Tag: work experience

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A Day in the Life of a Bartender

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Prepping for Your Shift

The first thing a bartender does when they start their shift is prep. They make sure the bar is ready, and that any chores from the previous shift have all been completed. Preparation often includes tasks like restocking the bar, checking the equipment, and even refilling the ice bins. Finishing everything before customers start arriving is essential for things to run smoothly—a night could start off with a trickle, or a steady flow of customers coming in by the dozen, and no bartender wants to find they are short on stock right as a rush hits!

A Bartender’s Role During Peak Hours

Once customers start coming, a bartender needs to be ready and alert for a fast-paced, frenetic environment. A key skill that bartenders need to have is excellent attention to detail. This is because they need to keep track of everything that’s going on around them, to be able to determine which customers need their attention.

 

Bartenders need to be friendly, efficient and knowledgeable, and they need to look confident and comfortable behind the bar. Customers will stop trusting a bartender if they look like they don’t know what to do!

 

A bartender also needs to know how to handle varying situations while keeping a cool head on their shoulders. They might need to deal with persistent customers who are rude or intoxicated—or both! Only time and experience improves the ability to handle these tricky situations with confidence, and that’s why many people choose to attend barista courses for bartending to improve their skills. By investing in one of the excellent short courses Auckland has to offer for bartending and mixology, people can ensure they start with skill and confidence.

At the End of a Shift

The end of the night is just like the start—it’s time to clean up and re-stock. Cleaning includes jobs like mopping floors, wiping surfaces, and organising the fridge and liquor.

 

Shifts can go as late as 3-4am in the morning—it’s possible for a bartender to work only day hours, but it’s uncommon, as most rosters involve both day and night shifts.

Unwinding for the Night

After a long shift of being on your feet, it’s nice to unwind! Many bartenders unwind by spending time with their co-workers after work, or just relaxing at home however they prefer. Getting enough sleep is vital for bartenders as well—especially if they have a hectic night shift coming up the next day!

Perks of Bartending

A bartender’s life is always interesting, because no two nights of work are the same. Working as a bartender is a highly valuable and versatile line of work, and if you’re interested, visit the Crown Institute of Studies to learn more about how this kind of work experience can take you around the world!

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Is a Career in Hospitality Right for You?

Deciding what you want to do and where you want to be in the future is a difficult choice for anyone, especially when you’re young and in need of work experience. Thankfully, there are so many possibilities available for you to try, and a great place to start, for anyone, is in the hospitality industry. The versatile skills you learn in this industry are useful everywhere. Here’s what to consider when planning for a future in hospitality and tourism!

 

Is Hospitality a Good Career Choice?

Pursuing a career in hospitality is a fantastic choice for many, and there are many benefits to be gained within the industry that will help propel you into other great careers, too.

The vast range of hospitality jobs always in supply means you will always be in demand, so there will be many opportunities and a sure chance of employment for hospitality workers. And if your goal is to become a manager one day, you’re in luck! There are approximately 8.9 million job opportunities available every year around the world for qualified managers in hospitality.

Perks of a career in hospitality include:

 

  • You don’t need a degree to enter the industry.
  • There are plenty of hospitality courses available for those who want to broaden their experience and capabilities.
  • Hospitality careers provide excellent on the job training.
  • There is ample room for improvement, progress, and promotions.
  • It gives you a chance to travel and work abroad at the same time.
  • It gives you a way to stay active and social while working.

 

Careers in hospitality

There are many job opportunities and careers available in hospitality! The industry is quite broad so there is bound to be something you’ll love doing! Some of the job types include:

  • Working in hotels
  • Restaurants
  • Cruise lines
  • Casinos
  • Theme parks
  • Other facilities involved in customer service

Most jobs in hospitality work face-to-face with customers, but there are also plenty of jobs available in the industry that require a more behind-the-scenes presence, such as sales, marketing, and accounting jobs.

What kind of person loves working in hospitality?

How do you know if hospitality is the right choice for you? People who benefit the most from this industry love working in active, social environments. They also have an appreciation for the importance of quality customer service.

These qualities make for a great hospitality worker!

  • You like working in a team environment
  • You enjoy meeting people of different cultures
  • You love travel
  • You have high standards and an eye for detail
  • Making other people happy makes YOU happy
  • You like learning new languages and cultures
  • You like working in a fast-paced environment
  • You work well under pressure
  • You want an international career

Hospitality is also a great career choice for anyone who is still deciding on what they want to do. A career in hospitality will give you great work experience and monetary freedom, as well as provide you with more future opportunities for progress.

