Job hunting

Whether you're just starting out on the employment ladder or looking for that next big career move, find helpful tips for each stage of your journey.

Searching for jobs

Top tips for job hunters.

People shaking hands over an employment agreement.
Careers advice | 6 min read
Permanent, casual, and fixed-term contracts: What's the difference?

Understand your rights and choose the right fit with our guide to New Zealand employment contract types.

15 May 2026

Man planting trees.
Careers advice | 8 min read
Forestry jobs in NZ: Your ultimate career guide

Everything you need to know about starting or growing your career in New Zealand's booming forestry sector.

15 May 2026

Aged care nurse engaging with residents
Careers advice | 8 min read
Aged care in New Zealand: A career guide

Discover pathways, pay rates, and qualifications needed to start your rewarding career in aged care.

15 May 2026

Phone in front of a pink and yellow background. Phone screen is showing the Digital Passport homepage.
Careers advice | 3 min read
Learn AI skills for free in NZ with these online courses

Level up your career and learn AI for free with the MSD Digital Passport.

8 May 2026

Woman sitting at desk in an office looking at her computer
Careers advice | 5 min read
Free online courses to boost your job hunting skills in NZ

Upskill for free with MSD Digital Passport modules designed for New Zealand job seekers.

8 May 2026

Landing your first job

Put your best foot forward.

Teacher aide helping her student
Careers advice | 8 min read
How to become a teacher aide in New Zealand

Everything you need to know about starting a rewarding career as a teacher aide or learning support assistant.

15 May 2026

Security guards working at an event
Careers advice | 6 min read
How to become a security guard in NZ: CoA licence, training and career growth

Thinking about a career in security? Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a security guard in Aotearoa.

8 May 2026

Physiotherapist sitting on a swiss ball with a client and discussing her treatment requirements.
Careers advice | 6 min read
Sports & recreation careers in NZ: Your guide to roles, pay, and pathways

Turn your passion into employment opportunities

1 May 2026

Female early childhood educator working at a table with child
Careers advice | 10 min read
How to become an early childhood educator (ECE) in NZ

Start your NZ ECE career with our guide to training, qualifications, pay rates, and career paths.

1 May 2026

Female barista in NZ pouring milk into jug in order to make a coffee for a customer.
Careers advice | 6 min read
How to become a barista in NZ

Start your coffee career in Aotearoa with top training courses, essential skills, and long-term pathways.

20 April 2026

Effective interviewing

Sweet – you’ve made it to the interview! Now's your time to shine.

Job hunter in an interview.
Careers advice | 6 min read
How to answer: "Why do you want this job?" (NZ interview guide)

Our NZ-specific guide with sample answers and what Kiwi employers are looking for.

1 May 2026

Cartoon clipboard with three ticks on a piece of paper
Careers advice | 5 min read
How to prepare for a job interview: the ultimate guide

With job interviews, it's all about preparation. Here's our one stop shop for getting yourself ready.

Woman in an interview
Careers advice | 3 min read
The 30 most common behavioural interview questions + answers

There’s no need to fear behavioural interview questions.

Three women in a meeting.
Careers advice | 7 min read
Most common NZ job interview questions (with answers)

You can't predict everything the job interviewer will ask, but that doesn't mean you have to go in clueless.

These tips will get you through your phone screen interview.
Careers advice | 5 min read
13 vital phone screen interview tips

Don't be caught napping if your dream job calls for a phone screen interview. Here's how to get prepped.

Your online presence

Get your Trade Me Jobs Profile up to date so recruiters and employers can approach you with exciting opportunities.

Upgrade to a Gold Trade Me Jobs Profile
Careers advice | 5 min read
How to become your best ally in finding the perfect job with a Gold Trade Me Jobs Profile

A Gold Trade Me Jobs Profile can significantly boost your chances of finding your dream job.

7 November 2024

Creating a Trade Me Jobs Profile is a great job hunting step in NZ. It allows you to download a customisable CV, and lets employers find you.
Careers advice | 1 min read
How to create a Trade Me Jobs Profile

A Trade Me Jobs Profile lets employers find you, speeds up your job applications and gives tailored job recommendations.

Wondering how to create a TMJ profile? Here are some tips from someone who got a job through theirs.
Careers advice | 2 min read
Trade Me Jobs Profile success story: Vanessa Garcia

Vanessa landed her developer role through her Trade Me Jobs Profile.

Woman using Trade Me Jobs to find a job in New Zealand.
Careers advice | 3 min read
What are the benefits of having a Trade Me Jobs profile?

Here's what a Trade Me Jobs Profile could do for you.

Job hunters need to clean up their social media when looking for work.
Careers advice | 3 min read
The importance of your online presence when job hunting

Your online presence could be a great asset or a big problem in your next job hunt. Here's how to get it right.