resume format for new zealand

This website may not work correctly because your browser is out of date. Please update your browser .

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

Back to top

• Share on facebook
• Share with Linked.in

Interested in coming to New Zealand?

Sign up to receive relevant job opportunities from New Zealand employers and practical advice on how to make your move to New Zealand a reality.

Help us improve the Live and Work NZ site

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.

Copyright © 2024 Workstory Inc.

Select Your Language:

• Bachelor, Master, PhD Scholarships
• Scholarships in Australia
• Scholarships in Canada
• Scholarships in China
• Scholarships in Europe
• Scholarships in Japan
• Middle East Scholarships
• Scholarships in Singapore
• Scholarships in South Korea
• Scholarships in USA
• Scholarships in UK
• Scholarship Guidelines
• Internships
• Exchange Programs
• Online Courses
• Conferences
• Fellowships
• Competitions

New Zealand CV Format (Develop a NZ Style CV)

New Zealand employers dont like a story. Develop a CV for New Zealand employers who actually want to read. Like in Canada, they follow the Canadian Resume Format . However, in New Zealand, employers follow the New Zealand-style CV format . If you are a Job seeker looking for recruitment and Job opportunities in New Zealand you must follow a New Zealand CV Format . In this post, I will tell you how to Develop a CV for New Zealand.

In New Zealand, most employers like a short, easy-to-read curriculum vitae (CVs) . Your current CV Template might not be helpful for New Zealand if you want a Job there. 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 . Let’s see what a New Zealand CV style looks like.

What is New Zealand CV Format?

The New Zealand employers only want to see the relevant information on your CV. They do not want to know every job you have done in the past.

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 to the Job for which you are applying.

Previous Experience

It is also best to include a short description of the organizations you list on your CV, like:

• The number of employees
• Link, contact, and email of organization for more information if they need it.

Two Types of CV

There are two main types of CV:

• Skills-focused CV : useful for career changers, school leavers, or people with gaps in work history.
• Work-focused CV : useful for showcasing work experience and for people progressing to the next stage in their career.

You can also download the PDF Format of skills-focused or work-focused CV templates

These templates are made by the official New Zealand Government website ( https://www.careers.govt.nz/ )

Make Your CV Easy to Read

If you want to make your CV a Good look then follow these points:

• use a black, easy-to-read font in one size.
• use short sentences and break up blocks of text
• use bullet points to list information
• keep the tone formal
• avoid abbreviations, slang, or jargon
• avoid photos or images
• have strong headings and lots of white space
• keep your CV to two pages.

JPG or PDF – Which Format?

Save your CV in both formats. The NZ Employer either asks for a Word or PDF Document.

What to Write in Your NZ CV?

• Your name and contact details
• Technical and personal skills
• Work, and community and volunteer experience
• Qualifications and Education
• Referees (you can include referees or note that referees are available on request).

A CV could also include:

• an objective and personal statement
• achievements
• job-specific information (for example, a teacher would put their teaching philosophy in their CV).

What Not to Include in your CV

Please do not add:

• a photo or images
• colored or fancy fonts or design
• your date of birth or age
• your marital status, religion, or bank account details
• too much text and bad spelling
• a funny or rude email address
• work experience or interests that are not relevant to the job
• lies about your experience and skills.

Objective and Personal Statement?

An objective gives a brief description of the type of work you like and the type of industry in which you are looking to work.

A personal statement gives the employer an idea of who you are in three or four sentences.

You need at least two referees. One referee should be your current manager, team leader, or work experience supervisor. Another referee can be a formal employer, school teacher, or professor.

Referee contact details should include:

• first and last names
• the organization they work for
• phone number
• email address.

New Zealand Style CV Templates

These templates are made by the official New Zealand Government website. Follow these Templates and examples to help you create your CVs (resumes).

• New Zealand CV Templates

New Zealand CV Template Examples

New Zealand CV Builder

You can also use the CV builder for New Zealand CV which will save you enough time and within seconds your New Zealand-style CV will be ready.

