In line with the Philippine Embassy’s continuing priority to reach out and engage with the Filipino community throughout New Zealand, the Embassy of the Philippines in coordination with Atty. Edgardo P. Atienza presented the first ever Seminar on Preparing New Zealand Style Curriculum Vitae (CV) for Filipinos in Wellington on 27 February 2015 at the Sentro Rizal, Embassy of the Philippines Chancery in Thorndon, Wellington.

The significant occasion began with an opening prayer by Mr. Marc Asilom, Assistance to Nationals Officer of the Embassy. In her welcome remarks, Minister and Consul General Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa spoke on the importance of being up to date with useful and practical tips and general guidelines on how to prepare an appropriate CV for the current labour market in New Zealand, particularly for first time applicants in the New Zealand job market.

The Embassy’s Information Officer, Ms. Ma. Katrina Garcia served as the emcee for the occasion and introduced Atty. Atienza before his talk as a migrant Filipino lawyer and a New Zealand bar exam passer whose current endeavours includes his Mentor-Mentee Program aimed at sharing and providing his experiences and insights as a job seeker himself to fellow Filipinos.

Focused on providing Filipinos with useful, relevant and up-to-date information on several aspects about the job market in New Zealand, Atty. Atienza discussed CV Preparation, its purposes and types, proper content, the utilization of appropriate and relevant information, format and layout. Do’s and Don’ts as well as specific examples were shared and discoursed to provide a clearer picture of how to prepare and write a successful CV for job seekers in New Zealand. A lively and enlightening open forum followed after the Seminar.

A fellowship and dinner at the Chancery followed. Participants deemed the event a success and with the positive feedback received, the Embassy will collaborate further with Atty. Atienza and organize the continuation of the Mentorship Programme to include seminars on Job Hunting, How to Write a Cover Letter, and Interview Skills, among others to be held in Wellington in the coming months for the benefit and well-being of Filipinos in New Zealand.

Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez reiterated the Embassy’s deep appreciation to Atty. Atienza for his commitment, collaboration and community engagement using his GOD given talents and skills to help Filipinos learn more about the way of life and availment of job opportunities in New Zealand.