Place NZ prior to any offer toward IT talent

Place NZ prior to any offer toward IT talent says global fin-tech entrepreneur.

Global fin-tech entrepreneur, AJ Smith, claimed a major tack still missing in attracting high impact IT talent to our shores was the firm placement of New Zealand’s lifestyle before any formal offer – not simply a bonus to the career opportunity.

A native South African, Mr Smith’s comments were made during his second appearance as part of the televised and online leadership initiative, Leaders Review.

“I’ve recruited in all different ways, and then I started to test a little bit (with) Brand New Zealand...living In New Zealand, and the lifestyle in New Zealand,” says the owner of over 40 global companies, including fin-tech specialist, VerifyUnion.

“Instead of starting with ‘What’s your salary?...your expectations?” we say
‘Would you like to join us in NZ?’ and people’s reactions are very positive.”

“Its a totally different conversation.”

“I was aware that Brand NZ was very strong...I might be a little bullish about it (now) because I have seen the results of it.”

People who didn’t have immediate access to NZ’s lifestyle as well as business resources actually weighed their decisions heavily on such factors claims
Mr Smith. “Working in New Zealand is a previledge.”

He described people in his industry as in high demand anywhere in the world, and while he could match other international competitors for talent with normal career levers, such factors no longer formed the basis of opening communications.

Attracting a talent-base with the world already as their oyster, Mr Smith added that he was now very much using ‘the location’ as his central attraction, and point of difference.

“New Zealand, itself, also adds value to our business,” he said.

What: Leaders Review Focus Points (2018 series). Short-form video series of public service videos for business, by invited New Zealand business leaders (televised and online).

Where/When: On-demand at LeadersReview.co.nz as well as series’ signature TVC spots broadcast on TV3, regularly leading the breaks just before the AM Show’s 7AM national news bulletins.

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