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A modern guide to job hunting

Welcome to your guide to finding jobs in the modern world of work.

You’ll find out the best ways to hunt for jobs, promote yourself and get that job.

GOOD LUCKWITH YOUR JOB HUNT!

JOB HUNTERS' EBOOK.

CONTENTS LOOKING FOR A JOB

PART 1

APPLYING FOR JOBS

PART 2

GETTING THE JOB

PART 3

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LOOKING FOR A JOB

PART 1

PLANBEFORE YOU JOB HUNTThe job search process is now firmly online. Applying for a job is easier than it’s ever been, but standing out from the crowd is harder. Whether you’re looking for your first job or you’re already employed but want a change, you need to put a plan in place to find the job of your dreams.

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Clean up your online presence Social media is a vital part of the job search process. If you make it to the interview stage most employers will have looked you up online.

Before you start your job search make sure your digital footprint – all of the places you can be found online – is squeaky clean.

Practise interviewing Prepare and practise for job interviews – have a trusted friend or family member roleplay an interview with you. Think of the questions you might be asked. Roleplaying your answers is a huge help as it forces you to be clear and to the point.

If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end

up someplace else.

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TOP FIVE TIPS TO KICKSTART YOUR JOB SEARCHKnow your skills You need to be honest with yourself about what you know and what you can do. Knowing what skills you have and lining them up with your interests can help you figure out what jobs could be a good fit.

Do your researchIf you’ve got your heart set on a particular role or working for a specific company, find out about what skills you need and, if you can, talk to someone at the company about what they look for in potential candidates.

Polish your CVTailor your CV to the jobs you’re applying for and only list relevant, recent job experience to keep it short and sweet. Be aware that some employers use software to scan your CV, so repeat key words about skills and experience from the job advert and use common headers such as education and work experience. Recruitment software hates graphics, so keep text plain and black with plenty of white space between sections.

Create an impressive CV with our CV Builder – visit careers.govt.nz

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Yogi Berra

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Social media Social media has been a game-changer when it comes to how organisations recruit. Many employers now post job ads on their social media accounts. So start getting social – research a future employer’s online presence and favourite, like and follow their accounts. Make sure your own social media profiles are looking good as well.

Professional and industry journals Professional and industry journals will often list job vacancies. You can find these at your local library or online.

Career expos Career expos are a great way to see what’s out there and meet recruiters. Make a point of talking to people and asking lots of questions. Don’t forget to pack a few CVs or a business card with online profile addresses to hand out.

Career events Find jobs at local jobfests, or promote yourself at industry networking events. Have an elevator pitch ready to impress employers. An elevator pitch is a 30-second speech where you explain to employers what tasks you do in your current job or your skills and experience, what your goals are, and how your skills might be of use to an employer.

WHERE ARE ALL THE JOBS? If you’re in the market for a job then you’re probably already looking online. Here’s more places to find that dream job.

Job vacancy websitesThere are plenty of job vacancy websites out there and they’re a great place to start your search. Save your favourite searches and have suitable job ads emailed to you as they’re listed.

Recruitment websitesRecruitment agencies advertise on websites or in newspapers on behalf of employers. A recruiter’s website is a good place to find similar roles advertised in one place. Register with the agency before applying for jobs – as once you’re on their radar they can get in touch about other jobs they think could suit you.

Government, council and industry organisation websites Government, council and industry organisations often list current vacancies on their websites, and many have mailing lists you can sign up for to keep up to date with the latest job possibilities.

To look for jobs visit Trade Me Jobs

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WHAT AREEMPLOYERS LOOKING FOR?Good employers recognise that people have potential and the ability to learn on the job. They’re not just looking for what you can do, but also what you could do. A combination of suitable skills and positive personal attributes is as important to employers as an exact match with a job description.

The flexible workforceAdvances in technology have seen a rise in the flexible workforce. More employees are working remotely, and organisations are using contractors for project work.

For flexible working arrangements to be successful, employers need people who have strong communication skills and are trustworthy, organised and reliable. These types of employability skills will set you apart from other candidates with the same qualifications or experience.

Flexibility doesn’t just mean being able to work away from the office. If you’re adaptable and can show that you’re prepared to learn and grow with a job, you’re valuable to a potential employer.

