We’ve seen it all. Some CVs stand out for the right reasons, some fall flat, and others make us wonder, “What story is this person trying to tell?” Whether you’re a developer in Auckland, a BA in Wellington, or an engineer in Hamilton, your CV is your first handshake with a potential employer. It can open doors or quietly close them before you even get a look-in.
If you’re currently looking for opportunities in the tech industry, you’ll need a competitive CV that stands out in a pool of applicants. Keep reading to get a FREE recuiter-approved CV template!
Field at Present: From a Director’s Perspective We have seen a continuation of the slow start to the year, which is expected given the overall economic climate in the market alongside government budgetary pressures. There is certainly an increase in general activity coming in from private companies with an increase in ratios of new hires vs replacements. With the recent budget announcements, we will see the flow on impact across government with both the continuation and kick off of new projects, which in our prediction will see an increase in recruitment activity across the board from July onwards. Although certainly not at the frequency of what we have seen in the last six months, we are still seeing organisations across a range of industries forced into making rounds of redundancies and other operational cuts or changes to help them operate more leanly during challenging times. Middle Management We have seen middle management across the board be impacted, and even those not impacted are mindful of the overall cost pressures, and generally more approachable to opportunities. We have seen organisations consolidate middle management positions, which in a practical sense has seen individuals take on more responsibilities, often without the necessary financial upside to this. It is a common trend as businesses look to operator in a leaner fashion. However, leaders need to be mindful of the impact that can have to burnout and further attrition. Opportunities to Onboard Senior Tech Leaders On the flipside, looking at the opportunities for businesses in terms of people and talent, in some regions, we have seen an increase in senior technology leaders actively in the market due to restructuring and redundancies, along with a number of skilled and experienced leaders passively looking to move on. The numbers are certainly something we haven’t seen in some time. There is some great talent out in the market, and businesses have the opportunity to snap up some exceptional senior leaders to really assist in their technology transformations. Gen AI Not a meeting or interaction goes by without the mention of Gen AI - it is certainly hot on the lips of not only the technology industry but most organisations and industries. Naturally, and for good reason, it is a regular talking point, and the technologies underpinning Gen AI have continued to progress at an unprecedented pace. We are seeing an increase in businesses exploring and adopting Gen AI in many ways, and we foresee the rate of this uptake continuing to increase. The Budget The budget appeared light on tech and digital investment, with the big projects being impacted being the digital transformation at NZ Institute of Skills and Technology (Te Pukenga) and the 3 Waters reform program. For anyone interested in things from a technology perspective we would recommend checking out Rob O’Neils take via Reseller News here. The focus from a technology perspective within government seems to be centered around using technology for operational efficiencies, as opposed to investments in the technology sector and assisting organizations, whether it be with a local or international focus. Overall, there's an increase in infrastructure spend, including digital infrastructure, which will hopefully continue to foster innovation. Key Advice for Jobseekers We have noticed an increase in applications that have not specifically read the contents of the job advertisement and requirements needed. For all candidates, it is important that your specific skills and expertise are aligned so some time tweaking, preparing and tailoring CV or Cover Letter is important to standout in the market. Another tip from us is to have someone from outside your industry to sanity check your CV for you. If they can understand what you do or your core skills, a non-tech savvy generalist HR or recruitment personnel would most likely be able to decipher your CV. Plus, a fresh set of eyes will often pick up small errors or things you may have missed. In relation to CVs, ensure that you have your phone numbers and email addresses on the first page so it will be easier for the recruiter to get in touch. We have had an experience with candidates missing important contact information on their CV, so it’s best to run through yours one last time before sending it out to different recruiters. It will also help to build your personal brand to stand out in a talent-saturated market like NZ’s. This will help recruiters get a better grasp of who you are as an individual and as a candidate for the role. You don’t have to have a huge following, but constantly sharing your learnings and useful stuff with your professional network will help you stand out in an over-saturated market. As always keep connected with your network and recruitment partners. We are certainly seeing an increase in roles being placed off market, so ensuring you stay top of mind with your network will assist in increasing your chances of being in the right place at the right time. A Final Note As we look ahead to what is ahead, we are seeing the term ‘green shoots’ used in the market. This is a term used to describe signs of economic recovery or positive data during an economic downturn. Whilst we are certainly mindful of the wider climate, these so called ‘Green Shoots’ are providing some promise in what we see as continuing tough year ahead. As ever, we are aiming to stay dedicated to nurturing relationships and providing advice and support to both our candidate base and our customers to ensure that are receiving a high-quality service. If you have any questions, or would like any advice regarding hiring talent for your team or business, please reach out to myself, Chris , Bianca , or any of our team members for a confidential discussion.
