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Do you dream of owning a house, running your own business, or making enough money to help out your whanau?

Whatever your biggest dreams are, you probably won’t get there by going through the same old routines. You need to stop and make sure you’re working towards the future you want – rather than just working.

According to MPTT navigator John Kotoisuva, the key to being unstoppable is to get fired up about where you’re heading in life.

“Life should be exciting. Trapped inside everyone is a leader. A leader knows what they want and where they are going; a leader has vision of a preferable future.

“But not everyone becomes the leader they could be, because they’ve been programmed not to dream big.”

So how do you get to where you want to be in life? Follow these steps to achieve your goals and make your dreams a reality.

1. Visualise your dream

Goals should take you closer to the life you want. So before you decide what your specific goals are, take some time to picture where you’d like to be five years from now, says John.

“You’ve got to set your own goals for the way you see yourself living in the next five years, especially after you become qualified in the trades.”

Knowing where you want to end up is the key to motivating yourself to set and achieve your goals.

“When you start something in life, it’s your faith and determination in your dream that will get you to finish it,” says John.

“When you visualise what you want your future to look like, you get turbo-charged emotionally because you’re excited about where you want to be.”

So think about what you want your life to look like – not just your career. That includes where you want to live, the lifestyle you’d like, and how you want to spend your time. Also think about the legacy you’ll leave behind. Ask yourself, what would you like your grandchildren to say about you?

“If you set your mind to that, you’ll become unstoppable,” says John. “I’ve seen young people put that vision in place, and nothing can stop them. They just keep going because they want to get there.“

2. See your trade as a vehicle

If you want a career in the trades industry, you’ll obviously need to choose a trade to learn. But the trade itself doesn’t have to be your dream or your passion – it’s a way of achieving the future you want, says John.

“You’ve got to see your trade as a vehicle that will take you into your future and influence the quality of your life”.

“The trade is not the beginning and end of everything. It’s your journey in life that must be important to you and will be the biggest motivating factor for you.”

Remember, a trade involves practical skills you can learn – so it’s not about being a naturally talented tradesperson.

“The trade needs to be put into its proper perspective, because no-one was born to be a welder,” says John. “Welders are made, carpenters are made. And people’s careers do change along the way.”

3. Make a plan

Now it’s time to get practical. Think about where you are now compared to where you want to be in the future. What steps can you take to achieve your dream, and when would you like to do this by?

“It’s very powerful when you have that vision and you smack a date on that dream,” says John.

“You need to have a plan. The gap between where you are now and what you want in the future is called the plan.”

You don’t need to know all the steps right now – you just need to know what to do next to move closer to your dream. For example, if in five years you want to be your own boss, your next step might be choosing the trade you want to learn, and then completing a pre-trades course. As you go along, the next steps will become more clear to you.

The key is to focus on growing your skills and the value you have to offer. Even if your goals require you to earn plenty of money, the best way to achieve that is to focus on personal growth and building your skills, says John.
“Money is just a by-product – it will follow if you’re good at what you do”.
“You increase your pay as you increase your value as an individual. To increase your value, you need to grow as an individual.”

4. See challenges as a learning experience

No matter what you’re working towards, there will always be difficult times.

“When we journey towards something new, it’s never easy,” says John. “It’s always an uphill battle because we’re going into new territory that we’ve never been before.”

So when you face challenges, it’s important to keep your dream in mind. Picturing the future you’re working towards will remind you why it’s worth the challenge.

“What can get someone to quit is when they start focusing on the difficulties and lose sight of their vision and where they want to go,” says John.

And remember, challenges are also a sign that you’re growing as a person and working towards something worthwhile.

“You will never escape hurdles and challenges. Like they say, no pain no gain. Challenges are a sign that you’re gaining. You never grow in your comfort zone.”

5. Stay flexible

No matter how great your plan is, you’ll probably need to adjust it along the way. That’s because as you grow, your goals will likely change too.

“When we journey along in life we use a certain vehicle, such as a trade, to move into the future,” says John. “The most exciting thing is when you move from one vehicle to the next, you discover more about who you are and what you’re capable of doing.”

So when you’re no longer feeling challenged, it’s time to make a change. For example, after getting qualified as a carpenter and working for someone else for a while, it might then be time to take on the challenge of being a self-employed contractor.

