Reach out to job search

Widen your opportunities to find work by getting out into the world. Here are 4 tips from our friendly AUT Employability and Careers team on how to start to do this and improve your chances of being at the top of the list when employers are looking to hire.

1/ Grow your networks

Make a plan and start growing your networks, says Employability Relationship Manager Rachael Marsters.

“Step outside of your comfort zone this semester and put yourself out there. You never know what you might learn or who you might meet. Set some goals about meeting a new person at an event or via LinkedIn. A good starting place is on-campus events. Also, look at meetups to see if there are any group of events you could attend.”

Get in the loop through Elab Online, the online portal to all AUT Employability and Careers workshops and events. This is where Employability and Careers advertise their on-campus events. Also look out for emails, digi-screens and Student Comms newsletters.

“We bring employers onto campus throughout each semester. They really want to meet students, so all you have to do is turn up, say hello, and have something to say to them about what you’re studying, why it interests you, and what you’re hoping to do next,” says Rachael.

Professional networking is really important, agrees Naufa.

“Get to know people at university (classmates, lecturers), join a club, explore uni life, do the AUT Edge or Beyond AUT Awards."

2/ Ask questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, adds Naufa.

"It makes such a difference to how someone will remember you, or even if they do. Be curious about people – it is good practice for transitioning into the workplace.”

3/ Use LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional networking channel that you can access easily. It is a place where you can find great articles to read, learn about industries and organisations you’re interested in, and approach employers and employees to find out more about their workplaces. But before you start, we strongly recommend you do a LinkedIn workshop, which you can book into through – yep – Elab Online. Many students talk of how they’ve made great contacts through LinkedIn.

4/ Do volunteering

Summer is a great time to get a bit of volunteering in, especially if you haven’t found a job over the break. It may not give you income, but you’ll find you gain great skills while doing good.

“Volunteering shows that you know how to turn up when expected, practice communicating with lots of different people, work with others, and solve problems. All good stuff to put on your CV,” says Rachael.

“And you’re also helping people and community, and that makes a huge difference.”

5/ Make a move

This is the hardest part. We know how easy it is to sit in your bedroom or flat in front of your laptop and send out numerous job applications without making contact with anyone. But how do you know your CV is up to scratch? What about your cover letter? Make your first move to sign up to Elab Online, where you can access all the help you need.

Not used Elab Online before?

Using Elab Online is simple and offers you heaps. Click here, put in your AUT user ID name and password, click ‘Current Student’ (duh), and you’re in. You’ll find workshops and events to book into, both online and on campus. This is also where you’ll find NZUnitalent, the job board specifically for university students.