Businesses across New Zealand are struggling to find talented employees that can bring enthusiasm, natural talent, passion and potential to their companies as qualifications do not always reflect the capability of the applicant.

Frances Valintine, Mind Lab founder

50% of workers could be working remotely by 2020.Source: Infometrics NZ

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The employability skills wish listDemonstrating in a job application that you have relevant and sought-after personal attributes and skills will give you an edge. Here’s the top seven employability skills employers are looking for:

· Resilience

· Willingness to learn

· Positive attitude

· Communication

· Thinking skills (problem solving and decision making)

· Self-management

· Teamwork

Three things employers want to know about you

Can you do the job?

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Are you motivated?

2Are you a good

fit for the organisation?

3Find out more about the seven skills employers are looking for

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Employability skills from everyday lifeA job advert may have a list of very job-specific skills but employers are also interested in the employability skills you pick up in your everyday life, such as:

· Leadership – managing a sports team, running a club.

· Computing skills – emailing, writing newsletters, online research.

· Ability to analyse information – choosing between different courses of study.

· Ability to solve problems – making a budget, solving a customer complaint.

Think about how you use your broader skill set at work, in the community, socially and at home, and how these skills might be useful in the workplace. You may be able to demonstrate your communication skills through your understanding of social media, or your role in a community group might show flexibility and teamwork.

Seven employability skillsQualities and attitudes employers say areessential for their workplace eg Positive attitude

Transferable skillsSkills you can transfer to any jobeg Ability to work with facts and figures

Specialist skillsSkills that relate to a specific job or groups of jobseg Heavy vehicle driver’s licence

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The three skill sets you bring to an employerMake sure your CV and cover letter show that you bring these three essential skill sets to an employer. In your CV list the transferable skills under the heading ‘Skills’ and list your specialist skills under the heading ‘Technical Skills’. Describe your employability skills in your cover letter.

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APPLYING FOR JOBS

PART 2

PROMOTE YOURSELF:HOW TO MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION

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Get your foot in the door with a brilliant cover letterA strong cover letter is critical for every job application. It gives you an opportunity to stand out and demonstrate to an employer that you’re a good match.

Open your letter with why you’re applying for the job – show enthusiasm, curiosity and an interest in the company, role and industry.

Consider using the cover letter template on careers.govt.nz.

Show how your skills and experience match the tasks and requirements listed in the job ad. Give an example.

Use clear, but not formal, language. Keep it friendly.

Use keywords from the job ad and strong words like organise, perform and action when describing your skills.

Keep it short and make sure your spelling and grammar is perfect.

Mention if you’ve been referred by someone, or if you’ve met someone from the company at a networking event.

Don’t just repeat your CV – your cover letter should let an employer know more about you.

A good cover letter explains

What skills you bring to

the job

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Why your experience makes

you ideal for the job

2Why you are interested in

the job

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Create a great cover letter – visit careers.govt.nz

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It’s important to have a good cover letter, especially if you are currently overseas, moving from another city, or if you need a work visa. It takes the guesswork away and it is very helpful to know more about a candidate’s current situation.

Sarah Twohig, Internal Recruiter

for Trade Me

Take your CV from average to outstandingYour CV paints a picture of who you are. It needs to demonstrate how you’ll add value to an organisation, what you do well, and what problems you’ve helped solved.

Make it look good with lots of white space, an easy-to-read font and strong, clear headings.

Plant key words and phrases from the job advertisement inside your CV so it’s easy for recruitment software to scan.

Use action verbs such as created, analysed, prepared, organised, designed.

Tailor your CV to the job so employers can quickly see you’re right for the role.

Perfect your personal statement by including your career goals and interests and how they relate to the job.

Place your skills and experience at the top of your CV so they stand out.

Show your achievements, promotions or awards in your experience section to impress employers.

Add statistics of how your work contributed to your former organisation’s success in your experience section.

Keep it to the point and only include your relevant work experience.

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Recruiters check these areas of your CV first CV don'ts

Past job titles

Start and end dates of previous jobs

Qualifications

Previous employers

CV

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2.3.

4.

