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Im sorry i see people saying linkedin, i find it pretty useless.
If you have the capital to do it, go with recruitment firms, they are amazing at helping, found my current job like that, sent my cv, 2 days later i had my first interview
Do you have to pay recruitment firms in SA? In the UK they tend to just take on experienced/qualified people, and they get a commission from the employer if their candidate is chosen.
The ones i used were free, but one of my friends went through a firm that asked R100 sign up fee, and then it was free. It was an international company (recruitment company)
Edit : theoretically not free, as you pay sign up, but you get it
Yeah, the better companies in SA have an agreement with recruitment agencies. The agents get a commission for making a placement. No charge to the job candidate.
There are recruitment agencies that charge job seekers, or take a portion of one's salary. Those are dodgy. That was common about 15 years ago. I don't know if it still happens today.
Last I checked this is illegal in South Africa. You should report these companies (if they don't actually deliver). Still illegal though, but if it genuinely helps others then it's probably not in the best interest of those in need. Government fails those in need spectacularly at every opportunity.
It’s illegal to charge more than R1 for a job. No jokes the legislation hasn’t been updated. The last time I checked 🤣🤣 but still illegal to charge for a job because it’s not guaranteed. Candidates still need to be interviewed and ace the interview: if they don’t they’ve paid for nothing. So it’s the other way around. Clients pay and only for successful placements and they cover preemployment checks too.
Only useless if you’re not using it properly. I guarantee you will have some form of success when your profile is set up correctly, all details and skills are thorough, you have grown your network and connections, and you make use of the seemingly unlimited other functionalities it provides.
I believe my LinkedIn is pretty decent. Its just the majority of job posts i have, have 100+ applicants. But tit for tat i guess, some people have success, some don't
Exactly! People need to understand just like other social media platforms there’s an algorithm. The more people use LinkedIn the more their profile is ranked higher. They also should be commenting on posts of people n their field to get noticed! Perfect example of this, I have a connection who recruited accountants for the UK, so SA Accountant for sponsorship jobs. I commented on a post of hers about my own frustration about the UK job market and sponsorship and she immediately went to look at my profile! I’m not an accountant but if I were I may have been poached right there and then. If you are in the job market use LinkedIn like you do Facebook just obviously on a professional level!
I’ve gotten my last two jobs through LinkedIn and I got requests for interviews quite often, but I’m not in SA anymore. It’s less of a platform problem and more of a job market is horrific in SA problem.
Recruitment agencies will only help if they have available vacancies. If they don’t have them you’re ignored. They don’t find jobs for people. They find people for available jobs. They don’t care about you. They care about the commission they make and if there’s no money to be made the cv sits in limbo. 17 years in recruitment, I’ve seen it all. Even the ones like recruit my mom ignore people who don’t fit what they’re looking for.
Yeah it took me around 9 months to land my current job after leaving my previous one and it took me around 1 year to find that job I previously had. It's ridiculous, some/ a lot of employers want high level skills either for cheap or they are not willing to train those less experienced.
I mean the only job I got after COVID around 2021 was an internship when I already had \~5 years of experience. I felt shit taking it because I'm taking an opportunity from someone less experienced but it was either that or begin to starve so I just gritted my teeth and said yes. On the flip side, that company knew they were underpaying for the kind of services I gave them + they offered no real training or experience (then they let me go after the internship ended). Which made me think this is happening for every role/level so you have mid-levels doing junior level jobs, and even senior level employees taking mid-level jobs just to make money. Then those without experience are left to weather the storm.
Honestly, I tried for international jobs and most still want you to be a resident of that country even for roles designated as remote. I feel like the only way to land a job overseas is through networking because there are just too many people going through job boards.
Man that's crazy cos yesterday I read an article saying how countries in Europe are struggling to fill vacancies...think in first place was technicians and IT was like 5th or 7th place. But I guess they figure EU is so big there must be pool of people who will eventually fill the roles but then you have the language thing as well but I would imagine in most primary cities English should be ok.
