealand Resume Requirements

Before writing your resume for New Zealand, it’s important to understand the expectations New Zealand employers will have. You need to include the right personal details and resume sections for your resume to be successful.

Mandatory personal details

There are certain details that are mandatory if you want your resume to be accepted. These include:

• Phone number
• Email address

Optional personal details

If you have a professional online profile, like LinkedIn, Github, or an online portfolio, you can include it in your New Zealand resume. If you do, make sure everything it contains is completely professional and appropriate for the workplace.

Do not include

Some personal details, while common in other countries, should never be included on a New Zealand resume. Do not include your:

• Marital status
• Health status
• Nationality

How to Write a New Zealand Resume

To write a great resume for New Zealand, it’s important to make sure you have all the right sections and feature the right experience. To make sure your resume is ready for the New Zealand job market, simply follow these steps:

1. Choose the right New Zealand resume format

There are essentially two resume formats for New Zealand: A reverse-chronological resume , focused on your work experience, or a skills-based resume , focused on your skill set.

Reverse-chronological New Zealand resume format

In a reverse-chronological resume, the Work History section is the longest and most important part of the resume. In the Work History section, you list past positions in reverse-chronological order, beginning with your current or most recent role and working backwards. In each role, list responsibilities, skills, and accomplishments.

The reverse-chronological resume format is ideal for most job seekers. It clearly shows your career progression, and demonstrates your most important tasks and accomplishments in all of your past jobs. As long as you have had a fairly typical career, with roles largely in the same industry, this is the right choice for you. This is the most straightforward resume format, and the one most New Zealand employers will expect.

Skills-based New Zealand resume format

In a skills-based resume, the Skills section is the most prominent section of the resume. In the Skills section, you make each skill or skill area a heading, then provide a detailed explanation or list of accomplishments related to each skill. The Work History section will be shorter and less detailed, and may be reverse-chronological or sorted by relevance.

A skills-based resume format is a great choice for job-seekers who have had a less traditional career path. If your work history has had long gaps, frequent job-hopping, or significant career changes, you may want to consider using a skills-based resume format. This format allows you to foreground your skill set, so you can make sure your most impressive and most relevant skills are clear to employers when your work history does not make this obvious. This resume format is less common than the reverse-chronological resume, but it can benefit the right job-seeker.

2. Select a great New Zealand resume template

The right resume template for your New Zealand job search will depend on your experience, your career goals, and your personality.

If you are in a more traditional industry, like law or finance, and you are applying for a large corporation, you will probably want to use a traditional resume template. Classic resume templates use little or no colour, a single column, and plenty of white space.

For example, VisualCV’s Standard template is a great choice for a classic New Zealand resume template.

If you are in a more modern or creative industry, like social media marketing or graphic design, a visually striking resume could be a benefit to your job search. A modern resume template might include more striking colours, multiple columns, and other visual elements.

For example, VisualCV’s Quartz template offers a second column and a splash of colour that allows your resume to be expressive while remaining professional.

3. List your contact information

Once you have decided on your resume format and resume template, you can start adding the content to your resume. To start, make sure to list your contact information.

At the top of your resume, include your:

• Telephone number
• Email Address
• Home Address

This ensures that the employer will be able to contact you. Make sure all of your contact information is up to date, and be sure that your email address is professional and appropriate for work.

Optionally, you can also include a link to a professional online profile, like a personal website or LinkedIn account. This will give employers greater insight into your career and online presence. If you do, however, make sure everything on the account is completely professional and appropriate for work.

4. Write a great personal statement

At or near the top of your resume, many job-seekers include a Summary, Objective, or Personal Statement. This section is optional, but a great professional summary can be a great way of introducing yourself to an employer and ensuring that your key qualities are easy to find, right at the beginning of your resume.

In a Summary or Personal Statement, offer some key skills, accomplishments, or qualifications that make you a great candidate for the position you are applying for. This section should be short–only a few sentences or bullet points–but impactful. By listing some key details up front, you can impress hiring managers right away and convince them to keep reading.

Objective statements are more rare, and are sometimes seen as outdated. We recommend including a Summary instead. If you do include one, however, briefly describe your career goals and how your experience relates to the position you are applying for.

5. Showcase your work experience

Your Work Experience section is the longest and most important part of your resume. In this section, you can list all of your previous positions in reverse-chronological order, beginning with your current or most recent job.

For each job, include the:

• Company Name
• Dates of Employment
• Job Description

The job descriptions of each role can be the most effective parts of the resume. These sections are where you can list your achievements, skills, and abilities so the employer knows exactly what you bring as an employee.

To write great job descriptions, make sure to focus on achievements rather than responsibilities. Accomplishments are more impressive than duties, and a job description focused on success is going to catch the hiring manager’s eye.

If you’re having trouble thinking of accomplishments for each role, try to come up with measurable aspects of the job. This can be things like sales, customer growth, and budgets. Anything you can put a number to will look great on a resume. Using numbers to describe your experience simultaneously provides concrete examples of your experience, while showing that you are a data-driven worker who keeps track of your performance.

Further, use active language as much as possible to describe your work experience. Action verbs like “spearheaded”, “led”, and “developed” show that you are a dedicated worker with leadership qualities. It’s important to sound like you can think for yourself and take initiative, and describing your experience in the right way can help you do this.

6. List your skills

Writing a great Skills section in your New Zealand resume can be the push that your resume needs to land you an interview. If your Skills section has just the right technical skills and personal attributes the employer is looking for, your resume is sure to be taken to the next stage.

It’s important to include both hard skills and soft skills in your resume. Hard skills are the professional skills specific to your career, like logistics, welding, or JQuery. Soft skills are the people skills that make you a great person to work with, like communication, problem solving, and time management.

To write a great Skills section, make sure to think carefully about the job you’re applying to. The company will have specific technical skills they’re looking for, so it’s important to make sure you have the right skills. List the most relevant skills right at the top of the list.

7. List your education and qualifications

Your education is an important part of your career story. Below your Skills and Work Experience sections, include a section for your degrees and other certifications. In your Education section, list accreditations in reverse-chronological order. For each item, include the:

• Degree Name
• School Name
• Month of graduation

If you have other certifications you would like to include, such as workshop certifications, associate certificates, or post-secondary courses, you can include them in your Education section as well. Some job-seekers call this section Qualifications so that the different certifications will all fit in.

8. Add Referees

It is customary to include a section for Referees, sometimes called “References”, in your New Zealand resume. If you have space, you can include the full details for each referee, including their name, job title, organization, and contact details.

