Entries by Luana

A BIG Meitaki Maata to local law firm, Little & Matysik P.C for this glowing testimonial of our service.

"Cook Islands Jobs has been extremely responsive and resourceful in helping us identify great candidates locally and abroad.

We found it easy and hassle-free working with Cook Islands Jobs. We recently hired a junior lawyer (a local who has just finished his studies abroad) who responded through the job advertisement on their website. Cook Islands Jobs provide an efficient and cost effective service and we would not hesitate to use them in the future." -Little & Matysik P.C

To list your jobs, please visit www.cookislandsjobs.com today!

Every now and again we get feedback about our site that makes it all worthwhile. We'd like to say a big meitaki maata to John for this message and encourage all of you who have made the move home to let us know so we can share your story too!

"Kia Orana, I just wanted to say thank you to Cook Island Jobs. I saw a job advertised via your website. I applied and am pleased to let you know that I am now here working in the Cook Islands. As a NZ born Cook Islander, I did not know whether I could make the transition, but so far so good. While I was offered the role several months ago, I did have to work out a 3months notice back in NZ. Having only arrived on the island on the 3rd Jan 2016. Thank you again, for having a website like this available. Kia Manuia John Snowball "

Got a big job interview coming up? Been wondering what you should focus your prep on? Below are the top 10 interview questions asked worldwide.

The interviewers are there to find out more about you, and hopefully to offer you a job so remember to relax, sell your skills and refer to the job description wherever you can. Generally they will stick a variation of the below questions so study up and be ready to impress!

1. What Are Your Weaknesses?
This is the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your strengths but don't go overboard. No one appreciates the old line "I'm too (insert quality here) for my own good". Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: "I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very helpful."

2. Why should we hire you?
This is where you can summarise your achievements- focus on specific roles or areas that are relevant to the role.

3. Why do you want to work here?
This is where you can flatter the ego of the boss if she or he is in the room. "I've always admired the ethics of this company..." , "I've heard this is a great team to work in..." or focus on your specific skills/interests that would fit here "I'm passionate about... and this is the perfect place to launch my career"

4. What Are Your Goals?
You can come prepared with a short,medium and long term goal which will show forward thinking and great planning skills.

5. Why Did You Leave (Or Why Are You Leaving) Your Job?
NEVER state a negative here, even if the employer may know the real reason e.g. relationship breakdown. Focus on what a new role can offer you that your old one didn't e.g. "I wanted to focus on X area and develop my skills in that area further and there wasn't an opportunity to do that at my past role" or "I would like to be a little more challenged / take on more of a leadership role than I had before."

6. When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job?
The interviewer wants to know what motivates you. If you can relate an example of a job or project when you were excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences. "I was very satisfied in my last job, because I worked directly with the customers and their problems; that is an important part of the job for me."

7. What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can't?
What makes you unique? This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarize concisely: "I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly."

8. What Are Three Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You?
It's time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss's quotes. This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone else's words: "My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humor."

9. What Salary Are You Seeking?
Jobs advertised on our site are required to list a salary band. Have a look at what band the position is in and do some research on similar roles in other organisations. You should always go in prepared with a figure. Be prepared for some negotiation so asking a for a slightly higher figure than what you're happy with is fairly standard. 5-10% is acceptable.

10. If You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Want to Be?
Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer "a bunny," you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer "a lion," you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality would it take to get the job done? What impression do you want to make?

Did you know that every week over 900 of our nearest and dearest followers get the latest jobs in paradise delivered straight to their inbox?

If you're still checking out our site every day looking for your next career move, make sure you sign up for our free weekly emails on our Facebook page

The service is completely free and helps keep you ahead of the pack with the latest opportunities!

So join the nearly 1000 other jobseekers out there and stay in the loop with Cook Islands Jobs.com!

Did you know that every week over 900 of our nearest and dearest followers get the latest jobs in paradise delivered straight to their inbox?

If you're still checking out our site every day looking for your next career move, make sure you sign up for our free weekly emails on our Facebook page or by using the link below:


CLICK HERE

The service is completely free and helps keep you ahead of the pack with the latest opportunities!

So join the nearly 1000 other jobseekers out there and stay in the loop with Cook Islands Jobs.com!

The Kiwi dream, big money, lots of material widgets, keeping up with the “Joneses”, Wife/Husband, family and your typical ¼ acre section with a house and white picket fence.
Sound like you? Reality check – Money not nearly as good as you would like, struggle to keep up with the “Joneses” and ¼ acre section is a rental or if you are lucky enough to own your home it most certainly wouldn’t be on a ¼ acre! Don’t get me wrong, I lived that life and loved it. So what changed? Simple, I have options and one being the ability for myself and my young family to live a life free of material effects, free of expectations and a simple way of life here in the Cook Islands.
We often go through life without a thought to what if’s or is this it? With the experience I gained in New Zealand I managed to obtain a great position at a reputable Company and I have not looked back! My life has changed for the better. I have more time for my family, I am in a great environment and whilst I certainly am not earning the same as if I was in New Zealand, I am home! I am reconnecting with my Island heritage and the way of life. My children who are four and six years of age live life as it was 30 years ago in New Zealand. Less time on electrical devises and more about being outside and allowed to be kids, less rules!
Life is busy on the “Rock”. We do social events extremely well and there is always some excuse to enjoy the many foods available on the Island! When I’m not working or being social, living in the Cooks has allowed me to venture into building my own home! That is something I could never achieve back in New Zealand.
So how did this journey start? At first I struggled to look for work through traditional channels such as newspapers etc. but all that changed when Cook Island Jobs started their website to which I am so grateful for. The website is very easy to use, informative and is more than just a search engine for jobs. It also explains what is required in terms of eligibility to work in the Cook Islands or tips on applying for roles. The opportunities are so varied there is something for everyone! The process is painless and quick! www.cookislandsjobs.com is the door to paradise! Have to courage to open it and come on home!