Recruiters take just seven seconds to decide if your CV goes into the accept pile, so make sure your CV scans well in these four areas:

Create an impressive CV with our CV Builder – visit careers.govt.nz

Too much

Cute or rude

Date ofbirth

Negative words

Lies

Bad grammar

Photos

Decorativefonts

information

email address

Avoid using

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Choosing the right refereesEmployers usually ask you to give them at least two referees – people they can call to check your experience and find out whether you will fit into their organisation.

Choose referees who are credible and professional, can talk about your work and how you work, and are easy to contact.

Check out a skills-focused CV – visit careers.govt.nz

Gaps in your work experience?

Use a skills-focused

CV

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Explain gaps in your cover

letter

2Put transferable skills from your volunteer, community work and work at home in

your skills section

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Best options: Your manager, team leader, supervisor or CEO.

Good options: A project manager, a client who you reported to.

Limited options: Coach, community leader, clients, course tutor.

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HOW TO STAND OUT IN A SEA OF ONLINE JOB APPLICATIONSThe ease of applying for jobs online means there are lots of applicants for every job advertised. Many applicants may not spend time researching the job or tailoring their application, and might be applying for a job that they don’t have the skills or experience to do.

As a result, referrals, people you know suggesting you for a role, are still the most effective way to find a job or fill a position. This has seen the rise in popularity of using online professional networking sites like LinkedIn to discover and connect with people.

Get tips on how to fill out application forms – visit careers.govt.nz

Think before you press sendCarefully select the roles you apply for, and avoid applying for many jobs across multiple fields.

Things to think about when you're sending out a CV

Put your cover letter in the body of the email when you submit your CV if you’re sending it straight to an employer. If you’re going through a recruitment agency, attach it as a PDF too.

Follow up your application with a phone call – it can set you apart from other candidates who haven’t made direct contact. Plan your call so you can capture the employer or recruiter’s attention in 20 seconds or less.

Email your CV whenever possible – don’t post it unless asked.

Double-check there isn’t an online application to fill out – keep your CV in a text document as well as a PDF so you can easily grab information from it to put into online applications.

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SOCIAL RECRUITINGBefore you go in for that job interview, there’s a chance the company may already know a thing or two about you, and this might not come from your CV.

Social media research is an increasingly common method of finding out about future employees. Knowing what employers are looking for and how and where they’re looking can work to your advantage.

Some facts about recruitment It’s who you know – referrals are the most common method of

hiring employees.

The average recruiter spends only seconds looking over a CV.

Many recruiters use applicant tracking systems – software that searches by keyword – to cut down the number of CVs and applications they need to read.

I always do a keyword search if I’m looking for a particular skill – for example, for web developers I might search .NET and C#.

Sarah Twohig, Internal Recruiter

for Trade Me

Tips to make your online professional profiles stand out

Keywords Your online profiles should include

keywords that match the skills and experience an employer will be searching for. Use keywords that are commonly used in ads for your ideal job when describing past experience and skills.

Connections Your profile only appears to people

you’re connected to. The bigger your network, the more employers and recruiters are able to see you when searching for people with your skills or experience, and you’ll rank higher up on search pages.

Keep it current Keep your profile and status up to

date – add training courses, volunteer roles and casual work or one-off jobs as you do them.

Headline Make your headline a statement

about what you can offer an employer, rather than just a repeat of your job title.

Skills

Limit the number of skills listed in your profile to those that align closely with your type of work – a list of around 10 skills is best.

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of employers will screen social media at the application stage70%

of hiring managers said they’re less likely to call you for an interview if they can’t find you online60%

of hiring managers expect you to have an online presence50%

How employers are using social media – the facts*

*Source: Robert Walters, 'Understanding the role of social media to complement attraction strategies', accessed December 2016, (www.robertwalters.co.nz).

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1. Keep your private life private! Triple-check your privacy settings if you’re really unsure – and if in doubt, don’t post or ‘like’ posts.

2. Set up a personal professional website or Facebook page just for job seeking that has links to your CV, a short video bio, examples of your work and safe images of hobbies or interests.

3. Be aware of spelling mistakes and bad grammar as 66% of employers say they would hold poor grammar and spelling against a job applicant.

4. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to boost your public profile, make yourself more visible to employers, and highlight your skills.

