Your Guide to Job Hunting - Te Rōpū Rapuara - University of Canterbury
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Your Guide
to Job Hunting
Te Rōpū Rapuara
Contents
3 UC Careers Services 14 Entrepreneurship 36 Assessment centres &
4 A career decision making model 16 Cover letters psychometric tests
6 Student & Graduate Recruitment (letters of application) 39 Job seekers with a disability or
8 Job hunting strategies 18 Preparing a Curriculum Vitae (CV) health condition
12 Researching the organisation 29 Developing your LinkedIn Profile 40 Employment agreements
13 Work – international 31 Application forms 41 Recruiting employers
32 Job interviews
UC Careers’ services
www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers
Appointments
Book an appointment via UC Careers
www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers
Career consulting appointments
Work one-to-one with a career consultant to
clarify career or study options:
• What is the right degree or course/s for me?
• What can I do with my degree?
• How could I make more of my time at
university?
• Should I do postgraduate study?
Express appointments & Drop-ins
• Express appointments are held Monday to
Friday 10am – 12 noon. These are up to 20
minutes per person for assistance with career
and job search queries.
• Drop-ins are held two days per week, Mondays
and Fridays 12 noon -1pm. These are for quick
queries such as CV checks and are up to 10
mins per person. Simply drop-in; these do not
require an appointment.
Seminars
• Career options. You are automatically registered as a UC student. Careers Resource Area
Following graduation, you can continue to access
• LinkedIn. • Course information.
information on employment opportunities.
• Employer information.
• CVs, cover letters and application forms.
Log on using your University IT username and • Internet access for researching career and
• Interview preparation. password for information on Student and employer information.
• Job search strategies. Graduate Recruitment including: • Postgraduate and undergraduate course
• Psychometric tests and assessment • Employer Recruitment Presentations. information (NZ and International).
centre preparation. • Scholarship information.
• Career Fairs and Events.
• Employment destinations of past graduates,
• Starting a new job. • Pre-final year students for summer internships, by degree major.
• Tailored services to colleges and departments. vacation or practical work experience. • www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers also
• Final year students – recruitment for graduate contains comprehensive careers and
Careers Fairs & Events positions for next year. employment information.
• Several on campus events for UC students • Graduates – immediate vacancies.
including Commerce, Engineering and Science, Books and DVDs
• Careers seminars.
ICT and Law. Available for loan or view at UC Careers.
• Scholarships. Including:
• Connect with various prospective employers
and further study options. Review and book • Career planning.
Online interactive career tools
events via www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers • Communication skills.
UC Careers online offers a variety of self-help • Interview skills.
Student & graduate recruitment / career information, tools, and resources. These • Assessment centres & psychometric testing.
include CV360 (an automated CV check), an
immediate vacancies • Job search strategies.
interview simulator, career assessments to
support career planning, and many employer • Networking.
Log on now:
www.careerhub.canterbury.ac.nz videos offering you valuable insights. • Small business.
See students’ resources and tools at
Local, national and international employers
www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers
recruit each year. UC Careers offers a web-based
hub, linking employers, students and recent
graduates.
3
A Career decision making model
Media Influence Practical Issues Friends & Family/ Interests/ Labour (Job)
e.g. location, $$$, Ideas & Opinions Knowledge Market
responsibilities Information
INFLUENCES
1. Assess Yourself 2. Opportunity Awareness
• Values • Job requirements – skills,
• Strengths knowledge and attributes
• Skills • Further study requirements
• Characteristics/ – extension of knowledge
Personal Style and skills
• Needs/Preferences • Labour (Job) Market trends
• Interests/Passions
• Goals/Ambitions/
Objectives
3. Evaluate Options
• Combine Self Assessment and
Opportunity Awareness to make
informed career choices
4. Find Work Opportunities
• Look for specific positions and/or
• Be open to where you can use your
knowledge, skills and attributes
4
Resources to help with the career
decision making process
As a university graduate, you will have a range of career choices. Through Career choice is an active process and should be a rewarding experience in
academic study you will have developed valuable knowledge and skills, its own right. Exploring the possibilities involves analysing yourself – what
including the ability to think and communicate effectively and a proven you want and what you have to offer – and finding out about different
ability to learn. jobs in the labour market. The Career Decision Making Model provides a
Take the time to work out what your career choices are and what you really framework to help you discover your options.
want to do, as making an informed decision will contribute to a successful The resource suggestions listed below can help you with this process.
and satisfying career path.
1. Assess Yourself 3. Evaluate Options
• Interactive tools such as self-assessments are available online. Some possible ways to evaluate your options in relation to what you
See resources and tools at www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers know about yourself and your opportunities:
• Borrow a career planning book from UC Careers resource area or use • Identify the pros and cons of each career choice.
available career card sorts. • Complete S.W.O.T. (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats)
• Book an appointment with a qualified career consultant analysis exploring each option.
via www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers • Notice your ‘gut feeling’ and tap into your intuition to guide your
decision.
2. Opportunity Awareness • Think about what decision making strategies you have used
successfully in the past to make important decisions and try to
• Explore what you can do with your degree at apply those strategies now.
www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers • Visualise yourself having made the decision. Imagine yourself in the
• Develop effective job hunting strategies to learn more about type of jobs you might like to do. Notice how this makes you think
opportunities (see page 8). and feel.
• Log on at www.careerhub.canterbury.ac.nz to learn more about • Talk with people you trust to help you make the decision e.g.
student and graduate recruitment, and immediate job vacancies. parents, siblings, lecturers, career consultants, friends etc.
• Attend Employer Recruitment Presentations on campus, as
advertised via Events at www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers 4. Find Work Opportunities
• Talk with people who work in jobs you would like to do.
(See ‘Informational Interviews’ on page 11). • Browse job websites and notice any skill shortages, demands or
• Refer to New Zealand and International based career planning and gaps.
job search websites including: • Identify an area you could contribute to, or niche in.