Anthony is the Manager of Foodland Supermarket, and an integral part of the CITC team. Anthony, his wife and kids returned home to the Cook Islands to live and work in 2013. Welcome home Anthony!

Cook Islands Jobs was developed to help Kukis the world over find work right here at home. Being an online portal, naturally the door has opened up for other jobseekers dreaming of living and working here in paradise. Since its inception, we've been blown away buy the feedback we get from people locally and overseas who have found work through our website. Here's a wee message from Kathryn we'd like to share with you.

"I just wanted to say -- THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR WEBSITE! I have been wanting to move to the Cook Islands ever since my first visit there in 2003, and after applying for one of your positions, I have now accepted an offer and am moving there in late June. You have helped make my dream come true and I can't thank you enough for that!" - Kathryn

Meitaki Maata to Puai Wichman of Ora Fiduciary Ltd for this testimonial of our services!

"Thank you Cook Islands Jobs. We had been seeking an Accountant for nearly 6 months without success, utilising newspaper advertising, word of mouth, and even reaching out to the Human Resources Division within the Education Dept looking for recent graduates.

We could not believe how difficult it was to find Accountants on Rarotonga. To our amazement, within 24 hours of posting on Cook Islands Jobs, we had two qualified applicants willing to work within our proposed salary band!

We had to close the job offer after only one week, as we received more qualified applications within days of the posting. We should have used Cook Islands Jobs much earlier and highly recommend them to other employers. "

- Puai Wichman, Managing Director, Ora Fiduciary.

Last week Cook Islands Jobs was part of the Cook Islands Careers Expo for the first time ever. An event that happens every two years rather than annually because of lack of resources and logistical troubles getting our students from the Pa Enua (outer islands) to Rarotonga.

The event starting off with a speech by the Prime Minister to over 300 students attending from Rarotonga and the Pa Enua from year 10-year 13. Students had an opportunity to peruse the various booths offering pathways in education and career opportunities.

We were so pleased to see a number of students use our laptop and apply for roles then and there and hundreds more sign up for our weekly emails and job alerts. Most students also took advantage of our free CV resources which we had on hand as well as online for students to utilise.

The highlight of the day for me was a year 12 student searching for roles online at our booth. When she came across a CEO position based in Rarotonga, she said ¨that's the job I want!¨

If these guys (and girls) are our future, then the future looks bright.

Looking for a job can be a tricky process, this we know. From navigating the minefield of the perfect cover letter to nailing the interview process, we know sometimes it can feel like there's no method to the madness. But guess what? There actually is.

Sure individual employers may look for a different set of skills or personality traits than the next, but here are a few tips that will help you no matter what the job, industry or level.

1. Have a professional email address. We cannot stress this enough! You might not think your cute email address lazypants_84 will even be noticed by a potential employer. Think again. Your email address is the first insight an employer gets into your personality, don't kill your chances of an interview with a silly email address.

2. Tweak your CV to suit the role. In this day in age, it isn't uncommon for folks to switch jobs every few years. This can end up making your CV read like a novel if you let it. Weed out the roles or educational experience that doesn't fit with the role. For example, that part time role you had through highschool is probably not relevant to an employer interviewing you for a senior management position at a bank. For more tips on CV writing check out our Resources page.

3. Make sure your cover letter states which role you're applying for. Too many times we've seen a cover letter or application cover page come through with a totally different position to the one you're actually applying for. We know it can be a long process, but don't get lazy here.

4. Make sure your Facebook photo is decent. More and more employers are looking to social media to give them an insight into the types of candidates that are applying to work for them. If you know you're applying for a job, think about the kinds of photos that potential employers may see.

5. Follow up. Especially here in the Cooks we have a tendency to let things take their time, but the recruitment process shouldn't be that way. If you haven't heard back from an employer, give them a call or email and ask when they think a decision may be made. If their contact isn't available, email us and we'll pass on your enquiry. This shows you're keen and proactive and may just land you an interview!

If you'd like advice on your jobsearch or more information on CVs, interviews and cover letters, please email us at jobs@cookislandsjobs.com for more info.

