Finding a job in Rotorua has become easier with more positions advertised and business owners willing to "take a chance on young staff", waitress Gabrielle Isaraela says.
The 21-year-old student was recently employed at restaurant Che Chorizo and said while it was "semi easy" to find a job, there wasstill a lot of positions that required experience.
"Being a student, I didn't have a lot of experience so that was a bit hard, but at the same time I think business owners are more willing to take a chance on young staff and help upskill them."
Miss Isaraela is studying a Diploma in Music Performance at Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic. She said part of her success in finding a job was using the talents she had and being willing to look outside the industry she wanted to work in.
"If you can't find your dream job, that doesn't mean you should just stop looking - look outside the industry you want to work in and often you can find a job that will still set you on the right path for getting your dream job.
"In my interview I mentioned I sing so now when it's quiet I get up and sing at the restaurant. It was a talent that, while not essential to the job, gave me an edge - a point of difference."
Miss Isaraela said it was hard at times juggling study and work but the benefits made it worthwhile.
"I am gaining the experience other jobs require me to have. A lot more people in my course are starting to get jobs too so I think it's something we're seeing across the whole city."