• www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers • Scope the news for employers /organisations.
• www.careers.govt.nz • Talk to industry professionals for advice (see page 11).
• www.prospects.ac.uk
• See Graduate Destination Survey www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers/
students/graduate-destination-survey/
• www.nagcas.org.au/resources/graduate-careers-australia
• https://online.goinglobal.com/
Co-curricular Record (CCR)
Develop your work-readiness skills by participating in the Co-curricular Career Activator is a CCR activity option that focuses on increasing
Record (CCR). The CCR prepares you with the skills employers seek your employability and career management skills. The programme
from graduates and provides a record of your involvement in pre- offers one-on-one appointments, seminars and online modules to
approved activities outside of your academic study. By participating suit individual needs. Participants are also encouraged to seek work
in the CCR you’ll not only improve your chances when looking for job experience.
opportunities, scholarships and study abroad experiences, but you’ll Full details on CCR , available activities, how to to register, and
also have fun while developing your skills in teamwork, leadership, how to apply and claim recognition for activities are found on CCR
communication, problem solving, etc. Every 12 quality hours of active webpages:
participation in an activity can be claimed. The CCR is a great way to
www.canterbury.ac.nz/ccr
show employers how you have gone beyond study and engaged with
UC and the wider community.
5
Student and graduate recruitment
Student & Graduate Recruitment
includes Employer Recruitment
Presentations, Career Fairs and
events, campus interviews and
associated activities, and brings
to campus a wide range of
employers both national and
international who recruit:
• Pre-final year students for Summer Internship
or vacation work experience which may lead to
graduate employment offers.
• Final year students for graduate employment
which will commence the following year.
• Students and Graduates for immediate part
and full time vacancies.
Who participates?
Many different types of employers participate in
student and graduate recruitment including:
• Large and small organisations
• National and international organisations
• Organisations and companies across
all sectors.
See the Recruiting Employers list on
pages 41 – 58 for more details.
Targeted emails good way to find out what an organisation
Many of these employers seek students and is really about and to expand your network
On behalf of employers, UC Careers forwards
graduates from a wide range of disciplines. Don’t of industry contacts.
publicity to specific groups via email. We
make the mistake of thinking, for example, Students at all levels should attend these
recommend that you get into the habit of
that you need a commerce degree to apply for a Employer Recruitment Presentations. Even if
checking your student email address daily.
commerce position. In the past, graduates from you’re in your first or second year, listening to
Arts, Science and Engineering have also been
accepted for these programmes, so stay open to Employer Recruitment what employers have to say is a very good way
of helping you make decisions about your career
opportunities. Presentations direction. It may also provide you with ideas
Another common misconception is that Employers visit the campus from February about who to approach for work experience.
employers are seeking graduates with top onwards to tell students about the student and Attend a wider range of Employer Recruitment
academic results. In some cases this may be graduate employment opportunities they are Presentations than those of immediate
true, but the majority of employers also consider offering. Employer Recruitment Presentations interest as this raises your awareness of
employability factors such as relevant work are held during the day or in the early evening on opportunities that you may not have considered.
experience, skills, strengths, attitude, personality, campus. Some are formal and others are informal It is particularly important to attend Employer
interests, and team fit. however, smart casual dress is recommended. Recruitment Presentations for employers you are
These sessions may include information making applications to.
What happens? about the: NB: not all employers give Employer Recruitment
• Organisation Presentations.
Career Events • Nature of the jobs
• What the employer is seeking
Keep an eye on what is coming up. See details
of Student & Graduate Recruitment and • Training and development Recruitment material
associated UC Careers activities via programmes offered and the Most employers encourage Students & Graduates
www.careerhub.canterbury.ac.nz • Application procedure to visit their website for information about
Often employers will bring recent graduates current recruitment opportunities. An increasing
with them, so attendance at the Employer number of large employers have a specific
Recruitment Presentations is a particularly website for Student & Graduate Recruitment.
All employers recruiting at the University of
6
‘unofficial’ version of your academic transcript will
display the details of your academic record.
For details on the cost and how to order your
‘official’ academic transcript, go to:
http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/graduation/
transcripts/order.shtml For online or
emailed applications, you can have the
‘official’ version scanned at the Copy Centre:
https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/support/onsite-
services/printing/copy-centre/
Academic transcripts can take 3–4 days to process
so we recommend students request one early in
the year to save last minute hassles. Do not send
the original of your ‘official’ academic transcript to
an employer – a copy is sufficient.
Justice of the Peace
www.canterbury.ac.nz/support/onsite-services/jp/
If you require a Justice of the Peace on campus to
certify copies of original documents please go to
the above link.
Campus interviews
Many employers involved in Student & Graduate
Recruitment return to the campus to interview
selected applicants, using interview rooms
Canterbury will have their vacancy(s) on UC organised by UC Careers.
date. Application details may be in either the
CareerHub. UC CareerHub job notices give you employer’s Job listing on UC CareerHub, in their In most instances the employer will contact you
direct access to these websites. Some employers recruitment material or on their website. directly to arrange a suitable interview time. Please
also provide brochures and handouts about their We recommend applying before the last day. be flexible when arranging interview times. If you
organisation. These are available from the current are invited to attend an interview during study
Student & Graduate Recruitment display stands Academic transcripts breaks or exam time you are able to politely ask
at UC Careers. for a more mutually convenient time. Employers
An academic transcript is the official record of know that UC Careers will not arrange interviews
your University of Canterbury courses and results or assessment testing during study breaks or
Applying to date. Some employers may request to see exam time.
