AUT Employability and Careers Info and Advice Blog

Do you want your employment opportunities doomed because of your online look? Do you want to stand out from the crowd because you have jam down your top, greasy hair, an unmade bed or a flatmate fooling around in the background?  Maybe not?

Let's face it, Kiwis are not great at telling people about themselves, or heaven forbid, actually talking themselves up about anything. Am I right? Here are three employers tips on how to present yourself genuinely through your CV, cover letter and at events.

Fronting up to a stranger, particularly someone who may end up being your employer, is not the easiest thing to do in the world. It can be terrifying, yet that is what you need to do at events such as career expos, right? The good news is that it is really really possible to develop good networking skills – communicating and developing a connection with strangers. Read how five graduates overcame their reluctance to network – and ended up in great jobs - by lots of practice.

Are you an international student? Read our five essential tips outlining what you need to focus on to improve your chances of finding work in New Zealand when you graduate.  A great degree is a good start, and then….

Networking is communicating with people, making connections and sharing information. Value comes from using shared interests to develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships. Networking relationships are built over time and these contacts will be there to help you in the future.

Yay, the career event is over. And you think you nailed it! Well, no, not quite. After making all that effort you don’t want to lose out on future opportunities by scurrying back into your corner and not following up. Here are 6 tips on how to keep momentum up after the fair or event is over.