Creating a New Zealand Style CV Format for 2025 — A Complete Guide
Thinking of working in New Zealand? 🇳🇿 If so, it’s crucial to adapt your CV to fit the New Zealand CV style — clear, concise, and focused. Kiwi employers prefer a simple CV that’s easy to scan, with relevant skills and experience upfront.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to craft a winning New Zealand CV, plus free templates to get started!
What Is the New Zealand CV Format?
In New Zealand, recruiters want to see short, targeted CVs. Forget long, generic documents — your CV should quickly show what you can do and how you’ve done it.
✅ Key points:
✏️ Two Main Types of New Zealand CVs
👉 1️⃣ Skills-focused CV
Perfect for: Career changers, new graduates, or people with gaps in work history.
👉 2️⃣ Work-focused CV
Perfect for: People progressing in the same field who want to showcase solid work experience.
📌 Tip: You can download official NZ Government CV templates for both types here: careers.govt.nz.
📄 Make Your CV Easy to Read
Keep it clean and professional:
✔️ Use a simple black font in one size
✔️ Write short sentences and break text into sections
✔️ Use bullet points
✔️ Keep it formal — no slang or jargon
✔️ Don’t use photos or images
✔️ Use clear headings and white space
✔️ Aim for 2 pages max
📁 Which File Format? PDF or JPG?
Many employers prefer a PDF, but sometimes they may request a JPG. Have both ready to go — it shows you’re prepared.
🗂️ What to Include in a New Zealand CV
✅ Full name and contact details
✅ Technical and personal skills
✅ Work, community, and volunteer experience
✅ Qualifications and education
✅ Referees — or mention “Available on request”
Optional extras:
❌ What NOT to Include in a NZ CV
🚫 Photos or fancy designs
🚫 Date of birth, marital status, religion, or bank details
🚫 Unprofessional email addresses
🚫 Irrelevant hobbies or outdated experience
🚫 Spelling mistakes or excessive text
🚫 Fake information
✏️ Should You Add an Objective or Personal Statement?
Yes! A short, clear objective helps employers understand what type of work you’re after and what industry you’re targeting.
📝 Referees: Who to List
Always include at least two referees:
✔️ Your current manager or supervisor
✔️ Another employer, teacher, or professor
Include their full name, job title, company, phone number, and email.
📂 Download Free NZ CV Templates
Save time with the New Zealand CV templates provided by the official NZ Government. They’re easy to edit and proven to work!
👉 Get templates here
💻 Build Your CV Online
Try the New Zealand CV Builder to make a professional CV fast. It’s simple, free, and tailored to New Zealand employers.
💡 Final Tips for Your New Zealand CV
✔️ Keep it short and relevant
✔️ Back up your skills with real examples
✔️ Include your referees
✔️ Put yourself in the employer’s shoes — what would they want to see?
✔️ Always check for typos and errors
✔️ Attach a strong cover letter
For more free advice and tools, visit careers.govt.nz.
✨ Ready to apply for your dream job in New Zealand? Follow this guide, use the free templates, and stand out to Kiwi employers in 2024! 🇳🇿💼