5. Create a video of your work or volunteer experience and post on Vimeo or YouTube and tag with your skills.

6. Google yourself with a quick name search to reveal what employers can see about you. If you like what’s there then you’re fine. If something dodgy comes up on Google, see what you can do to have it removed or made private. If nothing shows up, raise your profile by tweeting or building a LinkedIn profile.

7. If you’re in a creative industry, use Instagram or a blog to show off your creativity.

8. If Facebook isn’t for you, sign up with industry-specific social media, for example, pond.co.nz for teachers or builderscrack.co.nz for builders.

Make social media work for you in eight easy steps

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GETTING THE JOB

PART 3

TOP WAYSTO GET A JOBIn a competitive job market, it’s what you do outside of sending a CV and application to an employer that will make you shine above other job seekers.

Networking, going to career events or job expos, and giving internships a go are all highly effective ways to get you noticed by employers.

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Find out how to give a great elevator pitch http://bit.ly/2dqEeCC

Network to get workThere are many ways you can network:

· tell friends and family you’re looking for work

· go to industry meet-ups and events

· connect with organisations on social media

· join a professional organisation in your career field

· cold-call organisations to check if they have vacancies

· invite the HR manager of an organisation for coffee

· ask if you can interview a manager on how to get into their organisation.

Pitch at events and exposCome face-to-face with employers and convince them you’re worth hiring at events like jobfests and career expos. Here’s how to get the most out of a career event:

· make a plan – timetable which employers you’d like to meet and which seminars you’d like to see

· research the employers you’d like to meet online – jot down questions you can ask to show your interest in their work

· practise your elevator pitch – prepare a short summary of what your skills and goals are

· dress smart – think of expos as informal job interviews

· be positive – come with a friendly and enthusiastic attitude

· ask for business cards – and send a follow up email to show you’re keen.

JOBFEST

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Find internships at NxtStep https://nxtstep.co.nz/

Conquer internshipsInternships are the long way to land a job. You’ll polish up your employability skills, get some experience under your belt and make referees – along with the opportunity to get a permanent job.

You can find internships through websites such as NxtStep.

To boost your chances of turning an internship into work:

· turn up on time and dress appropriately

· be willing to learn new things

· do what’s asked of you, even if it’s making coffee

· talk with other staff members during break times

· chat to the manager about career opportunities

· use your initiative to solve problems

· give great customer service.

According to some sources, 75% of job vacancies are never advertised. Particularly true in the small to medium business market, these opportunities come about through a combination of relationships, networks and dumb luck.

Tom O’Neil,

New Zealand Herald

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The face-to-face interview In the face-to-face interview, you’re being judged from the moment your potential employer lays eyes on you.

When you introduce yourself make eye contact, smile, use your first and last name, and give a firm but brief handshake.

Be aware of your body language – what you say must be mirrored by how you carry yourself. For example, if you say you’re open to new ideas but sit with your legs and arms firmly crossed, you aren’t going to be convincing.

How you dress is also really important – make sure what you’re wearing is appropriate for the job you’re applying for.

The video interviewThe key thing to remember about the video interview is that any distractions will work against you.

Make sure you have the tech sorted – know what program to use and how to use it, have a strong internet connection and make sure your computer battery is charged or plugged in.

Looks are important here too. The camera doesn’t like black, white or anything with a busy pattern, so avoid wearing these – navy blue is best.

Choose a simple background – no mirrors or pictures – and remove all distractions from the room, including animals, children and flatmates.

HOW TONAIL THE JOB INTERVIEWThe interview process is a chance for an employer to meet you in person, and see how you compare to your CV. They’ll want to know more about your skills and experience, and how you’ll contribute to the company. They’ll also want to know if you actually want to work for them, if you’ll fit into the company culture and that you’re willing to learn.

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Make a good first impression - most recruiters decide whether a candidate is right for the job in the first seven seconds of meeting them.

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Research the organisation The internet is a great place to find out more about where

you’ll be working if you get the job. Find out about products, services and key people. Researching the company will demonstrate that you’re proactive and keen about the job.

Anticipate the employer’s questions Re-read the job description to anticipate what questions

you may be asked, and refer back to your CV and cover letter to help you identify your skills and experience and how they relate to the role.