Most employers require you to provide them with the ‘official’ copy of your academic transcript
a CV, covering letter and a copy of your academic These are formal interviews and employers will
at the start of the recruitment process and if so
transcript. You may also be asked to complete expect candidates to dress appropriately and
they will state this in their application process.
an application form, of which copies are often present themselves as if the interview was being
Other employers may be willing to accept the
available to download from UC CareerHub. An held on the company premises. On rare occasions
‘unofficial’ version of your academic transcript
increasing number of employers now require an interviewer might be dressed more casually
during the early stages of the recruitment
students to complete an online application via than you are. If this is the case, don’t feel that you
process, but may require to see the ‘official’
their website with copies of your CV etc attached. have made a mistake. It’s better to be over-dressed
version of the academic transcript at a later
Additionally a LinkedIn profile can also be than under-dressed for this kind of event.
stage of the recruitment process. Check with the
requested or preferred by some employers. employer directly if in doubt. If you choose to withdraw from the interview
Please check the relevant Job notice carefully for process or you need to cancel an on-campus
You can access your internal transcript
each individual employer’s application procedure interview, you must contact the employer
through MyUC https://myuc.canterbury.ac.nz
and closing date. Follow every instruction. It is yourself to advise them of your decision.
You can request a copy of your ‘unofficial’
vital that your application is correct, complete, academic transcript by emailing
and in the right place at the right time. transcript@canterbury.ac.nz. This will be sent
Applications being sent directly to an employer to you via email and there is no charge. The
must reach them on or before the closing
7
Job hunting strategies
To maximise your chances of www.seek.co.nz – browse jobs in NZ and Publications
internationally.
finding work, we recommend Job vacancies, often in specialist areas can be
www.sjs.co.nz – brings employers and students advertised in publications such as professional
using a combination of job together for all types of jobs around New Zealand. magazines, academic journals and newsletters
hunting strategies – both of professional associations. Also try related
advertised and in the ‘hidden’ New Zealand Government Jobs publications from other industries.
job market https://jobs.govt.nz – lists job vacancies in the
government sector. You can also visit websites Recruitment agencies
When embarking on your job search it is of individual government departments and
See the handout: Top 10 tips for approaching
important to have an understanding of what organisations. See:
Recruitment Companies availalable in the
you want, what skills you have and how you www.govt.nz/organisations
Careers Resource Area.
can contribute. Other career activities and tools http://lgcareers.co.nz/ – lists local government
can assist in gaining this direction. jobs. LGCareers assists those who are starting Work and Income
See www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers out in their career, as well as those looking to New Zealand (WINZ)
advance.
The advertised job market http://job-bank.workandincome.govt.nz/find-
Industry specific Job vacancy websites a-job/search.aspx – lists job vacancies. You may
The Internet need to register first with Work and Income as a
• Speak to people within the jobs and industry Job Seeker to be considered for specific roles.
Many companies and organisations, both you are interested in, and ask if they are
nationally and internationally, use the Internet to familiar with any specific job vacancy Social media
recruit staff. A few key websites are listed below websites.
to help you in your job search: • Use keywords/phrases when searching online Employers can use various social media
to connect with industry specific job vacancy platforms to connect with potential candidates
UC CareerHub websites. For example if you search ‘science and promote job vacancies. Relevant professional
vacancy website nz’, Science New Zealand’s associations and influential individuals online
www.careerhub.canterbury.ac.nz – employment
career website will be found. can also share opportunities of interest. Ensure
wed-based hub between students, recent
any communications on social media are kept
graduates, employers and UC Careers. Log on
regularly for information on job vacancies,
Going global professional.
Employer Recruitment Presentations, Careers Going Global provides career information and www.linkedin.com - a professional networking
Fairs & events, Seminars and Student & Graduate resources to you from countries around the world. service used to build connections and facilitate
Recruitment. Gain inside career knowledge helpful in preparing the sharing of job vacancies, news, updates and
for work overseas. https://online.goinglobal.com/ insights.
UC Careers www.facebook.com - in addition to specific
www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers – visit the ‘Jobs Employer websites employer pages, search for generic and specific
and application tools’ section for a range Employers can advertise opportunities through job and industry groups and pages (these can be
of job vacancy links including New Zealand their own websites (including their social media regional or at a national level, e.g. IT Jobs - NZ).
and international jobs, volunteer, relief and platforms). Often you can sign up to their job mail Other social media platforms employers have
international development, academic positions, to be notified of any new vacancies. been known to use include:
teaching English as a second language, and
• www.instagram.com
teacher, sport and recreation vacancies. Professional associations
• www.snapchat.com
General job vacancy websites Professional associations uphold standards and
seek to further a particular profession or industry. • www.twitter.com
When using job vacancy websites you typically Becoming a member of an industry specific body
can search by keywords, job type/term of allows you an opportunity to engage, participate Social Media and Privacy
employment, location, category/classification and and to stay up to date with industry knowledge Be careful about what you share online and
pay/salary. You may be able to register and create and relevant job vacancies. who can view your posts - check your privacy
a profile to receive job alerts, career news and settings. There are many stories of individuals
advice, and be contacted by potential employers. Newspapers not getting a job because of the information they
www.careers.govt.nz – contains comprehensive Read the Situations Vacant section of the major have shared online - once you share a post it may
information on jobs and industries within newspapers. For mainly South-Island vacancies, never go away.
New Zealand, including job vacancy websites. check out The Press particularly on a Wednesday Google yourself to see what public information
https://nz.indeed.com – searches all job and Saturday. The business pages may also is readily available so you are aware of the
search sites. contain job advertisements or job leads. information an employer may see.
www.trademe.co.nz/jobs – browse job vacancies Manage your social media connections as
within New Zealand. information that is shared with a connection can
be captured and shared with others, including
potential employers.
8
UC Careers
www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers
Job Search Diary
Date Contact Discussed Follow-up By When?
E-Hireability you are marketing is yourself and the dos and dont’s, where to network, making
your chances of success in this venture will a good impression, overcoming the fear of
Learn more about how to manage your online
depend on: networking, conversation starters, and tips from
footprint, how to make yourself more e-hireable,
• Identifying the appropriate market for employers. See resources and tools at
how to use social media in your job search, and
your skills. www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers
how to use LinkedIn and build a virtual network.