Aotearoa’s tech scene has been tricky to navigate lately, with constant changes and economic factors directly affecting the way businesses recruit; and the need for the right recruitment partner has never been more crucial. Companies are in a constant battle to snag the best talent amid the candidate-heavy market, facing off against fierce competition at every turn. Because of this, it’s tempting to cast a wide net and work with multiple recruiters, but let’s talk about the magic of going exclusive. Here's why you should consider going exclusive with a recruitment partner for any roles you’re recruiting for:
So, you’re about to embark on a new adventure in the tech world. Whether you’re diving into the buzzing scene of New Zealand or any other tech hub, starting with a new company can be both thrilling and daunting. But fret not, we’ve got your back with some practical tips to help you navigate those early days with ease, no matter where you land.
Entering the job market after many years can be a daunting task, especially in the fast-paced world of IT and Technology. With advancements happening at breakneck speed, it is understandable to feel overwhelmed when suddenly thrown into starting your job search journey anew. However, there are simple steps you can take to get you started, ease the transition, and help you in landing your new dream job. At Recruit I.T., we've seen many experienced candidates successfully navigate this path, and we're here to share some valuable advice with you.
Perspectives from Our Director
By now, we’re sure most of you have already read some of the posts going on about the ‘Open to Work’ banner on LinkedIn. In the dynamic realm of professional networking, the debate around this topic has sparked its fair share of banter. Is it a bold declaration of job-seeking enthusiasm, or does it project an air of desperation? Let’s address the elephant in the room – the ongoing banter about whether adding an ‘Open to Work’ banner is a savvy career move or a sign of desperation. Opinions vary, with some professionals arguing that it’s a powerful tool for career contractors to swiftly signal their availability to the job market. On the other hand, skeptics see it as an unnecessary disclosure that might raise eyebrows. At Recruit I.T., as a business whose mission is to connect talented individuals with exciting career opportunities, where do we stand on this? It’s simple - we see putting an ‘Open to Work’ banner as a big green flag waving right at us, inviting us to reach out with great roles. Why the love for the banner, you might ask? It’s a helpful signal, especially for those actively seeking new opportunities. If someone is clearly a career contractor, this banner can be a positive and powerful tool to broadcast their availability. From a recruiter’s perspective, it’s not about desperation it’s about visibility . The ‘Open to Work’ listed option can be outdated, but the banner provides a more immediate and visible signal. Our experienced team, however, wants to reassure candidates that if you choose not to use the ‘Open to Work’ banner, that’s also perfectly fine. We pride ourselves on being adept at sourcing individuals with the right skills and experience for our roles, banner, or no banner. After all, most reputable recruiters should be skilled in identifying top talent whatever the circumstance. Here’s what Recruit I.T. Consultants have to say: One of our team members notes, “If someone is obviously a career contractor, I think it is a positive and powerful tool to let the market know fast.” Another adds, “From a recruiter’s perspective, I don’t see them as looking desperate at all. It’s helpful in searches.” Another team member chimes in with a valuable insight, “The more you put into LinkedIn, the more it enables recruiters to find and help you. Utilise your connections to share and get support from others. It can enhance your personal brand.” They emphasis that the ‘Open to Work’ banner, when used effectively, can be a strategic move that enhances your visibility in the job market. In the grand scheme of things, the ‘Open to Work’ banner banter is, in our opinion, a lot of noise about nothing. The banner serves as a tool, and its impact ultimately depends on how it aligns with your personal branding strategy. It’s your call whether to put it up or not. So, if you choose to use it, great! If not, no worries—there are skilled and trusted recruiters out there like ours at Recruit I.T. who are capable of finding you and top talent among a sea of candidates, with or without the banner. If you’re navigating the twists and turns of your career journey and seeking guidance or exciting new roles, don’t hesitate to reach out to any of our Consultants. Our team is here to offer professional advice and connect you with exciting opportunities! Your next move might just be a click away.
At Recruit I.T., we understand the importance of showcasing your experiences, behaviours, knowledge, skills, and abilities during the interview process. It's not just about what you've done, but how you've done it and what results you've achieved. Behavioural-based interview is the key to unlocking your potential and predicting your future success. So, what exactly is behavioural-based recruitment? It's all about digging into your past experiences to understand how you've tackled challenges and achieved results. The panel will be seeking specific examples of your behaviour, so be prepared to tell stories that demonstrate your capabilities. During the interview, you'll encounter open-ended questions that require more than just a yes or no answer. Think of them as invitations to share your experiences. Remember the acronym STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Craft your answers to include all these components, painting a clear picture of your abilities and achievements. Let's break down the STAR approach:
