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Country resume guides

Resume and CV guide for New Zealand

How resumes and CVs are written in New Zealand: typical length (2–3 pages), photo expectations, date format (DD/MM/YYYY), education conventions and a builder configured for the New Zealand market.

New Zealand employers usually ask for a CV — commonly written as “CV”. What that document looks like locally differs from the generic advice you will find elsewhere, so the details below describe practice in New Zealand specifically.

At a glance

  • Document: CV (CV)
  • Typical length: 2–3 pages
  • Date format: DD/MM/YYYY
  • Phone format: +64 21 123 4567
  • Photo: generally left out
  • Page size: A4 (210 × 297 mm)
  • Most common language of application: en

Length expectations in New Zealand

Two to three pages; longer CVs are normal for academic applications.

Photos

Not expected in mainstream applications.

Professional summary

A short paragraph about your specialty and what you bring.

Education

NCEA levels, trades qualifications and degrees are all listed with dates.

Work experience

Include referee contact details when the posting asks for them.

Format and delivery

A4 paper, day/month/year dates, and NZ region names with the city.

Common sections used in New Zealand

  • Summary
  • Experience
  • Education
  • Skills
  • References
  • Interests

General career guidance based on common practice — not legal, immigration or hiring compliance advice. Expectations vary by employer, industry and seniority.

Build for this market

Pick New Zealand in the builder and the date format, address order, phone guidance and page size adjust accordingly. Section headings stay in your chosen language.