See resources and tools at • Understanding the specifications and So, how do you get started with Networking?
www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers preferences of the employer or industry.
• Presenting positive qualities of your ‘product’ Build your job
Tapping into the hidden – your qualifications, skills, abilities and
experience – and how these will benefit
information database
job market the employer. The first step is to start building your contact list.
The ‘hidden’ job market refers to jobs which are • Your communication and interpersonal skills. You want names, contact details and possible
not advertised, and is particularly important if you openings or positions.
• Being committed to convincing the employer
are seeking work within organisations who are and ‘closing the sale’.
relatively small or are in highly competitive sectors. Create a Job Search Diary
You may be familiar with this approach, having You are:
Write down:
successfully gained holiday or part-time work • Finding out about areas of interest, advising
• Every contact you find, how you heard of
through networking and/or directly approaching people of your range of skills and letting
that person and what you could talk to
an employer. people know that you are looking for work.
them about.
• Asking to be part of their network of contacts,
The following job hunting strategies and • Communications you have with that person,
to learn from their knowledge and exchange
activities can assist you in accessing the by phone, email, in person etc.
information.
‘hidden’ job market. • Actions you will take as a result of your
• Using the ‘multiplier’ principle – that is,
communication with that person, e.g. other
the more people who know you are looking
Networking for work, the greater the chance
people to ring, ring back in a month’s time,
send in CV etc.
Networking involves identifying the people and of opportunities arising.
• Actions that person is going to take on
organisations that could be helpful to you in your • Asking the people in your network to help
your behalf e.g. going to pass on your CV
job search and developing mutually beneficial you in your job search, NOT asking them to
to their superior.
relationships with them. Your aim of networking hire you.
• Eliciting feedback and assistance so that Diary all important dates. Check your diary every
is to:
you can continually modify your skills and day to see what has happened and what your
• Obtain more information about sectors and next step is.
techniques of job search.
employers that interest you.
• Decide where best to concentrate It is important to use your initiative and get
your efforts. talking to people! Being connected is considered
• Uncover job leads and key contacts. to be the number one job search strategy.
When networking it is important to see yourself as A range of e-learning videos are available online
embarking on a marketing exercise. The ‘product’ and cover a range of networking topics, including
9
Contact sources vacant pages of community and major daily The direct approach
newspapers and trade/industry magazines
People: This means approaching employers directly for
are other sources to identify businesses to
• Everyone is a potential contact approach. work, whether in person, by telephone or by
– just start asking! • Ask family, friends, clubs and associations sending a cover letter with a CV (by post, email
• Large numbers of graduates are successful you belong to for contacts. or via websites). This type of activity is used as a
in obtaining work through friends, family, • Research companies/organisations via their legitimate method of finding work in most areas
colleagues, past graduates and other websites and publications so you are familiar of the labour market.
contacts, including local business people and with what they do prior to visiting them. Accurate targeting is crucial in this approach,
community members. • Contact the appropriate person (via email, so the amount of time you spend researching
Information resources: telephone or in writing). Contact the the company and who to target within it, will
receptionist first and ask them to put you be much greater than the amount of time you
Look in the Careers Resource Area for information
through to the most appropriate person if spend making the contact. As with networking,
including:
you are unsure who the best person is for you clarity about what you have to offer, plus a
• Print media, employer publications to speak to. Remember to get that person’s businesslike approach, are essential to making
and newsletters. name and job title. a good first impression.
• Business Directories and the New Zealand • Introduce yourself, let them know who
Yellow Pages.
• Research organisations and explore company
referred you (if applicable), what you would When you make contact
like to discuss and ask if you could arrange a
directories. Visit www.canterbury.ac.nz/ • Be explicit about why the job, organisation or
brief meeting (15 minutes or so) at a mutually
careers/students/do-your-research/ industry appeals. In a cold call exercise have
suitable time.
your CV prepared, and be able to indicate to
Other sources: • Be prepared that the employer potentially
the employer your interest in the organisation
• Build up contacts in your field of interest might want to speak with you then and there.
and the type of position you want, or type of
through part-time, voluntary, vacation work • Be clear about your skills, interests and goals
enterprise you are considering starting.
and work experience. and how this information will assist you in
• Use positive language.
• Join relevant professional associations and your job search.
• Get the name of a contact rather than just
societies and attend professional gatherings. • Prepare and rehearse your questions in
their title e.g. if you are writing to, or emailing,
• Attend relevant seminars, forums, talks, advance – you may like to email them to the
the Human Resources Manager phone the
exhibitions and conferences. contact person in advance.
Receptionist to find out their name.
• Use social media, such as LinkedIn. • Dress professionally and appropriately to
• Follow the principles of writing an effective
• Speak with Academic staff who may have make a good impression.
cover letter and CV.
industry contacts and information about At the informational interview • Be professional in your approach to
previous employers of graduates. the employer.
• Build connections through your leisure • Remember this is career research, not a
job interview. Sending a CV and cover letter expressing your
interests and further study.
• You ask the questions. interest in working for a particular organisation
Informational interviews • Show interest in them – ask about their is a popular job hunting technique. As a result
employers may be receiving these kinds of
background, qualifications and relevant
The purpose of an ‘Informational Interview’ is to experience. approaches daily. Therefore it is important to do
research a field of work of interest to you – not • Take notes and collect any literature or some research on the organisation and consider
to ask for a job. It is a way to gain information relevant web addresses. where you might fit into it. Indicating at the
on employment trends, skills required by • Ask for further contacts and ask permission to end of your letter that you will follow up with a
employers, as well as confirm whether it is an use their name as your referral source. phone call will generally ensure that the letter is
area of work you are interested in pursuing or • Inquire whether it would be possible to spend read and considered. This also provides you with
not. Informational interviewing increases your a short period work-shadowing someone in a another avenue for making contact. Aim to build
knowledge about your fields of interest, helps role of interest to you. rapport and maintain contact moving forward to
you clarify and refine your career goals and • Take along your CV. keep informed as to whether any job vacancies
establish a network of contacts which could • Keep to the time you negotiated. have emerged that you might be suited to.
lead to employment opportunities, useful
mentoring or invitations to relevant
industry events.