• CV Builder – Create Your CV online

Tips for Making a New Zealand CV Format

• Keep it short
• Give examples of your skills
• Make sure your CV is up to date
• Include referee contact details
• Put yourself in the employer’s place
• Get it checked
• Write a cover letter

I will recommend you to visit the official careers.govt.nz website for Tips for creating a New Zealand-style CV

More CV Formats:

• For Europe:  Europass CV Format
• For Canada:  Canadian Resume Format

Follow our Social Media Platforms: WhatsApp Groups | Telegram |   Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Page | Linkedin Page | Twitter Page |   YouTube Channel

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Opportunities With a Deadline in October 2024 (APPLY NOW)

List of Universities that Waived Off Application Fee For 2025 Term

Common Reasons for Scholarship Rejections (Tips from Professor)

List of Countries that offer Job Seeker Visas (No Job Offer Needed)

Germany Opportunity Card (Eligibility, Process, and Benefits)

MIS Malaysia Scholarship 2024 Result is Out (Check Yours and What’s Next?)

• Cookie Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• WhatsApp Groups

• Skip to main navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to Chat now
• Skip to footer

Get in touch with us for career information.

We're here from 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday – except Wednesdays when we're here from 9.30am to 5pm.

We're closed on all public holidays, including Wellington Anniversary.

Call 0800 601 301

Email us with your career question

• Job hunting
• Finding work

How to write a CV

• CV and cover letter templates
• How to describe skills in your CV
• How to write a cover letter
• How to write an application form
• How to make an online job hunting profile
• How to create a video CV
• Job application checklist
• Got a job offer?
• What's happening in the job market?
• New to New Zealand
• Create CVs, cover letters and profiles

How to write a CV employers will want to read.

What's on this page?

Two types of cv, make your cv easy to read, what to put in your cv, what not to put in your cv, name and contact details, objective and personal statement, work history and work or volunteer experience, qualifications, achievements, cv templates and examples, find out more.

Recruitment software now scans your CV for key words and skills used in the job advertisement. This software is used by recruitment agents and many employers. This means that you should change your CV for each job application, using key words from the job advertisement.

Our CV builder helps you change your CV for each job application:

There are two main types of CV.

• Skills-focused CV – useful for career changers, school leavers or people with gaps in work history.
• Work-focused CV – useful for showcasing work experience and for people progressing to the next stage in their career.
• Use our skills-focused or work-focused CV templates

Recruiters take 15-20 seconds to scan your CV the first time. If you make a good impression, they'll read your CV more closely. 

To make your CV look good:

• use a black, easy-to-read font in one size
• use short sentences and break up blocks of text
• use bullet points to list information
• keep the tone formal
• avoid abbreviations, slang or jargon
• avoid photos or images
• have strong headings and lots of white space
• keep your CV to two pages.

Save your CV as a Word document and a PDF

Save your CV as both a Word document and a PDF. An employer may need either one of these file formats.

Label your CV files with your name, the application date, and the job you're applying for.

If you update your Word document, remember to also create a new PDF .

A CV must include:

• your name and contact details
• technical and personal skills
• work, and community and volunteer experience
• qualifications and education
• referees (you can include referees or note that referees are available on request).

A CV could also include:

• an objective and personal statement
• achievements
• job-specific information (for example, a teacher would put their teaching philosophy in their CV).
• a photo or images
• coloured or fancy fonts or design
• your date of birth or age
• your marital status, religion or bank account details
• too much text and bad spelling
• a funny or rude email address
• work experience or interests that are not relevant to the job
• lies about your experience and skills.
• first and last name (this should be in large and bold text)
• postal address, including area code
• phone number 
• email address.
• job hunting profile link, such as LinkedIn or Behance
• your professional website or Youtube channel link.

Make sure that:

• your email address is work-appropriate, for example, [email protected]
• your phone voicemail message only gives your name and a request to leave a message.

An objective gives brief details about the type of work and role you would like and the industry you want to work in.

A personal statement gives the employer an idea of who you are in three or four sentences. 