What skills are useful in hospitality?

Starting with these skills already in your repertoire is a bonus, but even without them, you can start to harness and improve them while working.

 

  • Communication skills (including negotiation and persuasion)
  • Taking initiative
  • Problem-solving
  • Good stamina
  • Team player
  • Leadership skills
  • Time flexibility (many hospitality jobs involve rotating shift work)

 

Who is hospitality NOT suitable for?

The main people who might not find hospitality an enjoyable and rewarding career choice are people who prefer to work independently and find working in a team environment difficult. If you don’t like fast-paced, active jobs, and especially if you don’t find satisfaction in helping others with their needs, then hospitality is probably not for you.

Why is hospitality so important?

Being hospitable, caring, and accommodating towards others is an everyday part of life and is what brings society together. This principle is at the heart of hospitality work.

Think of a customer as a valued friend. When they visit you, you want them to feel welcomed and comfortable in your home. You want them to have a positive experience and let them know you care about them and their needs so they can’t wait to come over again. This is precisely the feeling you want to allow customers to feel in your service.

It is important to note that excellent customer service is valued not only in hospitality and travel industries, but it’s also important within every business that relies on the interest of other people—basically, all jobs.

Even if a career in hospitality is not for you long-term, working in the industry is a valuable experience to have and it will ultimately look great on your CV. Some business owners and managers will hire people specifically because they see you have experience working in hospitality. That is because they understand that customer service takes hard work and diligence.

How to Get into Hospitality

The great thing about hospitality is that you don’t need to have a degree to get into the industry. Much of the work can be learned on the job.

However, if you want to hit the ground running and learn how to be efficient and successful working anywhere in the world, then you’re in luck! We have the best opportunities for jobs in tourism New Zealand has to offer and there are many hospitality courses available to support you as well. Start by exploring our available courses online and find one that speaks to you.

 

Best of luck in your career adventures!

 

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Three Things to Do in School to Prep for the Workforce

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Preparing to step into the big wide world can be daunting for some, but with a little work experience and a lot of enthusiasm, you can take the tourism industry by storm from the moment you leave school.

If you’re currently studying tourism or hospitality and you’re looking for ways to optimise the experience, then you’re in the right place! The key to success is in going the extra mile, doing that one extra thing that makes you stand out above the rest of the crowd come recruitment time. Beyond that, knowing your way around the industry before you even begin your first job is a sure-fire way to rise through the ranks of your chosen sector quickly.

Please observe the seatbelt sign is on, be sure you know where the nearest exits are, and let’s take off into three things you can do to prepare for the tourism workforce!

Get comfortable in a team

In school, there are many things you can do to get comfortable with working in a team. Namely: get into some extracurriculars or branch out and take one of our short courses in Auckland. This will help you acclimate to working with others who share similar interests but might approach it in a way that is different to yours. Basically, extracurriculars build your communication skills, prepare you for a diversified team, and even help with time management.

In the tourism industry, you are seldom working alone. More often than not, you have a team of people by your side, all working to achieve the best experience for the customer, so it’s crucial to know how to work in a team dynamic!

Talk to your tutors

Our New Zealand school of tourism and hospitality is a resource in more ways than one. Our teachers and tutors are industry professionals who know what it means to thrive in tourism, so take the time to tap into their wisdom and experience. It’s every educator’s goal to help their students excel, so if they find a student who is very engaged, they will do what they can to provide them with additional opportunities to succeed.

Chat to your teachers about any questions you have, any concerns you’re carrying about the field, and express your interest in learning more about tourism overall. Learn what you can from their experience and try to implement any pieces of advice they give you. They’re invaluable sources of insight into what the world will be like once you leave school, so don’t be afraid to ask!

Get some work experience

Heading into your chosen field for a stint of work experience does wonders for your start in tourism or hospitality. It gives you a glimpse of the real day-to-day patterns of work and helps you to identify any of your weak points so that you can work on bolstering them.

Even better: it’s a lot of fun to try your hand at what you’re studying towards. We offer programmes that help students experience the workforce before they join it. We’ve found that students benefit hugely from the opportunity and tend to hit the ground running once they graduate.

Take the time to really invest in your educational experience. Take charge of your learning, sink your teeth into the field and don’t let go! We’ll see you out there.

