Cultivating networks and connections is certainly a useful strategy if you are actively looking for a new role. Interestingly, the results of a recent study published in Science Magazine suggest that your strongest ties (co-workers, close friends etc) are actually the least helpful for finding a new opportunity. And in fact, you would have more success focusing on your weak ties (infrequent, arms-length relationships i.e., LinkedIn connections) because they are more likely to provide novel information or connections to new opportunities.
The good news is that new tech is here to help! Both in terms of giving job seekers broader options to improve their searches, polish their job application and ultimately, find the right job.
Here are some popular online tools for job seekers:
Job Search Tools:
The job search process can be stressful and lengthy; you may find it hard to maintain your confidence and positivity. There are all sorts of stats that tell us how long it takes to find a new job but of course there’s no exact science to determine when you’ll be successful. As for the actual ‘search’ side of things, once you have a firm grasp on your exact career goals, there are plenty of online tools to help get you started.
LinkedIn
It’s the top professional social networking site but mostly under-utilised by job seekers. It’s definitely worth spending the time to optimise your profile and also learn how to use the advanced job search features on offer.
Do Good Jobs
Looking for a role with purpose? Do Good Jobs is NZ’s number 1 ethical jobs network with job listings for not-for-profits, charities, the public sector, social enterprises and B-Corp certified businesses.
Google For Jobs
Google Jobs aggregates listings from most other job platforms. There’s no dedicated URL, simply initiate a regular Google search based on a certain criteria i.e., jobs in Auckland or marketing manager jobs near me.
Glassdoor
Glassdoor aims to give job seekers more information about prospective employers through content like job listings, company/current employee reviews and salary reports. Though relatively ‘new’ to New Zealand, the site is growing in popularity and can be a useful source of information.
https://www.glassdoor.co.nz/Job/index.htm
Job Application Tools:
As for the actual logistics of the ‘dreaded’ job application process – according to SEEK, 58% of Kiwis feel that looking for a new job is a huge task – there are a lot of online tools freely available that can help you focus your time on energy on the things that matter most a.k.a finding a job that you will actually enjoy doing.
First-up, it’s important to note that hiring managers and recruiters are likely using systems to help automate the application and initial selection process including for example Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and sophisticated AI tools. More specifically, resume parsing – the process by which tech scans a resume for specific data – is a common feature of an ATS. So, crafting your CV and application to meet the specific requirements of the role and job description can put you on the right path to getting noticed.
Keep in mind however that the ultimate audience for your CV is a human being, so it’s important that you create a structured, well-written resume that accurately reflects your career path, credentials and capabilities, as well as being consistent with your online profile (LinkedIn, SEEK etc).
Tools that can help with your job application:
Jobscan
Compares your CV to a job description, providing feedback on how to ‘tweak’ your resume.
Teal
Project management tool for your job search + resume builder + LinkedIn optimiser.
ChatGPT
Powerful AI tool that can help you create your CV, cover letter, answers to common interview questions, improve your LinkedIn profile…
https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
Grammarly
Helps you edit and correct your grammar, spelling, punctuation, and more to produce mistake-free CV’s and cover letters.
