Tips on How to Find Jobs in South Africa

Read article on tips on how to find the jobs in South Africa. Get more information on how to apply for jobs and how to find the right jobs in South Africa at mywage.co.za

Job searching

  • Browse media for advertisements, i.e. journals, databases, websites. You can visit your local library to get FREE access to the internet.
  • Use job search platforms.
  • Use and leverage social media.
  • Go to job fairs.
  • Try to get hold of in-house company magazines or newspapers, as well as internal (intranets) postings through your network of friends and acquaintances.
  • Chat with people and listen carefully at all social occasions and meetings. Try to find out if there are any job opportunities that other people know of.
  • Get in touch with a valid and professional recruitment agency. Phone or email them first to find out if there is any sense in sending them your CV. At this point you can also find out if, at the moment, they have any positions that are perfect for someone like you.
  • Don't be shy. Call up a company for which you'd like to work and find out if they currently have any positions open - speak to the Human Resources Manager, or even the Director, if possible. Find out what kind of qualifications they're looking for. Even if there are no positions currently offered in your field or with your experience, ask them what kind of qualifications or experience they would look for were your dream position open.

Application procedure

  • Send a formal CV, with a cover letter if requested. Now you wait a couple of days to see if they will contact you. Make sure to include information in your cover letter for how to contact you.
  • Ensure your application reaches the right person by phoning or emailing the agency/company to check the contact name (if not specified in advertisement).
  • Keep your CV short and clear, with your abilities and skills right on the first page.
  • Customise your CV, emphasising your skills that match those specified in the job advertisement.
  • After a couple of days phone or email the recruiter to check if they have received your application. 
  • Have your degree certificates and/or reference letters ready to send to the recruiter if asked.
  • A few days after the closing date, you can still phone or email to inquire about the outcome. Even if they are not interested in hiring you, it helps to ask politely why you weren't hired. If you approach this negative response with a positive attitude and ask what you can do to improve your chances next time, or for the next job, it will ensure that you leave a good impression and will also help you improve. You may also get a call-back should the first person chosen for the position decline the job!

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Find out what you should be earning with our Salary Check or read our Role & Pay section.

And if you want advice on your future career, training, financing for studies and more, visit the Career Advice Services website.

If you're looking for work, try the JobSpace website, where you can search vacancies, upload your CV and see what's on offer.


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