Crown Institute invests in the learning of our students.

At the Crown Institute of Studies, we’re dedicated to providing a well-rounded educational experience for all our students. Whether you’re studying tourism or hospitality, you will find the opportunities to launch you into a successful career here. Come and study with us today!  

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How Will You Land Your Dream Job?

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So, you’ve finished your studies and you’re ready to go off into the world and land the job of your dreams? Whether you’ve done a 3-year degree or completed one of the many short courses Auckland has to offer, you’ve now got the certificate to prove you’re qualified. This leads a lot of people to think they can get anywhere with just a piece of paper. We hate to break it to you, but landing a job takes a little more than just studying hard.

While the knowledge, work ethic and skills you have learned while studying are highly valuable, there are a few more aspects that really help to mould you into the best person employers are looking for. In this article, we share some helpful tips to get you one step closer to landing your dream job!

Spend Some Time on Your CV

A career-specific resume will go far in getting you the job you want to have. Base your resume on the job you want to apply for and cut out all the irrelevant stuff like your part-time retail job from high school (unless it’s relevant work experience).

Resumes are your first point-of-contact with an employer, so a tailored one will show them that you have a whole CV that applies to the job they are hiring for. If you want to learn more about how to make the perfect CV, check out our recent article

Show Your Passion

If the job you’re applying for is really your dream job, then show it! Conveying enthusiasm in your correspondence right from the expression of interest is a sure-fire way to let companies know that you are passionate about the position, and are likely to work really hard in it.

This means that your resume, cover letter and any first emails you send to the company should be written with the appropriate amount of enthusiasm that shows your passion, and that attitude should be carried right through to your in-person correspondence at your interview. Don’t forget to follow-up afterwards with an equally enthusiastic email.

Showing passion shows employers that you are driven, you care about what you are doing, and you will work above and beyond if offered the position.

Focus Your Job Search

If you have a dream position or a company in mind that you can see yourself working at, don’t settle for less! Apply for the jobs you really want, and focus your job search on the positions you think you are likely to do well in. Applying for sub-par jobs or positions that you don’t see yourself excelling in will only set your overall career goals back.

When applying for jobs online, you can use search filters to narrow down your job search. If you are going through a recruitment agency, express some specifics to your contact there, and they will help to put you forward for the right positions.

Networking: Get in the Know

Networking can be completely terrifying, especially if you’re new to a scene and don’t know anyone. However, it’s also a necessary part of getting a job in a number of fields. A lot of major companies will hire new people based on referrals – the saying ‘it’s about who you know’ is a lot more relevant than you would have thought.

The biggest tip to give for networking is to have confidence. Go to industry events and get involved in the community of your future potential co-workers, and from there, all you need is the confidence to go and talk to people and make valuable connections.

Gain Relevant Work Experience

If you still aren’t able to land your dream job with these tips, it’s probably because they’re after someone who has experience working in that specific role. Employers are often not willing to take risks on students who are fresh out of studying and don’t have experience in the workforce. Often a part of your higher education will involve a work experience component, and this can be the foot in you need to the industry of your dreams.

If your course doesn’t offer this, companies will often offer internships or work experience that are at a lower pay rate or voluntary, and these are a good opportunity for you to develop your skills for a short while. If you work hard and prove yourself in a work experience position, they may even offer you a permanent role.

Get Qualified for Your Dream Job at Crown Institute

If you’re trying to land your dream job, but you haven’t quite got the first step down pact and need to acquire a little more relevant studies, then Crown Institute is the place to be. We offer a range of short courses and New Zealand Certificates to get you qualified.

Talk to us today to discuss the course that is right for you!

 

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A Day in The Life of a Hotel Manager

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Do you see yourself as a hotel manager a few years from now? If you think it could be a possibility for you, then getting to know the responsibilities and duties of a hotel manager should be on your mind.

As a quick overview, a hotel manager is someone who looks both at the operational duties and management matters of the hotel business. However, a hotel manager wears multiple hats—overseeing operational functions, interacting with guests and staff, managing all the departments, making financial reports and more. They are required to be a people’s person and a strong communicator, critical thinker, organiser, and have digital and financial competence.

While some people have a natural affinity for these skills, for many others, education and work experience leading up to the role makes the road much clearer. If you’re keen to become one, it’s good to know what a day in the life of a hotel manager looks like so your expectations are set, and you know how to best prepare yourself for the role. Here’s our brief rundown and check for yourself!