After the interview Creating your own job
• Immediately take notes of all the information • In your research you may find an employer
Prior to the interview you have gathered. who could use your skills even though they
• Write a thank you note. haven’t realised this yet.
• Identify businesses to approach by looking • Keep a comprehensive record of all • You need to research the company/
at company directories online via: contacts made. organisation’s markets, outputs etc and be
www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers/students/ • Follow up all referrals. able to illustrate succinctly how your skills will
do-your-research/. Business and situations • Keep in contact with the person. complement what they do.
• When you get a job, let people know.
They may become part of your network.
10Informational Interviews
As you are not interviewing for a job, it is
up to you to ask the questions. Therefore,
always go to an informational interview
well prepared with questions. Even if the
informational interview is very informal or
spontaneous, you will get much more out
of it if you put time into thinking about
what you want to know.
The following questions are a guide.
Ask questions that are going to give
you relevant information to assist you to
make an informed decision. Remember: use
open ended questions that elicit more than
a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.
• How did you get into this type of work/
industry?
• What kind of background (education,
skills, experience and attitude) do people
have who work in this field?
• What is a typical day in this job really
like?
• What do you most enjoy about the work
that you do? Least enjoy?
• Concentrate on the needs of the company and • What are the biggest challenges facing
• Don’t ramble and do take notes. The other
adopt a positive tone. your sector? How do you think they will
person is likely to be busy and will value
• Establish your communication as a serious be tackled?
your efficiency.
dialogue between equals. • Where do you see the opportunities for
• Treat the call as an interview. Be prepared to
• You may identify a gap in the market that you people to enter this sector now? What
speak about your skills and how they match
could niche in. gaps need to be filled?
the employer’s requirements.
• What is the best way of finding out about
vacancies in this field?
Telephone skills Receiving calls • Do you know of anyone with a similar
• Be prepared for calls to come at any time and background to mine that has entered
Professional introduction prepare others in your household if using a this type of work? Could I meet them?
Quickly identify who you are and what you land-line. Ensure a good reception for • Can you recommend two other people
have to offer by developing a summary of your the caller. that I should speak to?
qualifications, skills, experience, achievements, • Keep a copy of your CV, your list of questions • Would you mind looking at my CV and
motivations and aspirations. Practice it until it and pen and paper by the telephone, along telling me if you think it’s appropriate
sounds natural and fluent. It should be brief with with notes about the contacts you are for the sector?
a maximum time of two minutes. It is important expecting to hear from. • What steps would you recommend I
to express your reason for being interested in Remember UC Careers is here to help you. Bring take at this stage?
their organisation. some of your planning or research material to an • Are there related fields/jobs you
Express Appointment for further advice. recommend I look into if there are
While on the telephone Acknowledgements:
few jobs available in my preferred
• Check with the other person that you have Hidden Job Market section adapted from Career
career field?
called at an appropriate time - if not briefly Development Centre, University of Otago. (n.d.). Job search
strategies. Retrieved from http://www.otago.ac.nz/careers/
outline the reason for your call and ask when employment/strategies/index.html.
a more appropriate time would be to call back. Informational Interviewing section adapted from
• Allow time for the other person to think McLachlan, M. (2009). Job hunting in New Zealand.
and respond. Auckland, New Zealand: Penguin.
• Smile – it makes you sound friendlier.
• Keep your head up, or stand up. This results
in a more upright posture and more energy in
your voice. Speak clearly.
11Researching the organisation
Possible questions to research
When approaching an organisation for a job,
or when invited to attend a job interview, it is
important to have background knowledge of
that organisation. Researching a prospective
employer demonstrates your level of interest
in working for them and enables you to show a
‘match’ between you and their organisation at
the job interview.
Some of the information you might want to
research may include:
• What type of business they are.
• Where they operate from, where they have
branches, subsidiaries etc.
• What their major products and/or services are.
• Who their clients/customers are.
• What their future prospects and plans are.
• Current issues and challenges, for that
company, specifically, and for the industry.
• What their financial situation is.
• What the name of their Personnel or Human
Resources Manager is.
So, how can you identify organisations to
research? Refer to the resources listed below.
Information on some small businesses may Social Media Online directories
not be as easily accessible through the sources Don’t forget to use social media channels for Many directories are available on the Internet.
mentioned; however, it is still important to find references to, or posts by the organisation you’re See www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers/students/do-
out as much as possible before your interview. researching. These sources can give extra insight your-research/
Ask your industry contacts (colleagues, lecturers, into the values and activities of the organisation,
other students, community members) what they and public perception of them. Puaka-James Hight/Central Library,
know about the business. If possible, speak to University of Canterbury
someone who works for the organisation. UC Careers Resource Area & Website The Puaka-James Hight/Central library has NZ
and international company information and
Information sources Organisation information
financial reports online. Search by company
In the Careers Resource Area, brochures, name via the Library’s MultiSearch option
Organisation websites newsletters, and other literature are sometimes www.canterbury.ac.nz/library. You can also
supplied by employers recruiting during explore options under the subject guides for
For a start, check out whether the organisation
Student & Graduate Recruitment. Some Business & Economics and New Zealand History
has a website. Use a search engine or one of
companies and organisations will have websites or ask a librarian for help.
the online directories to locate their website.
specific to ‘graduate recruitment’ or ‘careers.’ http://canterbury.libguides.com/bsec
See www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers/students/do-
your-research/. Read the information provided Publications and directories
on organisation websites and consider the Christchurch City Libraries
questions listed above. In the Careers Resource Area you will find
publications and directories you can read, Christchurch City Libraries also provide access
Most organisations have their annual report such as: to newspaper and magazine articles, annual
accessible on their website. Typical website • The NZ Company Register. An Investment reports and business directories:
headings under which annual reports can be Yearbook of NZ companies listed on the https://christchurchcitylibraries.com.
found include: investor information, corporate New Zealand Stock Exchange plus top Try searching the “eResources Discovery Search”
information, about our business and Australian Companies. by company name.
financial information. Also look for information Please note: to access information via the
about the organisation’s purpose and values, and • NZ Government Sector Directory.
