The job market in New Zealand feels tighter right now. More people are applying for fewer roles. Some seasonal work has slowed. And many job seekers are spending hours on a single application just to get noticed.
A recent RNZ article explored what’s happening and what actually helps. I was pleased to contribute to that story because these are the same conversations I have with clients every week.
Here’s what matters most if you’re searching for work in a competitive market.
Start with clarity before you touch your CV
A strong job search begins with honest thinking.
Ask yourself:
What kind of work do I really want?
What level am I ready for right now?
What income do I need in the short term?
What skills could transfer into a new industry?
When you’re clear on direction, your CV, Cover Letter, and applications become sharper. Without that clarity, it’s easy to apply for everything and feel stuck.
Keep your CV simple, relevant, and results-focused
In a crowded market, recruiters move quickly.
If they can’t find key information within about 30 seconds, they often move on.
That’s why structure matters:
Short professional profile at the top
Key skills next
Work history and achievements
Qualifications
Referees who know your work well
For most people:
Two pages are ideal
One page is fine for early-career roles
Focus on recent achievements in clear bullet points.
Volunteering, study, and short courses can also add real value.
Many employers use automated screening systems, so:
Use keywords from the job ad
Stick with clear headings
Save your CV as a Word or PDF
Simple wins.
Your Cover Letter should feel personal, not copied
A good Cover Letter is:
Brief
Relevant
Written for that specific role
It should not repeat your CV.
Instead, connect your experience directly to what the employer needs.
Whenever possible, address a real person.
Generic openings rarely land well.
You only get a few seconds of attention. Make them count.
Professional help can speed things up
Some people manage alone. Others feel stuck after months of trying.
Research shows structured job-search support can help people find work much faster. In practice, I see this every day.
Most clients:
Undersell their results, or
Overcomplicate their story
My role is simple:
Find the gold and explain it clearly to employers.
LinkedIn is your digital first impression
Think of LinkedIn as your online introduction.
A strong profile shows:
Your voice
Your values
Your network
Your professionalism
A half-finished profile can send the wrong message.
Start with:
A clear headline
A strong “About” section
Occasional comments or posts to show activity
You don’t need to live on LinkedIn.
You just need to look present.
AI can help, but people still hire people
AI is useful for:
Research
Drafting ideas
Improving wording
But employers can often spot heavy AI use.
And once your CV passes screening, a real human reads it.
So use AI carefully.
Always edit in your own voice.
Write for people, not just systems.
Applying online isn’t always enough
Networking still matters.
That might look like:
Messaging someone on LinkedIn
Attending an event
Asking for an informal conversation
These chats often lead to opportunities you’ll never see advertised.
Referrals remain powerful - even in a tough market.
Interviews are a two-way conversation
Preparation makes a huge difference.
Before any interview:
Re-read the job ad
Prepare real examples
Practise speaking out loud
Dress one step up from normal workwear
And remember:
You’re also deciding if they are right for you.
Rejection is hard - be kind to yourself
Job searching can feel like an emotional rollercoaster.
Especially after redundancy or a long time in one role.
If this is where you are, please hear this:
Struggling in a tough market is not a personal failure.
Often, persistence leads to a role that fits better than the last one.
I see that outcome again and again.
A final word
Right now, standing out takes more effort.
But clear direction, a strong CV, genuine networking, and thoughtful preparation still work.
If you’d like support with your CV, Cover Letter, LinkedIn, or interview preparation, I’m here to help.
Because everyone deserves the chance to be seen for what they can truly offer.