Trades CV New Zealand — How to Write a CV for Trades Jobs in NZ

Trade CVs in New Zealand need to be clean, honest, and specific about your qualifications and experience. Trades employers typically spend less than a minute on a CV — they want to know immediately whether you are qualified, experienced, and available.

Trades CV — Length and Format

One to two pages maximum. Trades CVs do not need to be long — they need to be clear and accurate. Calibri or Arial font, clean layout, white background, no graphics or tables.

Qualifications and Certifications — Put These First

For any licensed trade, your qualifications go immediately below your contact details — before work experience. Include: trade qualification name, NZQA level, institution, year. Then licence status (if applicable): e.g., "Registered Electrician (Licensed Electrical Inspector)" with registration number. NZ trades employers check this first.

Work Experience in a Trades CV

List employers, role title, and dates. Then describe: type of work (residential, commercial, industrial, maintenance), scale of projects, specific equipment or systems you worked with, and any supervisory or training responsibilities. Be honest about the scope of your experience.

What Trades Employers Look for in NZ

• Correct NZ trade registration or licence (mandatory for licensed trades)
• Current first aid certificate
• Full clean NZ driver licence
• Health and Safety competency — HS&E certificate or NZQA unit standards
• Physical fitness and ability to work in varied environments

Where to Apply for Trades Jobs in NZ

SEEK NZ and TradeMe Jobs are the primary platforms. Also check direct employer websites for large construction companies (Fletcher Building, Hawkins, Naylor Love), facilities management firms, and infrastructure contractors who often hire directly.