You can include:

• what you're currently doing for employment or education
• what attracted you to the job you're applying for
• your reason you're applying for this job
• your career goals.

Both an objective and a personal statement are optional and sit under your contact details. 

• Reed website - examples of personal statements

The skills you put in your CV should be the same skills listed in the job advertisement.

Technical skills

Include a technical skill section in your CV to list skills such as:

• driver's licences
• computer programmes.

Examples of writing about personal skills in your CV 

In a skills-focused CV, list the skills from the job advertisement with examples of how you've used those skills. This should be at the top of your CV.

Strong communication skills

• member of Southwest High School debating team
• chaired the Mount Gibson Neighbourhood Support committee for two years.

In a work-focused CV, describe your skills in your work history.

2015-2017  Customer Services Representative, Beluga Rental Cars

• Demonstrated strong communication skills when advising customers on car insurance.

Find out more about putting skills in your CV.

List your most recent jobs or work and volunteer experience first. Your work history needs to include:

• the name of the employer
• the job title/role
• where the job was located
• start date and end date.

Beneath this, list the tasks you performed. Also list any achievements.

If you change jobs in the same organisation, include both job titles/roles.

You don't need to list all your work history – keep your CV short.

Examples of work history

If you choose a skills-focused CV:

July 2017-August 2018  Counter assistant  Sione's Bakery, Auckland

• customer service
• increased sales of large coffees by 10%.

If you choose a work-focused CV, describe your skills more:

Responsible for food and drink and customer service in bakery.

• demonstrated excellent customer service skills when taking customer's orders
• lead sales of large coffees, increasing sales to 10%.

Use action verbs to describe your work history

Use action verbs to describe your work history and skills. These are words like demonstrated, managed, lead, developed, organised.

• Live career website - find action verbs for your CV

Gaps in your work history?

If you have gaps where you haven't been in paid work:

• use a skills-focused CV
• showcase skills you've learned on your break such as planning, budgeting, caring for family members
• include work experience and volunteer work in your work history
• explain the reason for big gaps in your cover letter.

List your qualifications or education in the qualifications section of your CV. You can include:

• NCEA levels or other school qualifications
• school subjects with grades
• certificates, diplomas or degrees
• micro-credentials and short work-related courses
• work-based training
• professional development courses, conferences and workshops
• online courses.

Format of qualifications section

List the newest or most relevant qualification first. Include:

• name of the course or qualification you completed
• name of the course provider
• where you studied
• start and finish date of your training or study, or the year you graduated.

Include an achievements section in your CV if you have important achievements that aren't covered in the skills or work history sections.

You can include such things as:

• awards and commendations
• successfully completed projects
• examples of how you helped a former employer meet their targets
• important contributions to the community.

For each example, note what the achievement was, and when and where you achieved it.

Including your interests on your CV is optional. If you do, make sure you:

• include interests that show skills that employers are looking for such as leadership skills
• avoid common interests such as watching TV or going out with friends.

Referees talk to employers about your skills, work history and personality.

You need at least two referees. One referee should be your current manager, team leader or work experience supervisor.   

Other referees could be a:

• former employer
• sports coach
• teacher or principal
• respected community leader.

Referee contact details should include their:

• first and last names
• organisation they work for
• phone number

See examples of school leaver, skills-focused and work-focused CVs and try our CV templates.

• CV and cover letter templates  
• Beginner's guide to job hunting ebook
• Job hunters' ebook

Updated 8 Nov 2021

Back to top

• Tips for nailing your CV
• Writing the perfect cover letter
• Searching for jobs
• Landing your first job
• Effective interviewing
• Your online presence
• Workplace tips & wellbeing
• Changing careers
• Growing your skills
• Managing job loss
• Taking leave
• Market updates
• Newshub Summer Series
• Careers advice

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.

Other articles you might like

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

A Trade Me Jobs Profile lets employers come to you, and means you can download a professional looking CV in seconds.

