That leaves you to apply to various DHBs by yourself.
There are two ways you could do this:
1. Apply to DHBs via email.
2. Apply to DHBs in person.
It may be easier to apply via email, but possibly more effective if you could personally hand in your CV. For most candidates, its probably easier to email as going to every DHB is not feasible (although, that's exactly what I did). Furthermore, looking at the number of NZREX passed candidates applying for a job, you could imagine how annoyed the RMO units would be if each of you showed up there with your CV. The least you could do is visit your local DHB and meet someone at the RMO office. Follow it up with an email expressing your interest.
So, after you've been to your local DHB to apply in person, the next step is to call all the other DHBs to express your interest and follow it up with an email too. Be prepared to get a rude reply from them or a simple "sorry we have no vacancies this year" or "we have a long waiting list".
While I was applying for PGY1 positions, one of the DHBs always said "we have a waiting list for the next 2-3 years" and I pretty much stopped trying at this DHB after hearing that. A year and a half later, I was driving to every DHB in New Zealand as my last resort and drove to this DHB as well. Guess what - there was no such waiting list! I got the job a few days later. FYI - I got offers from 2 other DHBs a few days later as well. This was back in 2015. The situation was just as bad, if not worse, back then.
I would recommend sending through your CV every few weeks/months to show your continued interest. My email to every DHB had a snapshot of my achievements in the email body to highlight my strong points. You could do something similar too. Remember, you are not the only person reading this, be innovative.
If possible, know who you are meant to send emails to. Often there will be a general email id like recruitments@southerndhb.govt.nz, but if you can dig deeper or use your contacts, there may be an email id of the RMO coordinator lead or someone at a similar level. CC them into your application email to maximize your chances.
There is no right time to apply. The right time was 5 years ago, you've missed that boat, unfortunately. The worst time to get a job is probably in Nov/Dec as that is when the NZ grads start working and all available spots are usually taken up by them. Jobs come up throughout the year in different DHBs. The largers DHBs may have more vacancies, but the smaller DHBs tend to take more IMGs. So apply to all DHBs regardless. Once you get in, you can always change your DHB at a later time.
Your competition is not NZ or Aus grads, as you don't stand a chance against them. Its also not the European or American grads, as they often take up the PGY2 or above positions. Your competition is mainly other NZREX candidates and seems like there are a lot of them currently, often people with experience in their home countries. You need to be smart in your approach, don't just sit back and expect to get a call. Be active, go to various hospitals, apply for observerships, make contacts, get noticed.
I have compiled a list of all DHBs in New Zealand, hopefully making it easy for you to look up current vacancies or contact the RMO office of the respective DHBs.
District Health Boards in the North Island
District Health Boards in the South Island
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