CDES (Career Development and Employability Services) provides free career development services for all enrolled University of Auckland students and graduates up to three years after finishing their studies. Services are available on the City Campus in Auckland, and online for students based anywhere.

CDES helps students build employability skills, prepare for job applications and connect with employers across Auckland, New Zealand and globally. 

Students can access in-person, online and self-guided tools to improve their CVs and cover letters, including drop-ins, automated reviews and consultant feedback.

Drop-in CV & cover letter reviews (City Campus, Auckland)

10 minute CV or cover letter checks with a Career Consultant. No appointment required.

• Tue–Thu: 2–3pm (in person, City Campus, Auckland)
• Mon & Fri: 2–3pm (online via Zoom)

Location: Room 151, Level 1, Kate Edger Information Commons, City Campus, University of Auckland (Auckland Central)

Excludes when the University is closed, such as on public holidays, or on days when the CDES team are hosting Career Expos.

Online CV review (CV360)

• Instant automated feedback (ATS, structure, language)
• Up to 10 uploads per user
• Optional consultant review (up to 5 working days)
  

Cover Letter review

• Upload via MyCDES → “My Documents”
• Submit as a Word document under “Cover Letter”
• Review time: up to 5 working days
  

CDES helps students meet employers, explore internships and graduate roles, and access job listings through events and expos.

Employer recruitment events

• On campus employer events each semester
• Meet recruiters and explore opportunities across New Zealand and globally 

Career Expos

• Large scale employer networking events on campus
• Multiple employers recruiting across industries
• Pre-event workshops are available to help you better connect with organisations at job expos.

Work experience support

• Guidance on internships, volunteering and global opportunities
• Includes vetted international providers

List of NZ job boards

Canvas content that covers how to use job boards effectively for job-focused searching and improving your job search strategy. It also lists key NZ job-seeking sites to help students find and apply for roles more effectively.

Practical workshops run throughout the year to help students build employability skills such as CV writing, LinkedIn optimisation, networking, and interview preparation.

You can check out the full list of available workshops below.  

Students can book personalised sessions with a Career Consultant to discuss career direction, planning and decision making.

How can I book a one-on-one appointment with a career consultant?

1. Select “Career Appointments All Students”
2. Click “Check Availability”
3. Choose a time and consultant
4. Complete the booking questions and submit

Note: CV, cover letter and LinkedIn reviews are handled separately via drop ins or online tools.

CDES provides online modules and AI powered tools to help students practise interviews, improve delivery and build confidence.

Canvas module: Navigating Interviews

• Self-paced online learning
• Covers interview preparation, performance and follow-up

Interview360 (MyCDES+)

• AI powered practice interview tool
• Feedback on delivery, body language, and structure

Note: Watch this video on how to you Interview360.

Dedicated programmes and resources are available for Māori, Pacific, international and postgraduate students to support their unique career development needs.

See below for detail:

• Māori and Pacific students
• International students
• Postgraduate students

Students can access 24/7 online learning modules, self-assessment tools and guided career development content through Canvas, MyCDES and MyCDES+.

CDES Canvas course

• Self-directed modules covering CVs, networking, interviews and job searching

CDES workshops and programmes

• Hands on workshops supporting employability skill development
• Topics include LinkedIn, networking, CVs, cover letters and peer review

MyCareer Check

• Self assessment tool for career readiness
• Personalised feedback and development tips
  

MyCDES+ online resources

• 24/7 online learning platform
• Modules on self management, teamwork, communication and problem solving
  

We are located:
Room 151, Level 1, Kate Edger Information Commons
2 Alfred St
Auckland Central

If you have any questions or suggestions regarding our services or anything else, please email us at careers@auckland.ac.nz.