Returning to Work in NZ After the Big OE

Returning to Work in NZ After the Big OE

Career Services launches job search guide for expat Kiwis heading home

Career Services has launched a new online guide to assist Kiwis returning from their Big OE with range of valuable career and resettlement information.

The new section of the Career Services web site, www.careers.govt.nz, called ‘Returning to New Zealand’, provides advice on things such as bringing home non-Kiwi partners and children and tips on dealing with “reverse culture shock”.

Career Services’ Deputy Chief Executive, Susan Kosmala, said the information was developed in response to a growing number of Kiwis abroad contemplating cutting short their OEs in the face of tough economic times and greater competition for jobs.

“The Big Overseas Experience is a rite of passage for many New Zealanders and while it certainly does broaden your horizons, it can also narrow your understanding of the current job market and environment back home,” says Ms Kosmala.

Ms Kosmala says that in December last year, Kiwis returning home outnumbered Kiwis leaving for overseas, according to Statistics New Zealand.

“Our Returning to New Zealand pages contain a wealth of information on everything from job hunting in the current environment to sorting your finances and documentation prior to coming home.”

The new information is presented in three practical sections:

• ‘Your career options in New Zealand’ gives advice about networking, attending interviews and updating your CV into a NZ style

• ‘Preparing for your return home’ provides checklists on the documents you’ll need when you get back to New Zealand, as well as background information on the labour market

• ’Reverse culture shock – what’s that?’ takes the experiences of everyday Kiwis who have returned to New Zealand and shares their stories about the challenges and benefits of coming home

Ms Kosmala says that the site is the ideal “go to” place for any Kiwi living overseas contemplating a return home.

“I would encourage anybody in this position to check out the new section online, and for parents here in New Zealand to make their children overseas aware of this resource,” said Ms Kosmala.

Visit Career Services’ web site www.careers.govt.nz or phone their advice line on 0800 222 733 to find out more. The information for returning New Zealanders can be found directly at www.careers.govt.nz/moving_to_nz.

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