Here, immigrants from different professions share how they manage to find a job and build a career in a new country. To make the stories complete and detailed, we ask each guest the same set of questions — the very questions people always want to ask those who dared to change their country, language, and often even their field or profession.
In Russia, Aleksandra Vorobyova worked as a Finance Business Partner. In New Zealand, she is restarting her career one step below her previous role, as a Finance Analyst.
Background. Aleksandra Vorobyova, 34 years. Holds a degree in Taxation from the Far Eastern branch of RANEPA and a British CIMA certification (The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants). In Russian spent the first 5 years analyzing large investment projects, followed by 6 years in corporate finance. In New Zealand since 2023.
Where were you when you started looking for a job in New Zealand?
I was already in New Zealand on an open work visa as a partner. My husband transferred to the New Zealand office of his company.
It’s generally believed that an open work visa makes job hunting much easier. However, my impression was that some employers don’t fully understand the hiring process for foreigners and only consider candidates with residency or citizenship. I included my visa type in my CV and sometimes in cover letters, but I still received rejection emails saying, “We’d be happy to consider your application once you gain the right to work in New Zealand.” I had to explain several times that an open work visa grants the same employment rights as residency.
Do you have any local education?
No, I don’t. My base education didn’t really affect my job search. What’s more important in my field is professional certification.
I hold the British CIMA, but surprisingly, it’s not well known in New Zealand. The most recognized certification here is the CA ANZ (Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand), which even gives 6 points toward residency under the Skilled Migrant Category. The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) from the US is also common and highly valued.
CA and CPA focus more on technical accounting, whereas CIMA is geared toward business strategy and financial leadership. Interestingly, even entry-level finance roles in New Zealand often require professional certification. I checked the job ads: for every 200 listings asking for CPA, only about 10 mentioned CIMA as an acceptable qualification.
In Europe, CIMA is very popular, and since we initially considered moving to Europe, I chose that route. The program has 3 levels with 3 exams and a case study each, and took me three years to complete. Until 2022, the exams could be taken in Russia, some even in Russian — now that’s no longer possible for Russian professionals.
Did you have any local experience like volunteering or part-time jobs?
No. At first, I looked into part-time options but realized I was overqualified for most of them. So I focused right away on the type of job I actually wanted.
What roles did you apply for, and how did they relate to your past experience?
I took a structured approach. First, I analyzed the market and job listings. I found that I could realistically apply for four roles:
- Finance Manager
- Finance Business Partner
- Finance Analyst
- Management Accountant
I created multiple CV versions: one for Finance Business Partner and Management Accountant (same version), and different ones for the other two roles. In total, six CV variations.
I also tried to adapt my Russian-style resume to New Zealand standards — adjusting block order, emphasis, etc. However, within two weeks, I saw that my original (pre-migration) resumes performed better than the adapted ones.
Over time, I narrowed my focus. For example, I didn’t get any traction as a Management Accountant. Probably because employers expect local accounting knowledge. I got some interest as a Finance Manager, but realized that my English level wasn’t strong enough for that role. It involved leading a team, doing presentations, and discussing complex business matters.
Eventually, after several interviews, I concluded that Finance Analyst was the most realistic target for now. It’s a step down from my last role in Russia, which was as a Finance Business Partner in the corporate center of Gazprom Neft
Which job search channels did you use, and which were the most effective?
My main platforms were Seek and LinkedIn. I hadn’t really used LinkedIn before, but a few months before actively job hunting, I updated my profile to say I was seeking work in New Zealand and began building it up.
I started small — just commenting daily on professional English-language posts. Then I began adding New Zealand finance professionals to my network. Writing connection messages was hard at first, but over several months I managed to add 200–300 finance specialists from New Zealand.
That strategy paid off. Two agency recruiters and one internal recruiter found me via LinkedIn and moved me forward in their hiring process. After each interview, I added my new contacts to my network — which ultimately led to the job offer.
I also joined Russian-speaking professional communities and attended industry events, not necessarily to find a job, but to broaden my network and better understand the local industry.
How many jobs did you apply to? How many interviews and offers did you get? How long did it take?
I’m an analyst, so I enjoyed tracking my job search data. Here’s my final funnel:
- Applications sent: 156
- HR phone screens: 25 (16%)
- Test assignments + interviews with managers: 5 companies (20%)
- Offers: 1 (20%)
- Search period: Oct 1, 2023 – Feb 16, 2024
Interestingly, the first company I applied to was also the first one where I had a manager interview. They rejected me in October. But in late January, a manager from the same company messaged me on LinkedIn to say they were opening a new role and asked if I’d be interested. On Feb 9, their HR called, Feb 12 I had the interview, and Feb 15 they requested references.
