7 of the Best Tips for Job Hunting in NZ

If you’re currently job hunting, then you know first-hand how tricky it can be to find a job in NZ. While there are plenty of vacancies at the moment, it’s all about finding the right job to suit your unique range of skills and experiences. Follow this guide to find your dream job and hopefully nail the application process!

Tips for Job Hunting in NZ

1. Be Specific About the Industry You’d Like to Work In

You might think it’s a good thing to be open to a wide range of industries. However, hiring managers often don’t see it that way. You need to decide what field you’d like to work in and show your passion for that industry in your application.

Those in charge of recruitment are more likely to consider your application if it doesn’t seem like you’re just desperate to find a job in NZ but actually want to work in that industry.

There’s plenty of information online about the best industries to apply for work in right now, so do your research and get specific about where you want to work.

2. Map Your Ideal Career Path

When deciding on the industry you want to work in, you likely also started to think about the type of role you’re seeking. It’s a great idea to start by considering where you want to be in 10 years. What kind of role would you like to have? Then you can plan backwards and create a roadmap for how you’re going to get there.

For example, in 10 years, you want to be a marketing manager. That means that soon, you need to get a marketing admin role. Then, your next role could be marketing coordinator, followed by junior marketing manager. Eventually, you can build up your experience to attain your dream job.

3. Build Your Skills While Job Hunting

If you have realised that you don’t quite have all the abilities needed to work in your chosen field, start building up your skills while you’re still job hunting. For example, if your industry will require you to be an excellent public speaker, there are groups or classes you can attend to learn these skills.

That way, if you do get an interview and you’re asked about that ability, you can explain that you’re working on it. This will show that you are extremely proactive and committed to working in the industry.

4. Create a New Cover Letter for Every Role

Most job applicants have a generic cover letter saved that they will send out with their CV every time they apply for a new position. If a cover letter looks completely generic, hiring managers will likely move your application to the bottom of the pile.

Even just changing a few details each time can help you to gain the attention of the person in charge of recruitment. Put the hiring manager’s name if you know it and the name of the organisation. Small details like this show that you have tailored your cover letter for the position you’re applying for.

Many prospective employers will check out your social media before inviting you in for an interview. What you have set as public on social media is available for anyone to see. Make sure that if there are posts you aren’t comfortable with a potential employer seeing, you set them to private.

If your social media has a lot of partying, rude comments, or anything else untoward, this can make it really difficult for you to find a job in NZ.

6. Attend Networking Events

As they so often say with job hunting in NZ, it’s all about who you know. If you don’t have a lot of connections in your industry, it’s a great idea to start attending networking events. Introduce yourself to people you don’t know and make sure that you make a good impression. You never know what might come of it.

If you do meet someone who works somewhere you’d be interested in working, don’t ask them for a job. Instead, make sure they know you’re looking for work in that field and ask them for advice. Most people don’t like to be asked for a favour but love to offer guidance, so this can be a more successful way to approach the situation.

7. Where to Find a Job in NZ

Once you’ve decided on the field you’d like to work in, updated your CV, and cleaned up your social media, you’re ready to apply for jobs. The best place to find a job in NZ is on Shopless. Start job hunting by browsing the thousands of job listings and sort them by industry to see only the ones you’re really interested in. Go ahead – you’re ready to start applying. Good luck!