Unemployment increased<\/a> this week, to 5.2% \u2014 and the underutilisation rate reached 12.8%.<\/p>\nIt’s a tough environment to be looking for a new role.<\/p>\n
Career consultant Merrie McDougall told RNZ people who were job hunting should make sure their CVs were fit for purpose.<\/p>\n
She said applicant tracking software had become widely used in the past five years.<\/p>\n
This would look at key words and phrases in an applicant’s CV and match them to the job advertisement.<\/p>\n
“If you don’t have that match, you’re never going to get to the next stage\u2026 it’s as simple as that.”<\/p>\n
She said the software would also only read the first two pages, and often could not process blocks of colour.<\/p>\n
She recommended a “simple word doc”. But she said paper copies were no longer necessary.<\/p>\n
Hayley Pickard, founder of Fortitude Group, said even though someone might be applying for large numbers of jobs, they should not use a generic resume and cover letter.<\/p>\n
“In a recession, employers are flooded with applications. Generic materials don’t stand out.”<\/p>\n
Each application should be tailored to the job description, highlighting a person’s most relevant skills and achievements, she said.<\/p>\n
Pickard said people also shouldn’t apply for anything and everything. “You appear unfocused or desperate\u2026 apply only to jobs where you meet at least 70% to 80% of the requirements and can add value.”<\/p>\n
But applicants should consider what transferable skills they might have and not limit themselves to jobs that were the same as those they had held before, she said.<\/p>\n
Pickard said any long gaps in employment in a CV would need to be addressed. “Recruiters may assume the worst.”<\/p>\n
It was a good idea to “briefly and honestly” explain them and emphasise what you did during that time, whether it was freelancing, volunteering or more study, she said.<\/p>\n
Most jobs would be filled through referrals in tight job markets, Pickard said. Contacting former colleagues could help, as would taking up any networking opportunities.<\/p>\n
She said people should not give up after a few rejections.<\/p>\n
“Job searches during a recession can take longer and require persistence. Track your application, follow up, learn from rejection and stay consistent. Treat job hunting like a job itself.”<\/p>\n
She also recommended people applying for jobs tidy up their online presence so that their LinkedIn profiles matched their resumes and highlighted their accomplishments.<\/p>\n
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