“When you start to plateau – when it’s become just a job and no longer challenges you – that’s when it’s time to move on,” says John. “That takes you to another level and it’s exciting, because there are new challenges.”

So if you start to get bored with your work, be open to making changes to your plan.

“Who knows what the future has in store for you? It’s such an exciting thing to take on new challenges and grow as a person.”

Interviews are one of the more nerve-wracking parts of getting a job.
When you’re meeting an employer face to face, you might feel like you have to know everything about your trade, or worry they’ll ask you tricky questions.

But remember, interviews are often more like a chat with the employer. If they’ve read your CV and asked to interview you, they’re already pretty sure you have the skills to do the job. So mostly, your employer wants to have a chat to get to know you and see how you’ll fit in at the company.

Having said that, there’s a lot you can do to help your interview go well. This guide will show you how to prepare for a job interview and make a good impression on your future boss.

1. Find out about the company

Do your research on the company before you arrive at the interview, says Megan Fowlie from Skills.

“Knowing something about the company shows the interviewer you have done some homework and you’re genuinely interested in who they are and what they do.”

She suggests taking these steps to get yourself up to speed:

• Ask your friends and whānau if they know anyone who works for the company.
  “If so, ask them what they like about it and what they find challenging,” says Megan.

• Check out the company website. “What does it say about its values, the people who work for it, the type of work it does, how big it is and where it operates? Who is the boss? What photos are on the website and what do they show?”

• Do a Google search on the company. “Check out the history of the company and find out what other people say about it,” says Megan.

• Do a Google search on your interviewer. Knowing a bit about them and seeing what they look like can help put you at ease – and might give you a few things to ask them about at the interview.

2. Be ready to ask questions

Asking an interviewer questions doesn’t come naturally to some Māori and Pasifika, says Tony Laulu from Skills. “In some Māori or Pasifika settings, being too outspoken and asking too many questions can be seen as being fie poko/fia poto – a know-it-all who is disrespectful, especially to someone in authority such as an employer.”

But Tony says asking questions is an important part of the interview process and comes across as mature and enthusiastic.

“Asking critical questions in an interview shows you’ve got initiative, you’re well prepared and you’re motivated to get the job.”

So it’s important to have a think about what questions you want to ask, says Megan.

“Asking questions shows the employer you have thought about how you will fit into the company.”

Plus, it can help you feel more comfortable and takes the focus off you for a while.

But what should you ask about? Here are some good questions to keep in mind.

• Ask about where and when work happens, says Megan. “Sometimes workplaces might send you to worksites in different locations, so ask where you would most likely be working, and whether the company arranges travel to worksites. You can also ask about usual start times and finish times, and whether you would be working on a wide variety of jobs.”

• Ask about the team – who you’ll be working with and who you’ll report to.

• If you’re looking to be hired as an apprentice, you can ask the employer how they manage workplace training. You can also ask how many other apprentices are working for them.

• Ask about the interviewer’s professional background and how they got started with the company. This helps show you’re interested in others, and makes your interview more of a relaxed, two-way conversation.

3. Be prepared to answer questions about yourself.

Answering questions about yourself lets future employers know more about your experience and how you communicate with other people. It also helps them find out how you will fit into the company.

“Even if you have sent through a CV, the interviewer might ask you about what experiences you have had or what you have achieved,” says Megan.

Before the interview think about how you might answer the employer’s questions. For each answer, think of examples where you’ve shown qualities the employer is looking for. Even if you haven’t had a formal job before, there are other ways to show skills that are relevant. For example, turning up to your polytech classes on time shows you’re punctual; being part of a sports team shows you can work well with others; pitching in with family commitments shows you’re responsible.

Common interview questions that you should be prepared to answer include:

Why do you want the job?

Talk about why you’re a good fit for the role, and give examples. Make sure you talk about why you want to work for this specific company, to avoid seeming like you just want any job that comes along.

What are your strengths?

Choose the things you’re good at that are most relevant to the job. Make sure you give examples of where you’ve shown these strengths.

What is your biggest weakness?

This is one of the hardest questions to answer. The key is to answer honestly, but say how you’re working to improve in that area.

Why should we hire you?

