Sourcing Work in a Tight Labour Market: Strategies for Success

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The past year has seen a rise in unemployment rates, with a 12% increase in the number of people receiving the job seeker benefit (NZ Herald, 17/3/25). As the labour market becomes more competitive, job applicants face growing challenges. With organizations struggling to find qualified candidates, those looking for work must adapt in order to stand out.

Key Strategies for Success:

1. Focus on What You Can Control

  • Develop a structured weekly planner, treating your job search as a full-time job. Allocate specific hours each week for job applications, research, and networking. Balance this with personal time for hobbies, exercise, and connecting with loved ones to maintain your energy and mental well-being.

2. Polish Your CV

  • Tailor your CV to highlight the skills in demand and emphasize what makes you stand out. Focus on showcasing your strengths and the unique qualities that set you apart from other candidates.

3. Prepare for Interviews

  • Practice your interview skills and be ready to tell personal stories that highlight your expertise. Knowing your key achievements and experience inside and out will help you confidently present yourself to potential employers.

4. Expand Your Network

  • Reconnect with former colleagues, associates, and professional groups. Leverage community resources such as Meet Up groups and Neighbourly NZ. Attend industry seminars, business events, and local networking groups to uncover job opportunities and build valuable connections.

5. Master Informational Interviewing

  • Identify companies you're interested in and engage with them, either in person or via LinkedIn. Informational interviews allow you to gather insights about companies and create relationships that could lead to future job offers. Keep track of your interactions in an organized way, like using an Excel spreadsheet.

6. Stay Informed and Upskill

  • Keep up with industry trends and continue to expand your skill set through micro-credentials or online learning. Staying current in your field makes you more competitive and appealing to employers.

7. Broaden Your Work Opportunities

  • Consider freelance, contract, or temporary positions as a way to gain experience, earn income, and keep building your career while continuing your search for permanent employment.

 

8. Be Proactive and Flexible

  • Job seekers today need to be proactive, adaptable, and inventive. If your current approach isn’t working, change your strategy. Persistence is key: "The squeaky wheel gets the oil."

By implementing these strategies and being open to new approaches, job applicants can succeed in a competitive job market.