A: Here are 7 job hunting tips:
- Make sure you have all your documents (and certified copies) ready. That would include your ID, your certificates, and letters of reference. Scan those you may be asked to submit online.
- Write a covering letter (or email). Here is some advice on covering letter: https://staging.careerplanet.co.za/cv-cover-letter-advice-for-school-leavers/
https://staging.careerplanet.co.za/2018/11/30/cover-letter-tips-for-graduates/ - If you receive a reply be sure to thank them for considering you (even if they turn you down).
- If you look at job-hunting statistics this is how people find jobs (roughly):
60% through contacts (networking) Spend 60% of your time networking and telling everyone you know what you are looking for. Don’t forget lecturers and friends at school, college or university. Facebook may also be a place to advertise. You should also be prepared to say in one or two sentences, what you can do. Make sure they have your contact number.
25% through approaching employers directly. Do some research beforehand, so that if a potential employer asks ‘Why do you want to work for us?’ you can answer with some knowledge of they are about.
15% through Recruitment Agencies, Newspaper and Internet Ads. Although the last 15% is less successful it can be useful. At least twice a week check the online resources, by searching via Google using these keywords: South Africa, Jobs, [the title of the job, or even the skills you have to offer][Your city or town]. Also check local newspapers (available at libraries free of charge). - If you find a Recruitment agency which repeatedly advertises jobs in your field, register with them.
- Treat job-hunting as if it is your job. Get up early as though you were going to work. Have breakfast, get dressed, have a plan. Implement the plan. Part of your job is collecting documents (CV, Certifcates etc.,) and a suitable set of clothes to go to an interview.
- Have a plan. Every evening write down what you are going to do the next day.
- If you do not have access to the internet then most libraries offer this service free of charge. That is also a place to find newspapers. Plan a visit every day (the early bird gets the worm!) or at least twice a week.
Good luck!
