Blog

  1. Homepage
  2. Blog
A person scrolling on their phone looking for available job roles, and job search guide
Recruitment Tips
The Ultimate Job Search Guide: CV, Interview, and Application Tips

The job search process can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can make a lasting impression and secure the role you want. From crafting the perfect CV to acing your interview, this ultimate guide to job searching will walk you through every stage of the job application process to help you stand out.

1. Perfecting Your CV

Your CV is your first impression—so make it count! Here’s what to focus on:

Keep it Clear & Concise
  • Aim for 2 pages max with a clean format that’s easy to read.
  • Use bullet points for clarity and structure.
Tailor It to Each Job
  • Match your experience and skills to the job description.
  • Use keywords from the job ad to improve visibility.
Highlight Achievements
  • Instead of just listing duties, show impact (e.g., “Improved efficiency by 20%”).
  • Use quantifiable results to stand out.

👉 Need more help? Watch our video on CV Writing Best Practices

2. Writing a Winning Job Application

Many applicants send generic applications—but tailoring yours can set you apart.

Address the Key Requirements
  • Carefully read the job listing and directly respond to their needs.
  • Show how your skills fit the specific role.
Use a Strong Cover Letter
  • Keep it short and relevant (1 page max).
  • Explain why you’re interested and how you can add value.

🛑 Common Mistake: Sending the same CV & cover letter to every job. Always customize it!

3. Acing the Job Interview

Now that you’ve secured an interview, preparation is key!

Research the Company
  • Know what they do, their values, and any recent news.
  • Be ready to answer: “Why do you want to work for us?”
Practice Common Questions
  • “Tell me about yourself.” ➡ Structure with past, present, future.
  • “What’s your biggest strength?” ➡ Provide an example!
Dress & Arrive Prepared
  • Plan your outfit and transportation the night before.
  • Arrive early to stay calm and confident.

Watch our full Interview Preparation Tips Video here: Watch Now

Handling Job Rejection & Moving Forward

Rejection happens—but it’s not the end of the road!

Seek Feedback
  • If possible, ask for feedback to improve next time.
  • Learn from each experience.
Stay Positive & Keep Applying
  • The right role WILL come if you stay persistent.
  • Keep refining your approach and skills.

🙌 Need job support? Contact CanRecruit for advice and opportunities.

Final Thoughts

A successful job search is all about preparation, persistence, and confidence. Follow the steps in this ultimate guide to job searching, and you’ll boost your chances of landing the right role. Good Luck!

💡 Looking for your next opportunity? Browse our job listings here

CanRecruit Blog
consulting
Why CanRecruit specialises in Construction, Civil, Logistics and Manufacturing and how we can help you
The search for the right candidate is tough
The search for the right candidate in a specialist industry is tough

Why CanRecruit are specialists

When CanRecruit started over 10 years ago in Christchurch, the founders realised that there was a huge demand in the areas of Construction, Civil, Logistics and Manufacturing that no one else was fulfiling.

Since then, CanRecruit has gone from strength to strength. CanRecruit recognises the need for a dedicated Industrial and Trades Recruitment provider across NZ’s biggest centres, with offices in Auckland, Christchurch and Cromwell.

What are the benefits for you when working with a specialist recruitment agency?

Whether you are someone looking for a new position, or a business navigating through an extremely difficult market, a recruitment specialist such as CanRecruit will save you time and money.

Here are the 4 ways in which using a specialists recruitment consultancy can help your business

  1. Attract the best talent
    A good recruitment agency will pro-actively search their existing databases as well as recruit new candidates, and suit your requirements specific to your job. Our vast database of quality candidates consists of candidates looking for short or long-term work and vetted through our rigorous interview process. This means that all you need to do is pick a candidate that will suit your needs!
  2. A prompt process
    We know that the industrial industries can move fast, and often you need a quality candidate to start immediately. Rather than wait for candidates to apply for the vacancy, CanRecruit knows a host of great candidates that are actively looking for work at any one time.
  3. Qualifying candidates
    CanRecruit prides itself on being able to save any business considerable time by qualifying candidates on their behalf. We go through an extremely thorough process to qualify and interview candidates, drug test and check things like licences and references
  4. A consutlative service
    Over the past 10 years, CanRecruit has perfected an ‘end-to-end’ service for our clients, by providing a genuinely consultative service throughout the recruitment process. Our team of professional recruiters have extensive experience in searching and selecting candidates, with a strong network and good contacts within the industries.

Lastly, remember that using a specialist recruitment service in your industry will not only get you the best candidates but save you time and money in the long run.

If you have any questions or currently looking for staff, contact our team on 0800 226 732

CanRecruit Blog
Recruitment Tips
Why we are entering a ‘Candidate Market’
This year has seen a strong start to the job market, but labour shortages are causing low business confidence.

We are all aware that it’s been a really tough start to the year with Covid disruption and the cost of living sky-rocketing. However, there is some silver lining in the job market!

The RCSA has recently published its report for January – March 2022 which you can read here:

NEW ZEALAND – The Jobs Report, January – March 2022

The main takeaway from the report is that: the job market is booming despite weak business confidence.

What does that mean? Basically, it’s great news for unemployment rates and the rise of flexible jobs (vs permanent), but not so good for businesses trying to fill positions due to the lack of staff across NZ.

Here are the key points from the report:

  • The job index rose to an impressive 6.5% in the last three months, with an indication that unemployment will fall further
  • A major shortage of talent and people in the workforce is the reason for declining business confidence
  • Flexible jobs have outperformed the permanent jobs index over the pandemic
  • Retail and Wholesale achieved the highest rate of growth in Q4 2022
  • The Auckland region represents close to 40% of all job postings in New Zealand, with demand rising by 9.8% in the last three months

How does this benefit you?

This report highlights that we are truly in a ‘candidate market’. This means that anyone looking for work is able to negotiate and include greater flexibility in their terms and arrangements than ever before. With record levels of job opportunities and a lack of candidates, if you are applying for a job today you will be in an unprecedented position to negotiate terms and conditions of employment and make your work fit better around your life. You can read more about this here: https://www.thejobsreport.co.nz/insight/new-zealand-candidate-market-delivers-greater-flexibility-in-permanent-employment-than-ever-before/

Now is a great time to be looking for a new role! If you are interested in looking for new opportunities, talk to our team on 0800 226 732

CanRecruit Blog

© Copyright CanRecruit 2022 All Rights Reserved