If you don’t have space, or if you would prefer to keep your referees’ details private until they are needed, you can simply write “Referees available upon request” in your Referees section.

9. Customize your resume

Once all of your qualifications have been included, it’s important to customize your New Zealand resume for every application.

To do this, carefully study the job description of the position you are applying for. The company will have specific skills and experience they are looking for. Take note of the key words and phrases used in the job description, then use them in your own resume. The closer your own skill set matches the job requirements, the more likely you are to be invited to an interview.

New Zealand Resume FAQs

The steps above are a great way to write a New Zealand resume, but you may have a few lingering questions. With these FAQs, your questions will be answered:

How long should a New Zealand resume be?

Your New Zealand resume should be one or two pages long.

For most job-seekers, one page is enough. If you are a mid-career professional, you should be able to condense your skills and experience to a single page. If you are having trouble, just focus on the best and most relevant details.

If you are highly experienced, with decades of experience to display, you can consider using a two-page resume. If you do this, however, make sure you can fill both pages, and make sure everything you include is truly important. Hiring managers aren’t likely to read the second page of a resume unless your experience is extraordinarily impressive.

Is it “New Zealand resume” or “New Zealand CV”?

In New Zealand, the terms “resume” and “CV” are usually used interchangeably. However, both refer to the shorter “resume” document. “CV” refers to what American job-seekers would call a “resume”, not the longer “curriculum vitae”.

Should you include a picture in your New Zealand resume?

No, you should not include a picture in your New Zealand resume. It is not common to include a photograph of yourself with your job application, and employers do not expect it. In fact, your resume could be rejected for including a picture.

What are the best fonts for a New Zealand resume?

For a New Zealand resume, it is best to stick to a readable and professional font. Effective resume fonts might include Open Sans, PT Serif, or Assistant.

Many job seekers use two typefaces in their resume, one for headings and one for body text. If you do this, using a serif font for headings and a sans-serif font for body text is often visually pleasing.

What is the best file type for a New Zealand resume?

The ideal file type for a New Zealand resume is a PDF. With a PDF, you can be sure that your resume will look the same on every computer, no matter what operating system or PDF viewer they are using.

Many job-seekers use a Word document, but Word documents may have formatting issues if opened with a different type of computer or word processor. If you want to make sure your resume looks the same to an employer as it does to you, use a PDF.

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Develop a New Zealand-style CV

Most employers will quickly scan your CV to decide if it is worth reading in more detail. So it needs to make a good impression quickly.

What to include in your CV

New Zealand employers only want to see relevant information on your CV. They do not need a list of every job or course you have ever done.

Employers are most interested in your:

• technical and personal skills
• work experience
• qualifications and education
• community and volunteer experience.

They also like to see some evidence of how you have applied your skills.

It is best to only include relevant details of your skills and experience and to give brief examples of how you have used your skills in the past.

Skills employers are looking for | careers.govt.nz

Previous employers

Local employers may not be familiar with the organisations you have worked for overseas. It helps if you include a short description of organisations you list on your CV, like:

• the number of employees
• the location
• a website link so they can get more information if they need it.

The careers.govt.nz website has tips on how to write a CV for New Zealand employers.

How to write a CV | careers.govt.nz

Make a good impression

It is important to make a good impression of yourself as a potential employee, but not to appear too boastful about your achievements.

Many people make the mistake of writing a CV and using it for every job application. New Zealand employers expect you to adjust your CV to suit each job so that it highlights the skills that are relevant to the job.

People suggested that my CV was not what New Zealand employers would look at. Where I come from we prepare a CV in a different way: we give all our experience right from day one. Here, nobody likes to read a story! Darshan Desai

Cover letters

Most New Zealand employers expect a cover letter with your CV when you apply for a job. A cover letter is a ‘sales pitch’ about why you think you are ideal for the job.

Your cover letter should:

• briefly introduce yourself
• outline your main relevant skills and experience
• make an argument for why you are the right person for the specific job.

Just like your CV, it should focus on details that are relevant to the job you are applying for and it should be brief – no longer than 1 page.

Use a formal and persuasive style when writing a cover letter. It is a good idea to have a generic letter that you can adjust to match the job description you are applying for.

How to write a cover letter | careers.govt.nz

Your qualifications

Remember to bring your qualifications with you to New Zealand. If you are sending them in with an application, send a copy. Keep the originals safe and get copies made and certified. If you are in New Zealand, a Justice of the Peace (JP) can certify them.

Find a JP | Royal Federation of New Zealand Justices' Associations

Helpful resources

The careers.govt.nz website has many resources that can help you to make a New Zealand-style CV and cover letter. There is material to help you:

• understand the parts of a CV
• learn how to put transferable skills on your CV
• learn how to write a cover letter
• fill in job application forms.

CV and cover letter templates | careers.govt.nz

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How to write a great New Zealand CV (with free templates)

A good CV can make all the difference to your job hunting hopes. Check out our must-read advice and free templates.

Looking to write a great, NZ style CV? We got you.

Here’s everything you need to know and include to make your CV stand out in front of recruiters and hiring managers.

We’ve also created some free CV templates , for you to copy, fill in and send off. Easy as.

Now, let’s get cracking.

In this article, you’ll learn: 

• How to write a CV: what to include 
• What not to include on your CV 
• How to format your CV 
• And you'll get access to free CV Templates

How to write a CV: what to include

Every good CV contains the following elements:

• Your name and contact info 
• Your personal statement and objectives 
• Your work history 
• Your qualifications 
• Your referees

1. Your name and contact info

Your full name should be clearly displayed at the top of your CV, along with the following contact info:

• Phone number – this can be either a mobile or landline, but needs to be one you’ll be able to answer during standard working hours.
• Email – the majority of job applications today are done online, and you’ll likely initially hear back via email.
• Home address – this might seem outdated, but the people assessing your CV will still expect to see your home address included.

If you have an online employment profile (and we highly recommend you do), this is a great place to include its URL, or links to online work portfolios.

Talent Team Top Tips 

Our Trade Me Talent Team offers some insight: 

• If you’re still using your Hotmail account from when you were 10 (looking at you ‘beermonster98'), it’s time for a change. It’s easy to set up a more professional email address, and well worth your time. 
• Check your contact details are accurate - you’d be surprised how often we can’t contact people because their details are incorrect, or missing altogether.

Choose from one of our CV designs, then fill in your details.

2. Your personal statement and objectives

Personal statement and objectives sections are staples of New Zealand CVs. The important thing with these is to keep them short and snappy – aim for no more than 80 words. Also, avoid cliches – being unique will help you stand out from the crowd.

• E.g. 1: ‘I’m an experienced accountant, specialising in internal audits, with a passion for keeping up with the latest accounting tech trends.’
• E.g. 2: ‘I’m a hard-working carpentry apprentice, with experience in commercial and residential projects, and a passion for taking on new challenges’.
• E.g. 1: ‘With two years as an assistant manager under my belt, I’m looking to take on a full management role, and continue to grow my responsibilities’.
• E.g.2: ‘Having recently graduated, I’m keen to take the skills and experience I gained during my degree into a professional setting’.

Use positive language in your personal statement and objective, but keep them concise.

3. Your work history

If this is your first CV , and you don’t have any paid work experience to include – fear not. The above info is equally valid for any volunteer positions you’ve held or internships you’ve completed. If you haven’t done anything of this sort either – still fear not, we’ll get onto listing education and qualifications below.

There’s a knack to listing work experience on your CV. Each entry needs to include:

• The company name
• Your job title
• The dates you worked there
• Your core responsibilities. Top tip : keep this short. Just include the headlines and use bullet points, not paragraphs.

If you’re wondering how many jobs to include on your CV, there’s no single correct answer. For those who’ve held a number of roles, give five or six with proper substance, and then list the earlier (less relevant) roles with just the dates worked.

Top tip : use keywords. Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to auto screen candidates and save time. One of the key ways this technology works is to scan CVs for certain keywords, and eliminate those that don’t contain them.

When researching keywords for your application, a great place to start is the job ad itself. This will show you the core required responsibilities you can match with your own experience.

Volunteering and internships should go in your past experience section.

4. Your qualifications

Here, we’re talking about any qualifications employers might be interested in . Think uni degrees, professional certificates and NCEA, among others.

As with your work history, list these in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent at the top. Remember, your reader is only likely to skim this section – so make it clear and keep details to a minimum.

Here’s how to include qualifications and education on your CV:

• Qualification type – for example, Plumbing and Gas Fitting – Level 2, or Bachelor of Business.
• Your grade(s)
• Institution – for example, University of Massey.
• Date s – the time period over which you completed the qualification.

If your qualification is directly relevant to the role you’re applying for, you could also include key details of your study. For uni grads, dissertations are great here as they demonstrate independent study on a topic you found particularly gripping. If you have a professional qualification, you might want to focus on an area of specialism you developed that makes you stand out .

As you progress through your career, and complete additional courses you may feel that earlier entries (e.g. NCEA) are no longer relevant. This is your call, and will ultimately depend on the role you’re applying for.

You should list qualifications in reverse order, starting with the most recent.

5. Your referees

Common questions about this section include: ‘who can be a referee for my CV?’, and ‘how many referees should I include?’.

The first choice to make is whether you want to list referees’ details, or simply include a sentence like ‘references available upon request’. Today, the second option is generally more popular. However, if you’re specifically asked to include them up front, give your referees’ phone numbers email addresses (and their relationship to you) at the bottom of your CV.

When it comes to ‘who’, the most popular choices are former employers, but you could go with lecturers or tutors you worked closely with. And remember, former employers can include people from any volunteer or internship positions you’ve held.

Ensure you ask these people to be your referee. Then they are expecting to be contacted and can be prepared.

Bonus tip : try to choose referees you’ve worked with recently, or those most relevant for the industry you’re going for. 

What not to include on your CV

• A photo – unless specifically requested, don’t put a photo on your CV. Why? Prospective employers shouldn’t make decisions based on appearance, but, unfortunately, some still do. Instead, let your skills and experience speak for themselves.
• Boastfulness – in your personal statement, avoid adjectives like ‘expert’. Focus on your experience instead, and your value will come through organically.
• Salary info – this includes what you’re on now and/or your desired salary. The risk is that you weaken your bargaining position later on, or price yourself out of the market from the start.
• Family details – most hirers aren’t interested in whether or not you’re single, married or have kids. However, some may unfairly favour people in certain circumstances. For example, a single person with no family commitments may be favoured for a travelling sales job over a parent with young children.
• A conclusion – there’s no need to include a statement summing up your experience, or promising the info you included is true – the last point on your CV should be your references.

Only include information relevant to your application.

How to format your CV

Our free CV templates do a lot of the formatting legwork for you, but here are some additional pointers for nailing the appearance side of things:

• Length – a standard NZ CV is one to two pages long. If you go over this, you risk the reader getting bored – be clear and concise, and put the most relevant info first.
• Fonts – the best font for your CV is one that’s easy to read. As unexciting as they are, popular choices include Times New Roman, Georgie, Bell MT, Tahoma and Arial. Whichever you choose, stick to it throughout.
• Layout – clearly label each section, and remember to be brief by using bullet points for the experience and qualifications sections.
• Margins – keep the margins the same throughout to keep things neat.

An often overlooked stage in finalising your CV is naming the file. As most applications are completed online, the title you give your document is important, as this is the first thing the reader will see. Here are a few tips:

• Avoid the generic – ‘CV.doc’ is likely to get lost among all the other ‘CV.doc’s the recruiter receives.
• Avoid numbers – ‘CV7.doc’ suggests six other CVs have already been sent to different companies, and you’re not as interested in this position as you claim to be.
• Keep it simple – ‘Sarah-Davies-CV’ is just fine. If you want to add more detail, and have space, including the job title makes things even more obvious.
• Keep it consistent – you need to write a cover letter to accompany your CV. In our example, this would be titled ‘Sarah-Davies-cover letter’.

Final tips from our Talent Team: 

• Don’t skip the most important stage of all – checking. We can’t overemphasise the importance of quality controlling your CV before sending it off. 
• A stellar application can be derailed by a simple typo, an illegible font or incorrect contact details. 
• If possible, show your CV to a friend, colleague or family member – a fresh pair of eyes can make all the difference. 
• Save and send your CV as a PDF, as a PDF is a very universal format.

Don’t forget to also create a Trade Me Jobs Profile - an online platform that allows recruiters to find you.

Al Hall is a regular contributor at Trade Me Jobs and Trade Me Property. He’s dedicated to helping people succeed in their aspirations to find their dream job and place to live.

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Looking for a one-stop shop on how to apply for a job? Here’s an easy checklist to improve your chances of success.