Christchurch City Libraries website you may need
their current projects. • TAKOA Ruo Mano – Information on Marae, Iwi, to be a member. Information on how to join is
Social Services, Business, Justice, Education, available on their website.
Government, Training, Arts, Health Services
and Education Scholarships.
12Work — international
Factors to consider
If you would like to work overseas, begin your
international job search in advance as it is likely
to take some time to plan and organise. How easy
it will be to achieve will depend on a number of
factors including your ability to get work permits
for other countries and the type of work you
are seeking. If you are an international student,
contact your family and friends to learn more
about what is happening in the job market in
your home country.
Finding work overseas
UC CareerHub
Search CareerHub for international job
vacancies. Select More Search Options
(under the “Find Jobs” button), to see the
Location option - International.
www.careerhub.canterbury.ac.nz
International job vacancy websites
For a range of international job vacancy Applying for jobs internationally International students –
websites, visit ‘Jobs and application tools’ at
www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers Recruitment and selection processes and working in New Zealand
practices, including CV/Resume writing, can Please refer to the New Zealand Immigration
vary in different countries. UC Careers staff website to explore your options for working here
This weblink contains information on: recommend: because they may differ for each individual:
• NZ & International job vacancy websites GoinGlobal – www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/
• Teaching English as a Second Language https://online.goinglobal.com options/work
• Teacher and Sport & Recreation vacancies UC has a paid subscription to this site from You may be allowed to work part-time for up
any device connected to the UC network. to 20 hours a week and full-time during all
• Vacancies for Academic positions Alternatively, limited public access is available via scheduled holidays and/or during the Christmas
• Volunteer, Relief and International www.goinglobal.com. and New Year holiday period. Check the
Development Graduate Careers Australia – conditions on your eVisa, the visa label in your
• Researching Companies and Organisations www.nagcas.org.au/resources/graduate-careers- passport, or the explanation in your letter.
australia After graduation with an acceptable NZ
• Job Market Information
Career Planning & Resources relating to qualification, you can apply for a Post Study Work
finding jobs in Australia. Visa. Depending on the level of your qualification,
Books In some instances, overseas employers may not the Post Study Work Visa lasts for 1, 2 or 3 years
UC Careers stock a range of books to assist with be familiar with New Zealand qualifications, so which lets you to do almost any work you like.
finding work internationally. These books are they may require more detail or explanation of However getting a skilled job in an occupation
available for loan. your studies in your CV/Resume. They may also where there is a shortage could improve your
Titles include: require your qualifications to be verified by their chances of getting a residence visa if you wish to
country’s qualification authority. stay permanently in New Zealand.
• Careers in International Affairs.
Remember to check the NZ Immigration website
• International Jobs: Where they Are, How to
Get Them.
AIESEC for the most up to date information. You can also
AIESEC is present in over 124 countries and seek advice from a licensed Immigration Adviser.
• Teaching Overseas for Aussies and Kiwis.
territories. It offers young people opportunities
• The Academic Job Search Handbook. to participate in international internships, gain
• Find a Job through Social Networking. experience in leadership, and participate in a
global learning environment. An active AIESEC
Graduate Careers Australia also publish annual
group operates at UC. For further information
e-books on how to find work in Australia.
see: https://ucsa.org.nz/clubs/find-a-club/
See www.nagcas.org.au/resources/graduate-
careers-australia.
13Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is emerging as Networking and mentorship Entrepreneurial support
an important and viable career Mentoring relationships have been shown to
enhance entrepreneurial attitude and motivation, Connecting with national
option and has the potential and those with industry mentors have shown organisations
to positively shape the career more awareness of new business opportunities. The following national organisations may offer
trajectories of many individuals. Mentoring relationships can be established valuable information, support or activities
Entrepreneurship is increasingly through social and professional networking, helpful in becoming an entrepreneur:
new business contacts, entrepreneurial groups
becoming a part of the world of and organisations, and educational settings. • New Zealand Chamber of Commerce
work due to its ability to enhance Those who participate, engage, and contribute www.newzealandchambers.co.nz
economic growth, innovation, and to an entrepreneurial environment may be more • Business Mentors New Zealand
successful in establishing beneficial mentoring www.businessmentors.org.nz
employment opportunities.
relationships. (Terjesen & Sullivan 2011) • Ministry of Business, Innovation &
Employment
Becoming an entrepreneur Entrepreneurship & www.mbie.govt.nz
An entrepreneur generates one or more new employability • Tertiary Education Commission
business ideas, then through the process of Careers in the 21st century are less defined, www.careers.govt.nz
research and development, packages the idea and linear career progressions offering secure
into a new product or service for the market employment are no longer the norm. This Connecting with local organisations
place. means that individuals need to manage their Also investigate local organisations where
own careers and recognise and create their you reside. Relevant organisations within the
Career competencies own opportunities. Adopting the idea of career Canterbury region include:
Self-awareness, career exploration, entrepreneurship, which refers to identifying
• UC Research and Innovation –
research, planning, intention building, and unexploited opportunities and making career
commercialisation for students
implementation of career plans have been investments to achieve a higher objective and
identified as important career competencies career reward (Korotov, Khapova, & Arthur 2011), • PowerHouse Ventures
and are especially important when becoming an complements personal career development and
entrepreneur. A well-developed identity achieved lifelong learning to maintain employability. Entrepreneurship at UC
through self-awareness assists individuals • UC Centre for Entrepreneurship (UCE)
in identifying good career opportunities Commercial & social • Undergraduate study
which complements their values, interests,
characteristics and preferences, and can lead
entrepreneurship • Graduate & Postgraduate study options
to enhanced career development, stability, Commercial entrepreneurship previously has • Scholarships, Fellowships & Internships
and success. been the driving force of most enterprises
• Getting started
where the central focus is placed upon the
Developing entrepreneurial intention identification of an opportunity and delivery Acknowledgements:
and behaviour of a product or service. However the concept of Korotov, K., Author, B. (2011). Career Entrepreneurship.
