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Finding a job

It’s time to put your knowledge and skills to the test by starting a career. We’ve put our heads together and made this guide to help you explore job opportunities, and then find and land the best full time job.  Get ready to start working!

Build your resume

Don’t make the common mistake of having a long, unstructured CV. We're in a digital age where people are expecting shorter but more impressive and visually appealing resumes. Remember that some companies receive hundreds of Cv's for a single job post, so you've got to make sure yours stands out.

  • Follow these tips to write a resume that will get noticed

    • A summary of your career objectives. Work hard on refining this, it’s the first thing an employer or recruiter will read.

    • Your work experience, starting with your most recent job. Don’t just list your responsibilities - rather highlight them by explaining accomplishments.

    • Your skills organised into categories: people skills, management skills, technology skills and specialised skills.

    • Your education history. Include certificates and awards you’ve received.

    • Volunteer programmes that you belong to or important work you’ve done for charity.

    • Add a customised cover letter for every job vacancy you apply for. You only have a few seconds to grab an employer’s attention, so make sure they know you’re motivated.

  • What you shouldn't include in your CV

    • Empty, flowery adjectives like exceptional and extremely.

    • Irrelevant working experience. Unfortunately your time spent as a waiter doesn’t count.

    • Explanations on why you left your previous job.

    • Clubs that you belong to that are irrelevant to the job you’re applying for.

    • Skills that go without saying. Knowing how to use Microsoft Word is no longer a bragging point.

Start applying

Looking for a job online is so easy these days that it actually becomes a lot of work. You have to put structure to the way you find and apply for jobs.

  • Five reasons to keep your LinkedIn up to date

    • Your profile is your virtual CV and provides space for more detail on your experiences and accomplishments.

    • You can follow industry news and do research on what employers are looking for.

    • It allows headhunters to find and contact you easily.

    • Recruiters post open positions regularly.

    • Employers will look at your LinkedIn, even if you didn’t use it to apply for the position.

  • Six things to do once your LinkedIn is looking good

    • Explore all the job search sites available. Take time to complete their online CV format too, if they have one.

    • Keep a bookmark on your browser for all the jobs you’ve applied for so that you can follow up accordingly.

    • Keep good track of every position you applied for so that you know exactly who is speaking if you get called.

    • If the job search site gives you the option of applying directly on the company’s website, do so.

    • Contact trusted recruitment agencies. In most cases the employer pays for this service so it is free for you.

    • Don’t miss application deadlines.

Prepare for your interview

You’re one step closer to the job that you want. Now close the deal.

  • Advice on having a good interview

    • Rehearse possible questions and answers and remember to incorporate storytelling techniques.

    • Be prepared to complete one or more aptitude tests.

    • Dress business-casual and make sure that the bag you’re carrying is clean and well organised.

    • Prepare questions to ask the interviewer as well.

    • Keep confidential information about previous employment discreet.

    • Never speak badly about former employees.

Respond to the offer

If you already have a job, don’t ever resign your current employment until you have a job lined up and confirmed. But when you do get that victorious phone call, know that you deserve the position and start preparing for your new adventure ahead. 

  • Here's what to do if you get the job

    • Show your appreciation for the offer without being overwhelming.

    • Discuss the employment package and make sure you understand your benefits.

    • Handle salary and other negotiations with extreme politeness.

    • Read your contract thoroughly before signing and accepting the offer.

    • Inform your current employer of your resignation as soon as possible.

Don’t get stressed out if you don’t find a job immediately. Sometimes when you get a no it’s because there is a better yes on the way. Your dream job is out there, and you’re going to find it! Good luck.
 

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Email us at: 

virtualadviser@absa.co.za