Jiaheng Li finished a master's degree in information technology at the University of Auckland. In six months of job hunting he has sent more than 500 applications, been invited to three interviews and received no offers, RNZ reported this week.
Li worked as a software developer in China before coming here. He has applied for software, IT help desk, phone repair and sales roles. "I think the biggest problem is that there are far fewer entry-level jobs now," he told RNZ. "Without local work experience, it's almost impossible to get your foot in the door."
He is not alone. New Zealand's unemployment rate rose to 5.7 percent in the September quarter, the highest in nearly 11 years. We covered the latest jobs figures last week.
Fewer graduate jobs, more competition
David Lacire, Auckland senior director at recruitment firm Robert Walters, told RNZ some major firms could be hiring 10 to 20 percent fewer graduates than in previous years, with AI and automation among the reasons.
Graduates are also up against people with one to three years' experience who have lost their jobs, he said.
AI is changing how hiring works on both sides. Job seekers use it to write CVs and cover letters, and employers use it to screen large numbers of applicants. Li told RNZ two employers had used AI chatbots for his first screening before he spoke to a person.
What international graduates are missing
Limited local work experience, visa conditions and a lack of professional contacts put international graduates behind domestic ones, university careers advisers told RNZ.
A spokesperson for the University of Auckland's Career Development and Employability Services said many jobs in New Zealand are found "through networks, recommendations and established relationships rather than formal recruitment processes alone".
"So, in that regard, international students are often on the back foot when compared to domestic students," the spokesperson said. Students had reported applying for many jobs and hearing nothing back.
Larisa Zhang, who has a master's in psychology from the same university, said many Chinese students arrive believing good grades and technical skills will be enough. Local students often know people in their industry through family friends, classmates or their community, she said. "For many Chinese students, we're essentially starting from zero."
What the people interviewed say helps
Build experience another way. The University of Auckland careers service suggested leadership programmes, volunteering and campus activities to build transferable skills employers look for.
Approach people directly. Lacire suggested contacting hiring managers through LinkedIn and going to meetups and industry events. Turning up is not enough, he said. Graduates need to join conversations and introduce themselves.
Work on communication. As AI takes over more routine tasks, Lacire said employers are putting more weight on communication and interpersonal skills alongside technical ability.
Treat networking as long-term. Zhang and her partner Jacob Bowie have started a training programme for Chinese graduates on the New Zealand job market. Bowie said the bigger value of a network is the knowledge you gain from people who know the local workforce, not only referrals.
Keep an eye on your visa
For international graduates, the job search runs against a visa clock. Check which visa you can move to before your student visa ends, and what work it allows.
- Our explainer on what to do when your student visa is ending sets out the main options.
- The post-study work visa is the main route for many graduates. Eligibility depends on your qualification.
- If you don't qualify, read about the short-term graduate work visa.
Immigration New Zealand's website has the current rules for each visa. If your situation is complicated, a licensed immigration adviser can help.