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Done right, your CV can be a powerful tool for helping you stand out from other candidates. Here, we’ll show you how.

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How to Create a New Zealand CV

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, write a wicked cv for new zealand.

In New Zealand, we call that document with your work experience and skills on a “curriculum vitae”, or much more commonly, a “CV”. Having one that stands out is essential when applying for jobs in New Zealand .

Your CV in New Zealand should look different from the one you have back home, as the effectiveness of a CV differs from country to country, culture to culture. So drafting up a CV for your time in New Zealand is a must! With that in mind, we have put together this quick guide to create a CV that Kiwi employers love.

We recommend creating a New Zealand CV before you arrive in New Zealand so you can get this boring but essential task out of the way early (see more tasks like this in the 20 Essential Must-Dos BEFORE Moving to New Zealand ). You will need to have the file on hand to edit while you are in New Zealand. Plus, if you are going to apply for a variety of job roles, which we fully recommend, then you will have to create multiple versions of your CV to stress relevant skills and experience. More on that below!

How Long Should a New Zealand CV Be?

We’re glad you asked! In New Zealand, you won’t get penalised for having a CV that’s more than a page long.

Kiwi employers like to get a good all-round representation of your skills and experiences, which can take a couple of pages or even three. We recommend a CV that is 2-3 pages long.

How to Show Your Work Experience

Now, we won’t go into the perfect New Zealand CV template, as you can find heaps of basic CV templates online, like these templates from Careers NZ . Where ever you look for templates, they will tell you the same thing: include your name, contact, work experience, skills, reference, etc. If you haven’t had much work experience, you’ll want to look up a ‘skills-based’ CV template.

When you have seen a good base for your CV, it’s time to start adding content, the most important of which is your work experience.

Here is what you should include:

• Start each job section with your job title (e.g. waiter, technician, retail assistant, etc.), company name, location, and timeframe that you worked there.
• Write a short sentence that explains what the company did, as it is likely that the employer has never heard of the company, especially those from overseas.
• Now say what your role was and what you achieved there.
• Use bullet points to say each responsibility you had.

Bonus : Keep these points in mind when it comes to creating your CV after your gap year too !

Keep it Relevant and Simple

Now that we have the basics out of the way, how can you make your CV effective in New Zealand? Well, Kiwi employers like to keep things relevant and simple. There’s nothing more off-putting than a huge chunk of text!

Here are a few ways you can keep your CV as short and relevant as possible:

• Headline your CV with your name, phone number and email address . You don’t need your postal address.
• Keep your most relevant experience and skills to the top of your CV . Don’t worry about keeping everything in chronological order. You want the employer to instantly see that you have the skills and experience for the job, so put the most relevant parts of your CV first.
• Keep dates and locations simple . As a backpacker from overseas, it’s likely you’ll have worked overseas, so just put the country. For the dates, just state the month and year you worked in a particular job role, rather than specifying the exact day.
• Lose the personal statement . If you have a paragraph about how awesome you are and how you’re a “hard worker”, lose it! Show your work ethic and personality through a cover letter (if needed) and in the interview.
• Use keywords . If you are responding to a written job application, stick keywords from the job description into your CV.

The Importance of References

The last thing on your CV should be two or three references or “referees”. These can be past employers or tutors who can recommend you to future employers and put in a good word for you. That’s why it is always good to end your employment with someone on a high.

Many Kiwi employers ask for references, so it’s good to have references and their contact details already on your CV. It also gives potential employers peace of mind to see you have contacts that you are confident will speak positively about you. Not putting any references would look a bit suspicious.

A reference should state the name of the referee, their job role, company, phone number and email address. As it is likely that you have references from overseas, remember to add the phone number with the correct country code. For example, the New Zealand country code is +64.

Speaking of phones, is your New Zealand phone number set up? You’ll need it for potential employers to contact you. Find out more at Will Your Phone Work in New Zealand?

What Format to Save Your CV in

When sending a CV electronically, you want your potential employer to be able to open your CV on their computer and see exactly what you see: a clean-designed CV. The worst-case scenario is that your CV is misaligned and looks a mess when someone else tries to open the file on their device.

For these reasons, save two versions of your CV: as a .doc and .pdf file. To send to the employer, we prefer .pdf because it looks exactly the same no matter what device you open it on. To save a .pdf file using Microsoft Word, click on Save As then select PDF from the drop-down menu. There may also be an option to ‘Export as a PDF’.

You should also have a .doc version of your CV just for yourself so you can edit your CV. If you do, for whatever reason, send a .doc file to an employer or anyone to proofread, make sure the design is kept clean and simple.

For tips on finding WiFi in New Zealand, see How to get Internet and WiFi in New Zealand .

5 Things Not to Do on Your CV

A few “DO NOT” tips before we leave you to work on your CV…

• Don’t copy a CV. First of all, you would be lying on your CV, which would become apparent to the employer once they met you. Secondly, templates have been used so much that it would be instantly recognisable as a template.
• Don’t use pictures on your CV .
• Don’t use multiple fonts and colours .
• Don’t use family members as a reference , even if they have employed you.
• Don’t be negative (much like this list).

Now Go and Get that job!

Once you have a killer CV, follow these tips and tricks to land yourself a job in New Zealand.

• How to Get a Working Holiday Visa

How to Quickly Find a Job in New Zealand

How to nail a job interview in new zealand.

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• MBIE Immigration and Workers Rights (Working rights in New Zealand - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Council websites (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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How to Write a Resume - Template & Tips | Career Advice | Hays

How to write a resume | hero banner | ub, how to write a cv - template & tips new zealand.

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Importance of a good cv.

Your resume must also get past any initial screening algorithms, or applicant tracking systems (ATS), which identify suitable candidates based on the use of relevant keywords.

Think of your CV as your own living, breathing personal pitch – a pitch that succinctly answers all the questions a recruiter or hiring manager has about you. The degree to which you present the reader with the information they require to make an informed decision can determine whether you are invited to interview.

This includes why you are applying for this job, with this organisation and in this industry, what value you can bring to the organisation and whether you have what is required to be successful in the role.To leave the reader with no doubt about your suitability, you must present a strong CV that clearly conveys this information.

How often should I update my CV? 

Even if you aren’t actively looking for a new role, it’s important to get into the habit of regularly updating your CV. If you keep your resume up-to-date, when you do come to the point when you want to find a new position, there’s no risk that you’ll forget key points.

Regularly updating your resume can also make you more aware of any skills or experience gaps that you need to fill to take the next step in your career.

