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:
- Job location
- Industry
- Skill level
- Job description
- Growth prospects
- 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:
- Pnet
- Careers 24
- Jobs.co.za
- Career Junction
- Best Jobs
- Jobmail
- Linked-In
- 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.
