What are employers looking for in New Zealand?

In the current market it is important to understand what employers are looking for to separate yourself from the average candidate and to stand out from the crowd.

We have recently talked about what candidates are seeking, how to improve your CV, and how to improve interview technique. This post will more specifically address the things employers are telling us they are looking for in candidates.

Problem solving

The education system in New Zealand has significant emphasis on teaching people how to learn, and how to solve problems. Our clients want people of all levels to be able to think for themselves and solve problems. Most managers in New Zealand will want to guide and mentor you, not micro-manage you.

Attitude

It is much easier to teach technical skills, than it is to change an employee’s attitude. Our customers are looking for people who are keen and interested in the job they have; they look for people with the drive to take on any task and the desire to take every opportunity to learn. Our clients are always looking for people who are adaptive, they seek self-starters, and employees who are prepared to take accountability. Businesses in the current New Zealand market are looking for candidates and employees who will go the extra mile to get the job done.

Curious minds, who are looking to develop

Similar to the above where clients want people who are willing to learn, our clients also like people who will ask “why?”. They like candidates who are looking to improve themselves and improve the company and the processes if they can.

A desire to put the client first/solve client problems

Not every role interacts with the customer directly, but many roles in organisations are involved in activities which will directly impact the customer, and often directly drive revenue. A candidate can set themselves apart if they understand this and take appropriate action with their priorities.

Business acumen

This is something which can set a good candidate apart, it is something a candidate can control. Business acumen is tough to define, but think about questions like: How does your role fit into the organisation in general? Who are the key internal and external stakeholders for your position? How do the different departments/functions of the organisation operate and interact? How does your company fit into the greater economy? How well can you deal with ambiguity? What is your general financial literacy?

To make your manager’s life easier

You are been hired to make your managers life easier, maybe the goal is to reduce pressure and work load on them or on the general team, possibly it is your job to free them up to focus on projects or bigger picture strategic thinking. Of course, you will have a defined job, but if you are eager to take on more responsibility, can you further reduce their workload and make their lives easier.

More of a focus on a Jack/Jill of all trades

According to MBIE 97% of New Zealand businesses have less than 20 employees. Information from Stats NZ in 2018 shows that businesses of less than 100 employees contributed almost 60% of New Zealand business sales . With all these small businesses there is often a need for people to wear multiple hats, and not be too specialist with their skills. This is both an attitude as well as a skill set to keep in mind. 

Ability to prepare and hit the ground running

In the current environment it is critical that new hires get up to speed quickly, some of this will come down to your new employer and some of it is down to you. How have you prepared for your new role before you have started? How do you quickly learn and up-skill in the initial weeks to get up to speed and show value?

There are many skills which might set you apart from other job seekers or even from other employees in your current company, and most of them will be hard to show on a CV, but they are skills you can be prepared to show in an interview and on a day-to-day basis in your new job. If you are seeking a new job or looking to hire a person who exhibits these qualities get in touch with us.