APPLYING FOR JOBS
TAKE ACTION!

Ready to embark on finding a job in forestry? Have a look on our Jobs page under ‘Careers’ on this site and you will see a wide range of jobs under Trademe jobs and Seek

The job specifications you see should allow you to tidy up your CV and make sure you are ready for your interview.

WHAT EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR

Some jobs require specific skills, experience and maybe qualifications. In other cases employers will be willing to train people who have the right general qualities and attitude.

Have a clear idea about where you want to go in the industry and a plan on how you will get there. Be confident in your own abilities and be open and honest at interview time.

General qualities sought by forest industry employers include:

• Reliability, honesty and a good work ethic.
• Willingness to learn and keen to develop new skills.
• Safety conscious and careful with machines and equipment
• Commitment and enthusiasm towards the work and determination to succeed.
• Good communication skills and a positive attitude.
• Ability to be a team player in a close-knit team
• Taking responsibility for own physical fitness and drug free.

Assemble and provide references from previous employers and/or from someone who knows you well.

Note that the forestry sector is a drug-free workplace. 

PREPARING A JOB APPLICATION

You may be able to apply for some jobs by phone, txt or through a website. You may be lucky enough to get a trial this way, but the idea is for you to get a face to face interview with your potential employer. This will usually involve sending or emailing your CV and other information about yourself.

• Prepare a CV which has information about your education, qualifications and work experience to date. Include any achievements and success stories and include brief information about your interests, hobbies and family life. Add contacts for those people who will be a Referee for you. The CareersNZ website has some resources including an on-line CV builder.
• Write a cover letter which explains why you are the best person for the vacancy. Touch on some of the points the employer has included in their job specification.
• Make sure your contact information is on your CV and cover letter and maybe state when is the best time for you to be contacted. Make it easy for the employer to get hold of you. Remember you are looking for an interview so you can sell yourself to the employer.
• Check how you appear on social media sites and adjust your privacy settings if necessary. Employers often look at Facebook pages to find out a bit more about applicants. It is important that your responsible image does not show irresponsible actions on social media.
• An interview for a management position may involve psychometric testing.
• Prepare by speaking with people who may be already working for the employer and others who have recently been job hunting.