Job Hunting in NZ Right Now? Focus on Your CV, Your Approach and Your Mindset

Anyone on the job hunt at the moment knows how brutal it is, not only in NZ but around the world as well. I recently read that unemployment is at 5.7%, and RNZ reported that it is the highest rate in nearly 11 years, with about 174 000 people unemployed in the September quarter. With the elections and the year coming to a close, it feels like the market has slowed to a crawl. Hiring has been more cautious than normal, with businesses holding off on increasing their headcount and slow-rolling decisions. That makes for a tenuous job market where everyone is feeling more than a little on edge and uncertain. But as tough as it is, these are situations beyond our control. So my advice is to focus on what you can control: your CV, your approach and your mindset. Your CV: make it impossible to overlook When a role attracts hundreds (sometimes a thousand) applicants, your CV has one job. It needs to showcase your achievements, highlight your value and set you apart from everyone else in the pile. A few things I'd look at: • Lead with achievements, not duties. What changed because you were there? What did you improve, fix, save or build? • Tailor it. A generic CV sent to fifty roles will rarely beat a focused CV sent to ten. • Be careful with AI. AI-generated CVs are being recognised and ignored. Use tools to help you think if you like, but your CV should sound like you and reflect your real experience. In this market it is more important than ever to have an impactful CV that makes sure you get the chance to present yourself in an interview. That interview is where you get to shine, so the CV has to get you there. Your approach: persistent, but intentional Tenacity and persistence are the name of the game. Keep applying, but be intentional about it rather than firing off applications to anything and everything. If you have the flexibility (and let's be honest, the luxury) of being choosy, then be choosy. Ask yourself whether the role will suit you now, and a year from now. Are there areas where you can learn and develop? Does it look like something that will fill your cup, not just your bank account? Being intentional also means your applications get better. When you only go for roles you genuinely want, you write a stronger cover letter and you walk into the interview with real enthusiasm. Your mindset: this season does not define you The market is brutal. My husband always calls it a numbers game, and he's not wrong. You will field some rejections, you may be ghosted, and you may just miss out on the perfect opportunity for reasons that have nothing to do with you. That's why mindset matters so much. Surround yourself with people who can remind you that your worth is not determined by this season, and that the right opportunity is just around the corner. Take breaks when you need them, celebrate the small wins (an interview, a callback, a great conversation) and keep going. You don't have to do this alone If you need some help with any of the above, I am right here for you. Whether it's reminding you of your worth, articulating your achievements or creating a CV you are proud to submit and showcase, I'd love to help. If you'd like a second pair of eyes, I offer a free CV review. Just send your CV to kerri@cvwriters.co.nz and I'll let you know what's working and what could be stronger. 😊