Transitions - Job Searching in NZ

Job Searching in New Zealand for Graduates

I have been job searching, since I graduated back in 1999. One of the most difficult things as a graduate is pitching one's efforts at positions that would challenge, and yet not overstep the "No Experience" barrier.

Job searching in the Christmas/graduation period (early November till mid February) is the hardest time since most employers aren't looking for staff, and students would have just graduated and become jobsearchers. Remember to account for at least 4-5 months of non-income while looking.

The following resources are mainly online since I was job searching in the IT industry. But books are still useful sinks of information. From the literature, I picked up several hints that people often forget to think about, such as polishing shoes for interviews.

Networking

Networking is a definite advantage. Even family and friends can turn up surprising linkages to people in the right places at times. Don't forget to tell everyone you're looking. They'll keep you in mind and all you need is one positive lead.

Skills

There seems to be a trend towards looking for individuals whose personality and work ethics will fit in with the organisation. To the point that job specific skills aren't as important as they used to be. Transferable skills such as communication etc are viewed more favourably, so remember to emphasize these skills.

Tools

One of the most powerful tools has been the CV as it's the only way one often can sell themselves to employers and recruitment agencies. If this is not constructed properly with keywords that will catch the recruiter's eye, your CV will end up in the discard pile very quickly. Accuracy and proofreading is also important since if you can't maintain standards in a CV, what will you be like in the workplace?

CV preparation in New Zealand is much different from other countries, as we have a different format. Also different qualifications are required.

One of the most useful resources I was able to use to secure a job was a video from Duncan and Ryan, which touched on the simple things that one should always have up their sleeves. And the main point from this video? Prepare, research and practise! Till selling oneself becomes habit. Even if it can be physically and mentally demanding.


JOB SEARCHES NZ Jobs JobStuff Seek Monster De Winter Contract IT Netcheck Career NZ Government Jobs Online CV PREPARATION Career ECS Net JobWeb Resume Tips Cover Letters	Job Searching in New Zealand for Graduates I have been job searching, since I graduated back in 1999. One of the most difficult things as a graduate is pitching one's efforts at positions that would challenge, and yet not overstep the "No Experience" barrier. Job searching in the Christmas/graduation period (early November till mid February) is the hardest time since most employers aren't looking for staff, and students would have just graduated and become jobsearchers. Remember to account for at least 4-5 months of non-income while looking. The following resources are mainly online since I was job searching in the IT industry. But books are still useful sinks of information. From the literature, I picked up several hints that people often forget to think about, such as polishing shoes for interviews. Networking Networking is a definite advantage. Even family and friends can turn up surprising linkages to people in the right places at times. Don't forget to tell everyone you're looking. They'll keep you in mind and all you need is one positive lead. Skills There seems to be a trend towards looking for individuals whose personality and work ethics will fit in with the organisation. To the point that job specific skills aren't as important as they used to be. Transferable skills such as communication etc are viewed more favourably, so remember to emphasize these skills. Tools One of the most powerful tools has been the CV as it's the only way one often can sell themselves to employers and recruitment agencies. If this is not constructed properly with keywords that will catch the recruiter's eye, your CV will end up in the discard pile very quickly. Accuracy and proofreading is also important since if you can't maintain standards in a CV, what will you be like in the workplace? CV preparation in New Zealand is much different from other countries, as we have a different format. Also different qualifications are required. One of the most useful resources I was able to use to secure a job was a video from Duncan and Ryan, which touched on the simple things that one should always have up their sleeves. And the main point from this video? Prepare, research and practise! Till selling oneself becomes habit. Even if it can be physically and mentally demanding.