Have your questions – and evidence – ready Make sure you have questions ready to ask. You may like to

take physical evidence of your achievements to interviews, such as examples of your work, qualifications or written references.

Prepare for tests You may be tested on your skills (writing, customer service,

typing) or your personality. Get ahead of the pack by practising mock tests. Practice tests can be found online, for example at www.newcops.nz.

Practise your interview Write out the questions you think you will be asked and

practise answering them. Better yet – get a friend to interview you.

The interview preparation checklist Look the part First impressions count. You don’t have to wear new or expensive

clothes, but make sure you have something to wear that’s smart, simple and looks professional.

Know where the interview is Work out how you’ll get to the interview location, and how long

your journey will take. Give yourself plenty of time to get there – being late creates a bad first impression.

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Ask the right questionsYou’ll usually get the opportunity to ask questions. It’s a good idea to prepare a few before you go into the interview – they need to be genuinely seeking information that’s not readily available on a website or in a brochure.

Five tips for answering interview questions

1 Speak clearly, and vary your tone to show you’re interested and enthusiastic.

2 Let the interviewer lead the conversation. If you don't understand a question, ask for it to be explained or repeated. Take time to think about each question before answering so you can give a good response.

3 Be diplomatic and discreet – don’t criticise previous employers or co-workers.

4 Give examples from previous experience that demonstrate your knowledge and skills.

5 Show confidence in your skills and be positive about what you’ve achieved.

Questions to ask in an interview What type of work will I be doing in my first week?

What training and progression opportunities are available in this organisation?

What are the people like – how are teams, workflow and reporting structured?

What's the work culture like – how does this company treat employees?

To find out more about questions you can ask at an interview visit careers.govt.nz

80% of what people think about us

happens in the first

7 secondsof meeting -

so make it count!

First impressions BIG 3

1. Firm handshake2. Direct eye contact3. Genuine smile

Sit up –sit forward and don’t slump Slow

down. Speak slowly and clearly, pause before you answer

Don’t fidget

Be open – don’t cross your arms

Show listening – make eye contact,nod sometimes,smile!

Mind your body language in interviews

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Prepare for interviews – visit careers.govt.nz

CONFIDENCE IS KEYIf you’re at the interview stage, they already think you have the technical skills to do the job. Now’s the time to be friendly and confident – wow them with what a great person you’d be to work with.

If eye contact is hard for you – look for the colour of your interviewer’s eyes.

Job vacancy websites like Trade Me Jobs can give you a good idea about current pay rates in

your industry.

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WHAT TO DOIF YOU DO GET THE JOBBeing offered a job is exciting. Although it’s natural to want to accept it straight away, it pays to take the time to consider the offer. Before you make any decisions, get the offer in writing, as verbal offers can easily fall through.

Things to think about before you accept the offer Do you actually want to work for the organisation?Think about whether it can offer you what you need for your career progression, and whether you’ll be happy working there.

Is the job a good fit for you? Does the job align with your interests and lifestyle?

What are the hours like?

How easy is it to get to and from work?

Will the position make use of your skills?

Is the company somewhere you can grow professionally?

What opportunities will this job give you? Consider the opportunities for promotion, and whether you’ll learn new skills.

Are the benefits and pay right for you? Take a good look at the salary package – is it fair? Find out how often your salary will be reviewed, and if there are any commissions or bonuses.

Get tips on dealing with job offers visit careers.govt.nz

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WHAT TO DOIF YOU DON'T GET THE JOBHow to handle missing out on the job Don’t be hard on yourself if you were interviewed but didn't get the job. However, you should always review the interview process to see if you can improve on anything.

Questions to ask yourself if you didn’t get the job Did you have trouble answering any of the questions?

Had you done enough research about the employer before the interview?

Had you prepared questions to ask the employer during the interview?

Did you dress appropriately for the position and were you well groomed?

Were you friendly and confident when answering questions?

If you didn't do as well as you’d liked in some of these areas, list the things to improve for next time. For instance, if you had trouble answering some interview questions, prepare answers to the questions you found difficult and think of examples to back up your response.

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For more information and advice visit careers.govt.nz or

call 0800 222 733

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR JOB HUNT!

To look for jobs visit trademe.co.nz/jobs

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