Your 101 on Job Searching Made Easy

Written by: Chane da Costa

Job searching is a full time job. Finding a job in today’s economy is not an easy task for those who have experience as well as those who don’t have experience. Although, there are more challenges for those without experience, many job seekers don’t know how or where to apply for jobs. For first time job seekers, don’t get discouraged by rejection, it is important to keep optimistic whilst searching for jobs. During your search it is important to know what criteria you are looking for when you are searching for your job.

Criteria to keep in mind before searching for a job:

1.          Job location
2.          Industry
3.          Skill level
4.          Job description
5.         Growth prospects
6.         Salary and benefits

Searching for a job is very time consuming and it is important to know exactly where to apply -  one thing varsity doesn’t teach graduates. After graduating many graduates are clueless as where to even start their search and how to apply for suitable jobs. 

The digital age is taking over and with this, the old school ways of searching and applying for jobs have subsided. Although, taking your resume personally to your potential employee and introducing yourself is still considered an effect way to apply for a position, it is very time consuming and costly. Therefore, companies, recruitment agencies and job portals have simplified the process by creating online pages that allow you to upload your resume and apply for positions with a click of a button.

Recruitment Agencies

Recruitment agencies might be in the candidates favour as submitting your resume to a recruitment agency may open many doors by dispersing your resume to various industries. A personal relationship is often formed with the recruitment consultant who may be beneficial to the candidate during the offer negotiation process and in future when seeking growth opportunities. Another benefit of using a recruitment agency is that by meeting you, a recruiter can sell your resume to a potential employer as the perfect candidate just by knowing your morals, values, goals and objectives.  To find recruiters you can search online or make use of online Job portals, and if you see a recruitment agency advertising their services you can rest assure if they can invest in marketing they will invest in you. At Electus you are not just another candidate or resume on a desk.

Companies with Job Portals

Candidates can apply on a company’s online portal. These portals allow candidates to register and submit their resumes online. This process also ensures that the companies keep candidates resumes on a database to review them if a suitable position becomes available in future.

Job Portals

Online job portals can be seen as the middle man where candidates and recruitment agencies/companies find each other. In South Africa there are many online job portals available where candidates create an online profile and upload their resumes for companies and recruiters to search.  These companies and recruitment agencies can also advertise job posts that candidates can apply for using their personal profile, therefore reducing the hassle of submitting your resume to a different company each time.  Below is a list of the most popular job portals in South Africa:

1.  Pnet
2. Careers 24
3. Jobs.co.za
4. Career Junction
5. Best Jobs
6. Jobmail
7. Linked-In
8. Jobvine

For more information on how to Jump start your Job search with online job portals, one of our 2013 blogs Jump start your Job Search by Tiffany Lynn provide you with detailed information on these portals and why they are beneficial.

7 Top Tips for Job Seekers

1.       Always apply to positions with a recently updated resume, ensuring that all your info is correct. It is also beneficial to know how to use wording correctly to ensure your CV is found at the top of the pile when recruiters conduct their searches on online database portals

2.       Only apply to positions that are relevant to your job title, level of experience and skill set.

3.       Have all your supporting documentation ready and available to save time and speed up the application process.

4.       It is important to remember that when you have applied for any positions to always keep your phone on standby, and keep an eye on your inbox for recruiters who might contact you via email. Also ensure you have provision in your schedule for interviews.

5.       Always prepare to land the job in your interview. An interview is where you make your first personal impression. Read up about the company, what they do and recent information on the industry to impress your interviewer. Prepare a list of questions you can ask about the organisation and position to show your interest in the position.

6.       Networking – contact and reconnect with friends and trusted professionals, inform them you in the market. They might just have the job you have been looking for, or if something comes up you will be top of mind and can be referred. A good reference from someone trusted by the potential employer is always positive.

7.       If you stuck GET HELP!!! Utilise inexpensive services that provide career counselling and assistance in the job search process. In months to come Electus will be offering such a service, empowering our candidates through providing insightful advice and a platform on which to develop your personal brand.