Job search bootcamp

Job Search Bootcamp will help you understand how to approach job seeking in New Zealand and how to present yourself as a desirable candidate. In our workshops, you will: 

• Learn about new ways to find and create job opportunities in New Zealand 
• Get advice on how to write CVs that stand out to New Zealand employers 
• Discover that cover letter writing can actually be quite fun and learn how to use AI in a way that serves you 
• Learn more about the skills, attitudes and experiences that New Zealand employers look for 
• See how consistent networking can not only help you promote your personal brand but also shape your career 
• Get advice on how to nail those tough interview questions and practise, practise, practise 
• Understand how to articulate your value proposition to prospective employers 

Although we highly recommend it, you don’t have to commit to all the workshops in the series: feel free to pick and choose based on your needs, knowledge, interests, and schedule. There are two offerings for each workshop topic - please only register for one as the content will be the same. You can register for workshops in MyCDES (registration links below). 

So, you are ready to look for a job in New Zealand – but where do you start? You might have heard of a few websites, but you are wondering how effective they are and if there is anything else you should know. In this interactive session, we will explore effective job search strategies that put you in the driver’s seat. You will learn how to approach New Zealand employers proactively and combine different strategies using them to your advantage.

Date: Monday 2 March
Time: 1-2.30pm
Location: Kate Edger Information Commons, Level 1, Workshop 101
Registerations open 2 Feb 2026.

OR

Date: Thursday 5 March
Time: 10-11.30am
Location: Kate Edger Information Commons, Level 1, Workshop 101 
Registerations open 2 Feb 2026.

You may have a great-looking CV that worked really well in your country but for some reason you haven’t had much luck with it in New Zealand. That’s because every culture has its distinct CV writing conventions and expectations. In this practical session, you will discover what hiring managers in New Zealand expect to see when they pick up your CV and how to convince them that you are the person they need to interview.

Date: Thursday 5 March 
Time: 2-3.30pm 
Location: Kate Edger Information Commons, Level 1, Workshop 101 
Registerations open 2 Feb 2026.

OR

Date: Friday 6 March 
Time: 9.30-11am   
Location: Kate Edger Information Commons, Level 4, Room 420
Registerations open 2 Feb 2026.

Do people still read cover letter these days? And if so, what do I include in one? Do I need a template? Who do I address it to? Can’t I simply generate a cover letter using ChatGPT? We are sure you’ve got a lot of questions about writing cover letters – and we will try to answer as many of them as possible in this practical session. Join us to learn how to showcase your experience, skills, qualifications, and attitudes and come across as a desirable candidate.

Date: Monday 9 March 
Time: 10.30-12pm 
Location: Kate Edger Information Commons, Level 1, Workshop 101 
Registerations open 2 Feb 2026.

OR

Date: Wednesday 11 March 
Time: 1-2.30pm 
Location: Kate Edger Information Commons, Level 1, Workshop 101 
Registerations open 2 Feb 2026.

To be able to prepare and submit a good job application, you have to know how employers think and what they look for. Employers want their problems identified, solved and, if possible, prevented – and that’s where you come in. In this workshop, we will explore what and how NZ employers think about hiring the right people and how to address their questions and concerns in the process.

Date: Tuesday 10 March 
Time: 1-2.30pm 
Location: Kate Edger Information Commons, Level 1, Workshop 101 
Registerations open 2 Feb 2026.

OR

Date: Friday 13 March 
Time: 9.30-11am  
Location: Kate Edger Information Commons, Level 1, Workshop 101 
Registerations open 2 Feb 2026.

Have you ever heard of the ‘hidden’ job market? Research says that it could be as many as 70-80% of all available jobs! The most effective ways to tap into this market are carefully crafting your personal brand and developing a strong and diverse professional network. Sounds great – but where do you start? Join our interactive session and we’ll guide you through this process.

Date: Monday 16 March  
Time: 1-2.30pm 
Location: Kate Edger Information Commons, Level 1, Workshop 101
Registerations open 2 Feb 2026.

OR

Date: Wednesday 18 March 
Time: 1-2.30pm 
Location: Kate Edger Information Commons, Level 1, Workshop 101
Registerations open 2 Feb 2026.

What do you feel when you get invited to a job interview? Are you nervous? Excited? Hopeful? Wherever you are on the feeling spectrum, you can always benefit from a more informed and purposeful approach to interview preparation. Join this interactive and practical workshop to learn how to prepare for job interviews, tell impactful career stories, and manage your interviewers’ first impression.

Date: Tuesday 17 March 
Time: 1-2.30pm 
Location: Kate Edger Information Commons, Level 1, Workshop 101
Registerations open 2 Feb 2026.

OR

Date: Thursday 19 March 
Time: 10-11.30am 
Location: Kate Edger Information Commons, Level 1, Workshop 101
Registerations open 2 Feb 2026.

Can’t make it to our in-person Job Search Bootcamp workshops? Join us online for our Job Search Bootcamp Mini-Series.

Workshop one: Finding work opportunities

Join us for this information-based online session where you will:    

• Explore effective job search strategies that put you in the driver’s seat  
• Learn how to approach New Zealand employers proactively   
• Combine different strategies using them to your advantage 

Date: Wednesday 4 March 
Time: 10-11am  
Location: Zoom (online) 
Registerations open 2 Feb 2026.

Workshop two: Creating your CV & cover letter

Join us for this information-based online session where you will:    

• Learn how to format your CV and cover letter for the New Zealand job market  
• Discover what hiring managers in New Zealand expect to see   
• Learn how to showcase your experience, skills, qualifications, and attitudes and come across as a desirable candidate  

Date: Wednesday 11 March  
Time: 10-11am  
Location: Zoom (online) 
Registerations open 2 Feb 2026.

Workshop three: Interviewing 101

Join us for this information-based online session where you will:    

• Learn how to research and prepare for job interviews   
• Develop strategies for responding to common interview questions  
• Understand the importance of introductions and telling your story 

Date: Wednesday 18 March  
Time: 10-11am  
Location: Zoom (online) 
Registerations open 2 Feb 2026.