This question is a chance to talk about any strengths you haven’t mentioned yet, and to show you’re enthusiastic about this job.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Employers ask this question to get an idea of your career goals and your passion for the job. Now is not the time to mention you might want to be an actor or accountant one day – talk about how the job you’re applying for will help you work towards a long-term career in your trade.

Why did you leave your last job?

If you’ve been employed before, think about how you’ll answer this question. Avoid criticising your previous boss or company. Instead, talk about the positive reasons you wanted to make a change.

It’s important to practice saying your answers out loud.

Practice answering questions about yourself with a family member or friend, or in front of a mirror, says Megan. “This helps you get used to talking about yourself and being proud of what you have achieved so far and what you want to do in the future.”

4. Show up early

Turn up to the place where the interview is being held 15 minutes before you’re due to arrive, says Megan.

“This will show the future employer that you’re punctual. It will also give you some time to become familiar with where you are and reflect on what you want to say during your interview.”

Remember, your interview starts the moment you arrive, so be polite to everyone rather than just the person who interviews you.

“Always greet the receptionist,” says Megan. “Let them know you have arrived for the interview and the name of the person you have come to see.”

Some Māori and Pasifika trainees might prefer to bring a member of their whānau along to their job interview. Some employers may be open to this, but because it’s not standard practice, talk to your navigator about whether it could be an option. They might know the employer, and can give you advice on how to proceed.

5. Think about your appearance

Remember, your interviewer’s first impression of you doesn’t start when you begin talking; it starts when they first see you. These tips will help you look the part.

• Dressing in smart, tidy clothes for the interview helps show you’re professional and that you take the opportunity seriously, says Megan. “Even though you might be applying for a job on a worksite you need to wear clean, smart clothes to meet the person who will be interviewing you. Also check you have clean shoes and tidy hair.”

• When you’re waiting for the interviewer, don’t sit in the corner, pull out your phone and hunch over it as you check Facebook. Instead, keep your phone out of sight (and on silent) and look around the waiting area or talk to the receptionist. That way, when the interviewer first sees you you’ll have a more confident-looking, upright posture.

• Greet your employer with a firm handshake, and shake their hand again when you say goodbye.

• Don’t be afraid to look the employer directly in the eye, says Tony. “In some Māori and Pasifika settings, it can be considered rude or disrespectful when you look someone directly in the eye, and looking down or away shows you are lowering yourself and showing humility. But in other cultures, looking people in the eye means that you are ‘true to your word’ and looking away or down means you have something to hide or that you’re showing weakness.”

• Try to keep your hands where the interviewer can see them, rather than in your pockets or under the table. This helps show you’re trustworthy and looks more confident than if you hide your hands.

Find out more about preparing for an interview on the Careers NZ website.

Don’t have any interviews lined up yet? Why not check out our blog about how to write a great cv and cover letter to help you get your foot in the door.

Your employer’s first impression of you isn’t usually face-to-face – they’ll read your job application first. So if your CV isn’t up to scratch, you’re much less likely to score an interview.

But how do you write a CV, what is a cover letter, and what if you don’t have any work experience in your trade yet? This guide will help you nail that first impression, and show you where to get help if you need it.

Why write a CV?

Your CV, also called a resume, is your first step towards a new job, says Kevin Everett from Building Recruitment.

“This is the most important part of the whole process because it’s your chance to make a great first impression. Employers and recruiters will use these documents to determine whether or not they’ll take you further in the process or not.”

Reasons your CV is important:

• It gives the employer an idea of what you’ve done so far.
• It shows you have the initiative to write your CV and apply for the job.
• A tidy, well-written CV shows respect for the employer and yourself.

Match your CV to the job

Don’t just write one CV and send it to all potential employers. You should tailor your CV to fit the particular job you’re applying for, says Kevin.

“If you’re applying for a position where the most important part of the role is erecting frame and truss, you should focus on highlighting your previous frame and truss experience.

“You want the employer to see your CV and think you’d be a perfect fit for the role.”

To get it right, Kevin says it’s important to read the job ad so you can focus on the skills and traits they’re looking for. You can also do research like visiting the company’s website, so you understand more about where you’ll be working.

“Find out as much information about the position and the company as you can.”

While you want to give your potential boss all the relevant information, you don’t need to include everything you’ve ever done – like the certificate for ‘best team player’ that you got in primary school.