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

• List an item
• My Trade Me
• Marketplace
• Latest deals
• Closing soon
• Browse categories
• Salary guide
• Advertisers advice
• Boats & marine
• Other vehicles
• International property
• News & guides
• Homes.co.nz
• OneHub for agents
• Domestic services
• Events & entertainment
• Health & wellbeing
• Announcements
• Trust & safety
• Seller information
• Desktop site
• Privacy policy
• Terms & conditions
• Follow Trade Me on Facebook
• Follow Trade Me on Twitter

• CV Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• CV Examples High School Student Teacher Academic Nurse Student View all
• Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Cover Letter Examples Caregiver Teacher Nursing Administrative Supermarket View all
• Cover Letter Builder

Job-winning CV templates

Each CV template is expertly designed and follows the exact “resume rules” hiring managers look for. Stand out and get hired faster with field-tested CV templates.

Reviewed, community-centred and expert-approved

How a great cv template can help you stand out from the crowd:.

At cvapp.nz, we're passionate about providing Kiwi job-seekers with the best professional career resources on the market. 

Whether you're rushing to meet a job application deadline or feeling unsure about how to start your CV, our templates can help take your job application to the next level.

Here are just some of the benefits of our professional CV templates:

• Adaptable to any job or industry : Our collection of expertly designed CV templates can be adapted for all jobs and industries. From clean and simple templates to creative and modern templates, we’ve got something for everyone.
• AI-powered tools: All of our CV templates leverage exclusive AI technology to help our users create impressive, engaging CVs in minutes. Our AI tools generate personalised, pre-written phrases to help enhance your CV and beat that writer's block!
• Optimised for the ATS: Hiring managers aren’t the only ones who will be evaluating your resume. That’s why we’ve created our templates with automated resume scanners in mind and made sure our templates are easy to read for both humans and robots alike.
• Download to multiple format options: Due to employers' diverse format preferences for job applications, all of our CV templates can be downloaded in PDF or Word Docx format.
• Simple and straightforward : Crafting an impressive CV doesn't have to be challenging. In fact, at cvapp.nz, we believe that creating a job-winning CV should be easy! That's why we've created templates that save you time and get the job done.
• Free and paid features: We offer both free and premium services to help cater to a diverse range of preferences. Explore our trial or subscribe to a cvapp.nz plan to access unlimited downloads, premium designs, expert career advice and more!
• Highly customisable: We know that every applicant is different, which is why all of our CV templates can be easily tailored to your individual needs and preferences. With advanced customisation options, we make it easy to create a CV that you can be proud of!

Choosing the right CV Template

Our CV templates are organised into four distinct categories: 

Professional CV Templates

Looking to impress potential employers with a professional CV? We’ve got you covered! Our professional CV templates feature flawless formatting and fashionable fonts. Creating a job-winning CV has never been easier! We recommend professional templates for applicants applying to fields like law , business, education , healthcare, finance, accounting , or real estate. 

Fill in your details, save, download and export your CV to help land your next job interview in 2024! Our expert-approved guides and CV templates make the process simple and easy. Edit this Education CV example to build an incredible CV in less than ten minutes. We'll show you how!

Creative CV Templates

Elevate your CV with our innovative and exciting creative CVs! With bold font styles, captivating headers, and vibrant colour themes set against dynamic, patterned backdrops, our creative CV templates are good options for creative professionals such as artists, designers , photographers, actors, and individuals in other related industries.

Fill in your details, save, download and export your CV to help land your next job interview in 2024! Our expert-approved guides and CV templates make the process simple and easy. Edit this Graphic Designer CV example to build an incredible CV in less than ten minutes. We'll show you how!

Modern CV Templates

If you're on the hunt for a contemporary-come-classic CV, look no further than our modern CV templates! With engaging designs, neat section divisions and alluring colour schemes, our modern templates will take your CV to the next level. We recommend our modern CVs to professionals in IT , engineering , marketing , administration , HR, and sales .

Fill in your details, save, download and export your CV to help land your next job interview in 2024! Our expert-approved guides and CV templates make the process simple and easy. Edit this Marketing CV example to build an incredible CV in less than ten minutes. We'll show you how!