We love hearing from employers who've found the perfect candidate through our website. Here's a wee testimonial from Debbie of Lagoon Breeze Villas. For more info on listing your roles, please visit http://cookislandsjobs.com/listjob.php

"We recently advertised with Cook Island Jobs for a new Reception/Reservations position. We felt the Web/Print Package was reasonably priced and offered us the coverage we required. Within minutes of registering we had confirmation from Luana and within only a few hours we were receiving CV's from potential applicants. The applicants were of a very high standard and we are happy to say we found our new staff member within a few days and within a week we had secured the position.
Using Cook Islands Jobs was effortless, immediate and produced the results.
Thank you Luana."

Debbie Riechelmann - Owner/Manager
Lagoon Breeze Villas
Rarotonga

The lure of the city job, working 13 floors up in an open plan office overlooking the Auckland CBD might be ideal for many twenty-somethings. But I found that after two years of 1 hour bus commutes and many hours spent working overtime, I wanted something more. I needed better work/life balance, and I’m happy to say that I found it here in the paradise of Rarotonga.
With the help of Cook Islands Jobs I was able to browse through a number of potential roles, and there was quite the variety available. I applied for the position of Sales & Marketing Manager at CITC Liquor, and within a day received a reply from both Luana and the CITC’s HR department. From there, an interview was setup, references sought for and then in just a week - I had a new job in Rarotonga!
Six months on in my role and I’ve never looked back! It’s so relaxed here, no wonder we’ve got lots of New Zealand and Australian Cook Islanders such as myself coming back to their homeland. There’s always something to do on the rock - I’ve been snorkelling, on mountain walks, paddle boarding and even joined a social basketball team!
I feel like every day is one lived to the fullest in Rarotonga, so thanks Luana for having Cook Islands Jobs up to give us overseas-born Cook Islanders an opportunity to dig deeper in our roots and appreciate the lifestyle that is afforded to us in our homeland.

Kia Orana all and a very Meri Kirimiti (Merry Christmas) to you.

It has been an exciting year of growth for us here at Cook Islands Jobs. We've launched a tonne of new services to make the jobs search easier for you our Jobseekers and quicker and more accessible for our Employers.

As a result of this we've got a following of locally based Cook Islanders and folks from overseas religiously checking our site for the latest roles available. You can sign up for our weekly email with the latest roles on our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/comehomekukis) for FREE!

Christmas and the surrounding holidays is a time for reflection and appreciation so we'd like to say a huge thank you to all of you for supporting our business and helping us grow.

May you have a very Merry Christmas & of course a Happy New Year.

Gaye Whitta of CITC has won the Cook Islands Jobs.com October Employer of the Month competition. The monthly competition run by the website aims at highlighting good employment practice among our local bosses so that jobseekers can identify who they might prefer to work for.
Whitta, who oversees over 300 staff throughout the multiple CITC stores was nominated by employee and local pharmacist, Shannon Saunders who runs the CITC Pharmacy in Avarua. “My boss makes time for me. Time to foster, teach me and listen to my ideas and issues”. Amidst a number of other notable nominations this month, Gaye wins the Employer of the Month title because of the individual support she offer staff while managing such a large and diverse team.
In recognition of her supportive leadership style, Gaye wins prizes courtesy of Reefside Rarotonga, KiteSUP, Te Tika Skincare and VIP Hair Studio. Cook Islands Jobs would like to thank these businesses for supporting the initiative and getting behind us to help find the best bosses in the Cook Islands.
If you’d like to nominate your boss for the November/December Employer of the Month competition, check out the Cook Islands Jobs Facebook page or email jobs@cookislandsjobs.com for more info.

Local employment website, CookIslandsJobs.com has launched its October Employer of the Month competition. This will be the fourth month the competition has run. With support from other local businesses including KiteSUP, VIP Salon, CITC Pharmacy/ Te Tika and Reefside – there are some great prizes at stake!

Employees who have recognised good practice in their immediate Managers, owners of the company, CEOs or others in leadership positions in their place of work are encouraged to nominate someone they think deserves some credit for being a ‘great boss’. Nominating someone is easy you can do it via the Cook Islands Jobs Facebook page or email them to jobs@cookislandsjobs.com .
All you need to do is include your name, the person you are nominating’s name, where you work and a couple sentences about why you think they deserve the title.
As an incentive the person who nominates actually wins part of the prize pack too! In this case, they will receive a coffee voucher from Reefside and a free Te Tika facial courtesy of the girls at CITC Pharmacy.

The winning boss wins a free SUP paddle board session and a pair of jandals from KiteSUP, a cut/style with VIP Hair Salon, a free Te Tika facial, Reefside coffee voucher a free vacancy listing with Cook Islands Jobs and a framed certificate for their office.

Previous winners have been nominated for going above and beyond the expectations of a boss, supporting staff in times of distress, recognising great work with bonuses and regular recognition and contributing to the professional development of their staff by offering paid training opportunities.
“By recognising those great bosses in our community, we can encourage all employers to treat their staff with respect, courtesy and assist them in professional development initiatives. When we highlight good practice, it helps jobseekers when choosing what employers they want to work for.” Says Luana Scowcroft of Cook Islands Jobs.

Winners will be announced via Facebook on Monday 2th October and winners notified by email/Facebook. For more information contact Luana on jobs@cookislandsjobs.com