How to Research Job Opportunities in Your Field

HOW TO RESEARCH JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN YOUR FIELD

By Courtney Pratt-Young

Pretty keen to get started on the career ladder with your dream job? Researching your first role as a YoPro (young professional) can be a minefield. There’s a lot of information coming at you all at once. I get it. So, I’ve broken down some approaches to researching job opportunities in your field.

1. LinkedIn and Seek

Let’s start with some of the more traditional job seeking methods. LinkedIn and Seek. You’re probably familiar with these already, so I’m not going to dwell on them too much. Basically, you can enter in key search terms and their algorithms will bring up an array of beautiful roles! It’s wise to browse every so often so you can get a good idea of the types of jobs that are out there, and what you might be interested in. Consider what you might say in a cover letter or what your point of difference is going to be when applying. Essentially, you’re applying the 5 P’s: Practise Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

2. AUT Services

AUT also has its own internal recruitment options. The Employability Lab (www.elab.aut.ac.nz) is not only a useful way to tweak your CV or update your interviewing skills, but their careers page is a helpful link to potential employers. Substantial companies often advertise their graduate or internship roles, as well as smaller companies which could be looking for part-time interns or consultants. AUT also offers the AUT Internz service (www.jobs.aut.ac.nz). Internz operates as a recruitment agency, placing students in jobs that employers post. The best part is all the jobs on offer are paid, meaning you can make bank in your industry while still studying.

AUT Services is an example of what is known as the ‘traditional’ job market. The likes of these include want ads, employment agencies, and college placement offices. The traditional job market is perhaps the most conventional way of sourcing jobs, which is why you can expect a lot of competition, especially amongst your classmates. However, this isn’t to say that they aren’t a valuable and valid source of employability. Also available to you, whether you realise it or not, is the ‘hidden’ job market. These include the thousands of jobs that are never posted online or advertised, and in order to get access to them you’re going to have to get a little creative with your scoping. Which brings us to our next point...

3. Shhh, this one’s a secret...

Networking, when finessed, can be one of the best ways to research what’s available in the industry. Facebook groups, teachers, mentors, and anyone else who you may meet along your journey can help! In fact, most jobs are filled through networking. When completing your studies, talk to people who are already in your industry. It may not be wise to elevator pitch to them straight away but asking a few questions, such as what your work life will be like, may help you stick in a future employer’s mind. If you haven’t already done so, join the Facebook group for your year level and degree if one exists. Follow up those connections with an add on LinkedIn perhaps? That way, if you ever need to put the job seeker vibes out there, you’ve got some existing contacts.

4. Industry Specialist

There are also helpful groups which already exist within your career path. Most industries have a ‘governing body’ that aims to create knowledge and build skills in their field. They’re a great resource for learning, but they also offer useful job boards. Some make this page only applicable to view for members, but usually have student prices for joining. For example, psychologists have the New Zealand Psychological Society, and Human Resource majors will find the Human Resource Institute of New Zealand helpful. A simple Google search of your major followed by “industry nz” should help you find your relevant group.

Job seeking can be a tough process, but you greatly increase your chances by doing your research and being informed. Just knowing where to look means you might already be one step ahead of your competition. Be confident and believe in yourself. I know you’ll smash it, and you can add me on LinkedIn while you do!