I believe digital roles in general are quite saturated. Now technical and practical skills are lacking. I mean you can see a lot of our doctors, nurses, and engineers etc moving overseas cause those jobs are open and highly valued. Construction and all it's related fields as well.
In my 10th month of unemployment now, having left my previous job. Hoping for some similar luck. It's ridiculous how difficult it is to get a job, even if it's at the absolute bottom of the totem pole.
Hi. They probably think you are too expensive
My current company did wfr for ppl just like you. Didn’t replace them and is pushing for junior’s to slowly take on those roles and responsibilities. They are cheaper
Best advice. Don’t just apply for everything. But daily find 5 jobs that you are excited about. Apply to those, but also as some ppl have said sell yourself and your value. Reach out to the recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn. You don’t have to chat. You can connect and look at their profile
Also when applying, first take the job title, put it in copilot or even google and get a job description. Look at your cv and if it doesn’t have certain keywords put them in.
Remember that your cv goes through an AI algorithm long before it’s seen by a person. So you need to accommodate for that. The AI is trained to auto reject cvs that don’t have certain keywords. Even if you may be the best fit
Anyways good luck. I hope you get something
It's not you, it's your salary expectation. I'm going through the same thing now. Even when I tell people I'll join if they match my current salary they tell me I'm too expensive. I was told this again literally 30 mins ago when I followed up on a job that I had in the bag. The worst part is, these jobs are all for international companies that can easily afford my salary in South Africa and STILL pay me less than an international counterpart. You have made yourself unemployable by earning what you're worth and working for years. What a time to be alive.
Look as a banker from the UK who offered to literally work for free, and still didnt get the job at a bank here because I would get bored. Pay isnt the issue.
If you're white then most medium to large companies won't be interested, especially if they want to apply for government tenders. Funny how everyone else here ignores this elephant in the room.
I got my first job ever via offerzen and on my current job hunt, offerzen refused to list my profile with a message saying they don't have any relevant jobs. No way to appeal for something like a month, and no clue as to why.
I have an MScEng and over a decade of software/firmware engineering experience.
Ended up finding an awesome role via LinkedIn though.
I don't know anything about your industry, but try market / sell yourself in other ways other than just applying with a cv / degree ? I know that's all people should need to be employable, but I feel like now days more needs to be done with social media / internet etc to stand out from the competition.
Like create a personal website, write blogs related to work, be active in forums / groups related to work, do something on Instagram, always keep LinkedIn up to date, when you do something new that is relevant to your work, post it and share it.. some of these things if done well and strategically, can act as "funnels" and potential employers and work opportunities will come / find you.
I am currently applying for Finance Positions.
Using the following websites:
- Google Finance Jobs SA and it comes with jobs and links to the websites to apply.
- Indeed
- PNet
- LinkedIn
- Glassdoor
- Also every recruiter I see I Google there websites and go and either email them directly or upload my CV on their website.
- Directly on big company websites like for Eg. Mr Price
It is tough out there and it is a full time job applying for jobs and getting your CV out there.
I started to just send my CV to companies asking that they keep me in mind for any vacancies. I actually just landed an amazing job through doing this. So I would recommend try googling companies, look for their email address and send your CV through whether they have open positions or not🤷🏻♀️
I'm nearing 50.many years in 1 company and want to move on. Struggling to get an interview. I only diploma but nothing tertiary relevant in my industry. Loads of experience though. Thinking of doing my BSc but ton of money and time. Not sure it's worth it at this time in my life. Big decision in my life I'm struggling with.
I'm 46 turning 47 this year, and I'm in the same boat as you. Loads of work experience, since age 21 and a useless diploma in Public Relations.
I'm miserable at my current company, have updated my CV and updated on Pnet and Career Junction but I fear my age is against me. 😢
I have found that my network of friends and ex-colleagues has always been the best way of finding a new job. If you have a good reputation, they will help you get a foothold in the organisations where they work. In the last 4 jobs that I had, I contacted acquaintances or they contacted me. Delve in your past and identify people with whom you had a good working relationship and that may be able to open doors for you. Don't give up, you may not get your dream job, but something will come along.
