Having to stand in line with hundreds of people vying for the one job had taken its toll on Iuta Anisi Ulu.
The 21-year-old from Te Atatu, in West Auckland, lost his job in February last year - not the best time to have to go job hunting, he said.
"It was pretty hard looking for a job because I had no qualification for any jobs that were available. So I had to look at jobs at supermarkets. I'd have to wait in the longest lines - there were thousands of people.
"In the end you just feel bad and give up and go home because there's no point [waiting] because there's only three jobs going and a whole heap of people applying."
Mr Anisi Ulu, who was out of work for just over a year during the recession, said having to go on the dole was one of the hardest things to do, given that he was young.
After countless fruitless applications for various jobs, he enrolled in a 21-week security course at the National College of Security and is now a doorman with a top security firm.
He regularly guards several bars, pubs and clubs in Auckland City, and has been happily employed for just over a month.
Mr Anisi Ulu says finally being able to help with bills and family commitments is a relief.
"If feels good, knowing that you're earning your own money and being able to help your family ... it's always good to wake up and get dressed knowing you've got a job."
