Join New Zealand’s career community
Share experiences, ask questions, and dive into practical discussions within dedicated industry groups. Build connections with others like youL
Larissa · 4 Feb 2026
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?
L
Liz · 1mo 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.
S
SEEK Admin · 27d 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.
A
Anon931048 · 9 Feb 2026
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).
A
Ayesha · 20d 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!
T
Tabish · 27d ago
Helpdesk Manager
Focus on ur field first , heal urself and prepare to find some .
A
Anon400668 · 8 Feb 2026
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
R
Rebecca · 4d ago
Healthcare Assistant
yes I would and I did ..got out of Healthcare and doing an outdoor job completely different, lower pay but I love this job and iam so much happier. I would choose less pay and my favorite job to be Happier 🙂
Z
Zunelda · 17d ago
Head Barista
I feel you, I also stopped working in 2024 due to my mental health, I was over worked (worked in hotels) long hours for little pay, luckily my husband said he'll take care of me but now im pregnant and need to find a job so we can move and take care of our baby. I've been lookinh for a job, I applied for many but non have come back to me, its super stresful. Makes me think there's no hope.
M
Mackenzie · 19d ago
Shearing industries are always hiring doesn’t matter what’s on your cv if you can show up your hired. Have a look at it!
A
Anon400535 · 20d ago
Time out of the workforce raises a question, not an issue. When I took some time out between jobs I just called it on my cover letter as resting and helping with family and now ready to get back into it
Want the full community experience? Get it on the app
Features are constantly being added from the ‘Career’ section of the SEEK app to this website. So, if you want an even better experience check out our app now.
Explore groups