Download your CV template 

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How to write a resume | Form | UB

Resume advice.

A good CV is vital. Discover tips and advice on how to write a resume with this video. Follow our tips to update your CV or download the free resume template!

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Resumes & cover letters.

How to write a resume

How to write a cover letter

CV hacks that work

Make your CV stand out

CV cliches to avoid

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Cv versus resume – what’s the difference  .

Today, a lot of employers and job candidates use the terms ‘CV’ and ‘resume’ interchangeably. Indeed, you may see just as many references to ‘resume templates’ as you do ‘CV templates’.

Traditionally, a CV referred to a comprehensive (up to six pages) account of your entire professional life, while a resume was a summary (up to two pages) of your education, skills and work experience. However, in more modern times, the need for a lengthy overview of your career history has become redundant, with a hiring company instead expecting a two-page summary.

At the same time, people began to use the two terms reciprocally. Now, whether you call your career overview a ‘CV’ or ‘resume’, it has no bearing on your chance of reaching an interview shortlist. 

How to write a resume | 2nd content block | UB

The purpose of a resume.

Your resume serves to introduce the relevancy of your skills, experience, qualifications and achievements to a recruiter and potential employer. A recruiter or employer may not spend longer than a few minutes reviewing your resume, so it should succinctly convey your most relevant achievements. If the reader thinks you are a suitable candidate for the role, your resume will have achieved its purpose – an offer to attend an interview. 

you must be able to demonstrate your skills, experience, and future potential.

If you can do that well in one page, that’s great. However, the average length of a resume is usually around two pages. 

How to write a resume | 3rd content block | UB

How long should my resume be.

Your resume should be approximately two pages long. If it is substantially longer, eliminate information that isn’t relevant to the role or industry.

For instance, look back at the key skills and attributes required for the job in question and then review your resume – are you using valuable space to describe skills, attributes and responsibilities from roles that don’t match up to the job in question?

If so, remove this content or, at the least, simplify your language. On your resume, you must get to the point, so don’t use ten words to say something you could say in five.  

On the other hand, one page may suffice in certain circumstances. The main thing to keep in mind when you’re writing your resume is that you must be able to demonstrate your skills, experience, and future potential.

How to write a resume | 4th content block | UB

What not to include in a resume.

Use your common sense when writing your resume. If you have been employed for many years and your career has evolved over time, knowing how to write a resume well means you will not include every role you’ve ever held, such as the casual retail position you had in high school or the captaincy of your social sporting team. Rather, use the limited space on your resume strategically by ensuring every line shows how you are relevant to the particular job you’re applying for. 

Similarly, if you have an advanced degree, few people are going to be concerned about the exams you took when you were 16 years old. Instead, only include training that is relevant to the position you are applying for.

Unless otherwise stated, you don’t need to attach copies of certificates, qualifications or references. You should instead bring these to a job interview.

We also advise candidates to avoid listing their hobbies or interests. Focus instead on the experience and skills that make you suitable for the job you’re applying for. The exceptions occur when you have limited relevant experience or if the employer specifically asks applicants to list hobbies. In these cases, keep it brief. Avoid anything that could be contentious, such as political affiliations, and instead show how your personality is suited to that of the organisation. For example, consider listing a hobby that requires expertise relevant to the role, such as organisational or communication skills. 

You also do not need to design a creative resume, unless you work in a creative field. Some candidates attempt to produce a more creative resume to stand out, however it really is the relevancy of your skills and experience that will ensure you make a shortlist, not how you present your resume.

Can AI write the perfect resume?

How to write a resume | 5th content block | ub, step by step guide to writing a great resume.

Follow the below standard resume structure when looking to write your resume. Don’t forget to ensure you use clean and clear formatting. 

1. Contact information

Start with the basics such as your name, phone number, email address (make sure the email address you use sounds professional) and  LinkedIn profile . Use the phone number and email address that you use most often. You don’t want to disappoint an employer by failing to respond to their invitation to an interview in a timely fashion.

2. Professional summary 

In 50 to 150 words, describe your applicable experience and skills. This summary should prove your value and help to differentiate you. Avoid describing what you’d like from your next job and instead focus on what you can offer. This is the place for your  USP , or unique selling proposition. Tailor this section to each position that you’re applying to.

Use keywords from the job description so that an ATS can find a match.

3. Skills summary 

The reader of your resume may not have more than a minute to spend scanning each application, particularly if the volume of applications is very high, so including a skills section can capture their attention by making it immediately clear what you can offer. Compile a brief bulleted list of the systems,  skills and competencies  that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. Use keywords from the job description here too.

For instance, if the ad specifies someone who has ‘effective administrative abilities and excellent interpersonal skills’, these should be addressed here with brief evidence as to where you gained those skills. Make sure to tailor your expertise to the individual position you are applying for, always.

4. Achievements

A future employer will be interested in where you went above and beyond the job that you were paid to do and achieved something great. So, next list your key career achievements, supported by facts, statistics or links. For example, if you over-achieved on your sales targets, you need to say by what percentage and over what period.

Keep in mind, this is a summary to grab interest by demonstrating you can successfully add value to an organisation in the type of job you’re applying for, so proof is essential.

5. Work experience 

Your work history should be the most detailed section of your resume, with positions listed in reverse order, beginning with the most recent. Include employer names, positions and primary responsibilities.

If your job title is unconventional, it is perfectly acceptable to replace it with a recognisable equivalent.

It is important to quantify your accomplishments – the reader wants to see facts not fluff. Focus on the value you added in each role, rather than simply listing what your duties were. This section shouldn’t read like a job description. Rather, it should tell the story of your unique strengths and accomplishments. Think of your biggest achievements for each role and provide concrete, quantifiable evidence of each. One way to help you do this is to use action verbs such as “managed” or “oversaw”. Such verbs force you to focus on what you achieved and your results in each role, which proves the value of your experience.

Avoid overused clichés in you CV  that can waste valuable space. Instead, include examples of your work to demonstrate your strengths. Remember that proof is in your results.

We also advise you not to leave gaps in your work history. If you took a year out, carried out an interim assignment, or travelled for six months, say so. Just make sure you illustrate whatever the experience was in a positive way, focusing on the fact that it gave you some great experience and knowledge.

Stating just the years you started or finished a role can also send off alarm bells. Writing "2019 - 2021" could be interpreted as employment from December 2019 to January 2021 unless you say otherwise. 

