Feeling Uncertain About Jobs? ZEIL Might Have The Answer

A recent survey highlighting a significant drop in job confidence among New Zealand students has sparked concern. With only 19% of university students feeling "very confident" about securing a job after graduation, and nearly half considering moving overseas for employment, it’s understandable why job seekers might feel anxious about their prospects.

But here’s the good news: your job search doesn’t have to be overwhelming or restricted. Platforms like ZEIL are helping to change the narrative, providing thousands of local job opportunities right here in New Zealand. To help boost your job confidence and navigate the current employment landscape more effectively, consider these practical tips:

1. Recognize Your Strengths

Take a moment to reflect on your skills and accomplishments. Understanding your unique value can significantly boost your confidence during your job search. List your key strengths and prepare to discuss them confidently in interviews. For example, if you've led a successful project at uni, highlight how your leadership and problem-solving skills contributed to its success.

2. Prepare Using the STAR Method

Interview nerves can hurt your confidence, but using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) helps structure your answers. Practice responding to common interview questions using this technique to communicate relevant experiences and showcase your problem-solving abilities.

3. Set Small, Achievable Goals

Break your job search into manageable steps, like applying for a set number of jobs per week or tailoring your resume for each role. Achieving these smaller goals will keep you motivated and improve your confidence as you progress.

4. Network, Network, Network

Building and nurturing professional relationships is one of the most powerful ways to boost your job search success. Reach out to classmates, professors, past colleagues, or professionals in your field through platforms like LinkedIn, industry meetups, or alumni networks. Not only does networking open doors to hidden job opportunities—many roles are filled through connections before they're even advertised—but it also reinforces your confidence by validating your skills and experiences. A strong network can be your biggest asset in navigating your career journey and finding new opportunities.

Remember, networking isn’t just about asking for favours; it’s about building genuine, mutually beneficial relationships that can support your long-term career growth.

5. Stay Positive and Focus on Growth

Job searching can feel tough, but setbacks are part of the process. Instead of letting rejection affect your confidence, focus on what you’ve learned and how you’re improving with each opportunity. If you don’t hear back, politely follow up and ask for feedback - some employers will provide valuable insights that can help you improve your approach. In the meantime, consider adding new skills or certifications that can make you more competitive.

Platforms like Coursera, Udemy or LinkedIn Learning offer many courses to boost your qualifications. Even something as simple as updating your resume or LinkedIn profile based on what you’ve learned can turn a rejection into progress.

Confidence comes from resilience and a growth mindset.

At ZEIL, we understand the unique challenges job seekers face today. Whether you’re in Trades and Services, Marketing, Customer Service, or Sales, our platform offers a diverse range of jobs that cater to different industries, skill levels, and experience. Unlike other platforms, ZEIL is designed to be user-friendly, where you can simply swipe right for jobs that interest you, and swipe left for those that don’t—just like a dating app. Finding the right job shouldn’t feel like a chore, and ZEIL makes the process both easy and engaging.

While the economic outlook might seem uncertain, your job confidence shouldn’t waver. ZEIL is here to help you find exciting career opportunities right here in New Zealand. With thousands of job listings available and a commitment to supporting job seekers across all sectors, there’s no reason to feel discouraged.

Start exploring today.