Skip to main content

Looking for employment? A "where-to-start" guide

Whether you are a first time job-seeker or looking for better opportunities, it all comes down to how well you have prepared yourself for the journey known as career advancement. Preparation is the key success factor for anyone striving to reach their next level.

If you are a first time job-seeker, most people will be glad to inform you that there is no such thing as finding your dream job without the right qualifications or experience. In some ways they will be completely right, and in some ways you can prove them wrong. Presenting yourself professionally and confidently and using the right tools will significantly increase your chances of receiving that official offer. This is the first step. Get that interview!

I have worked through countless stacks of CV's piling up in HR offices from candidates delivering  "less than promising" results and getting by with the age old cold calling technique. Myself included.  We've all been there. Printing out a few copies of your sub-standard black and white CV and walking from office to office ready to take any job offer will leave you disappointed and unaccomplished. Sadly, the success rate is a low as the planning involved.

Networking:
Job opportunities are commonly handed to people that "know the guy in charge of hiring". With this in mind, start getting to know the right people. An eager job-seeker can start on a small scale, like networking with friends and family. Get professionally acquainted with your inner circles and be bold enough to ask about their job, their company or any opportunities they might have seen lately. There are also many networking events for entrepreneurs and professionals, usually in the form of a business breakfast or events with guest speakers. Any professional person worth their salt will tell you that networking is the name of the game. It is all about who you know!

Professional profile:
It would be a major advantage to have a professional profile that informs others about your strengths, skills and competencies. Imagine walking into an interview where the person conducting the interview was able to research you because you were easy to find on professional platforms. An ambitious profile on “Linkedin", "Pnet" or similar platforms could go a long way.

Your CV (the hard copy of your professional profile):
Here you should spend a lot of time and focus. A good CV will market you as a candidate like a good TV commercial when companies start headhunting. If you truly want to stand out from the crowd, I would recommend hiring a professional CV writer that knows what employers are looking for. ProCV is a leading service provider and will generate a free quote that will highlight areas where their service can benefit your journey.

Job applications:
There are a few great websites that will assist you with your search for a potential job or opportunity to apply for. I would recommend uploading a professional CV to "Pnet" which will accelerate your search and highlight companies who is hiring in your field of expertise. Other great websites include Linkedin, Indeed and Career24. Finding a recruiter in your area is also a great idea if you are looking to improve your success rate.


Let us help you polish your professional image
ProCV 

Contact us
JM Klopper:     072 433 8392
F Bodenstein:   061 650 4969
Email:               procv@multitalented.co.za

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to answer interview questions like an expert

Better answers to commonly asked questions in interviews Tell me about yourself? This is usually the first question any interviewer will ask you. Your response to this question should leave something for the employer to remember you by. Everyone is usually tempted to share their whole history when this question is asked. Relax, your history will be discussed later in the interview. Focus on aspects that elevate you above the other candidates. Try and keep your answer short and impactful and make sure you leave a lasting impression. Example Answer. Personally, I have always loved the saying “the sky is the limit”, and then one day someone remarked: “remember, there are footprints on the moon”. This got me thinking. I realised that we should never be bound by other’s limitations. From that day on, I became goal orientated and enjoyed the rewards life offers when striving to better oneself. I like a fast paced lifestyle and surround myself with positive ambitious pe...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Do's and Don'ts for your first day of work.

Nailing your first day at work You have spent weeks going through the straining processes and paperwork in your quest to land the job, after that final signature you are finally an employee. Now your first day of work is almost guaranteed to be stressful and awkward. You tend to over think your first day and try too hard to find your place. Relax, take is easy and just go with the flow. Nobody is expecting anything from you yet, except to smile and wave. These tips will help you prepare for this day and be a guide on what to do on the days that follow. Show up early. This is you first step in showing your seriousness and commitment to your new role. This is imperative in not only work but in life as well. Being early will usually be accompanied by a cup of coffee, this also gives you an opportunity to meet your peers. Before the working day starts, employees will stand around and make small talk. This will be an opportunity to get some insights before HR takes you on...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to research your prospective job

Preparation for the interview process Your CV is out there, and the waiting game starts. You have applied for all the available positions in various companies and you are anticipating that phone call inviting you for an interview. Are you still wondering if you have the competitive edge? Why should company X hire you instead of the more senior, more experienced candidate that came out of the interview room before you? Knowledge is power! If you want to stand out and make the short list, you have to know what you can offer the company. You should have your own intelligent questions ready because an interview should not be a one sided process and it will help you to evaluate their offer. Not only are they qualifying you, but you are qualifying them. Researching the company and the industry extensively before your interview is of utmost importance. Listed here are some important things that you should know when going for your interview. Know what the company is looking for in a c...
Post a Comment
Read more