social entrepreneurship is increasingly becoming Organizational Dynamics, 40(2), 127-135. Retrieved from
Enhancing a positive attitude towards https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezproxy.canterbury.ac.nz/
a larger driving force for enterprises around the science/article/pii/S0090261611000180
entrepreneurship, developing self-efficacy, world. Social entrepreneurship recognises a social Terjesen, S. & Sullivan, S. E., (2011). The role of developmental
and creating an environment supportive issue or need and can be defined as innovative relationships in the transition to Entrepreneurship. Career
of entrepreneurship, is strongly correlated activities with a social objective. Development International, 16(5), 482-506. Retrieved
to individuals following through with from https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/
doi/10.1108/13620431111168895/full/pdf?title=the-role-
entrepreneurial goals and engaging in of-developmental-relationships-in-the-transition-to-
entrepreneurial behaviours. This can increase entrepreneurship
capacity for career success. Additionally, being Yang, K., Hsiung, H., Chiu, Y. (2015). The comfort zone of the
value circumplex for entrepreneurship: a structural analysis.
part of an environment which fosters values such Career Development International, 20(6). 666-683. DOI
as self-directedness, stimulation, achievement, 10.1108/CDI-07-2014-0087
and universalism, assists in developing a positive
entrepreneurial attitude (Yang, Hsiung, & Chiu,
2015).
1415
Cover letters (letters of application)
Cover letters (also known as • For an effective layout, use appropriate spacing
Are you ready to write your
and margins, and try to balance your letter in
Letters of Application) are the centre (top to bottom) of the page. cover letter?
generally used in two job search • Choose whether using bullet points and/or • Do you know who to address the letter
situations: when applying for an paragraphs will be the most effective way for to? If not – find out, where possible.
advertised vacancy and when you to write your cover letter. • Have you thought about why you want
making a direct approach to an • Keep your sentences short and clear. this job and to work for this organisation?
Be specific.
employer. • Use size 10–12 text • Are you clear on the top 5 or 6 key
competencies/skills, experience,
Advertised vacancies Content guidelines qualifications and/or personal attributes
• If you know the name of the person to whom the employer is looking for and how you
When applying for advertised or known can demonstrate a match between you
you are sending the cover letter, use their
vacancies, a cover letter should be customised and the position?
title and name in the salutation (e.g. ‘Dear
specifically for each position for which you are • Have you decided what makes you
Ms Smith’). Sign your letter ‘Yours sincerely’.
applying. Never send a cover letter that reads different or unique? What makes you
If their name does not clearly identify their
like a circular which is being sent to every stand out from other applicants? What
gender, write their full name (e.g. ‘Dear Pat
employer on a list as it is not likely to make a are your ‘points of difference’?
Smith’) and sign your letter ‘Yours sincerely’. If
favourable impression. • Think about how you can interest the
you do not know the name of the person you
In the cover letter, you seek to persuade the are writing the letter to, use ‘Dear Sir / Madam’ employer in what you have to say
employer that you are a suitable candidate and sign your letter ‘Yours faithfully’. – what are your ‘headlines’ to hook them
for the job, by illustrating you have the key in and interest them in reading your CV?
• Interpret the organisation’s website and
qualifications, skills, experience and personality
literature to demonstrate you understand their
traits outlined in the job description or at the
needs and how the information applies to you
recruitment presentation.
and the job.
A well written cover letter will compel the
• Remember when writing a paragraph that it
employer to read your CV so they can learn more
usually consists of 3–5 sentences and the first
about you.
sentence of each paragraph needs to introduce
what that paragraph is about.
Direct approach to
• Make sure you use examples to illustrate what
an employer you have to offer.
When making an unsolicited application, it • Avoid repetition of ideas, words and phrases
is important that each cover letter is written in sentences. Use a thesaurus or the list of
specifically for the organisation you are action verbs on page 28. Try to use a variety
approaching. Researching the organisation (via of sentence structures – don’t start every
websites, through your network of contacts or sentence with ‘I’.
other resources) is critical to producing a well-
focused sales pitch. Through your research, • Remove bullet points and separate each
identify what qualifications, skills, experience sentence of your paragraphs onto it’s own line
and personality traits are or might be of interest (temporarily). Does each sentence make sense
to the employer you are approaching, and make individually?
sure you have highlighted these in both your • Check each sentence to ensure your grammar,
cover letter and your CV. See the section on the spelling and punctuation are correct.
Direct Approach on page 10 in this guide. • Re-paragraph your letter, ensuring that your
points are being presented in a logical and
Formatting guidelines structured manner within each paragraph and
• Avoid coloured or lined paper. within the overall cover letter.
• Use black ink and avoid block capitals. • Have someone proof read your cover letter for
spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Type your cover letter – unless the employer
has specifically requested it to be handwritten.
• Use no more than one A4 page (even if you’re
sending the letter as an email – the employer
will probably print it out).
16Your cover letter is the first thing an
employer will read
– what impression does it
give about you?