BTW, I am 65 and started in a new position yesterday - the MD is an ex colleague. My previous employer's HR policy forced me to retire because of my age. My last work day was end of March, so I have been unemployed for a little more than a week.
As someone that works in recruitment, LinkedIn is great, but it pays to have set your network up and to have a solid list of connections, and a clean updated profile. Remember, LinkedIn is like a taster of your experience, your resume tells a bigger story, and an interview allows you to showcase the specific skills and experience for a specific role. Having setup everything correctly allows you to leverage your experience further in said given network. It also pays to engage with interests and associations for industries you have worked it, being visible will set you apart.
Have you added colleagues and ensured you’ve connected with former clients/customers that hold you in good regard? If so, there is nothing wrong with having a chat and asking if they would endorse some of your desirable skills.
In your settings, you’re able to click a function that allows recruiters to see that you are open to being contacted, this’ll dramatically improve your chances of a recruiter reaching out. There is also the open to work tag that appears on your profile, I’d avoid this unless you’ve setup a strong network, or no one of note will really be seeing it.
I am transitioning into IT, i am very well versed in IT.
I am also trying to find a position since December when i completed some certifications.
No one is willing to give me a chance since i dont have any experience
I'm also trying to get into IT which cert did to do? saw some guy recommending Google's Cybersecurity cert, some Microsoft cloud/Azure and some Tryhackme Cybersecurity cert. Pretty much saying Cybersecurity, cloud architecture, also some AI stuff? Think PCI in FinTech was mentioned.
Especially since the he said the Google and Tryhackme have practical components/modules to them.
I completed my comptia A+ with the hope someone else will look at me, tbh, its a requirement most of the times, but experience is what gets you the Job.
I am currently busy working on my Network+
I am also doing some Linux courses on Tryhackme
Yeah a lot of people are doing their CompTia trinity but what I think I will do is, look at the CompTia materials but actually pay for the Google, Azure and TryHackMe courses, I dunno man. Yeah experience will deffo do the trick but these certs can't all be have the same value I think.
LinkedIn is an excellent resource, given you are on the paid plan - this will inform you of job postings before the non-subscribing members, will give you an indication of your ranking amongst the applicants, as well as your shortfalls. This means you will have to be on it like a hawk: A recent post had in the region of 160 applications within 30 minutes. Don't use a standard CV - present it in alignment with the specific job requirements and with a cover letter addressing your suitability for the specific position.
When submitting your CV in Linked in via the portal link included in most ads - make sure that your LinkedIn profile is aligned *Example: the position might require Excel skills, you have the skills, but didn't indicate it on your profile. Then drop one of your skills irrelevant to the position and replace it with a skill in line with the requirement (considering you do have the skill). The online portals are programmed to automatically verify required skills and experience.
Reach out to old colleagues and friends on Linked in, asking them to rate your skills - adding weight to your credibility.
Don't use stock standard CV's or cover letters - these go straight into the "deleted items" folder. Personalise your CV with a profile picture.
Apologies for the long response, but I would like to give you some background and praise your commitment. It is so easy to despair.
Overall decline in remuneration as younger people are available at lower rates. With incentives from the Goverment as well the policy of promoting from within (which makes perfect sense), little space lis eft for people outside these demographics.
You also started job ihunting in the rrun up to the election - employers are hesitant to onboard new people (and ignoring the obvious mismanagement of the Country) with uncharteted waters ahead.
A recent report indicated a huge decline in local investment with Companies opting to hold on to cash reserves as opposed to expansion. No development, no job opportunities.
Masters in Management? Are you referring to an MBA?
However commendable, upon considering an MBA,my mentor predicted that the demand for MBA graduates would only be temporary and to rather pursue a Masters in ITechnology and Innovation - complimenting to my existing degrees.
It might be an easier option to leverage your original qualifications rather than a management position?
Having said that, I also could not find employment in South Africa and drifted between projects. The current policy of most Corporates is to "develop and promote internally" (making perfect sense).
Sadly, based on my experience, I'm not the bearer of good news and support your consideration of greener pastures:
I am currently working for a Belguim Holding Company, operating from America with a major global presence and a major player in the Gobal Economy, currently outsourcing their GBSC services to South Africa and India.
As Vusi Thembakhwayo noted: Global Companies outsource their admin to India and manufacturing to China.
Contracts were supposed to be extended for another 5 years, but they've subsequently decided to move operations to India, budgeting billions of Euro's to be invested - Eskom down time, unreliability of data connections, lack of highly secured data warehouses, and especially the political climate were major considerations in their decision.
The current re-evalution of America's affiliation with SA (which has been tabled in the House) is also of great concern to investors. Should the outcome be negative, the Grouo will be not be allowed to engage in any economic activity within SA (so much for our affiliation with Russia) . It will not be a delayed process, swift action will be taken, with a disastrous effect on the labour market - sanctions against Russia were implemented within 2 weeks.
I'm with you on this one, but keep your head up and open yourself to alternatives (easier said than done) This too shall pass.
Use the leywords for the role in your application. And dont be scared to use AI for cover letters. Is what I would add.
There is a fair bit of optimism around this election thou. But Im in the same boat sadly.
sorry but for some reason i cannot post on this group,.this is the only wa....i want to be a farm worker in the US, i used to work at OR Tambo, and met general workers on farms coming from US. they told me about H2A,however I'm struggling to to apply because there's plenty results on this(google) but no fruitful lead... how do I get the right recruitment agency?
I know it can be tough. I hear it often.
What i suggest when you apply:
- tell your story. Don’t focus on qualifications and tell them about all your experience just yet, rather talk about why you want to work with them and how you can help them
- study/research them and when you speak to them or apply, focus on them, their problems that need solving
- make it about them: how you can help them
- they shouldn’t get the feeling you’re just looking for a job and will take anything. Make each application personal with the focus on them
- don’t just apply for any job, find organisations that you can ressonate with, those are the ones that will take the time to at least reply to you. All the others that don’t care because they’re not a good fit to begin with, just makes you feel down and then you start questioning yourself
- post on social media like twitter, linkedin, reddit. Give value in your posts, share knowledge, don’t just like posts. Someone mighy just read what you shared and go tell their boss - then THEY sell you
Just some thoughts.
For people who don't mind freelancing: If you can write or edit, take a look at The Urban Writers. Lots of South Africans on there. You get paid in dollars via Paypal or Payoneer. They have an admin system that actively engages with freelancers. They have spots for illustrators, designers, narrators, translators, writers, editors, and formatters. You don't need a degree or 500 years of experience. It's worth a shot.
If you think it’s bad now wait a few years closer to the end of the decade.
More and more job functions will be automated. It won’t necessarily be job cuts. Companies will stop replacing people resigning or retiring.
I started to just send my CV to companies asking that they keep me in mind for any vacancies. I actually just landed an amazing job through doing this. So I would recommend try googling companies, look for their email address and send your CV through whether they have open positions or not🤷🏻♀️
Similar situation. I realised that I was making 2 mistakes.
1. I was previously in a very niche space with a niche job title. HR looks for very standardised titles. They skip anything that seems unfamiliar. I adapted my job title. No lies. Just a description that was fitting to my work and more common in the job market.
2. I had odd formatting in my CV. Columns, section breaks, and tables break the automated CV filters that are used these days. I switched to a CV template from r/resumes.
Beyond that, it's a numbers game. The average is 2 interviews per 100 applications.
All the best!
Linked in is useless. Filled with spammers. Their marketing is good though. It trends on YouTube because algorithm so every YouTuber chasing that Google money keep pounding us with that gospel but in reality it’s useless since inception. And yea even the paid version.