Early Morning Starts

Typically, a day in the life of a hotel manager starts early. After going through emails and reviewing MOD (Manager on Duty) reports to check how the night shift went, the manager heads directly to the front desk to check with the managers and clerks. Any issues from the previous night or early morning are addressed and resolved first and foremost.

They then take a tour of the hotel common areas, including the lobby, garden area, swimming pool, gym, buffet and restaurants to check if everything is in order before the guests start pouring in. Though the workload is divided between each department, it is the manager’s duty to see if the work assigned to each department has been completed or not. From TVs being tuned to the right channel to napkins being folded just the way they are supposed to be, managers look into the nitty-gritty details to make sure that the hotel exudes the right look and vibrancy that adds to its overall ‘feel’ or atmosphere.

While inspecting common areas of the hotel, managers are constantly required to strike up conversation with both staff and guests. A successful manager is one who is empathetic and has all ears for their team and guests. Other must-haves include a friendly demeanour and a cheerful disposition to make the place warm and inviting! It makes all the difference.

Late Mornings

Late mornings are typically dedicated to meetings. Generally, between 10 am and 10.30 am, immediately after the breakfast rush, the hotel manager catches up with all the Head of Departments to discuss issues, if any, and how the itinerary for the day looks like for each department. From discussing which department may need additional support to which department is suffering from challenges, everything is pointed out. Team building is a crucial underlining factor of these meetings as they add to the overall smooth functioning of the various departments.

After the meeting with the HODs, the hotel manager generally has some time off to themselves to complete their own line of duty. Reviewing invoices, preparing reports to the corporate office or scheduling any training or staff meeting is all done during this time. The hospitality courses taken before as a part of the educational qualification for the role generally preps them up for all these financial and administrative competencies.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

Between mid-day to late afternoon, the hotel manager is back on the floor to meet with check-in and check-out guests and get feedback about their stay and suggestions to improve the hotel experience. Addressing issues for any onboarding or off-boarding guests about their stay or experience at the hotel is also the duty of the hotel manager.

Later in the day, they meet up with the Associates to discuss management matters. These meetings generally involve managers from various departments, including HR, Finance, Sales, Revenue Management meeting up. Here, they discuss the bigger picture, including strategic planning and development. From day-to-day details such as staffing issues, safety and uniforms to big groups staying at the hotel, upcoming banquets, new policies from the Executive Committee—these meetings are full-on and more intense.

Evenings

Early evening is generally devoted to responding to voice mail messages, reading and writing emails, making phone calls, reviewing documents and checking key statistics, revenue management and hotel performance data for the day/week/month/year.

A second tour of the property is usually done around evening to check with the hotel property, the rooms, amenities and services. Late evening is also the perfect time to have relaxed conversation with guests and create more business networking opportunities.

 

Take the professional way

 

Now that you know what a day in the life of a hotel manager looks like, you pretty much must have realised that it isn’t a 9 to 5 job and requires constant attention and continuous ongoing work. We, at Crown Institute, provide a comprehensive hospitality course trains you both academically and practically for your dream job! It can prepare you with the ability to tackle all issues and give you the problem-solving skills required to make work easier.

To inquire or enrol, contact us today!

 

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The Best Study Spots in Auckland City

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Studying in Auckland has a neat collection of rewards and benefits, and the multitude of contrasting backdrops around the city is just one of them. When you’re studying in Auckland, whether it be for travel and tourism, or history and business, you can guarantee you won’t have to search very far to find a secluded spot to set out your books and get some serious study done. But if you’re sick of the same old spots and you need some new ideas for places to concentrate, here are a few of our favourite study spots!

On the Lush Grass of Albert Park

Uni students from all Auckland campuses congregate in Albert Park; it’s the central thoroughfare for all aspiring wizards *ahem* scholars. Situated right among all the commuters passing through can be the perfect place to go completely unnoticed.

On a sunny day, the park benches of Albert park are glistening off the reflection of the fountain, and you can easily get your tan on while you sit and study. Alternatively, setting up in the comfort of the Gazebo can be an ideal atmosphere to zone out of the world around you. Or just find a dry patch of grass under the shade of the park’s great trees. Trust us—great weather and a light breeze will do you some good and will only heighten your focus! (Just don’t fall asleep during your study break!)

