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Larissa · 22d ago
Sales Support Administrator
I left my job end of 2024 due to health reasons. Spent 6 months sorting it out and since been looking for a job.
I'm in my early twenties. Yes the market is tough and I've applied for a number of jobs but now it's been suggested to me to do trial work for free to "earn trust". Is that reasonable? Does not having a job for over a year make me less reliable or trustworthy?
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Liz · 9d ago
Op Shop Volunteer
I have a 2 year gap thanks to chronic illness. For a while I said I’d been improving my health, and using that time to upskill. But recently I started working at an op shop, which I can put on my cv and gain another referee. I’m in my late 20s, have applied for almost 200 so I understand your frustration. Kia kaha, someone will see you for the value you bring.
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SEEK Admin · 6d ago
They're great questions Larissa.
Short answer is, any actual work should be paid.
https://www.employment.govt.nz/starting-employment/hiring/pre-employment-trials
Doing a small trial to demonstrate skill, isn't the same thing as being asked to work for free for any period. And there's little reason you should be asked to. Between an interview, references and probation period you've got the chance to prove yourself without being unpaid.
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Anon931048 · 16d ago
Definitely explain the gap in your resume - there's no need to go into detail but also health reasons does leave a lot to the imagination and sometimes people will imagine the worst. Sometimes you can try to reframe the gap as positive, so it's more about 'taking control of your health' and these are all the things i learned in that situation (whatever they may be).
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Tabish · 7d ago
Helpdesk Manager
Focus on ur field first , heal urself and prepare to find some .
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Anon400668 · 18d ago
Resume gap is a thing, some employers will focus on it more than others. Have you got it planned out what you are going to say if it comes up during an interview? Youre young and the job market is hard, I dont think its unusual to be out of work for 6 months or even a bit more tbh
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Ayesha · 10h ago
Gateway Assistant
girl, i am exactly in the same boat as you are but i left my last job back in '24 & now 2 years later, i still can't seem to find anything - no matter how much i apply to jobs.
it just really seems like no one wants to hire anyone nowadays!
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Ieti · 9d ago
Recruitment Manager
Has anyone tried Vexis Talent Agency?
I've heard good things about them but it doesn't sound like a resume is the deciding factor.
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