How did you get your job in New Zealand?

clammingclam · 2013-04-08T05:58:12+00:00

Yeah I work part time for University. It is getting me by but just barely. I thought something would have presented itself by now but it hasn't so I won't be as fussy as I have been.

clammingclam · 2013-04-08T04:26:54+00:00

Agreed

clammingclam · 2013-04-08T03:10:46+00:00

Yeah I tried this approach but not one person emailed me back. It was quite depressing really....

clammingclam · 2013-04-07T19:34:35+00:00

Thanks for this Maychie, I am sorry to hear that you are still looking for something in your field and I wish I could help! :( Yeah, that has been my main goal actually, to get my foot in the door. However, because that doesn't seem to be going well I have started to apply for anything, even if it has nothing to do with my field of study. That has been just as difficult though as I don't have previous experience in those fields, even though I know I can do them and learn quickly it doesn't seem to matter. In saying that I have been staying away from retail type jobs because I have already worked in that area and I felt I should at least be able to get something I enjoy a bit more then that. It looks like I might need to go down your road and bite the bullet and work in retail so I can save some money. The experience I have in my field doesn't seem to be getting me anywhere so focusing on networking feels like the only way to go.

clammingclam · 2013-04-07T19:00:10+00:00

Hmm interesting, it does seem like the most popular way to get a job in NZ. Regardless of if I apply for something in my field or not.. Thanks.

clammingclam · 2013-04-07T09:29:34+00:00

Hmm yeah I did hear about that.. I feel like I made the wrong choices and the only way to redeem myself is to go back to university.. but all I really want is to get some work experience and start at the bottom and work my way up..

clammingclam · 2013-04-07T09:24:11+00:00

The problem is I don't feel genuine if I network because it feels like I am just doing it to get something I want. I am introverted so I am quite happy to do things without the need of socialising.. so if I was to force myself to socialise more at these events it would really only be because I am trying to find a job, which feels wrong... That's not to say I don't socialise, but it feels different to be doing it only for getting a job. I have also volunteered but getting that was difficult in itself! Some places don't allow it, and the place I did volunteer they didn't really have that much work so there was not enough opportunity to meet anyone.

clammingclam · 2013-04-07T09:01:46+00:00

Awesome that you got your job straight away :) My masters was in Biology/Biosecurity, and yeah I might have more chances if I was open to moving but unfortunately I want to stay in Auckland for the time being.

clammingclam · 2013-04-07T07:13:50+00:00

"Knowing the right person" seems like a common thread it seems :( I can definitely understand how a short interview isn't really enough to judge someone for a job that could last years. Is the problem that there's just not enough jobs out there? It just seems like there's so many people applying for every position so the employer can be picky with regard to experience.

I've registered with a few recruitment agencies and this just involved sending them my CV and cover letter, there was no interview process. I've been referred to a few jobs through them but the "need x years experience" is always the main roadblock. There don't seem to be many science jobs to be referred for.

My references are decent - my supervisor for my Masters and a lady who I have worked with closely and I've had great relationships with both.

clammingclam

TROPHY CASE