Auckland City Library

Okay, maybe we’re stating the obvious here, but so many people overlook Auckland City Library as a valid study spot! There’s no shortage of spots to hide away or set up your notes within the four walls of this vast building. There’s free WiFi, computers to use stacked with all the programs you’ll ever need, and for the more creative projects they even have a dedicated Makerspace complete with 3D printers!

This library has definitely evolved into more than just a book depository—it just keeps getting better and better over the time—but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still an impressive collection of books. The Auckland library network is the largest in the entire southern hemisphere, and you can request any book from the network to be delivered to the central library online. This includes fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, reference books, old newspapers and even heritage documents.

Surrounded by History at the Museum

Auckland War Memorial Museum is just a short walk across the domain, and offers free entry with proof of Auckland residency. Along with all the fascinating exhibitions, Auckland Museum is also home to a vast research library, which is an absolutely perfect spot to study among some of the country’s most expansive history collections.

Surely you can get smarter just by sitting among all the documents and absorbing their knowledge, right? Either way, this provides an engrossing environment that will find you being incredibly hard to disturb. Plus, it’s pretty quiet.

Over a Cup of Coffee: Café Study

The central city is full of hidden cafes and eateries perfect for setting up and studying over a cup of delicious coffee and a snack. As a student, you’ve got to scout out which cafes will be happy for you to sit there for a couple of hours with your laptop out—but these places definitely exist! Here are some of our favourites:

Welcome Eatery, Grafton

This spacious eatery is a short walk across Grafton Bridge from the central city. Its patrons consist mainly of like-minded focused students, as well as the odd business meeting. It’s the perfect atmosphere to get some work done and escape a little from the hustle and bustle of the city.

William’s Eatery, Wynyard Quarter

Enjoy a stroll along Auckland’s waterfront on your way to this sunny study spot. Both the coffee and food are next level at this popular eatery, and the modern interior exudes a calming feel to take away all the stress of uni. If you stay for long enough, you can even enjoy one of the best ‘golden hour’ spots the city has to offer.

Bestie Cafe, St Kevin’s Arcade

For a study sesh with a view, Bestie is really the best! Set up at one of the tables at the end of the historical St Kevin’s Arcade on K’ Rd, and you’ve got yourself one of the most ‘grammable study spots in the city, looking out over Myers Park and the city beyond. Grab a coffee or a kombucha and you’re all set to go.

Remedy Coffee, Midtown

Just off Queen St at number 1 Wellesley Street is tucked away the cutest little coffee shop. This place is frequented by students and offers a quaint, study vibe as the walls are lined with books and plants. Just like studying in your lounge without having to make the commute home.

Make the most of Studying in Auckland

No matter whether you’re in lectures, completing your work experience, or finding a good spot to study, when you enrol in Crown Institute, we’ll guide you through making the absolute most out of Auckland while you study. It really is a great place to be completing a degree, and if you’re interested in starting one, get in touch with us today!

 

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Pros and Cons of Living with A Host Family

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If you are mulling over whether or not you should consider staying with a host family while you study or gain work experience in New Zealand, you’ve come to the right place. Living with a host family has its shares of advantages and disadvantages. This article will help you make an informed decision about whether or not living with a host family is right for you – read on!

Pros of living with a host family

It’s budget-friendly

To start off with, if you’re tight on budget or looking for low-cost accommodation for your overseas study years, living with a host family is potentially the most cost-effective choice. Most homestays turn out to be cheaper relative to flat-sharing or hostel options, as they come with meals, laundry and cleaning services, which can save a lot of money in the long run! If you want value for money from day one, living with the host family could be the best choice for you.

Immersive cultural experience

If you’re game for a cultural exchange, take the leap and live with the locals! This can be an exciting alternative to staying in your comfort zone. After all, you’re probably new to the country and don’t know much about the customs or cultures. From tasting local foods, learning the local slang, and attending local events to witnessing local traditions and getting access to non-touristy, scenic spots, the perks are countless! And if you’re studying hospitality courses, this creates a win-win situation—you get both the theoretical and practical knowledge to take to the field! 

Easier adoption to the environment

One in a hundred can claim to have a similar climate or environment as to his/her home country when travelling abroad. For most international students, adapting to a new environment can sometimes be at the cost of your physical and mental health, especially during the first few weeks. A host family can help you adapt more quickly by providing support and giving you tips on how best to adjust to your new environment.

