Information for secondary students and school leavers

Finding work when jobs are scarce

Are you finding it difficult to get your first full-time job, or holiday work between school terms?

If so, don’t be discouraged! It’s a tough time to be leaving school – the number of graduate jobs has dropped by half since October 2008. You may also have found that you are considered overqualified for a position you thought was suitable.

However, there are some key things you can do to help your chances of finding work:

Networking – job hunting is about making connections with people who can give you information about potential job openings, or introduce you to others who have this information. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Keep your CV up to date, and make sure it includes activities outside work that show your skills and experience, such as volunteering or coaching a sports team.
Check out the jobs on the Student Job Search website, or visit their local office and talk to someone about finding work.
Visit your local Work and Income office and see what's on the job board, or talk to a work broker. Work and Income often runs seminars to help you find work.

If you’re still not sure what to do, use our website to research job options, or talk to a Career Services career adviser on 0800 22 733.

Tips on looking for work when competition for jobs is high

It may take some time to get work, but the simple tips below may help you find a job faster.

Stay focused and be adaptable

Take job hunting seriously. It should be an active and planned campaign, not something you do casually in between surfing or seeing friends.
Be prepared to take on part-time work – working one or two days a week can lead to more work if you prove yourself in the role.
Consider working more than one job. For example, you could work two days a week picking apples, four nights in a bar, and one day in a bookshop.
Know what your "transferable skills" are. What skills do you have that are useful in many workplaces?
Make sure your contact methods are appropriate for job hunting and regularly check your texts, voice messages, LinkedIn and Facebook pages/content.
Make sure you are showcasing yourself in the best possible light to potential future employers.

Transferable skills - what are they, and how can you identify which ones you have?

Get help from your friends and supporters

: It's good to be pro-active when searching for work and network with people you know

If people know you are job hunting, they may be able to help you find work.

Put together a list of all the people you know and tell them you are looking for a job. You can do this by dropping off or emailing them a mini CV. Make sure to follow up with them once you've set them the CV.

A mini CV is like a business card and lists key details such as your name, contact details, and main skills.

Start with the people you’re closest to, such as:

family, friends and relatives
neighbours
previous employers
teachers
the school careers adviser.

Next, identify your army of helpers – everyone you know whose business it is to know others. People like your local shopkeeper, bartender or hairdresser may have a large network of contacts in the job market.

Or, if you feel if you want to create an opportunity for yourself, your army of helpers may be able to give you ideas for setting up your own business.

Ideas for holiday and seasonal jobs

: Over the holidays you may be able to find seasonal work such as fruit picking

When looking for holiday jobs, think about which ones could help you with your area of study; for example, many jobs require good customer service skills.

Don’t think of your summer work as just a casual job. Developing a good work record at your holiday job can lead to a permanent role with an organisation.

Try these ideas for getting holiday and seasonal work experience:

Grocery stores, warehouses, restaurants and retail stores often hire extra workers in the lead-up to Christmas and January sales.
Beach communities rely heavily on tourism. Parks as well as local and regional councils hold many events during the holidays, making them good places to look for job vacancies.
Summer festival organisers often require help with ticket sales, catering, and security.
The horticultural and agricultural industries are often busy during school holidays, and may be able to offer you short-term, seasonal work, such as farm assistant work or fruit picking.

Ideas for volunteer work

You could also try volunteer work. Though you won’t be paid for it, it may help you find paid work in the long-term, as it helps you to develop your skills, build a work history, and get references.

Volunteer to work in industries where you’ll develop key skills.
Talk to your school careers adviser/Gateway teacher. There may be a chance to get work experience over summer at the business where you did your work experience placement.
Volunteer to lead or help supervise holiday programmes at the local YWCA, YMCA, city council, or district council.
If you know a farming family, you could volunteer to work on the farm in return for your board.