New Focus New Zealand director and senior career practitioner Muriel Willem is not surprised by the statistics.

“Due to increasing electricity costs, many layoffs have occurred in the primary sector and manufacturing industry, especially in healthcare.

We have seen factories significantly reduce operations or temporarily cease production, both locally and in other regions, and unfortunately many have closed permanently. As a result, we have observed that job seekers are moving to Northland in search of more affordable housing and a lower cost of living.”

He noted that despite the increase in the number of job seekers, there was a “significant decrease” in the number of vacancies advertised.

“While temporary and part-time opportunities are increasing, the number of permanent positions is decreasing, creating challenges for job seekers dealing with rising costs of living and high mortgage repayments.”

New Focus said its clients often struggle to find long-term employment due to the disruption of Covid-19 and the failure of many businesses to fully recover.

He said the longer individuals remain unemployed, the less self-confidence they become, creating a “challenging cycle” in which job seekers become anxious about applying for positions, question their skills and fear disappointment.

People Potential CEO Bronwyn Ronayne said that in times of economic hardship, employers are less likely to take a risk on someone or are hesitant to hire.

“I think Northland is the best place in the world to live, but I think the downside of that is that when there is talk that the economy is in trouble, we are the first to feel the effects and the last to come out of it. ”

He said companies being cautious about their spending equals more cautious employment.

The area was home to many small and medium-sized businesses, and during a financially difficult time, there could be a “fine line” between keeping the doors open.

Ronayne said People Potential had seen an increase in the number of young people looking to better themselves, but it was a common misconception that the agency was only for young people.

“If you’re actually applying for a job and getting rejected, that can be really discouraging, but if you’re doing something in the community like doing a program with us, it’s still moving forward.”

At a time when layoffs are common and companies are tightening their pockets, people in the region are finding themselves unemployed. So how to get out of this slump?

New Focus’s Muriel Willem shares some tips.

Ask for career support

Being between jobs provides a unique opportunity to interact with a careers practitioner who can assess the job seeker’s situation and review their transferable skills.

Thinking about work values ​​can also help determine what’s most important in a job (growth opportunities, company culture, or work-life balance).

“These invaluable services are offered free of charge through Direct Careers Services, making them available to everyone in the community and across motu. “No one needs to navigate this difficult time alone,” says Willem.

Add to your skills

Adaptability is crucial in a tough job market.

“Many clients are taking advantage of this time to improve their skills by pursuing microcredentials in their areas of interest.

“These short focused courses can significantly improve your employability and make you a more attractive candidate in the current competitive job market.”

Investing in professional development can also boost confidence and equip you with the latest knowledge and skills.

“Practice and preparation are essential to stand out in a competitive job market. Willem says job seekers should seek support in creating a professional resume and cover letter.

Volunteering is a good way to not only gain new skills but also fill out your resume with meaningful community involvement rather than leaving an unexplained gap.

Prepare, prepare, prepare

LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for connecting with others in your field and showcasing your skills.

If you use Facebook for applications, make sure your profile is professional; review your photos; because employers can use your page to evaluate your character and suitability for the company.

Practice and preparation are also key to standing out; this includes creating a professional resume and cover letter.

“Preparing a CV is an art; each should be tailored to the specific role you are applying for; Generic versions are useless. If you are unsure, seek professional help.”

Practice self-care

“Being a job seeker can be extremely stressful and sometimes demoralizing, so it’s crucial to prioritize self-care. It’s important to look after your mental and emotional health during this transition because it can take days, weeks, or even months to secure employment,” says Willem.

This is a good time to reflect on challenges you may have faced in previous jobs so you can prepare yourself with the tools and insights needed to tackle new challenges.

Use your network to let others know you’re looking for a job and surround yourself with the support of trusted people who can support you.

Taking time for self-care and personal development can make a difference in your job search experience and overall job satisfaction, Willem said.

Brodie Stone is a education and general news reporter Lawyer. Brodie has lived most of his life in Whangārei and is passionate about researching issues important to the Northern Territory and beyond.