Whether that’s facing strong winds, incessant winter rains, or even the harsh summer New Zealand sun, a homestay situation can better prepare you for what to expect.

Home away from home

More than just being a home away from home, living in a homestay can be as good as having a second family. This is especially true if you’re travelling to a foreign country or are leaving your family and friends for the first time in your life.

No matter how well you’ve prepared for what lies ahead, homesickness will hit you eventually! Living with a host family can help you deal with it better than being on your own in an unfamiliar place. Having a support system is reassuring and can also give you a chance to make new friends for life!

Cons of living with a host family

Live by their rules

Living in a homestay means following the rules and regulations set by the host family. Host families will have different sets of rules to follow, but it’s important to take whatever they say seriously as a sign of respect. They could have a curfew set up, guest restrictions, noise policies, or even restricted areas of the house. If you’re considering staying with a host family, make sure you’re prepared to abide by whatever rules you’ll need to live by.

Feeling out of place

As much as a host family can make you feel in sync with the local culture and atmosphere, you’ll need to deal with feeling “out of place”, especially in the beginning. There’s also the risk of feeling isolated from other students or travellers who are also new to the country and have common woes or things to discuss.

What you lack in the traditional ‘student’ lifestyle, though, you make up for in other ways such as a warm house come wintertime. Trust us, you’ll value this in New Zealand!

 

Dependency factor

For some people, being dependent on someone else for food, laundry or even cleaning can be too excruciating. It’s okay to be the type of person who likes to live independently or can be a little picky about the way things should be done (laundry, for example). Maybe you simply don’t like the idea of having to depending on others too much, and that’s fine, but you’ll need to figure out what situation works best for you.

Make the right choice

 

Having read through it all, weigh your personal requirements against the pros and cons and decide if you would like to live with a host family while you study courses in New Zealand. Don’t go by what others have to say or choose. After all, your choice would lay the foundation for your first few weeks of experience in a new country. If you have any doubt or are simply stressed out, contact us at student services and we might be of help!

 

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Why Studying in New Zealand is Fantastic

Girl leaning against railing in Auckland Viaduct with Sky Tower in background

Whether you’re a kiwi born and raised, or from another part of the globe and looking to spread your wings, New Zealand is a fantastic place to study for many reasons. Coming to New Zealand to study can be an easy process, as student visas allow you to live and even work part time in New Zealand while you study. Courses in New Zealand range as far as you can imagine, so there really is something for everyone. Don’t take our word for it though, read this article to find out why studying in New Zealand really is so great!

Friendly Locals

University is the perfect time to make new friendships that you can carry with you through life, and New Zealand is the ideal place to make lasting friendships, as Kiwis are known to be among the friendliest in the world. Kiwis have an easy-going nature that makes it easy to get along with them. What’s more, they’re usually up for many an impromptu social occasion, due to being so relaxed.

Sometimes when choosing to study abroad in foreign countries people can find the experience isolating. A distinct difference that makes New Zealand stand out is many people’s inclusive attitude, and this can be incredibly helpful when you’re new to the place.

Never-Ending Road Trip Opportunities

The New Zealand landscape is absolutely beautiful, and for most people studying in big cities, the rivers, mountains and beaches are only a short road-trip away. Studying in New Zealand means getting to spend weekends renting picturesque Airbnb’s out in the bush, or piling up the surfboards to drive out to a black sand surf beach on a Saturday morning. There are endless opportunities to get out into nature and experience something new that New Zealand has to offer, all you need is a mate with a car and a bit of gas money.

Throughout the year, there are plenty of study breaks to spend going on adventures. Most semesters are made up of twelve weeks, with a 2 week break in the centre, and at least a month off in between semesters. Summer is the best time to be here on study break, as festivals pop up all across the country that get young people together to have a good time.

Diverse Culture

Entering any of the main cities in New Zealand, you will immediately notice that there’s an extremely diverse range of people who inhabit these spaces. It’s no wonder, as New Zealand is one of the safest places to live. This diversity means that there’s no shortage of culture in all aspects of life. Not only are Kiwis rooted in Maori culture, we also have a vibrant cultural scene that extends from all four corners of the earth. There are a huge range of attractions, festivals, and cuisines available in this country, from Diwali festivals that take up the entire main streets, to the Matariki Maori New Year festival lighting up entire cities for weeks.