“The idea behind a resume is not simply to record your entire life story, but to market the experience and skills you have in a way that matches you with the position you are applying for,” says Kevin.

How to write your CV

Make sure you include this information in your CV, says Kevin.

1. 1. Your name and contact details. Include your phone number and a work-appropriate email address (not terminator99@mail.com) – and in case you miss the employer’s call, make sure your voicemail message is professional and includes your name.

1. 1. Personal statement. This is a short paragraph to introduce yourself, your qualities and ethics and what you would bring to the company if hired. E.g. ‘An enthusiastic, hard-working construction trainee experienced in roofing, timber work and erecting frames and trusses.’

1. A snapshot of your work history including the company and your job title. Always put the dates you worked in each role and include the months, not just years; writing ‘2015-2016’ could mean you worked there for a year, or you could have just been there for a few months. For each place you’ve worked, include detail about your job responsibilities and achievements.

   DON’T

   Hammerhand

   Responsibilities:

   • Helped build residential houses
   • General labouring
   • Required to meet H&S requirements

    

   DO

   ABC Contracting, Jan 2016 – Dec 2017
   Position: Hammerhand

   Responsibilities:

   • Erecting frames and trusses
   • Attending toolbox meetings
   • Measuring and cutting materials
   • Wrapping building
   • Ensuring site is clear and safe at all times
   • Setting up laser level
   • Using nail guns, compound saws, power drills and skill saws
   • Ensuring all framing bottom plates were connected to floor slab as per NZS3604
   • Reading of plans
   • Using laser levels

   Achievements:

   • Regular positive feedback from my employer regarding my work standard and ethics
   • Always turned up on time and never had to fix errors
   • Learned new skills such as NZS3604, using power tools and laser level
   • In nearly two years I have never had an injury

    

2. What tools you own and what tools you have experience using.
4. A list of your licences, training, education and qualifications (e.g. full drivers licence, Site Safe).
6. Rather than listing referees on your CV, write ‘References available on request’, says Kevin. “Don’t include your referee’s details.” Then, when your future boss gets in touch to ask for your references, you can give your referees a heads-up before the employer calls them to make sure they’re not caught off-guard.
8. Include your personal interests, and relate them to the job. For example, playing rugby helps show you’re a team player who is physically fit and enjoys being outdoors.

9. What if I have no experience yet?

   If you’re applying for your first trades job, you probably won’t have a whole lot of experience to include.

   That’s okay – you can list projects you’ve worked on during your course as well as experience that shows you’d make a good employee.

   Unitec relationship manager Rangi Williams says experience isn’t just about your trades skills – it’s about demonstrating you’re ready for work.

   “Some employers might prefer to train you up their way and won’t require trades experience. But they do want you to have some experience with getting to work on time, being reliable, driving a vehicle, being drug-free, and showing you have a good attitude.”

   MIT relationship manager Naomi Tito adds that many people underestimate the value of the skills they do have.

   “Many trainees don’t realise the importance and relevance of ‘soft skills’. For example, working with youth shows leadership skills, while community engagement demonstrates the ability to contribute and be part of the wider community.”

   What if I don’t have any referees?

   If you haven’t had a job before or can’t ask your old boss to vouch for you, what can you do?

   First, try asking a tutor from your course if they’d be happy to be your referee. They’ll have seen you learn skills in your trade, as well as demonstrate soft skills like showing up to class on time.

   You can also ask people who know your character, even if they don’t know anything about your trade. This could be your rugby coach, the pastor at your church or a friend of your whānau.

   Remember, always ask people first before passing their details on to your future boss. If the employer gives your referee a call, it’s better if they’ve had a bit of time to think about the nice things they want to say about you.

   What is a cover letter and how do I write one?

   A cover letter is a letter from you to your potential employer. It tells them why you want the job and why you’d be the best person to hire. The cover letter is a chance to show your personality and your enthusiasm for the position you’re applying for.

   • • Address the letter to your employer. It’s best to use their name if you can.

    

   • • Say what job you’re writing to them about. The employer might be advertising several positions at the same time, so let them know which one you’re interested in. E.g. ‘I’m excited to apply for the position of steel fixer at Smith Construction.’