Simple CV Templates

For candidates seeking a CV without too much fuss or flair, a simple CV template may be your best bet! With a balanced blend of colour and subtle design features, our simple CV templates are ideal for individuals working in hospitality , retail , transportation, or those pursuing education or internships .

Fill in your details, save, download and export your CV to help land your next job interview in 2024! Our expert-approved guides and CV templates make the process simple and easy. Edit this Internship CV example to build an incredible CV in less than ten minutes. We'll show you how!

What should I look for in a CV template? 

Exceptional CV templates should feature well-structured sections and flawless formatting. 

It’s important that your CV adequately conveys your professional experiences and skills to capture the attention of potential employers. Let's explore the essential elements to include in a CV: 

• An attention-grabbing header: Your CV header lets employers know how to get in touch with you, so it's important to include an accurate, up-to-date email address and phone number. Since your CV header is also one of the most important design elements in your CV, be sure to choose a header that is both attractive and appropriate for the job role you're applying for.
• Clear structure: A great CV template should prioritise readability. After all, no one wants to read a CV with poor formatting, awkward spacing and too much text! We make customising your CV a breeze in our online CV builder . Say, see ya later to frustrating formatting with one of our professional CV templates!
• Professional fonts and colours: It's best to select a sensible font that falls within the 10-12 point range. While it seems a little obvious, be sure to avoid using fonts that are hard to read. We also recommend choosing a professional colour scheme that aligns with the company you’re applying to – researching the company can go a long way!
• An appropriate file format: Make sure to read the job description carefully and download your CV in the format version the employer is looking for. When in doubt, PDF is generally the best option for emailing, printing, and uploading to online application portals.

CV FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is cvapp.nz free .

At cvapp.nz we offer a free version of our CV builder, but we also offer exclusive, premium features with our paid subscription plans. Click here for more information on our pricing.

What are employers looking for in a CV?

Generally speaking, employers prefer CVs that are well-structured with written content that is appropriate and relevant to the job role. While a dazzling CV design can help create a polished, professional job application, your written content is the most important part of a CV. 

For this reason, we always recommend tailoring your CV to the specific job role and including keywords from the job description where possible. Beware of including generic content – seasoned recruiters know when a CV has been rushed or copy-and-pasted!

How many jobs should I list on my CV?

We recommend only including relevant employment experiences from within the last ten years. 

If you're a student or a recent graduate , we recommend including a minimum of three job roles. As you advance in your career, consider replacing less relevant positions with more notable jobs.

How long should my CV be?

We generally recommend keeping your CV to one page . There are certain instances where a longer CV is recommended, for example applicants who are applying for careers in academia or executive -level jobs may need a longer CV.

Should I put my home address on my CV?

Adding a street address to your CV is not recommended. It's best to only include an email address and phone number, unless employers have specifically requested your mailing address. If you prefer, you can include a city or region in your header. 

How many bullet points should I have in my CV?

When building your employment history section, it's best to include 4-5 bullet points. 

The main thing to remember is that it's quality over quantity: only include the most relevant details, and don't forget to use strong action verbs when describing your key responsibilities. In total, your CV should include around 10-12 bullet points. 

How do I write a personal statement? 

An effective CV personal statement , also known as a professional summary, should elaborate on your relevant professional experience, achievements, or qualifications. 

While this section should be brief and no more than 4-5 sentences, it's important that your personal statement accurately demonstrates your professional personality and potential. For more inspiration on how to create a compelling personal statement, check out our CV examples in our online CV builder .

How should I list skills on my CV?

The skills section of your CV outlines your current professional strengths, and it should include a mix of both soft skills and hard skills . Soft skills refer to more interpersonal skills , whereas hard skills refer to more practical abilities. For more specialised roles, you may need to include more specific, technical skills . 

It’s important that the skills you list are relevant to the job you’re applying for, so be sure to read the job description to review what skills are required for the position. 

Try our professional CV builder now!