Plan your job search

When you're looking for a new job, it's best to start with a plan. You need to make sure you'll have everything you need when you start applying for jobs.

​

We encourage you to use the Tertiary Education Commission New Zealand Job Hunter’s Handbook - which you can download to help you identify your skills and build your own plan.   There is also an instructional video which guides you through how to use the plan. 

​

Introduction

Being out of work is tough.  Finding a job can also be frustrating and hard.  There are lots of reasons to work. It is better for your family and better for your health.  You can also earn a lot more working, even if you're on the minimum wage, than you being on a benefit.

 

When it comes to finding work, some people need a lot of help, others don't need much at all. No one size fits all.  Our site will help in several ways.  It will put you in touch with the most suitable job opportunities.   

 

Here is practical advice on how to look for work and tools to help.

It can be a big step to start looking for a job. There are things you can do to make it easier and increase your chance of success. The best place to start is with a plan.

 

• Set some goals and make a plan.

• Treat your search as a job - take action now.

• Write down your skills.

 

Setting goals and making a plan

Set some goals. It's good to challenge yourself but also be realistic. Then list actions you'll take to help you reach your goals. Check your progress against your goals regularly to make sure you're on track.

 

If what you're doing isn't working, do something different. Write down what might get in your way and think about how you can sort it out.

 

You may like to think about your skills and abilities before you work out your goals.  If you'd like help with the plan, talk to a friend or family member that you trust.

 

Check out the Tertiary Education Commission New Zealand, Job Hunter’s Handbook to assist you in making a plan.

 

Treat your search as a job – take action now

Finding work takes time, and you need to keep at it. Decide on a daily job search routine and stick to it. Things you need to do to find advertised jobs are:

 

• Search job websites and those of potential employers

• Read the papers

• Talk to your friends, family and other contacts – they may know of advertised jobs.

• Check new job listings on our website or in person at one of our hubs open Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm daily (except for Public Holidays).

 

Many jobs aren't advertised and go to people who have contacted the Employer to tell them they want to work for them. To find your own job leads:  

 

• find employers online or in the yellow pages and contact them

• use social media to let a wider group know that you're looking for work

• talk to your friends, family and other contacts who may know of organisations worth contacting

• read your local paper and go online to find new or growing businesses that might have jobs

• knock on doors - visit places you'd like to work.

 

Set yourself targets, like what you'll do each day before lunchtime. We suggest you answer all calls, including those from unidentified numbers. Often calls from companies and organisations show up as a 'private' or 'blocked' number.  Answering a phone call will also save you the cost of calling back.

 

Make sure you regularly check your emails and phone messages (if you miss a call), so you don't miss out when someone calls to tell you about an opportunity.

 

Stay confident

During your job search, you may face knock-backs like jobs you don't get or employers who don't reply. Try to stay positive, talk to family and friends about how your job search is going and remind yourself of your goals and skills.

 

Your skills and abilities

You need to tell employers what you can do. Making a list of what you're good at prepares you to write a CV.

​

List your work skills. Then write other things you can do or the personal qualities you have - for instance, are you honest and reliable? Do you get on with others? Can you make decisions and manage money?

 

Jot down some of the things you'd like to improve on, for example, self-confidence or interview skills. What steps can you take to improve in these areas?  

 

What skills do you have?

Your skills could come from:

 

• attending school or training courses

• any type of job, including charity work

• projects at home or in the community

• running a home or looking after people

• making or fixing things and solving problems.​​

​

​