6. Education & qualifications 

Keep it concise by listing the academic qualification obtained, year of completion, the institution’s name and a one-sentence summary.

7. References 

The details of references are rarely included on resumes. It’s common for candidates to simply write, “References are available upon request” in this section of your resume. Your recruiter will then reach out for the details of your referees at the appropriate point in the recruitment process. 

Remember though, the referees recruiters and employers value the most are those people you reported to directly who can speak about how you used your skills and experience to add value to their organisation. If you are unsure who to provide as a referee, our  guide to references  may help. 

How to write a resume | 6th content block | UB

Final tips to remember when writing your resume.

By the time the recruiter or hiring manager reaches the end of your resume, they will have more than likely made their decision about whether to add your resume to the interview pile or not. Here are three final tips to help your resume reach the shortlist: Firstly, tailor your resume for each application. To make the interview shortlist, your resume must demonstrate that you possess most or all the criteria required in the job. Tailor your application for each position you apply for by expanding on your experience relevant to the job and cutting back the less relevant parts. You should also show that you are genuinely interested in this job. Failing to tailor your CV by submitting a blanket application will not impress. So, weave into your professional summary the reasons that make you a good fit for this particular position and what specifically resonates with you about the organisation or role. Secondly, make sure you add quantifiable results. As mentioned above, providing evidence to support the claims you make on your CV brings it to life and establishes for the reader the value you could bring. However, not every role allows for the sort of measurement by which you can prove your expertise. If you find yourself unsure how to add quantitative evidence this blog provides some tips. Adding links to your LinkedIn profile and online portfolios of work can also help the reader build a better picture of your competencies.

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How to Make a CV NZ (New Zealand)

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Posted On 29 Sep 2021

With a population of just under five million people, it’s safe to say that New Zealand badly needs an infusion of skilled workers from other countries if it wants to be competitive in the global market. If you have skills, experience, or qualifications that employees in New Zealand are looking for, then it goes without saying that you shouldn’t hesitate to try your luck and send your CV to a New Zealand company today. Resumeble shares with you some key NZ CV format tips so you will know how to make a CV NZ that will succeed in the country’s local job market.

Not in NZ yet? Build that resume now!

If you’re still in the planning stage of moving to New Zealand to find work, it is highly recommended that you develop your resume before heading here. Moving can add a lot of stress, and you don’t want the burden of writing your NZ CV format to add to that. For your peace of mind, get the task of writing your NZ CV format done early. Once you have the file on hand, editing it will be easy, even if you end up applying for a variety of job roles.

How long should your CV NZ be?

Although the one-page-resume rule still applies in New Zealand, its application isn’t as strict as, say, the US or the UK, or even Australia. Kiwi employers want to get a feel of how well-rounded you are as a potential employee, so it wouldn’t hurt to write a CV NZ that’s two to three pages long. In fact, it’s highly recommended that you do so. Just be sure that every piece of information you put in your CV adds value and is relevant to the job position.

Best ways to showcase your work experience

Put yourself in the shoes of a recruiter and imagine having to review hundreds of resumes each day. To speed up the task you would probably end up scanning the document and look for words that pop out, not really reading every word of it. If you want your CV NZ to get noticed, then you have to be careful with how to write a CV NZ, especially the work experience section, because it’s the section that most employers are interested in. Here’s how you grab their attention:

1. Make your heading catchy – Relate it to the position you are applying for. So instead of using tired and boring phrases like “Work Experience” or “Work History” as your heading, use something like Sales and Marketing Experience or Computer Programming Experience to make it more unique and focused.

2. List only relevant skills – After fine-tuning your heading, your skills are next. You very well may have a whole gamut of skills, and not all of them will be applicable to the job you’re applying for. Read the job posting carefully to identify the qualifications that the company is looking for, then develop your skill list accordingly. List your hard skills first, followed by your soft skills.

3. Use an easy-to-read format – Bullet points improve readability, so use them gratuitously to make the information easier to scan and digest. And be consistent with your formatting throughout your CV—don’t use square bullets on one section and then circle the next. This is an all-too-important tip on how to make a CV NZ that too many applicants ignore, so for your sake, don’t make the mistake of writing a poorly formatted CV for New Zealand.

Here’s an example of how to write an item in your work experience section:

Wang Mart Korean Grocery, San Francisco, CA

Store Manager

April 2016 – December 2021

• Supervised and trained six retail personnel on store rules and policies that led to a 20 percent increase in satisfaction among both personnel and customers

• Managed monthly budgets, helping the company save USD 5 million on overhead costs

• Dealt with customer queries and complaints, resulting in 99 percent approval rating on Yelp

Stork Winery

Retail Manager

September 2013 – March 2016

• Oversaw pricing and inventory of entire stock, thereby reducing overstock by 25 percent

• Maintained financial records, ensuring accurate tax filings three years in a row.

• Prepared weekly work schedules for and managed 10+ employees, scheduled deliveries, and enforced company policy.

Formatting tips

A CV NZ filled to the brim with text can be a huge turn-off. Don’t make your NZ CV appear like a page from a dense novel. Rather, you should strike the perfect balance between white space and black space to make your CV easier on the eyes. As for other formatting tips, here are some takeaways to keep in mind:

1. Header – Your CV header should include your full name, contact number, and email address. There’s no need to include your physical address in your CV, unless it’s specified in the job posting. As for your email, make sure it’s formal and business-type. If you have a LinkedIn profile, include it. Here’s an example of how to write your NZ CV header:

Gerard Smith

Data Analyst

+93-987-6324

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/gerardsmith

2. Professional Summary – Your header should be followed directly by a professional summary that identifies your most relevant skills, most impressive achievements, and your biggest professional goals not only for yourself but for the company as well. Here’s an example:

Driven sales professional with a proven track record in the automotive industry. My biggest assets are my tenacity, well-honed negotiating skills, and a genuine concern for the total satisfaction of my clients. I take my responsibilities seriously and ensure I meet and exceed the expectations of my work. I look forward to harnessing and further evolving my sales know-how with your company while tackling the challenges of the job head-on—all in pursuit of supporting the company’s short- and long-term goals.

3. Skills and Experience – You want your potential employer to immediately see that you are qualified for the job, so place your most relevant skills and experience at the top of your NZ CV format, immediately after your professional summary.

4. Education – As with your skills and experience, you should only list your education history that’s relevant to the job applied for. This means you can skip including your primary and secondary education unless required by your potential employer. In addition, make sure to add any special academic accomplishments if you have them.