Great Public Transport Systems

Every political election, the first thing on everyone’s list of policies is public transport. We’ve come an incredibly long way for a country that was built around the concept of cars, and both Auckland and Wellington now have comprehensive public transport systems that can get you pretty much anywhere across the cities and surrounding suburbs.

Studying in Auckland in the next couple of years will mean you’ll get the opportunity to be one of the first regular users of the City Rail Link, a massive central city train system that is currently in development.

Top Study Options

New Zealand’s education system is ranked at a high standard worldwide. It is based on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework, which focuses on quality education far higher than quantity. As a result, students find themselves in much smaller classes than they may be used to overseas, and much more focused personal attention to their learning. There are eight official universities in New Zealand, and many other higher educational facilities as well. No matter where you study, you’ll be guaranteed a quality education that will really take you places.

Study at Crown Institute in Auckland

If you’re keen to study in New Zealand, Crown has a range of courses in New Zealand that could be perfect for you. From travel and tourism and hospitality courses, to studying the complex English language. Plus, your course will gain you valuable work experience in the New Zealand workforce to kick start your career in this beautiful country. View our courses online now.

 

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How to Tell If You Need A New CV

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Having a CV is a vital part of applying for any job or work experience in New Zealand. Not only is it vital to have one – it’s also very important that you keep it up-to-date and recognise when it may need a bit of a refresh. If your CV hasn’t been working magic for you lately and you’re a little confused why, we’ve compiled this handy list of reasons why that might be, and expert tips that will help you spruce it up!

Your CV is too long-winded.

Employers will most likely spend 6 seconds skimming over your CV, and you want to be able to make a good enough impression in that short amount of time. It can be so easy to get into a flow of writing, especially when the topic is yourself. This is definitely a habit you want to kick when writing a CV, as long-winded paragraphs and pages on pages of writing can cause more harmful effects than good.

For students without much professional history, a CV is usually about one A4 page long. Keep it simple and uncluttered, with plenty of white space. Using an easy-to-read font like a sans-serif in around a 10-point font size can help you save space. Other tips for keeping the length down include cutting out paragraphs about your interests and hobbies, and keeping the necessary information to short and sweet statements.

It worked last time you got a job, so you haven’t changed it.

Your CV is not a one-time project. Only adding new work experience onto the list is not enough to keep your CV fresh and up-to-date. Each time you look at your CV to update it, it pays to take the time to update the whole thing: Refresh the writing style, read over each section and make sure you haven’t missed anything out, and take away things that aren’t as relevant now as you once thought.

Even though your old CV once scored you a great job, it’s important to continue to improve it. You as a person are improving, after all! This way, your CV in its entirety is constantly an accurate representation of you as a person. If your tone of voice or your design taste changes over time, update that in your CV the same as you would update your email address. It can make a world of difference to employers.

You don’t tailor it to the job you’re applying for.

Employers can tell if you have sent them a generic CV that has been rattled off to 10 different job applications. Prevent being overlooked by customising your CV to tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for. If you are applying for several jobs, this can definitely take some time, so think about at least narrowing it down to the specific field of job you are searching for. For example, the employer for a managerial role isn’t going to care how good your latte art is, but they will care that your barista job taught you valuable leadership and teamwork skills.

Furthermore, customising your CV helps highlight relevant information, making you more likely to be considered for a job. Including everything you have ever learned or gained from previous jobs is not only unnecessary, but it can also be confusing to read and often employers won’t bother. Taking the time to tailor your CV for the job you want shows that you are more interested in the position, and right for the job.

The CV’s composition needs tweaking.

Sometimes it isn’t about your CV’s content, it just needs a bit of a rearrange – composition-wise. We mentioned before that employers take 6 seconds on average to look over CV’s. Even if you’ve cut your info right down to a page, it can still be optimised even more so that it flows throughout the page and all the most important information is sure to be read.

Here are some tips for organising an effective CV:

· Put your contact details first, and make sure they can stand on their own with purpose.

· Make sure you have headers for each section, and that they’re large enough to stand out.

· The line spacing should be wide enough so that your CV remains calm and uncluttered.

· Some people opt for a 2-column composition, which is extremely effective. If you wish to use one column, make sure you have wide page margins so that your lines do not exceed 15 words per line.

· Having a sidebar which includes your details and a brief introduction can be an effective way to divide your page.

· Use page breaks, bars or shaded boxes to separate each section so that they can easily be read on their own.