Address
Your contact telephone number
2 spaces
5 January 2020
2 spaces
Employer’s name
Their position
Company/organisation name
Postal address including post code
City (and country if sending internationally)
2 spaces
Dear Mr/Ms./Mrs Employer’s Last Name
Vacancy position and reference number
An Introduction Use bullet points instead of paragraphs
State clearly why you are writing to them (including the department or location if you think it will get your points
across more clearly and effectively.
preferred, if appropriate) and mention that your curriculum vitae is enclosed.
Say where and when you saw the position advertised.
Note that you do not need to use
paragraph headings. Those shown here
What I can offer you are just used to illustrate the purpose of
each section for the writer.
Research the organisation and the position to identify what they are looking
for. Write two or three paragraphs drawing attention to those aspects of your
qualifications, experience, skills, personal attributes, achievements, interests
and aspirations which show how you match the requirements of the job and the
organisation. Illustrate by using examples. Refer to your CV where appropriate.
Why does this organisation appeal?
Describe your reasons for applying for this job - what is your motivation to
apply to work for this particular organisation, in this particular role. Be specific
– why them? It may be their reputation, the projects they are involved in, their
organisational culture or other factors.
If you are making an unsolicited
approach, mention that you will
The Conclusion contact them by a certain date to
follow up this letter. If you would
Restate your interest in the position and that you look forward to hearing back
like to speak to them about future
from them. Thank them for taking the time to consider your approach opportunities in their industry sector
or application. overall, clearly request this. This may
create a networking opportunity for you
2 spaces
to find out more about other jobs.
Yours sincerely
5 spaces (approximately)
Signature
Your name
17Preparing a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Step two: Content of your CV
What is a CV?
A curriculum vitae is a summary of your In general the most preferred style of CV in Personal details
personal, educational and work history. It New Zealand is a combination of reverse • Write your name and term-time home address
is designed to interest a potential employer chronological (date ordered) and functional (if different to your regular address). If you are
in interviewing you. The style of CV can vary (skills) information, which allows you to using two addresses give dates you will be at
depending on the stage in your life/career, arrange the most relevant facts in easy-to- each one.
the type of employer or job vacancy, whether follow and targeted sections. Some employers
• Include your landline and/or mobile telephone
you are canvassing or applying for a known have particular requirements, so follow their
number(s), and your email address.
vacancy and if applying for a job in different instructions carefully. Below are three easy
countries. steps to writing an effective CV. • Include url address to an online professional
profile, e.g. LinkedIn account (optional).
• It may be helpful to indicate whether you are
Step one: Target your CV your CV may not be read by a human being, a New Zealand citizen, Permanent Resident or
unless your CV is successfully shortlisted by an hold a valid New Zealand Work Permit.
Research the employer ATS. Therefore it is important that you create a • Information relating to age, gender, marital
Research the employer(s) and the industry(s) scannable CV. status, religion and health need not be listed
you are interested in. What do they consider • Quick tips to create a scannable CV: for a New Zealand CV.
important? What are their values? What type
– Include facts for the artificial intelligence Career objective (optional)
of people work for them? What might
to extract. The more skills and facts you
interest them? • If you wish to include a career objective,
provide, the more opportunities you’ll have
• Use any sources of information you can find, for your skills to match available positions. place it near the beginning of your CV.
including websites, press articles, personal – Make sure you use the same words as • Make sure it is short and specific to the
contacts, industry forums etc. See page 12. the employer when describing your skills particular organisation you are approaching.
• Find out if the employer has any specific and experience as the software may look • Alternatively you may title this section ‘Profile’
requirements or preferences in regard to CV for those key words. For example, if the and give a brief summary of your most
format and the order of information included. advertisement says ‘excellent people skills’, relevant strengths, skills and experience for the
your CV should have a heading ‘People position.
Understand the position description skills’ not ‘Interpersonal Skills’.
• If you are applying for a specific position, go - Avoid tables, columns and text boxes as Education & qualifications
through the job description and highlight these can become scrambled. • Include your degree indicating major
any qualifications, skills, experience and - Use traditional bullet points because ATS subject(s), thesis or project title. You can write
personal attributes the employer mentions. can not recognise symbols/picture images. this in brief and state ‘See Academic Transcript
You need to give examples of where you have - Select one type of standard font to use. attached’ and/or include your grades in the
demonstrated these in your CV. You can bold and use a larger font size for body of your CV.
• If you’re not applying for a specific position, headings, however maintain the same font
• Write the name of the institution you
think about what skills, experience and sizes throughout your CV.
are studying at and the year dates.
personal attributes the employer is likely to • If you’re posting a paper copy of your CV, it
Include information on when you are
want, based on all the information you have needs to be good quality, with no unusual
expecting to complete your studies and be
been able to find out about them. formatting or graphics, with dark ink on white
available to commence employment.
paper to make it easy for the computer to
distinguish the words. • Include secondary school details if relevant.
Match yourself to the job In some cases employers require these. It is
Brainstorm how your key skills, experience, • E-learning videos and information on
not necessary to include copies of certificates
qualifications and personal attributes fit what scannable CVs and applicant tracking systems
and awards from school.
the employer is looking for. Prioritise the list and are available via resources and tools.
See www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers. • List any other qualifications or training
use examples from your work, study, voluntary
courses that you have completed and/or are
work, community involvement, interests or Also see Resumes in Cyberspace by Pat Criscito
working towards.
personal life (e.g. family commitments) to and E-Resumes by Susan Britton Whitcomb
illustrate your suitability. and Pat Kendall. These are available from UC • If you are including qualifications gained
Careers resource area. overseas you should include a brief
Identify ‘scannable’ words explanation of them, including whether they
Acknowledgment: CAREERXROADS 2000 The Directory to have been recognised by the New Zealand
• Employers may use an Applicant Tracking Job, Resume and Career Management Sites on the Web.
Qualifications Authority and/or New Zealand
System (ATS) that automatically scans your CV
Immigration for employment purposes in
to create a plain text file, even when you send
New Zealand.
a paper copy. This automated process means
• Show the information in reverse chronological
order i.e. most recent information first.
18You can also read