2006 – AB Economics

University of Massachusetts Amherst

• Faculty Merit Award for Academic Activities

• Dean’s List

• Distinguished Scholar Award

References – References, otherwise known in New Zealand as “referees,” are professionals who can speak positively about you. Needless to say, the referees that you put on your NZ CV format should not be family and friends, as their opinions of you can appear biased to a recruiter. Referees can be past employers and mentors who can put in a good word for you and recommend you to a potential employer. Include the name of the referee, their professional designation, the name of the company/institution they work for, and their contact information. Their phone number and email address should suffice. Remember to add the country code to the phone number if your referees are from outside of New Zealand. Here are a couple of examples:

Reference #1:

Lindsey Fonseca

National Sales Director

Ford Thailand

+66 524-444-6452

Reference #2:

Math Instructor

Chulalongkorn University

+66 524-444-6343

Work with Resumeble on your CV for NZ

You don’t have to worry about how your CV format NZ will appear when you have Resumeble on your side. We have highly experienced and knowledgeable professional CV writers who will work with you one-on-one on how to make a CV NZ that will get noticed by recruiters and secure for you that elusive interview.

Aside from knowing how to write a CV NZ, we can also help with cover letter for CV South Africa, LinkedIn profile write-up, and more. Get in touch with our team today to learn more about our services.

• 7 seconds: this is how long your resume has either to impress or be ignored by the recruiter 
• 300+: average number of applications one corporate job opening posted online receives 
• 3%: number of sent resumes that result in interviews 

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Resumes & cover letters: Resume examples

There are many types of resumes to for job seekers from a wide range of backgrounds. Take a look at the resume samples below to see which one is best for you. The three most popular resume types are as follows:

Reverse chronological resume example

Also called the chronological resume format, it’s the most common and traditional type of resume format. It lists your work experience starting with your most recent position.

Use it to highlight

• upward career progression – they’ll see your most senior roles first
• continuous work history – by highlighting months & years

Take a look at an  example of a reverse chronological resume  or have a go at writing your own  using our template .

Functional resume example

A functional resume emphasises skills, experience and abilities over work history and dates.

It’s a good option for those who have gaps in their employment, and a long work history or a changed career or career focus.

Take a look at an  example of a functional resume  or have a go at writing your own  using our template.

One page career summary resume example

A one page resume is perfect for senior executives with many accomplishments and years of professional experience. It provides a snapshot of your:

Have a go at writing your own  one page career summary using our template.

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How to write a New Zealand CV Format in 2024?

Sashika Dilshan

As we already know employers from different countries and regions have their own way of examining CVs or resumes. Same way, New Zealand employers also have a different way of looking at CVs. They would like to filter CVs which are short, concise, and easy to read. Therefore, if you are trying to get a job in New Zealand, it is really important that you know how to write a New Zealand CV format that is short and easy to read and what to exactly include on it.

What to Include in a New Zealand CV Format?

Name and contact information.

Make sure you display your full name on the top of the CV with your contact information.

Email Address: This could be mentioned in the same section, usually in the header section right below your full name. However, what you need to keep in mind is that your email address should be an identifiable one that is not fancy. Eg. [email protected] .

Phone Number: This could be either a land phone number or a mobile phone number. But however, keep in mind that this should be a number with which recruiters can reach you anytime during the standard work hours.

Home address: this might sense you that having a home address is kind of outdated as you are living in a digital era where email has become the most common way to communicate. But, still, the recruiter may want to see where you are coming from and whether the distance of your resident would be a problem to be on time for work.

Your Digital Professional Presence: This is also a good place for you to showcase your professional profile’s URL like LinkedIn. So that the recruiters may also go through your professional profile to get further information about you and your expertise.

Your personal summary or career objective

Now you already know that Kiwis like short and concise CVs. Therefore, it is very important to include this summary or objective. Because this gives a clear and brief introduction of your background. New Zealand recruiters often easily identify whether your CV is worth reading for or not by reading this part.

Summary - Usually a summary is used by the professionals who have much experience in their fields and expertise

Objective - Often used by the freshers or novice to the industry without experience and would like to grab them

Work Experience

New Zealand employers may not perhaps be familiar with what you have done with the foreign companies. Yet this is a powerful section that will mostly determine whether you will get a job or not. Therefore, if you have experience or at least voluntary do not forget to get the best out of this.

When you mention your experience, make sure the following is included.

Your Title: Eg. Marketing Executive

Company Name: Eg. ABZ Company

Period of work: Eg. January 2016 - December 2020

What you did: Eg. Increased sales in 20% of ABC products within the first year

Note: Try to use keywords and action verbs when you mention experience. Quantify them and show them as achievements. But do not lie. Be genuine. Use bullet points, not paragraphs.

Your Skills

Always try to give examples for your both soft skills and hard skills . Because New Zealanders always like to see how you have applied your skills in the work setting.

Eg. Results Oriented: Achieved 100% sales targets in the last 10 consecutive months.

Your Qualifications

Here you may mention any related qualifications. Place the most recent qualification at the top and then the others.

Eg.  Master of Business Administration

Harvard Business School (USA)

March 2016 - February 2019

Note: employers are more likely to skim through your qualifications, Therefore, make sure that you mention them as clear and concise as possible (like in the example), or else they may find it boring to read and skip reading.

Most of the recruiters in New Zealand will ask for references. So that it is recommended to mention referee contact details in this section. And make sure that the contact details of your referees are up to date and are reachable.

How should the New Zealand CV Format Style Formatting be?

How many pages to include in a new zealand cv.

What you have to keep in mind is that Kiwis prefer CVs not exceeding two pages. Therefore, whatever you have mentioned on your CV should not exceed the page limit of two.

What is the best format to use for the CV in New Zealand?

The safe and recommended CV format to use in New Zealand is reverse chronological CV format if you have experience. However, if you do not, you may consider either functional or hybrid resume formats.

Fonts and colors to use in New Zealand CV format?

What applies to other CV formats apply here as well. Meaning you need to make sure the fonts you are using are easy and clear enough to read. Strictly avoid cursive fonts. Usually, Calibri or Arial are better choices as they are some of the best resume fonts to use.

It is not easy to define which colors to be used especially when it is a cv with a color combination. Under such circumstances, the safe way to play is going with black and white. However, colors make a good impression provided you place them right in the proper manner. When it comes to New Zealand CV formats, there’s no special color combination. But if you want to give a good impression, you better have an idea first what the best resume colors are.

