"It's kind of painful actually [not getting a job]. It sucks."
The 22-year-old had lost count of how many jobs she had applied for since moving from the Coromandel to Auckland, but estimated it was more than 20.
After we published her story, Richards said she has received several offers to apply for job openings, including one in ANZ's call centre, answering incoming calls.
An ANZ staff member contacted the Herald asking to be put in touch with the young mum, but refused to comment further.
"We don't comment on employment matters," ANZ spokesman Stefan Herrick said.
However Richards was cautiously hopeful, saying the job sounded "pretty promising".
"I do need to organise some stuff in regards to my daughter because the hours wouldn't be exactly the same as her daycare."
The job would begin with an eight-week fully paid training course which Richards said sounded great.
"It was awesome - the fact that they took the time out to contact me personally ... it's been really good."
She had also received several messages from people who said they may be able to offer her a job in hospitality, and one message from a woman in Papakura who said she might be able to fill a role as a teacher aide in a school.