· Utilise bullet points, icons and tables for a space-saving approach.

Bonus Tip: Give Your Skills a Refresh

 

If you’ve followed all the advice in this article and you’re finding your CV still isn’t pulling in as many offers as you’d like, maybe it’s time to look at upgrading the content. Why not spend some time and take a short course to upgrade your skills?

At Crown Institute of studies, we offer a selection of short courses in Auckland. From barista courses, hospitality and even teaching English courses. You’ll learn valuable skills that will stand out to employers on any CV.

If you want to upgrade your skills with a short course from Crown Institute, talk to us today.

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Soft Skills That Make You Employable in Any Industry

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During the course of your job hunting, you’ll find that the employment process can be tough especially when there’s a lot of competition. It’s best that you know which assets to emphasise during your applications – of which there are two types hard skills and soft skills.

What’s the difference between hard skills and soft skills?

Hard skills or technical skills are teachable and measurable abilities that you learn and regularly practice within your industry, such as writing, reading, or how well you use Microsoft Office applications. Soft skills, on the other hand, are traits that make you a good employee outside of what you can objectively do, such as work ethic, communication, being able to work well in a team, and so on.
While employers will look at how well you can potentially do the job, they will, most of the time, put more weight on your personality trains and soft skills. They are especially judged during the interview or reference check phase. The fact is: your professional expertise and certificates amount to little when you don’t know how to work well with others or if you’re not “the right fit” for the company. Discussing soft skills as well as your hard skills in job applications can give your resume a unique edge.
Let’s dive into some of the most valuable soft skills you can develop that will make you more employable, and how you can develop these soft skills through gaining work experience and in your daily life.

Communication

Being an effective communicator does not only mean being excellent at speeches or having impeccable grammar for e-mails or articles. Communication is also about having the ability to connect with people on a personal level right from the get-go. And because communication is a two-way street, this means being an effective listener. You don’t have to do all the talking! Listening is also an integral part of effective communication. When you listen, you begin to understand. When you understand, you begin to create affinity. When you have affinity, you build rapport amongst your group.

Employers look for effective communicators and those who have better “people skills” because it improves work efficiency and helps create a better work environment built on strong relationships.

Teamwork

Working within a group teaches you the importance of teamwork. This is an important soft skill, because it teaches you to value the skills that other people possess. When employees can combine varied talents and skills, everyone wins!

Being a good team player and having good interpersonal skills also makes you receptive to the needs of others. It’s all about wanting to push each member of the team forward and helping each other thrive. Employers are always looking for staff who can be empathetic towards their team’s needs. A friendly working environment and collaborative office culture helps retain more employees and pull top talent.

Problem Solving

It’s not as simple as being analytical in solving a problem. Of course, that’s important too, but you also need to work on approaching problems with a level-headed mindset. If you are more calm and sensible in tackling problems, you’ll be more equipped in delivering efficient solutions. Companies rely on problem solvers to navigate unforeseen trials especially in urgent situations.

Adaptability

Most employers are not looking for those who love to stay in their comfort zones. They are keener to hiring applicants that are flexible and know how to adapt.

In all areas of life including work situations, things won’t always go as planned. However, if you know how to adapt, you’ll be able to pivot and find alternate solutions. It’s an important soft skill as it demonstrates your openness to new challenges and conquer them with a positive attitude.

Leadership

Leadership is a combination of several soft skills. You can show leadership through having a positive attitude, being motivating for yourself and others, and being able to communicate effectively. Displaying leadership skills can make you more noticeable and help you gain more opportunities for career growth. Employers will always seek out staff who possess great leadership skills, as they have the potential to grow and thrive within the company.

Stand out in your application!

Now that you have an idea of what soft skills employees are looking for, what are you waiting for? Start making a conscious effort to develop these skills and you’ll notice a significant difference in your employability. You can develop soft skills in your daily life – in social situations or when you are around family. Any time you have to coexist with other people are times in your life you can be developing soft skills.

Another way to develop soft skills is through work experience. If you’re looking to develop your soft skills in a real work environment, Crown Institute can help. We provide some of the best short courses Auckland can offer and have excellent relationships with a huge range of partners in industries where our students can gain work experience. You’ll get the adequate training you need to develop multiple skills and become a leading candidate in your job applications.

Contact Crown Institute today to discuss enrolling in a course and gaining hard and soft skills to make you employable.