Don’t Feel Like an Interview? Check Out Easy Jobs to Get in New Zealand
The thought of going through a whole job application and interview process is often daunting. After all, a gap year is all about you, so you may want to take it easy on the job search and go for the jobs easy to get in New Zealand. Sometimes, the best place to work in New Zealand is the place where the job will be handed out to you.
“Is it easy to get a job in New Zealand?” is probably one of the most asked questions we receive from working holidaymakers. The good news is that, yes, it is very easy to get a job in New Zealand! Some of the jobs below are in such a high demand that employers will give a shot to anyone who just shows up. Many jobs are just based on good vibes and personality, so rock up, be yourself, be awesome, and get the job. Either way, it is a piece of cake to secure a long or short-term position in those industries as long as you have a visa that allows you to work in New Zealand, a bank account, and an IRD number.
For an easy job search during your working holiday in New Zealand, consider the jobs below and/or head to our Job Listing page.
1. Food Manufacturing
In high demand from Auckland to Hokitika and many more amazing locations across the North and South Islands, food manufacturing roles such as packers, baggers, trimmers, cleaners and product handlers are easy jobs to get in New Zealand. These seasonal jobs give working holidaymakers and backpackers the opportunity to make some quick money for a minimum of one month (and with pay above minimum wage), so it’s easy to fund the next NZ adventure. Work with a team of like-minded individuals. Plus, if you want to stay on, global food marketing businesses like Silver Fern Farms strive to continuously upskill their staff and provide an excellent opportunity for long-term work with a progressive company.
Check out jobs with Silver Fern Farms today over at careers.silverfernfarms.com.
2. Construction Worker
Often advertised through recruitment agencies, construction jobs are one of the easiest jobs to get in the country. With a booming housing market and the rebuilding of both Christchurch and Kaikoura, helping hands-on construction sites are badly needed. Expect high pay, no experience required, and an immediate start. If you are still feeling stressed about landing that job, check out more information on how to get a job in New Zealand in our job search tips article.
3. Bartender
Unlike many other countries, a bar manager in New Zealand has to hold a special bartending license or certificate. But being a bartender in many places requires little experience (and a three-day bartender course in Auckland with Barista Academy will give you a boost, especially if you’re just starting out). Most of the time, bartending jobs are gained by having a certain personality, then you will learn the skills on the job. It’s likely that you will have a hard time to get a job as a bartender if you don’t speak English well. Consider studying English before applying. Other than that, being a bartender with an accent is probably one of the best jobs in New Zealand.
4. Picker or Packer
Probably the easiest type of jobs in New Zealand to get! When New Zealand hits picking season, there is a huge demand for willing workers to head to the fields and harvest all sorts of fruit, from grapes to apples to kiwifruit and even stone fruits. Transportation and availability are pretty much all that’s required from you. Can you get to this place at this time? If yes, you can become a fruit picker!
5. Brewery Worker
With more than 160 breweries in New Zealand, you’ll get many opportunities to work in microbreweries around the country. Should it simply be as a helping hand cleaning around the factory, a bottler checker, or a packer, interviews are simply a discussion about beer just to get a good vibe from you. When asking what is the best place to work in New Zealand, breweries are often on top of the list for their good vibes alone.
6. Farming Hand
Farming is one of the largest industries in New Zealand, so it comes as no surprise that a couple of agricultural jobs make it onto this list. First up is farming hand. Helping out with almost everything from fencing to lambing, you will be a huge relief to the farmer that hires you. The interview process? A few questions about your work ethic and your ability to work early morning.
7. WWOOFer
WWOOFing or working for accommodation is a huge thing in New Zealand. Its a much more casual agreement between workers and employers mostly based on a reciprocal exchange of services. Its a lifestyle more than a career but we guarantee that the experience will be memorable. For this kind of job, aside from a profile on one of the WWOOFing website and a few messages, you won’t need much effort in the job application stage.
8. Fundraiser
If you feel like having valuable work experience in your CV after your gap year, consider doing something good like fundraising. In helping major non-profit organisations raising funds for their different campaigns you will earn a great income, feel good about your job, and be able to add a great asset to your CV that will stand out when hitting the job market back home.
9. Tourism Jobs
One of New Zealand’s largest industries provides jobs for thousands of international travellers each year. The ability to speak multiple languages and relate to international travellers is very much needed in New Zealand for jobs such as receptionist, front-of-house, guides, promo staff, etc. Again, good vibes and a great personality is all you need in many circumstances to get one of the best jobs in New Zealand. Those jobs are super easy to land, especially with our guide on how to get a job in New Zealand.
10. Housekeeper
Although tourism jobs are easy to get in New Zealand there is probably no job easier to get than housekeeping. With a huge amount of accommodation available countrywide, hotels, motels, hostels, resorts and holiday parks are constantly looking for staff to help them get their rooms ready for their next guests. No experience needed, just a keen eye for detail and a bit of time management skills.
11. Au Pair
We are closing this list of easy-to-get jobs in New Zealand with what is probably the most iconic gap year job: Au Pair. Especially in demand early in the year, Au Pair jobs are incredibly easy to get as they are often handed to Au Pair agencies that will make sure you fit the job. Driving training, first aid course and a profile will be provided so you are matched with your perfect family.
Author
Robin C.
This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before calling New Zealand home. He has now spent over a decade in the New Zealand tourism industry, clocking in more than 600 activities across the country. He is passionate about sharing those experiences and advice on NZ Pocket Guide and its YouTube channel. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides.