Finding a Job It is really tough to find a job in today’s labour market. Work-seekers send in very many applications for jobs without success. The reason for this is that there are more people than jobs in the labour market, with the result that you will have to do your utmost to really stand out amongst other applicants. This website will provide you with advice on how to improve your chances of obtaining a job. The following topics are covered: Plan your job-hunt Where can you find a job? The advertisement The Application form Your CV The Cover letter The Interview. Plan your job-hunt You might feel overwhelmed and not know where to start with your job-hunting. Make sure you plan your job-hunt and focus on what you actually want. Here are some tips on how to plan your job-hunt: Make a list of your qualifications, work experience, skills and career interests and see whether these can assist you with the type of career you want. Visit a Career Counsellor at the Department of Labour for employment counselling Visit the ESSA website and look for the self-help counselling sites of Choosing a career and Finding the right career for you. If you already have work experience in a particular career type, you might want to continue in that direction. Sometimes you would be forced to make another choice.
Transcript
Finding a JobIt is really tough to find a job in today’s labour market. Work-seekers send in very many applications for jobs without success. The reason for this is that there are more people than jobs in the labour market, with the result that you will have to do your utmost to really stand out amongst other applicants.
This website will provide you with advice on how to improve your chances of obtaining a job. The following topics are covered:
Plan your job-hunt Where can you find a job? The advertisement The Application form Your CV The Cover letter The Interview.
Plan your job-hunt
You might feel overwhelmed and not know where to start with your job-hunting. Make sure you plan your job-hunt and focus on what you actually want. Here are some tips on how to plan your job-hunt:
Make a list of your qualifications, work experience, skills and career interests and see whether these can assist you with the type of career you want.
Visit a Career Counsellor at the Department of Labour for employment counselling Visit the ESSA website and look for the self-help counselling sites of Choosing a
career and Finding the right career for you. If you already have work experience in a particular career type, you might want to
continue in that direction. Sometimes you would be forced to make another choice.
Read up on different careers, employers and industries which take your interest, as much as you can.
Do a focused job-hunt with the career types in mind that you are interested in. Make a list of creative ways of how you will approach your job-hunting, for
example:
Developing a flyer with your personal qualifications, strengths and experience and
contact details as well as a personal statement, which you can drop off at job fairs, companies and wherever you come across people that can hire you.
Making recommendations on how you will solve a problem at the company
Submitting samples of your work, for example art. Submitting ideas and presentations on how you would improve the work at the
company you are applying. Study computer skills and getting a driver’s licence first Improving your qualifications or skills Obtaining work experience through a volunteer job. Contacting the Career Counsellor at Department of Labour for a life skills programme.
on job-hunting. Enhancing your employability by attending a life skills programme on work ethics or
interpersonal skills, etc
You can use the example of a job-hunting plan to draw up your own.
Job-hunting plan
Job-hunting activity Time to be spent
Due date
Go for employment counselling/decide on which careers I will apply for
Two days
Registering on Department of Labour’s website
One day
Read up on careers, employers, industries
Continuously
Drawing up my CV One day
Searching the internet Continuously
Deciding how I will approach my job-hunt in creative way
Continuously
Googling websites of private employment agencies
Continuously
Looking for positions in the newspaper Daily
Googling your own name to ensure there are no negative information
Daily
Promoting your chances of getting employed via social media
Continuously
Visiting job fair/professional conference As available
Check websites of employers Once a week
Phoning employers after search in Yellow Pages
One day per week
Visit website of Government Departments
Once per week
Checking for volunteering positions on www.myhandsandheart.org or google to find other sites
Where can you find a job?When you have to start looking for a job, you might feel overwhelmed and that you do not even know where to start.
You can look for a job at:
Labour Centres of the Department of Labour
The Labour Centres have a computerized job-matching system called the Employment Services system of South Africa (ESSA), which makes job-searching much easier. Your contact details, skills, qualifications and work experience will be captured on the ESSA, when you visit the Labour Centre. You can also register your own details online at www. labour.gov.za, go to “Online Services” and then to “ESSA”. Employers register their job and learning opportunities on the ESSA. If you meet the requirements set by the employers for the job and learning opportunities, the employment services official will refer you to the employer where vacant opportunities exist. This service is free of charge. You can also receive a range of employment counselling services free of charge, such as job preparation (CV-writing and advice on the job interview), or advice on your career choice, if you need more clarity about a future career path.
Private employment agencies
Private employment offices specialise in helping people find jobs. (The names, telephone numbers and addresses of private employment agencies can be found in the Yellow Pages under the heading “Personnel Consultants”). Some private employment agencies specialise in certain types of jobs and others advertise their positions on the internet. Send these organisations a copy of your CV so that they can find the right job for you, or apply electronically. Most of the private employment agencies do excellent work. However, there are a few Private Employment agencies that are bogus. The Employment Services Act, Act 4 of 2014 states that all private employment agencies must register with the Department of Labour. Do good research on the lawfulness of these organisations, by checking whether they really exist-is there a building and street address and is the agency registered with the Department of Labour as a private employment agency? Overseas companies sometimes does recruiting of staff in South Africa-make sure of the lawfulness of the offer before you resign your current job or make plans to move. A private employment agency may only charge the employer for placing you. Private Employment agencies may NOT charge you for any employment service, whether it be for placement, training or employment counselling. Whenever you must pay an amount, you must know that something is not right. A private employment agency may also not keep your original ID document or your original certificates. Report any illegal behaviour to the Labour Centre closest to you.
Computer or internet
The internet has perhaps become the best source of job opportunities of this time. You can find information on available jobs on the internet-go to www.google.com, or www.yahoo.com, for example, and type in “jobsearch” into the search engine. You will then get many sites to explore for jobs. A company’s profile on Facebook can provide you with insight into the company and job listings. Also ask the Career Counsellors at the Labour Centres to assist you with internet sites where you may find work. There are also many examples that you can use to do your CV, cover letter to the employer, interview tips, etc. Other options are www.gumtree.co.za, http://www.pnet.co.za,
http://www.careerjunction.co.za; https://www.facebook.com/CareerJunctionza/, https://twitter.com/Career_Junction and http://www.careers24.com/ and http://ioljobs.co.za/.
Social media
The majority of people today use social media, such as Facebook, Whatsapp, BBM, WeChat, Google+ and twitter to communicate with friends and family. Many employers say that they look at a work-seeker’s social media presence, before they hire a person. People portraying an unprofessional or irresponsible profile, are not hired. Remember you can still control what you say on social media, but you cannot really control what others say about you. Set your privacy settings to the highest possible, place a profile photo that you are sure you want employers to see and keep your profile professional.
Wechat now even has a Money4Jam account where you can register and find all sorts of short jobs to do for money-these could be as simple as completing a survey or taking a photo with your phone. Add the account “Money4Jam” on Wechat to register.
You can make social media work for you in job-hunting. You can put your skills and work experiences onto a social media CV page and continue updating and adding value. You can have a twenty-four hour presence all over the world! Anyone can also respond to you immediately.
Share the type of job you are looking for with your connections on social media and see if your contacts have any helpful ideas. There are social media that you can use to place your CV, such as “Google+”, “Facebook Page” and “Skillspages”. Other useful applications are “Facebook Marketplace Jobs”, “Facebook BranchOut” and. ”TweetMyJob” for job postings and linkages to companies. On twitter you can also set up a hashtag such as #jobsearch to find job postings.
Newspapers
Many vacant job and training opportunities are still advertised in the various newspapers. Consult the daily and Sunday newspapers as well as “Jobmail” for these advertisements. Newspapers are available at all libraries for consultation.
Notice boards
Be on the lookout for notice boards on which advertisements for vacant posts appear. Such notice boards can usually be found at large shopping centres.
Yellow Pages
The Yellow pages, a special telephone directory available at post offices and libraries, can be very useful for discovering employers. This is how it works: At the back of the Yellow Pages there is an alphabetical index of various services. If, for example, you wish to become a gardener, page through the alphabetical index till you find the letter ‘G’. Under the letter ‘G’ you will find the heading “Garden service and layout”. Next to this heading is a page number. Turn to this page. On this page, again under the heading ‘Garden service and layout’, you will find the names, addresses and telephone numbers of companies that you can contact for a possible job as a gardener. If you have problems using the Yellow Pages, ask someone to help you.
Visit or phone employers in your career field and ask if they have any vacant posts available or check their internet sites. You can also contact them by telephone or letter.
Professional organisations
Professional organisations looking after the interests of professionals in a certain field, for example engineering associations or boards, may have opportunities on their website.
Volunteering
Volunteering means working free of charge at an organisation or in community service, maybe an animal shelter. Volunteering is an excellent way to get to know people. It is also a way of gaining knowledge and experience and building up your self-confidence. Visit the website
Networking
Most jobs are not filled through advertisements. They are filled by word-of-mouth, thus where people tell each other about job and learning opportunities. Many work-seekers may be hesitant to talk to previous co-workers, to neighbours or employers, because they do not want to look at others for favours. In today’s labour market it is essential to network, because employers like to work with people they know and like, or whom others recommend. Make a list of people you know that can help you, such as family, friends, previous co-workers, people that you meet when doing sports or a hobby, people you put up as a reference on your CV, etc. Make contact with these people and ask them if they know of a job or training opportunity and other people that may also be able to help. Build your personal brand (the image you send out to others) continuously, whilst you are networking. Reflect that you are a positive, keen and enthusiastic person, with good work habits and sooner than later, you will obtain a job. It is well-known, that many people got a job through whom they know. Ask people about jobs they do and what they can recommend for you. Networking can happen anywhere for instance at social occasions, youth groups, religious organizations, choirs or societies.
Career exhibitions and job fairs
Employers often hire people at career exhibitions and job fairs, so make sure you have your CV ready when you visit these.
Government Departments
The Government of South Africa is making all efforts to create job and study opportunities for its people to put the country on a winning path. These efforts are being driven through the different Government Departments. Many jobs are for example created to ensure South Africa has good roads and railways for overseas countries to invest. A variety of training programmes, such as learnerships, apprenticeships, Further Education and Training College training programmes are sponsored. Visit the websites of Government Departments to see if you can participate in any of these programmes.
The advertisementThe advertisement is your first point of contact with the employer, whether it is a printed advertisement or a small notice on the internet. It provides you with important information on what will be expected from you. Make sure you adhere to instructions. Many people are hired even
before the interview! You can write down the answers to the following exercises on a separate piece of paper:
How does the employer want to be contacted-by a written application, e-mail, internet application, etc?
What will you be expected to do in the post? What skills are required for the post? Do you have the skills required for the post? What skills do you not have? What knowledge is required? What knowledge do you have? What knowledge do you not have? Do you have experience required? Do you have the qualities required, for example self-starter, responsible, honest? Which qualification is required? Is there a registration required with a professional body? Where will you be working? What challenges will you be experiencing should you get the job, eg will have to
move, will need to travel far. What salary will you earn and can you live from it?
The Application FormEmployers sometimes have to screen through literally hundreds of applications for one position. The application form assists the employer to screen “possible candidates” and “not suitable” based on a number of factors, such as your qualifications, gaps in work experience, whether you are willing to volunteer to obtain experience, skills, etc. It also provides the employer with a first glance impression of how thorough a worker you are and whether you can present work neat and tidy. It usually requires enough information to assist the employer to do a background check as to whether you have the qualifications you claim or any other trait that may make you a risky employee, such as debt. You might also be required to declare whether you have a criminal record.
If you need to apply online, do your application on paper or as a MsWord document and save the document, so you can do a spell-check. You can then transfer the information to the online form.
The following checklist will help you to complete your application form well:
Checklist for application form
Check the boxes which you have adhered to:
Application form requirements √
I have read through the application form and understand all the questions
I used a good black pen to complete the application form or typed the information
I have used the same pen for the whole application form
I used block letters where the employer wanted it
I kept my answers short and to the point
I have mentioned the position that I am applying for and its reference number
I provided positive responses for job changes and they are truthful, eg end of contract, redundancy
I put extensive work experience in my CV and referred to it on the application form
I remained within spaces allocated to answer
There are no ink smudges or other dirty marks on the application form
The form is not crumpled.
I have answered all the questions truthfully and correctly
I have answered questions with relevant answers that cannot be understood differently and work against me
I checked and rechecked for spelling and grammar
I have signed and dated the application form
The application form is bound in a neat file with the CV and cover letter that will make it stand out
I used a big enough envelope so I do not need to fold my application documents
The application form will reach the employer before the closing date.
I have kept a copy of my application for my own records
Your CVA Curriculum Vitae (CV) is the story of your career. It is also referred to as resume sometimes.
The CV is the document that convinces the employer that you must be called for an interview. You need to make sure you have a CV that sets you apart from other candidates! What employers will look for in your CV, is your work attitude and work personality and whether your knowledge, skills and previous work experience match the requirements of the post. Many employers are of the opinion that work attitude and work
personality are the two most important factors predicting job success. These are aspects you will have to bring out in your CV. You also need to keep them in mind right through your work life!
The presentation of your CV will be a sample of how you will do your work. Some work-seekers have sought very creative ways of presenting their CVs, such as through a beautifully bound booklet in a decorated box, submitting a video, making a Pininterest collage with written inscriptions or doing a creative, but professional layout. It will be well worth your while to google “creative resumes” to get ideas on how you can present yours.
Different types of posts, for example academic posts as opposed to manual work, will require a different focus in the CV. It could be worth your while to develop a general CV containing all your skills and have the lay-out done by a professional person, if you are not so familiar with computer programmes. You can then adjust your CV for the different posts you apply for.
General Tips for CV-writing
Here are some tips for writing a winning CV: Make sure your CV is well-typed. CV must be easy to read. Use clean paper. Use one side of paper only. Use a modern font such as Helvetica or Arial that is easy to read. Use 14 pt. letter type for headings, 12 pt. letter type for subheadings and 10 pt.
for the body of the CV. Use two colours such as black and light blue. You can perhaps use coloured blocks
for aspects you want to emphasise, for example skills. Do not go too wild! Use bullets where you can. Make a list of skills you have developed before you start typing your CV, this will
help you to include all your skills. You can use the skills checklist to assist you. Keep your CV concise, but mention all your skills. Be truthful and reflect your skills and qualifications correctly and do not
exaggerate. The employer will ask for examples of behaviour if you claim to be responsible.
Develop your CV to mention the skills needed for the job you are applying for or the employer will obtain the impression that you do not meet the requirements. Do research on the job and develop your CV to show you have the skills needed.
Quantify successes that you had, for example you saved money for the company, increased sales, exceeded targets, or trained a large number of people-mention by how much.
Check for spelling & and grammar errors (proofread a number of times to omit mistakes)
Obtain permission from people you intend putting as references and their contact details.
Add certified copies of qualifications. The certification must have been done less than three months ago.
Bind your CV in a nice file that will catch the employer’s attention Do not fold your CV if you plan to post it or hand deliver it Keep a copy of your CV. You can ask a Career Counsellor at the Labour Centre to assist you to attend a CV-
writing life skills programme.
Topics to cover in your CV
Your CV should cover the following sections: Personal statement/career goals
The personal statement is a short statement of who you are, your strengths and your aim with applying for the job opportunity. Tailor the statement to the job you are applying for and the requirements set. You should also add what your value will be as a worker. Be realistic, but still show that you are a go-getter and will work hard to reach your dreams. If you have a gap in your employment history, provide a short motivation that will be in your favour. Employers sometimes decide to interview you based on your personal statement. The personal statement must thus be powerful, attractive and give a first introduction to you as possible worker. Here are some personal statements that you can use as examples under different circumstances:
Personal statement
A motivated and diligent young person who has recently completed school, with B symbols for Grade 12 Science and Biology, looking for a position in game ranging. I have a sincere career interest in the reservation of our natural heritage and to be outdoors. My career goal is to become a fully qualified Game Ranger that supervises the game ranging activities in a large National Park.
Personal statement
Recent graduate with a B Psych degree and registered as a Psychometrist (Independent Practice) with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, looking for a position in a practical environment. I am keen to be exposed to a range of different psychometric assessment experiences, so I can further develop my skills. My aim is to expand my knowledge and experience to become a Supervisor of other Psychometrists and in this way assist other professionals to develop their knowledge. I am energetic and a self-starter.
Personal statement
Responsible, motivated salesperson with seven years experience of selling furniture. I have a track record of the highest sales for the company/region and am ready for a new challenge. Currently out of work due to company closure. Looking for an opportunity in a furniture company to prove my skills. Have management skills and am open to an offer of sales management position. I have excellent customer services proven by a customer rating survey.
Personal statement
Well-organised, hard-working young lady with four years experience in all the job roles of a Secretary. Currently looking for a career change to perform more challenging work where I can use my excellent MsOffice skills, presentation skills, good interpersonal relations and conflict-management skills. Specifically looking for a post in which I can develop and study further with the aim to become an Administrative Manager.
Personal statement
Self-starter with initiative and patience, has five years experience of school-teaching. My teaching resulted in 99% of my scholars passing their Grade. Dedicated the last three years to raise my family and am currently seeking a position that will help me resume my career and which will use my experience, skills and sympathetic personality in helping others develop.
Personal details
Include your personal details such as full names, birth date, home and postal addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. You can also add a photograph, if you want to.
Languages
List the languages you can speak, write and understand plus an indication how well you can do it in terms of Good, Fair, Poor, if it is not required in the application form.
Education, qualifications and skills
Include the educational institution and date obtained. Begin with your tertiary qualifications, subjects and symbols and then your highest school qualifications with subjects and symbols, as well as courses attended and skills obtained.
,Employment history
Start with your most recent job and list your position, responsibilities and dates you worked at the organisation, why you left, as well as skills you built up in the job. Use action words to describe your responsibilities, skills gained and successes. Remember to quantify your successes. If there are gaps in your employment history, the employer will come to their own conclusion of what happened. You need to provide reasons for these gaps in an honest way and in a manner that will not put the employer off.
Volunteer work
Add any volunteer work you have done, the nature thereof and the duration and dates and skills you gained. This always creates a good impression, since the employer can see you are responsible and hard-working.
Positions of responsibility
Information on this aspect can indicate leadership skills
Prizes and awards
Information on this aspect can show areas in which you excel. You may have won an award for client service, soccer, etc.
References
You need at least three people that can vouch for your integrity as worker, so provide names of people you know work-wise, together with their telephone numbers.
Templates/examples of CVs
You can find some examples/templates for CVs on the next page.
Recent school-leaver, applying for the permanent post of Administrative Assistant at M+B Promotions cc. I enjoy assisting people and will flourish in an environment where I serve clients on a daily basis. My career goal is to study further in a B. Comm Marketing field whilst I am working. I see myself working as a Marketing Manager in ten years time. I am energetic, have initiative and have received an award for the best display of goods at school.
Send out invitations for events Assist with quotations for events Manage the diary of the Events Manager Ensure brochures are packed and delivered Ensure guides are in place for big events
Volunteer work January 2015 to present
East London Tin Collections for Poor
Worked in voluntary position to collect funds for poor and needy every Saturday
Responsible for collecting sale items to sell on markets Handing out tins to collectors Ensuring all tins are submitted
Hobbies and Interests
Artful display of items Drawing and painting Website design Reading non-fiction books
Self-motivated, energetic Accountant currently looking for advancement in my career. I would like to make a difference in my new work-place through hard work and diligence. I career goal is to become the Manager of Finance of a well-reputed organisation within 5-10 years.
Personal Information
Surname Maesela
First Names Thabo John
Home and postal address 24 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria 0001
Date of birth 1989-05-22
Nationality South African
Marital status Single
Dependants None
Driver’s licence Code 08
Criminal offences None
Languages
Language Proficiency
Setstwana Excellent
English Excellent
Afrikaans Fair
Education, Qualifications and Skills
Education and Qualifications
University of Witwatersrand B Comm Accounting (2006-2008) (70% overall)
Certificate in Theory of Accountancy (2009)
(75% overall)
Mamelodi High School Setswana (HG) (B symbol)
English (HG) (B symbol)
Afrikaans (HG) (C symbol)
Mathematics (HG) (B symbol)
Science (SG) (D symbol)
Accountancy (HG) A symbol
Skills Accounting
Auditing
Taxation
Financial Management
Presentation skills
Planning skills
Communication skills
Ms Word
Ms Excell
Ms Powerpoint
Ms Outlook
Pastel Accounting programme
Cost management
Management Course with Palama
Employment History
Department of Finance Learnership in Accountancy (2010-2012)
Department of Finance Accountant (2012 to present)
Job roles as Accountant:
Budgeting Financial Planning Decision-making on allocation of funds Writing requests for donor funds Assisting with audit queries
Skills I acquired were presentation skills, written communication of project proposals and financial planning. I assisted the Department of Finance to obtain donor funds to the amount of R50 million in 2014.
Positions of Responsibility
Chairperson of Trustees of Block of Flats
Treasurer of Soccer Club
Prefect and vice-captain of the second soccer team.
References
Dr SL Mahlangu Principal of Mamelodi High School, Private Bag X45, Mamelodi West, 0101.
Tel. 012 455 8590.
Rev J Lamola Minister of the Methodist Church, 150, 24th Avenue, Villieria, 0186.
Tel. 012 325 1260
Ms D Sepai Senior Accountant of Department of Finance (Current Supervisor). Private Bag X34, Pretoria, 0001.
Tel. 012 322 5759
The Cover LetterThe Cover Letter is a further document that can market you to the employer. It is added on top of your application form, CV and certificates of qualifications, and thus introduces you to the employer. Make sure you make a good first impression! Make sure that you stand out amongst other applicants.
General tips for the Cover Letter
Here are some tips to write the Cover Letter: Use a neat and professional format Type the cover letter if you can Write on only one side of the paper Use white, clean paper and keep the document neat Study the advertisement and write down exactly what is required Write down your skills and expertise that will match the job roles and the
requirements Include just enough information to invite the employer to read more about you Write the cover letter in such a way that the employer is lead to believe that you
will bring something different to the organisation Do not exceed one page You can start with your personal details on top, which will make it easier for the
recruiter to call you. If you apply via e-mail, do not just say “Attach please find my application form or
CV.” Use the guidance on the structure of the cover letter to formulate your e-mail and create a better impression.
The Structure of the Cover Letter
The structure of the Cover letter should be as follows: The address of the employer
Check the advertisement to see whether an indication is given to whom the application should be addressed and address your cover letter to that person. Use the postal address of the employer even if you will hand-deliver the application. The address of the employer can easily be found on the company’s website.
Greeting
The letter must have a Greeting such as Dear Mr/Ms Naidoo. If the name of the person is not mentioned, write Dear Sir/Madam.
Subject
Write a subject line, such as Application for the post of Receptionist: Hardware Sales, Ref 06/2015/HS
First paragraph
The first paragraph must indicate for which position you are applying and where you saw it advertised. Indicate why the job is attractive to you.
Second paragraph
Summarise your qualifications and skills as well as work experience that are relevant to the post requirements.
Third paragraph
Indicate your confidence as to your suitability and why you should be considered for the position and what you will bring to the company. Do not follow the job requirements word-for-word. Rather show the employer that you have studied the advertisement and know what will be expected.
Fourth paragraph
Thank the employer for considering your application.
Closure
End off with Your sincerely, or Yours faithfully and your name typed.
Do not forget!!
At all costs do not forget to sign your letter and date it. Some employers do not take your application if you forget to do this.
Templates/examples of CVs
You can find some examples/templates for CVs here.
Example of an E-mail Cover Letter
Dear Ms Black
Application for the Position of Animal Assistant
I would like to apply for the position of Veterinary Nurse as currently advertised on your website www.doggyhaven.co.za. I have noticed animals intuitively know that I have their best interest at heart and therefore are very calm when I need to treat them.
I have a three-year Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from the University of Technology in Pretoria.
I have done practical training of six months at The Animal Clinic in Pretoria and have gained valuable skills in handling of animals and their owners and administration of records of a veterinary clinic, I managed to bring in a new administration system for medicine, when I did the practical work, which helped the clinic to order medication on time.
I am confident that I will be an asset to Doggyhaven. I am especially interested in animal health through good nutrition and have done much research in my private capacity on this aspect. Furthermore I will bring strong administrative skills to your organisation.
I attach the following documents to my e-mail:
Application form My CV Certified copies of my Certificates.
I will make sure to bring along certified copies of the certificates, together with my Identity Document, should I be called for an interview.
RE: APPLICATION FOR POST AS SALES MANAGER: WILSON’s MUSIC COMPANY (PTY) LTD
I would like to apply for the position of Sales Manager your company advertised in the Sunday Times of 26 May 2015. I have been interested in all music from classic, to rock, jazz and pop, ever since I can remember and have played in a band for six years in my free time. .
I have a National Diploma in Business Retail Management and have five years experience of managing a small outlet selling music CDs and DVDs. I have thus gained valuable skills in purchase and sales, keeping track of customers’ preferences and ordering new music according to their needs. I managed to put a good administrative system in place for both orders and sales and stock control. In 2014 our outlet took the award for the highest sales in the country. Currently I am looking at joining a bigger company which will challenge me to do even better.
My contacts in the music world in South Africa will be a big advantage to your organisation. I rate customer satisfaction very high and has always done my best to find a specific CD for a customer, if the music outlet does not have it. Hire me and I will ensure your customer sales rise.
I attach the following documents to my letter:
Application form My CV Certified copies of my Certificates.
Thank you for considering my application.
Yours sincerely
(Signed) Mr P Nkosi
Date:___________________
The InterviewPeople are often nervous before interviews, because they are meeting new people, who they are trying to impress. The interview is often taking place in a new environment where they are asked questions about themselves. It is for this reason that it is important to prepare for the interview. People who are prepared approach the interview with more confidence.
Some general tips
Obtain as much information as you can about the company, to help you ask the right questions.
Study the advertisement and list the job requirements List possible questions that may be asked around the job requirements. Work out answers to the questions. Practise these answers with a friend or relative. Ensure you get enough rest the night before. This will help you appear more alert
and enthusiastic. Dress appropriately for the type of job you are being interviewed. Your dress code
should be one level up in terms of smartness from what you would wear on an average working day. Wear formal clothes.
Take copies of your CV, certified copies of your qualifications, reference letters and identity document with you.
Make sure you know exactly where the interview will be taking place and that you will be able to get there 15 minutes before the start of the interview. If possible go to the address a day or two before the actual interview to familiarise yourself with the place and to be sure how long it will take you to get there. Arrange your transport with a reliable person.
If you know realise that you are not going to be able to get to the interview on time, or at all, due to other arrangements or transport difficulties it is important that you let the interviewers know that you will be late or not attending.
Give a firm handshake. Make eye contact with the interviewer, but also do not stare. Do not sit down before you are asked to do so.
Make sure you have confident body language, with an upright posture and open (not crossing your arms over your body or slouching in your chair.
Smile appropriately and be friendly. This helps create mutual feelings of warmth and helps the interviewers to see that you have personality and are not overly nervous.
Be polite, confident about yourself and enthusiastic about the work. If you don’t understand a question, ask for an explanation. Answer questions honestly and to the best of your ability. Explain clearly why you have good skills and experience for the job Do not smoke, chew gum or lie backwards in your chair during the interview. Never be late!
Who is the employer?
In preparing for the interview you do not only need to know who you are, but also who the company is. This will help you prepare for questions that the interviewers might ask you to find out how much you know about them and to see if you are really interested in the position and have done some research. Also knowing more about the company will help you know what type of people the company hires, how they operate, whether you will fit in with the environment and how to approach some questions they might ask.
Do research on the company by searching on the internet, finding information in newspapers and speaking to people (if you know any employees of the company or people who work in a similar industry). Pay specific interest on the area where you will be working. Get information on:
Company Profile: What does the company do/what services do they offer?
Company values: What does the company want to achieve over time.
Company Mission: The purpose of the company, its reason for existing.
Company’s clients: Who do the company assist?
Current challenges for company: What challenges are the company experiencing and do you have solutions for those?
What is the employer looking for?
It is important to have a copy of the job advert in order to know exactly what the employer is looking for. The job advert holds a lot of the answers to the type of employee the employer wants and is useful to use in preparing answers for some questions they may ask you. Remember – if you have been invited for an interview, it means that the employer already thinks that you are suited to the job based on your CV. They need to interview you to check up on this and see who you are. The job advert will often contain the following useful information:
Qualifications: What qualifications are required by the post?
Experience: What type and how much experience is require for the job?
Personal characteristics: What type of person is the employer looking for – for example: confident, reliable, and trustworthy.
Skills: What skills are required, such as computer skills, report writing skills, conflict management etc.
Responsibilities: What will be the responsibilities? The employer will ask questions to evaluate whether you will be able to handle the responsibilities.
Who are you as an employee?
Do a good stock-taking of your work personality. What can you offer the employer that will make you stand out from the other candidates? If you claim a certain characteristic, also think of a situation in which you demonstrated such a characteristic, preferably in the work situation, because the employer might ask you about a situation where you displayed them, if you claim to be such.
Personality: The personal characteristics that define who you are, for example diligent, honest, good interpersonal skills, creative. See Work Behaviour checklist.
Interests: Your career interests or career fields that you like and prefer.
Talents: Those tasks that you are naturally good at – such as working with your hands and creating beautiful objects, easily understanding numbers, being able to easily solve problems or good at influencing and leading others.
Skills: The skills you have learned and developed – such as working with a computer, writing reports, etc. See Skills checklist to help you identify which skills you have.
Educational Qualifications: Make sure you are able to clearly communicate what qualifications you have completed. List what courses/subjects you have completed and how this has equipped you to do the job you are applying for.
Work Experience: What work experience did you gain in the past and how has this made you ready for the job you are applying for. You need to be able to give information on your work experience and even be ready to use some of your experiences as examples for some questions that you may be asked. You might have had to solve a conflict situation and can use that conflict situation to practically show how you can solve conflict.