    

   • • Tell the employer why you’re a good choice for the job. You can mention any relevant experience, skills or training, as well as your personal qualities. As a guide, look at the job ad to see what qualities and experience they’re after.

    

   • • Be enthusiastic. Employers are looking for someone who really wants the job and will give it their all. Tell them why you want this particular job and why you want to work for this particular company. If it seems like you’d take any job, they’re not likely to contact you.

    

   • Sign off like you would usually finish a letter or formal email, e.g. Regards, Sam.

   Where to get help

   If you get stuck and don’t know what to write, don’t worry – there’s heaps of help out there.

   Here are some good places to start if you need to know more about writing your CV and cover letter.

   Building Recruitment
   From CV writing tips to career advice, Building Recruitment can help you find the right job.

   Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)
   MIT can help you write your CV and apply for a job. Find their career resources online, or keep an eye out for their CV and cover letter workshops for personalised help with your job search.

   Unitec
   If you’re a Unitec student or graduate, get help writing your CV and cover letter with drop-in services or a one-on-one appointment.

   Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
   TWoA students can get practical help with their job application, including writing a CV and developing interview skills.

   MPTT Navigators
   Talk to your navigator to get advice on writing your CV and showing you’re ready for work.

Want to dominate in your trade and earn respect from others? Staying away from drugs and alcohol while you’re on the job will help you build your skills, perform at your best and impress your boss.

Trades workers need to be focused and safety-conscious. You’ll be working with power tools and machinery, solving problems that need attention to detail, and you might need to climb ladders or scaffolding. So to be ready for work, you need to be drug-free. Drug and alcohol awareness is part of learning how to work safely on-site.

Why it matters

• Most trades employers do drug and alcohol tests as part of their site safety practices. You’ll need to be able to pass these tests when you’re looking for a job, as well as ongoing tests that your employer might do. MPTT Navigator Tu Nu’uali’itia says these tests are now a prerequisite for securing employment. “The legal ramifications and the health and safety of the staff involved in the business are their most important priorities.”

• It’s not just your career on the line. Making sure you’re sober at work is about keeping yourself and others safe.

• Staying away from drugs and alcohol helps you stay fit and strong, both physically and mentally. You’ll be at your best and feel more motivated, which means you can do your best work on the job.

• Drugs and alcohol are expensive – so by staying clean, you’ll have more spare cash.

What to do

As an MPTT trainee, our Navigators will work closely with you to help you get ready for work. As part of this, they’ll talk to you about drug and alcohol awareness.

“We make sure trainees understand the impact of drugs and alcohol on their career aspirations and the safety of others, as well as the negative health consequences,” says Tu. “We also give testimonies of employers’ experiences and provide information about support services.”

You can expect to be drug tested if you work in the trades – it’s now a routine part of health and safety – so you’ll need to be prepared, says Tu.

“If needed, we can provide pre-employment drug testing so students experience the process of testing and can address the reality of the choices they make having a direct impact on their job prospects.”

When you take the test, make sure you declare any medication you take, whether it’s prescribed by your doctor or an over-the-counter formula, because some medications can impact your test results.

Remember, drugs can take days, weeks or even months to leave your system (depending on the type of drug and level of use), so the best way to stay safe and achieve your career goals is to to avoid these substances. Most importantly, stay away from drugs and alcohol while you’re working, and be careful about what you do the night before – showing up to work hung over isn’t a good look, and can affect your ability to work safely.

If you are going to have a big night out, make it a Friday or Saturday so you’re alcohol free on Monday, and stay off the drugs – they’ll generally stay in your system much longer.

If you think you might need help to stay away from drugs or alcohol, there’s lots of support out there. Talk to one of our Navigators about how you can get started, or check out the services below.

Alcohol Drug Helpline

This helpline offers you free, confidential information and support over the phone. They can help you with any issue or question you have about your own or someone else’s drinking or drug taking. Call them on 0800 787 797.

Community Alcohol and Drug Services

This drug and alcohol counselling service is free for Māori and Pasifika in Auckland. Visit their website to find out about their support groups, counselling and consultation options.

Addiction Treatment Directory

The Addiction Treatment Directory website lists the addiction treatment and advice services available in New Zealand.

Did you miss our first blog about work readiness? Find out the number one thing you can do while you’re training to help you get a job later.