Practical experience gives job hunting advantage

For immediate release 22/9/11

Practical experience gives job hunting advantage

CPIT students’ practical experience gives them an advantage when it comes to job hunting according to employers.

International students had the chance to chat with two Christchurch employers last Friday as part of ‘Job Club’, a series of workshops that helps students prepare for applying and interviewing for jobs.

Students met with Colleen Bardsley and John Ascroft from Jade Software, as well as Owen Scott the founder and director of Concentrate Marketing. They gave tips on everything from searching for positions through to the interview process during the hour-long session.

The speakers emphasised that they valued working with graduates. “Graduates add so much to a company as well as the company adding to them,” Bardsley said. Those with practical experience through institutions like CPIT had an advantage when applying for jobs. Scott told students that he mainly looks at experience when employing someone. “It is not all about grades,” he said.

Personality also plays an important role. “You should aim to impress no matter where you are working,” Scott said. Jade Software had once found a position for someone who was working in a supermarket simply because they were so impressed with their helpful attitude. Ascroft said that above all, potential new employees have to be someone you can get along with.

Another important factor when job hunting was networking. Scott said that it’s all about making connections, or as he put it, “having cups of coffee with people”. Employers often asked around for informal references before advertising a position. They would almost always interview a person who was suggested to them.

Some students expressed concern about being able to find a job in New Zealand because of communication challenges but the employers put their minds at rest, pointing out that they value diversity in their companies. International student Oxana Eremenko said that she feels more confident as a result of speaking to employers at Job Club. She values CPIT’s commitment to help and encourage international students.

On Friday 21 September, 3 – 5pm, students at Job Club will have the chance to practice interview techniques with the Jade leadership group.

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