Leave these out
- Photo, date of birth, marital status, religion and health details.
- IRD number or other ID numbers.
- Full street address. Suburb and city are enough, for example Ponsonby, Auckland.
Include these
- Name, location, phone, email and LinkedIn URL.
- Visa or work rights if you are not a citizen or resident, for example Accredited Employer Work Visa or Open work visa.
- A short profile that names the job you want.
- Key skills matched to the job advertisement.
- Work history in reverse chronological order with month and year.
- Education, licences and certifications.
- Two referees with name, role and phone, or a note that referees are available on request.
Length and layout
Two to three A4 pages. Use New Zealand spelling: organise, centre, licence. Keep the layout simple and single-column. Many NZ employers use applicant tracking systems through job boards such as Seek.
Overseas experience
Overseas experience is valued. Explain each employer in one short line, such as its size and industry, and use job titles a New Zealand recruiter will recognise.
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How long should a New Zealand CV be?
Two to three pages for most experienced candidates.
Do I need referees on a New Zealand CV?
They are common. List two recent professional referees or note that they are available on request.
Should I include a cover letter?
Yes. Most NZ employers expect a short cover letter tailored to the role.