I asked two former colleagues to act as referees — they filled out a detailed questionnaire and verified their identities via LinkedIn. The next day, I received the official offer, and we signed the contract.
That’s how I became a Finance Analyst at Mitre10, a major NZ home improvement retail chain with 10,000 employees. I work in the finance and accounting division with 200 people, about 80% of whom are immigrants.
How does job searching in New Zealand differ from your home country?
On a global level — not much. But for me personally, the difference was that back in Russia, I already had a network and could get job offers through connections. In New Zealand, I had to start from scratch, as if I’d gone back six years in my career.
After receiving my first feedback emails, I realized my resume was fine. However, I needed to focus more on interview skills in English. I wrote out answers to common questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result — a popular behavioral interview format). I recorded myself on video and audio, working to make my answers more concise and to the point.
While doing chores or commuting, I listened to videos and podcasts about interviewing for finance roles to get used to local phrases and vocabulary. Working with recruitment agencies also helped a lot. It’s free interview practice with real industry professionals. They gave me valuable feedback, both good and bad.
One insight from a recruiter stood out and shaped how I approached interviews:
In New Zealand, they don’t just hire the specialist — they hire the person. You need to fit in with the team’s culture, which means showing your personality, not just your skills.
After that, I noticed nearly every interview included a question like: “Tell us about yourself as a person, not a professional.” I began mentioning that I love swimming, and New Zealand gives me wonderful opportunities for that hobby.
What was your level of English when you started job hunting?
My English was a shaky B2. Lots of grammar mistakes, especially when speaking, because I often think faster than I can talk.
Language was a major stress factor for me and definitely added to my anxiety. Some interviews went very poorly simply because my English failed me on those days.
Later I realized that the hardest part isn’t work-related communication, but informal interactions with colleagues. When you’re discussing a work issue, it’s easy to ask for clarification. But it’s much more uncomfortable in situations like this: coworkers invite you for coffee, everyone’s chatting, and suddenly someone asks about your weekend plans. And I’ve understood maybe 30% of what was said before that.
What has changed in your career since then? What role did your first job play in that?
Right now, I’m going through what I call cultural adaptation. The work-life balance in New Zealand is heavily tilted toward life, especially compared to my past experience. One of the biggest differences is how sacred weekends and personal time are here. I feel like I’ve landed at the opposite end of the balance scale.
Back in Russia, working around the clock was normal. We literally pulled all-nighters if deadlines were tight. Here, everyone gets up at 4 PM and goes home.
I’ve never been given a task with a deadline here. One morning, a task came in marked “very urgent.” I asked what that meant. Because to me, it meant “drop everything and do it immediately”. But actually, they expected it by the end of the day, and I didn’t need to delay other tasks.
Another thing I’ve noticed is what I call the “naïve ecosystem”. New Zealand doesn’t experience crises nearly as often as Russia does. On the one hand, working through crisis is something I pitched as a strength, and some coworkers are eager to learn from my experience. On the other hand, I get feedback that I’m “unusually strict, firm, structural, and challenging.” And that doesn’t always help with career growth here.
In my first days at work, I actively asked for feedback, encouraging colleagues to correct me if I was being too blunt or missing cultural context. I even told my manager directly:
“I’m going through cultural adaptation. I need help with that.” He was surprised — he had never received a request like that — but he was understanding.
Sometimes, I sense tension from colleagues due to my assertive style. But I also get strong support. For instance, some teams from other departments prefer to work with our finance function through me, saying they appreciate my responsiveness and attention to detail and deadlines.
My goal is to return to a managerial/team lead position in the next 2–2.5 years once I improve my English and cultural fluency. Long term (10–15 years), I still aim to become a CFO — that’s always been my vision.
I don’t necessarily need more education for that path, but I’m considering doing CPA. Still deciding whether it’s worth it.
How do you see your path to residency and citizenship in New Zealand?
Through the Skilled Migrant Category. I had my education assessed by NZQA. It’s recognized as Level 9. I’m currently just one point short of the 6 points needed to apply for residency. I’ll get that point after one year of work experience in New Zealand.
What’s your practical advice for those currently looking for their first job in New Zealand?
Do thorough market research, stay open to working with recruitment agencies, and try to enjoy the process.
Also, the classic advice: check your ego. In most cases, immigration comes with a step back, if not in role and responsibility, then in how you’re perceived in the job market. Yes, maybe recruiters used to chase you in your home country, but here you have to prove your skills and compete under totally new rules.
Those who embrace this challenge with a positive and humble mindset will have a big advantage.
P.S. The Kiwi Education editorial team is always looking for new heroes for our “First Job in New Zealand” series.
If you’d like to share your career story or recommend someone — reach out to our editor Yulya at [email protected].
