Finding work after redundancy: a practical playbook

Free government help

• Direct Career Service: free one-to-one career advice. 0800 222 733 or direct_careers@msd.govt.nz.
• Work and Income redundancy support: help to look for jobs or training, connect with employers, organise interviews and update your CV and cover letter.
• Job Connect on Facebook for job events and training.
• Careers.govt.nz: career tools, templates, and links to over 100 vacancy sites and recruitment agencies.

Where to look

• MyMSD: job search, matches and your Jobseeker profile
• SEEK, Trade Me Jobs, Indeed, Jobspace, Zeil
• Careers.govt.nz list of 100+ job sites and recruiters
• Seasonal work information, Jobs and Skills Hubs (construction and infrastructure), Student Job Search, Jobs for Mums, NZ Government jobs (jobs.govt.nz)
• Direct approaches to employers and recruiters in your sector

Transition to Work Grant (up to $1,500 / 52 weeks)

A non-repayable grant for the costs of finding or starting work: interview clothing and transport, tools or work clothing, relocating, childcare, even living costs between your last benefit payment and first pay. Apply by calling 0800 559 009 before you buy. You'll generally need to be 18+ (16-17 in some circumstances), looking for 30+ hours a week (20+ for sole parents), and be on a main benefit or registered as a job seeker, with your and your partner's income and cash assets considered. You can't have had the grant in the last 52 weeks.

Flexi-wage and self-employment

Work and Income has wage-subsidy and self-employment support programmes (such as Flexi-wage) that can contribute to an employer's costs of hiring and training you, or help you start a business. Availability and eligibility change, so ask your case manager what is currently offered.

Use your network

Many roles are filled before they're advertised. Message former colleagues, suppliers and clients with a short, specific ask: 'I'm exploring roles in X. Do you know anyone I should talk to?'