Accomplishments: Any achievements or awards received during your education or work experiences.
Knowing the above information about yourself will help you answer questions about yourself in the interview. Spend time writing down information about yourself under the above headings. This will help you to be able to clearly communicate who you are and what you have to offer during the interview.
What is the employer going to ask me?
Interviews normally follow a structure to allow the employers to form an opinion as to whether you will be able to do the tasks required. Common interview questions might be as follows:(Adapted from the Resource Centre http://www.rctresources.com)
How would you describe yourself? What can you tell us about yourself? Why do you want to work for this company? Why have you chosen this field as your career? Why did you leave your last job? What do you know about this company? What do you know about this job? What do you feel is the most important aspect of the job? What improvements will you bring in to the job? In what way do you think you can make a contribution to this company? What are your career objectives 5 years from now? 10 years from now? What are your strengths? What are you weaknesses? Or tell us some of your
strengths and some of your weaknesses. How has your education prepared you for this position? Do you have plans to continue your education? Describe a difficult situation that you encountered at work and how you solved it. Have you ever had difficulties with a manager? Were you ever angry at work-what happened? Which type of supervisor would you prefer? Do you work better alone or in a team? How well do you get along with other people? Tell us about an accomplishment? Or What is your best achievement? Tell us about a failure/mistake you made and what you learnt from it. Give us an example where you have shown responsibility, perseverance, good conflict
management, good teamwork, good organization skills, good leadership, etc in a previous position or free-time activities.
What type of relationship do you feel should exist between a supervisor and subordinates?
Are you more comfortable working in a large group or with just a few people? Do you prefer working in a team or by yourself?
How do you think you work under pressure? How do you spend your spare time?
Are you willing to relocate? Are you willing to travel? Are you willing to work overtime?
Why should we hire you? Or Why do you think you are the best candidate for the job?
Why did you leave your previous job? What salary would you expect?
What should you ask the employer?
At the end of the interview you may be given the opportunity to ask some questions to the interviewers. It is a good idea to use this opportunity to find out more information about the company – remember they are not the only ones that have a decision to make – if you are offered the job you will also have to decide if this is the type of company you want to work and if you believe you will be suited to the job.
Asking questions is also another opportunity for you to stand out. It shows that you are interested in the position and have seriously thought about it.
Avoid asking questions about benefits, leave and salary. This will look like you are emphasizing this aspect. The more appropriate time to ask these types of questions would be when you have been offered the job and asked to sign the contract. Before signing the contract you should be fully aware of all aspects of your employment contract including the company policies regarding such things as leave etc.Interview Rating Sheet
Some interviewers make use of an interview rating sheet that looks something like this:
Interview rating scale
Above Average
3
Average2
Below Average
1QualificationsWork experienceSkillsKnowledge of postMotivation and enthusiasmPersonal presentationCommunicationInterpersonal skillsTOTAL
This is simply a tool to help the employer select the best candidate. The interview rating sheet also assists with making a fair decision, since all candidates are rated against the same aspects. This will help you see that they look at various different aspects when they interview you.
Follow-up
Interviewers will often tell you when they will let you know if you got the job. Standard procedure is that they will inform you if you were selected and even if you were not selected. If you have not heard from them within the time frame that they provide, follow-up with them and find out about the outcome of the interview. Do this professionally. Do not ask too often and annoy the interviewers with a lot of phone calls or e-mails.Thank you letter
If you were interviewed, following up with a thank you letter can impress the employer even more! The thank you letter is not only a polite note, but can also be used to correct mistakes you made in the interview, or answer any questions you think you did not answer well. Even if you do not get the job, you will keep the door open for a possible future job if you
write a thank you letter. You should also write a thank you letter for a job offer-in this letter you can clearly indicate on which date you will assume duty.
SOURCES
1. Co-operative Education Program and Career Services, 2011: Beyond the Resume or CV: Using Social Media in your Work Search:www.uvic.ca/coopandcareer.
2. Job Networking Tips: How to Find a Job by Building Relationships. www.helpguide.org/life/job_networking_how_to_find-job.htm.
3. 10 Reasons Why a Social media Strategy is the New CV: http://thecorporateescape.com/blog/social-media-strategy-new-cv/
4. Using social media in Job-hunting. http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/jobs/soci
