In a bid to attract top tech talent, New Zealand are offering free trips to the country – if you agree to a job interview.
As part of the capital city of Wellington’s drive to raise the profile of its tech industry, it has launched a “global talent attraction programme”. The city is hoping to bring in 100 new software developers, creative directors, product managers, analysts, and digital strategists from around the world to boost the country’s tech scene.
Wellington is already home to high-profile firms including Weta Digital and Xero, and its new LookSee Wellington program, offered in conjunction the New Zealand government, Wellington’s Regional Economic Development Agency, Workhere New Zealand and NZTech, will pay for flights and accommodation for 100 job seekers.
The trip will include four days of meet-ups, tours and job interviews in order to show the candidates the best of the country; possibly giving them the desire to stay and work there.
LookSee Wellington’s website offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience:
“At the end of the week there’ll be offers to jobs you never knew existed in a place with a lifestyle you never thought possible,” the LookSee Wellington website says.
“Wellington is the South Pacific’s tech and innovation capital, bubbling with innovative tech companies developing leading edge solutions and exporting them to the world. Our tech industry is flying along and we need more people.”
The application process is relatively simple – participation is as easy as registering your interest online, creating a profile and uploading a CV. Companies involved in the scheme will then nominate candidates they would like to interview, and those with the most nominations will be offered a trip.