Final Checks on Writing a New Zealand CV Format?

Check your grammar and spelling

Check if you have used resume buzzwords or over-generalized terms

Check if you have exceeded two pages limit. If so, try to optimize your content to a two-page.

People who read this also read: Best Resume Formats in 2024 to use for any Job in the World (Resume format samples included)

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We’re dedicated to providing you with a personalised and tailored service. We take the time to get to know you, whether it’s via an in-person meeting, online or over the phone . We listen carefully to your career aspirations and what makes you special, so we can craft the perfect CV that stands out from the rest.

No matter your career background, from entry-level to the most senior of roles , trades, administration, management and the professions, Successful CVs has the experience to help you succeed. We won’t compromise on quality, so you can be sure that you’re getting the best service possible.

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"Jo was highly professional, very warm and welcoming. I believe her expertise and suggestions were worthwhile as everyone who has seen my CV was very impressed. The CV has done wonders for me and I've been offered so many opportunities that I know I wouldn't even have been thought of if I were still using my old CV!"

"I have no hesitation in recommending Jo at Successful Resumes. Jo's ability to absorb, process and present a huge range of information into a fantastic CV is, quite frankly, outstanding. Thanks Jo - my appetite for a new challenging career is now stimulated."

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Teacher CV Example & Writing Guide

Personal statements for teachers

Teachers play an important role in shaping society and the future. Your professionalism and expertise are highly valued, and rightly so -- without teachers, no other career pathway would be possible! At cvapp.nz, we understand the importance of finding a teaching career that aligns with your passion and skills. We also know how much of a challenging task this can be! With our comprehensive resources and support, we're dedicated to assisting you in securing your next teaching role. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching journey, we have the best career tools and guidance you need to showcase your qualifications and experience effectively, presenting yourself as an ideal candidate in the competitive job market. Let us help you take your teaching career to new heights. First, let's start with your personal statement.

Personal statements serve as a brief summary of your professional background, showcasing your qualifications, key accomplishments, and career aspirations. They offer a valuable glimpse into your motivations, providing insight into the value you gain from teaching. By highlighting your unique teaching attributes, skills, and experiences, your personal statements can distinguish you from other professionals and can help you stand out from the crowd. The key thing to remember is that you want potential employers to want to learn more about you – so write with this in mind!

Enthusiastic and efficient teacher with a passion for teaching students maths and statistics. Firm believer in the power of education and high skilled in communication, team-work and collaboration. Focused on implementing culturally-sensitive, engaging classroom plans that reflect the New Zealand curriculum while leaving space for students to explore their own passions and interests.

Employment History: Your academic legacy

When creating the employment history section of your teacher's CV, you should highlight your previous employment positions and elaborate on the tasks and responsibilities performed in each role. To present a clear and professional image, we suggest listing your past positions in reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent job and working your way back. By following this format, prospective employers will have a comprehensive understanding of your professional journey and the growth you have achieved throughout your career. When describing your previous positions, be sure to provide detailed information about the tasks you undertook and the responsibilities you held. This can include managing and instructing students, developing lesson plans, designing and implementing assessments, collaborating with colleagues and parents, and any administrative duties you handled. It's always a good idea to include specific data, facts and figures, as well as keywords from the job description where appropriate. 

Overall, the main details you should include in your employment history section in addition to the key roles and responsibilities you undertook during your previous job roles, are the names of your previous employers or companies, the job title you possessed and the location of each role. Remember, a well-crafted employment history section is invaluable in highlighting your professional experience, showcasing your capabilities, and capturing the attention of potential employers in the competitive education sector.

High School Teacher at Mooresville College, Wellington January 2020 — Present

• Designed and implemented creative classroom learning plans to support each student's individual learning journeys
• Reported directly to the Dean of the College, provided in-depth reports for each senior class
• Taught Year 12 Statistics and Year 10 Algebra successfully to over 250+ students
• Ensured that each lesson was in accordance with the Ministry of Education's curriculum for students
• Scheduled and arranged parent-teacher interviews to best support students and their individual learning needs

Intermediate School Teacher at St Francis Xavier Intermediate, Wellington April 2019 — December 2019

• Successfully taught Maths class to over 100+ students
• Assigned students peer mentors and encouraged leadership within the classroom
• Collaborated with other school teachers and staff
• Organised successful school trips, including to the Wellington Zoo and New Zealand National Aquarium

Skills: where expertise meets passion

Potential employers are seeking teachers who possess a unique blend of expertise, experience and skills. When you're putting together your skills section, it is very important to highlight the wide-ranging abilities you can bring to the table. To do this effectively, you should include both hard and soft skills that are relevant to your teaching career. Hard skills are easily measurable and specific abilities that can be taught and trained. They encompass various areas like language proficiency, computer skills, and specialised training in a particular field. Language proficiency, for example, could highlight your fluency in multiple languages, allowing you to effectively communicate with diverse groups of people. Computer skills might showcase your proficiency in programming languages or software applications relevant to your industry. Specialised training indicates that you have acquired in-depth knowledge in specific areas, making you an expert in those fields.

Soft skills are interpersonable qualities that are more challenging to quantify but equally important to employers. These include attributes like effective communication, adaptability to change, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking. By highlighting your excellent communication skills, for instance, you demonstrate your ability to convey ideas clearly, collaborate with colleagues and manage the classroom effectively. Here’s a great example of a teacher’s skill section below: 

• Ability to Work in a Team
• Critical thinking and Problem Solving
• Effective Time Management
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Differentiated Learning Teachniques
• Advanced Knowledge of Biology
• Excellent Communication Skills

Education: pursuing educational excellence

As an educator, you understand the profound importance of education and its impact on individuals' careers. In the education section of your CV, it is crucial to emphasise your tertiary qualifications and any outstanding academic achievements, as they reflect your academic foundation and specialized knowledge. Including relevant degrees, diplomas, certifications, and any advanced training you have completed showcases your commitment to professional growth and your dedication to honing your skills.

Remember, prospective employers are interested in candidates who not only possess the necessary qualifications but also demonstrate a passion for continuous learning and academic excellence. By showcasing these achievements in your education section, you can present yourself as a highly competent and motivated educator who is committed to providing the best education for their students.

Master of Teaching and Learning, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington February 2016 — March 2019

• Graduated with a Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary)

Bachelor of Teaching, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington February 2011 — December 2015

NCEA Level 3, Scots College, Wellington February 2007 — December 2010

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