What Employers Are Really Looking For (And How Candidates Can Stand Out)

As we head into the second half of the year, demand is surging across New Zealand’s trades, skilled trades, and engineering sectors. For many businesses, August is a key month to ramp up resourcing before project deadlines and the busy spring season. Whether you’re applying for your next trade job, eyeing a promotion, or just starting out in the industry, now is the time to sharpen your edge.

In this blog, we break down what employers are looking for right now, what stands out to us at TechTrade Recruitment, and how candidates can give themselves the best chance of getting hired.

Why August Matters in the Hiring Cycle

While some industries slow down in winter, engineering and trade work, especially across the skilled trades, often ramps up behind the scenes, preparing for large-scale builds, shutdowns, and rollouts planned for the warmer months.

From specialist contract roles to permanent trade jobs, if you’ve got the skills, there are real opportunities on the table this month.

What Employers Are Really Looking For

Here’s what’s showing up most in conversations with clients across engineering, marine, manufacturing, and electrical trades:

• Reliability & Communication
  It’s not enough to be skilled, employers want team players who show up, stick to the schedule, and communicate clearly on-site. This is particularly vital for shift-based, site safety, and project-managed roles.
• Hands-On Experience
  Employers are asking for recent, relevant experience, especially for roles like Industrial Electricians, Machine Builders, and Marine Engineers. Be specific: what type of machinery, voltage ranges, vessels, or materials have you worked with?
• Safety-First Mindset
  Whether you’re on a marine project or a manufacturing floor, safety is non-negotiable. Having up-to-date EWP, Confined Space, First Aid, or Site Safe credentials gives you a clear edge.
• Trade Qualification or Proven Practical Skills
  Some trade jobs require full qualifications (like EWRB registration for sparkies), while others value strong practical skills and verifiable site experience, especially in TA and Fabrication roles.
• Visa/Work Status Clarity
  If you’re not a New Zealand citizen or resident, be clear about your work visa type and expiry. This helps employers move faster when reviewing your application.

Want to Get Noticed by Recruiters? Do These 5 Things Now

✅ Update Your CV — Be detailed and job-specific. Clearly list your trade, experience, and industry tools used. Avoid general statements.

📞 Be Reachable — Pick up your phone. Respond to messages. It makes a difference when we’re scheduling interviews quickly.

📁 Sort Your Documents — Keep your tickets, licences, and photo ID ready. If you’re EWRB registered or Site Safe certified, include proof.

🧰 Be Flexible Where You Can — If you’re open to shift work, contract-to-perm, or marine projects, say so. It opens more doors.

🚀 Have a Start Date in Mind — Know when you’re available to begin. Employers often move forward with whoever can start the soonest.

Let’s Get You Hired

At TechTrade, we connect skilled tradespeople and engineers with great employers every day. If you’re serious about finding a new opportunity in August, make sure you’re ready, visible, and proactive.

👉 https://www.techtrade.co.nz/jobs/ or send your CV to work@techtrade.co.nz.

Need Help With Your CV or Interview?

Check out our past blogs:

• https://www.techtrade.co.nz/create-an-engineering-or-trade-cv-that-stands-out/
• https://www.techtrade.co.nz/finding-the-right-fit-interview-tips-for-trade-staff-why-honesty-matters/

We’re not just here to fill roles, we want to help you land the right job, in the right team, with the right support.