Find job before immigrating, or.....?

First of all, I'd like to say I'm glad I found this site. It's the most comprehensive set of "answers" I've found so far.

So I want to immigrate, hopefully either spring or fall '05. I'm in the same boat as it seems everyone here - wanting to apply under Skilled Migrant category, but without a job offer, I'm not gonna get selected (95 points. Anyone have 5 they can spare???)

My question is this - how common is it for someone to move there based on a visitors (3-month) visa and assume they're going to be able to find a job? If it were just me, i'd have no problem doing that. But I will be bringing a dog with me, and definitely don't want to pay the $3500USD to transport/quarantine him, just to do it all over again 3 months later.

I'm a software developer looking to live in the Christchurch area. I don't know how big a risk that is.

Otherwise, how does one go about securing a job from 10,000 miles away? Sure, I can submit resumes online, but how common is it for companies to even interview someone in my situation? Let alone, will they want a face-to-face interview?

Get the job, it all falls into place. How to get the job, though...sigh.

Thoughts?

J

Sorry, I see this is somewhat addressed here: http://movetonz.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=95

Thought I read all the posts relevant to this topic.

Still curious to hear if anyone has anything else to add.

J

J..check out my other posts. I'm happy to answer any questions.
Chuck

Hi Jason,
What sort of software developer/engineer are you ?

I'm a hardware/software design engineer.
VLSI chip design & assembler/C/C++/Java.
Embedded type stuff & PC/Sun.
Not much internet stuff, other than my website.

We're hoping to go to Christchurch - Silicon Valley !

I think you need to visit to get a job.
If I know you field I can make more comments.

Steve

By the way, love the dog.
Our collie would love to play !

Thanks, Steve. I do application level, C/C++ development (BS in CS, 5 years experience), mostly graphical widgets for a cross-platform graphical programming language/environment (LabVIEW). Both design and implementation.

As far as visiting to get a job - how far in advance would one need to do that? I would think that only larger companies would hire someone who couldn't start for another 4 months or so. Or would you go there immediately and get some other visa that takes less time to process while your residence was being processed?

J

J,
Hey, a proper programmer !

I'm a bit rushed at the moment.
I'll post a proper reply tomorrow.

Steve

Hi,
I'm sorry, things are a bit rushed around here at the moment.
So speed typing !

You could check out these links for software companies in NZ.

These are a small selection of a number I've collected. See the New Zealand part of my website. The links page of that. Then 'Directories'.

Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce - Members Directory
http://www.cecc.org.nz/main/memdirectory/

Canterbury Software
List of companies in Canterbury & the South Island with a high tech interest.
http://www.canterburysoftware.org.nz/directory.htm
NZS ? Computers ? Software
http://www.nzs.com/business/computers/software/

Pipers ? NZ Software Development companies
http://www.piperpat.co.nz/nz/software/develop.html

Pipers have changed their website, so you may have to find the equivalent place.

I hope that helps.
Hope to chat better later.

Steve

Thanks for the links, Steve. I will check them out (so much information to digest! Can't someone just give me the answers I'm looking for?? :) I look forward to other replies.

J

Hi,
Sorry, I'll try and answer your questions now.

If you just go to NZ on holiday tgere is one limit.
If you get a holiday visa it can be much longer.

I'm in the uk, so I'll talk about it for us. You'll have to check for yourself.

Visitors visa allow 9 months, extendable to 12 is you can prove funds, and have been well behaved !

So, that gives you much more time.

It's very common. I can't give you figures.
It's also very common to go on a short holiday (2 weeks say).
Prepare lots of interviews first. That's much easier when you say "I'm going to be in xxx on yyy". Then they'll say, "oh great come in and see us".
It's the I'm here can I have a job that's doesn't work very much.

I'm afraid I don't know what the market is like for me (and therefore you).
You can check out various places for an idea (These are all from my website):

Jobs Letter ? Articles on the jobs market
You can search for topics in previous newsletters. Well worth a look to see what the jobs market is like.
http://www.jobsletter.org.nz/

New Zealand Herald
http://www.nzherald.co.nz

Canterbury Software Forum
http://www.mail-archive.com/csforum@.../maillist.html

That ones based in NZ, so you get to see what they are talking about.
You can see it from their perspective. Quite useful.

About CVs.
The CVs in NZ have their own style.
Check out guides on CVs written in NZ.
Again on my website, links to carrer guides.

WorkSite (gov gateway) - Finding a job guide (CVs & interviews etc)
http://www.workandincome.govt.nz/pdf..._find_work.pdf

That's probably the best starting point.
The others are under "Career Guides".

As I said, face-to-face is almost the only way. Unless you have specialist sort-after skills.
You'd find it easier if you were a nurse.

We have a similar problem the our dog.

You would be much better off with 5 more points.
Getting a 2 year work permit before going to NZ is my hope !!!!
Else, it's everyone to NZ and hope for a job offer.

How have I done ?
Ask away. I'll try - I'm very trying :lol: :lol:

PS One thing I ask in exchange for this help.
No not money.
If you find out something useful. It could be a good article on the jobs market for our field, or a great website I've not found yet.
Just let me know.
OK ?

Cheers

Steve