Job Hunting Information

Where to look for jobs

The more ways you try to find a job, the greater chance you have of succeeding. Here are just a few of the approaches you can take:

  • Let others know that you are looking for a job. Many people find jobs through word of mouth. Use contacts and personal recommendations.
  • Sell yourself to companies through phone calls, letters or emails.
  • Look through advertised vacancies in newspapers or on websites.
  • Register with recruitment agencies that advertise job vacancies on behalf of employers.
Use the information in this section to find out more detail about the many ways you can look for a job.

Job vacancy links

Need a job? Looking for a new job? To help your job search, check the job vacancies at the following recruitment agencies and job listing sites.

General Job Vacancy Websites

GradConnection - GradConnection helps graduates to find jobs in Australia and New Zealand.

New Kiwis - A site aimed at new immigrants to New Zealand who are looking for work.

SEEK - An extensive list of job vacancies from a range of employers across New Zealand and Australia. Also provides an email notification service as well as career development resources and training information.

Student Job Search - Listings of temporary job vacancies for tertiary students.

TradeMe Jobs - Job vacancies advertised on TradeMe.

General Employment Recruitment Websites

  • HAYS (www.hays.net.nz)
  • Outsource IT (www.outsource.net.nz)
  • Salt (www.jobswithsalt.com)
  • Madison Recruitment (www.madison.co.nz)
  • Adecco Recruitment (www.adecco.co.nz)
  • JOBsmith Recruitment (www.jobsmith.co.nz)
  • Drake International (www.drakeintl.com)
  • Alpha Recruitment (www.alphajobs.co.nz)
  • Frog Recruitment Limited (www.frogrecruitment.co.nz)
  • Cornerstone Recruitment Limited (www.cornerstonerecruitment.co.nz)
  • Metro Recruitment (www.metrorecruitment.co.nz)
  • Quest Recruitment (www.questrecruitment.co.nz)

Job Hunting Tips

You are responsible for the success of your job search. Other people can help you along the way, but ultimately it is up to you. Here are some tips on how to achieve your goal of getting a new job:

Stay positive

You can expect to sometimes have negative emotions during a long job search and it may seem difficult to remain positive. Keep your spirits up by:

  • Making sure you are still doing the things that relax you and make you happy such as exercise, spending time with friends and enjoying hobbies and interests.
  • Taking time to dream. To offset some of the negative thoughts and feelings that may creep in when you've been job searching for a while, spend some time thinking about the future you would like to create for yourself.
  • Joining a support group. Contact career advisors in private business, educational institutions and community organisations and ask for leads to support groups that can help you maintain a positive attitude.
  • Setting up a positive support system. Talk to your family and friends and let them know what they can do. Work out who is prepared to support you and let them know what they can do to help. For example, you may need feedback on a cover letter, an opinion on clothes to wear for an interview, childcare or just someone to talk to.

Be adaptable

Be open to the possibility that your next job might be two or three part-time jobs or contract work. Accept that the world of work has changed so that you don't shut yourself off from opportunities. Think about the skills and expertise you can contribute to a potential employer's success, rather than a certain job title or role (for example, 'I'm a shoe salesperson'). Stay open to new ideas, think creatively and take risks.

Be persistent and patient

One of the main reasons people don't achieve their career objective is that they give up too early. Job searching is hard work and there are times when you will get discouraged. If your search is not producing the results that you would like, avoid blaming yourself and try a different way of doing things. Remember to also be patient. Your best efforts will not always produce immediate results. Don't take it personally when employers take their time in responding to your call or application - many of them are very busy.

Keep focused

Just about anything will sound better than looking for work, but don't get distracted. Your priority is to find that new job. Be willing to explore and pursue every job lead, but focus your time and efforts on quality leads. The quality of leads and the quality of the effort matters more than the quantity.

Develop a routine

Work out a job search routine and stick to it. It will help you stay motivated and focused. If you are unemployed you may find it helpful to structure your day by:
  • developing a schedule and sticking to it
  • setting your alarm clock to get up
  • dress up like you would go for work.

Plan your week

Set aside certain days, or certain hours of the day, for your job searching. Keep in mind the core business hours of the desired industry. Be consistent in the amount of time you spend each week looking for a job. Regular effort is more likely to bring rewards. Write 'to do' lists to keep you on target - a weekly one at the start of the week and a daily one every morning. Prioritise, but ensure balance. On a typical day you should work on all parts of your job search (for example, generating new leads, following up leads, writing application letters and preparing for interviews). You might find that you are more effective at some tasks at certain times of the day. For example, write application letters when your mind is fresh and energy levels high.

