Finding Work in a Recession
The job market is currently more challenging to navigate than it has been in recent years, with many people either looking for work or seeking more hours than they currently have.
Underemployment in New Zealand remains a significant but often underreported issue, reaching 12.8% in June 2025, highlighting the untapped potential within the labour market.
So, if you’ve been affected by redundancy or unsustainable work hours, let’s look at what you can do.
1. Look After Yourself
The key thing here is not to take the situation personally. It's worrying, for sure, when there are bills to pay and mouths to feed. When a downturn happens, many people are affected; know you are not alone.
Look after your mental health by doing things you enjoy, talking with friends, and keeping active. Don’t stay glued to your laptop constantly scrolling for work.
Create a daily routine with a mix of exercise, domestic tasks, job search, networking, and connecting with others (friends and family).
Limit your job search to around two or three focused hours per day only, then step away to recharge.
2. Stay Connected and Purposeful
Periods of unemployment or under-employment can affect confidence. Staying active, through learning, volunteering, or networking, helps maintain momentum and visibility.
Sometimes, who you know and how you show up matter just as much as what you know. Staying connected and purposeful can keep you buoyed up and positive.
3. Prepare to Go to Market Well
The old saying “get your ducks in a row” applies here. Don’t go to market until you’re clear on what you want.
Avoid the scattergun approach of sending your CV to every vacancy you think you could do, it’s emotionally draining and rarely effective.
Think about what you want. Complete a career assessment to identify your ideal next role and career development.
Update your CV and LinkedIn profile, and ensure your key messaging is clear and consistent.
Know your worth; review salaries, hourly rates before you get into any negotiation
Seek a qualified career coach for guidance.
4. Reframe the definition of “Work”
Work isn’t always a full-time, permanent job. You can build income and experience through many pathways, such as:
Freelance or gig work (e.g., design, writing, tutoring, trades)
Part-time or casual roles that can lead to bigger opportunities
Community projects or volunteering, which can open doors and expand your network. (e.g. tree planting, hospice shop support, food parcel distribution, sea shore clean-ups, hospital information, etc)
Entrepreneurship or micro-businesses, especially those meeting local needs. Try a craft fair!
5. Look for Hidden Job Markets
Many jobs are never advertised; they’re found through research and connections. You can uncover these by:
Networking and seeking referrals: talk with people who know about opportunities early or who are close to decision-makers.
Engaging with local businesses or community groups: jobs are often shared informally first.
Approaching employers directly: this works best with small businesses, especially in hospitality, customer service, and trades. Large corporates, however, are less likely to respond to unsolicited approaches, so focus your time strategically.
6. Upskill Strategically
When jobs are scarce, skills and a clear demonstration of aligned interest become key differentiators.
Focusing on in-demand areas like digital tools, communication, sustainability, or trades can significantly boost your employability.
Online courses, short programmes, and micro-credentials can help you bridge skill gaps quickly and show employers that you’re proactive and future-focused.
So, to recap: Look after yourself when affected by a recession. Stay connected and purposeful by organising your days to be effective and enjoyable. Prepare your job search well. Know what you want because what you focus on is likely to appear – now or later. Get creative by reframing what work is or could be. E.g. if you can work voluntarily, it can be a benefit on many levels. Go beyond the obvious job boards and explore what might be available in the ‘hidden’ job market. And finally, take the opportunity to do some long-desired learning, or upskilling in skills wanted in the current workplace.
Talk with us – free 10-minute chat.
Go well!
Kaye Avery