Applying for work is not simple. However, it can be if you do it right. There are certain things you should consider when applying for work. Here are the things to consider:
- CV
- Websites
- Companies
- Selection Process
- Interview
CV
Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is very important when you are looking for employment. This is the document that represents you. You must ensure that there are no errors in your CV. Type it neatly and clear enough for the employee to see properly.
Your CV must have the details that the employer wants to see. This includes:
- Personal details
- Work experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications and awards
- Interests
- A Reference List
Personal Details
Your personal details in your CV must include a summary of about five lines where you explain who you are and what kind of work you are looking and what your capabilities are. You must also include a section where you have your name and surname.
Personal details also include:
- Photo
- Home address
- Cellphone number
- Email address
Work Experience
This includes the name of the company where you previously worked, including the role you were working in. Also, include when you started and stopped working there. You must also include a list of the duties you used to work on. This helps the employers see exactly what you are capable of doing.
Education
Under the education section, you must write the name of the institution where you attended college or university. You also include the name and level of qualification obtained.
Skills
Under the skills section, you must list the skills which you have. This helps the employers see the type of skills you possess. Sometimes you are hired based on your skills.
Certifications And Awards
Under this section, you include the name of the certifications you have. These are the titles of the qualifications you have. If you have ever received an award, you can also include it here.
Interests
Include your interests in your CV. This helps employers see that you are not only work orientated, but you know how to have a passion for other things too. This shows your versatility as a person. If you enjoy watching movies or reading books, you can include this here.
A Reference List
The last and most important thing to include in your CV is a reference list. This is a list of people the employers can contact to see that the information you have provided in your CV is correct. This can include your former lecturer, former manager and mentor.
Websites
When you are looking for employment, It is important to have various websites where you apply for work. There are many career websites in South Africa where you can register and upload your CV.
Most websites have an option where you can choose to receive emails from the website with different work opportunities related to the career you want. This makes your work hunt much easier. Here is a list of some career websites where you can apply for work:
- Indeed
- ZipRecruiter
- Google Careers
- CareerJet
- CareerJunction
- Careers24
- Simply Hired
- Glassdoor
- CareerBuilder
- Pnet
- JobMail
- CareersPortal
- Bizcommunity
- Google for Jobs
- Monster
Companies
When you are looking for work, must try various options. The common one that people use is the online applications where you upload your CV to the company’s website. This is a good option. Besides the online applications, you can try physical applications.
This is where you take your CV to different companies. You can have a better chance of getting employed because some employers will respect your effort and confidence in looking for employment in person.
Sometimes your CV will be placed on a waiting list. They may tell you that you will be contacted if any work opportunities that you qualify for come up. You may be considered first before they upload the position online through career websites.
Selection Process
When you apply for work, you may receive an email that says you have been considered for an interview. However, you must first complete a task to see if you qualify for an interview. These tasks are set to see if you are serious enough to get employed.
Sometimes, you may be called for an interview even if you did not do well in the task, simply because you completed it. If you may make it to the interview stage, you must prepare thoroughly so that you get the work opportunity.
Interview
Dress Code
When you go for an interview, your dress code is very important. How you dress says a lot about who you are. You must dress professionally. Wear clothes that are work-friendly.
If you are a female, you can wear clothing such as a:
- Formal pencil skirt
- Plain shirt tucked in the skirt
- A blazer
- A pair of heels or flat formal shoes
If you are a male, you can wear clothing such as:
- Formal pants
- A shirt tucked into the pants
- A nice tie with formal shoes
Behaviour
Your behaviour in the interview room is monitored. When you enter the room, greet in an audible voice. Ask the interviewer if you can have a seat. This will show that you have manners and respect the people in charge. This is a good quality because it shows you will be able to respect the management if you get employed.
Make sure that you have a physical copy when you go for the interview. Hand over the CV to the interviewer and sit up straight. Here is a list of things on how to behave in the interview room:
- Do not take out your cellphone for any reason (keep it off and hidden)
- Do not eat
- Do not criticize previous employers
- Do not slouch
- Make eye contact
- Listen attentively
- Answer with an audible voice
- Do not speak over the interviewer
- Speak about your strengths
Interview Answers
The most important part of the interview is the questions and answers part. This is where the interviewee gets to know you better. They are able to read the kind of person you are mentally, emotionally and otherwise.
You must prepare for this part before the day arrives. You can practise the pitch of your voice and how you would answer certain questions. However, this is not a chance for you to cram answers. Interviewees are looking for someone who is honest and true to themselves. This means you must answer truthfully and authentically.
To practise best for an interview. You must know the types of questions they usually ask. We have compiled a list of questions interviewers like to ask. You can look at his and see how you would answer them. Remember, do not cram answers. Be truthful and authentic.
- What can you tell us about yourself?
- Where did you hear about this employment position?
- Why did you consider our company?
- What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- Are you able to work under supervision?
- Can you be productive working by yourself?
- How do you deal with pressure?
- If you could change anything about this company, what would it be?
- What good things do you bring to the table?
- What is your salary expectation?
If you answer these correctly, you will have a better chance of getting employed.
Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: June 23, 2022