Set goals

Identify what you plan to accomplish. For example, if you set 9am to 12 noon on Monday for responding to weekend newspaper advertisements, your goal could be to write five letters of application. Tuesday morning's goal could be registering with four labour hire companies, and 1pm to 4pm may be scheduled for making direct telephone contacts. Be realistic, but challenge yourself. When you set a schedule make sure it is one that can be achieved. As you perform your tasks you will feel a sense of control and accomplishment.


FAQs

What is the average starting salary for graduates?

Like any job, salaries are usually negotiated between the candidate and the employer and are determined on the applicant.

What type of companies employ Queens Academic Group graduates?

Our graduates find employment in a variety of organizations across New Zealand and internationally. They have found employment with large IT based multinationals that provide excellent opportunities for career progression.

What type of jobs can I get upon completion with Queens Academic Group?

We will assist you to find employment in a related position that matches your skills, experiences and goals. Our graduates have obtained work in a variety of industries, in roles specific to your qualification.

During my studies, can I receive placement assistance?

Yes, you can. From your first day studying with Queens Academic Group you can register your details and start your job search journey.

How long will it take for me to find employment?

We take pride in helping you to find the right job to match your skills, experiences and career goals, not just any job. For this reason, the length of time it takes to find that role can vary from days to weeks to months. You will be encouraged to know that majority of our graduates secure employment within 3 months of graduating. Your success depends on a combination of things including: how proactive you are in looking for a job, your attitude and performance at interviews, career background and experience, and of course, the job market at the time you graduate.

What is the difference between full time employment, part time employment, and casual?

The difference is the hours that you work and the conditions that you work under.
  • Full time is 37.5 hours or more per week fixed.
  • Part time is under 35 hours per week (most part time positions are 20 hours per week).
  • Casual employment is when work is available with the employer. This is dependable on staff taking leave as well as peaks and throughs during the company financial year.

What Are the Steps of the Job Search Process?

A list of job search steps follows: Please note the order may vary depending on your specific needs and goals.

  • Self Assessment -- Before you start looking for a specific job you need answers to such questions as: What are my work-related skills, interests and values? What have I learned from my academic studies, paid and volunteer experiences? What kind of position am I seeking? Where do I want to live? What are my career goals? What kind of lifestyle do I envision for myself?

  • Employment Objective -- Having a clear idea of who you are, what you can do, what you want to do, and in what environment, will enable you to better develop a concrete career objective - one that accurately reflects what you are seeking.

  • Resume and Cover Letter -- These are the two most basic marketing tools for your job search. Developing an effective resume and good targeted cover letter is essential. The Job Placement Officer can assist you with the development.

  • Job Search Strategy -- The successful job search requires a definite plan of action. How will you develop a list of potential employers? How will you contact them? How can you build your network to include them? What are your communication strengths and how can you best use them?

  • Interview -- It is easy to be so intent on getting interviews that you neglect to prepare for them. Have you researched the organization? Are you prepared to communicate what you can contribute? Have you studied the kinds of questions often asked?

  • Job Offer --"You've got the job!" are the four words job hunters most want to hear. But what then? Are you prepared to evaluate (decline or accept) the offer if it matches your interests and more importantly your prioritized work values? Salary negotiation?

Internship

There are Internship opportunities for students through our Internship Partnership Programme with New Zealand Employers specifically in the area of your studies. The Internship experience provides students with valuable New Zealand work experience that may build student’s confidence and chances of securing employment in New Zealand Important facts about the Internship experience

  • The Internship period can range from 1 week to 3 months
  • When you complete the Internship, there is no guarantee of an offer of employment from the Internship Employer
  • The Internship Employer can be used as a New Zealand Referee
  • The student receives no wage from the Internship Employer
  • The student MUST support themselves financially during the Internship, including traveling cost to attend work
  • The internship/work experience can be added to the student's CV

Please let the Job Placement Officer Team know if you are interested in an Internship Opportunity

How does Jobs4Careers get you there?

  • One on One consultation is available to all students while studying and also after graduation.
  • CV preparation and assistance in writing cover letters.
  • We will provide you with the right tools to help you achieve your career goals.
  • Workshops
  • CV referrals to employers
  • Face book interaction and notifications on current positions that Jobs4Careers are recruiting on behalf of the employers.
  • Job boards at Level 5 and 8 are updated on a weekly basis.
  • Job search
  • Identifying suitable career choices
  • Up to date information on jobs and labour market trends
  • Internships services
  • Pathways

Professional CV services:

http://www.cv.co.nz

http://www.global-cv-solutions.co.nz/

Other important websites:

http://www.Careers.govt.nz/

http://www.dol.govt.nz/