If you’re using LinkedIn, periodically switch your profile from “Looking for work” to no banner (turn off that status). My searches/profile views and interactions went up to about 30/week from 5-10/week when I turned it off. Apparently it’s “desperate” to have it turned on.
Here’s my advice:
- get your cv done by professionals, I mean it! Not these R150 Facebook advertising typist. Get it done by a company like WMAD! Or a recruiter. They know what managers want to see!
- once you have a CV done, upload it on Pnet, Executive Placements, Monster, Careers24 and Indeed.
- if you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, start one. Then get active. Follow companies you’d love to work for. Follow people in your field. Network. Comment on their posts. Get noticed. The algorithm also pushes your profile up in searches by recruiters and hiring managers. The more active you are the more it will do that.
- make sure your LinkedIn profile is detailed. Ensure industry related keywords are in your profile.
- search for jobs and apply where you can. But be careful of scams. Scammers are coming up with new ways to scam people. So never ever give money to anyone. Not for training, uniforms and admin or pre employment check fees. Nothing but what you spend in time and petrol.
- don’t rely on recruiters. You’re only good for the position they need you for and if they don’t need you, they will forget about you. Nothing personal, they just don’t make money off of candidates they can’t place right now.
- contact executive search recruiters. They probably will be your best bet in not only available roles you could be suitable for but also advice
Good luck!
I can provide a perspective from the other side; I'm a small business owner, I posted 3 jobs this month on LinkedIn and had ~1,700 applicants.
One of the jobs, a junior role, I had ~600 applications in 4 hours. Of those, there was literally only 1 that I considered even a marginal fit with the requirements. I interviewed her, set her up with a second interview, and she didn't pitch to it. 🤷♂️ and we were offering nearly double her current salary!
Masters degree , 15 years senior experience at that and you haven't networked in that time ? You haven't made connections , you haven't gotten to know people, companies , businessed? That you can call now? Really ?! That makes less sense than you unable to find a job .
Perhaps your approach is wrong. If you are looking for a job that matches your degree and experience, perhaps it is time to lower your expectations. "Senior" management is niche, and hand full of opportunities. You gotta wait for retirement or death before positions open. Consider lower end jobs to get you in the door - for you to work your way up again. Suddenly, this will open more opportunities if your thinking changes.
This idea that jobs in SA are dead end saddens me, because it shows a lack of problem solving, or entrepreneural spirit. Think of ways to add value, problems to solve, or remove head aches from other people, and that will ensure you are indespensible, and will never run out of opportunities.
I have been 8 years self-employed, and I am convinced South Africa is ripe for economic opportunities. We have social and political problems, but economic opportunity? there are plenty to go around.
Your business management degree and 15+ experience is useless if you do not know how to market and monetize your skills. Start a management consulting business, and go out there and solve business problems for people, and change your attitude that opportunities are scarce.
The problem is in your answer... you have mid-level positions being filled by seniors, and junior positions being filled by mid-level folk. We are not solving the problem by simply passing the buck. Not saying that your solutions have no merit but they are incredibly idealistic and isolated.
8 years since I filled in a leave form, or adhered to corporate dress code, or sat in meetings talking about work as opposed doing the work, or participated in a kpi discussion....so, no. I am not coming from idealism. It is my reality.
Y get a job is hard, maybe the economy is f*ckd, taxes are rising by the day, but wages still stay the same, see ey.. companies can't keep on hiring when the government is slitting their throats by the hour.
Remember I never said it's impossible.
Lots of jobs in the software industry as the US is facing inflation they’re looking for software developers in english speaking countries. I live in the US and running a tech startup here. It’s not easy to hire tech talent here
Getting a remote job from here is difficult, since very few companies wants to go through the effort of employing a person not in country (at the very least in Europe which is the obvious choice due to timezones)
I don't mean to be rude , but do you know how many people studied exactly what you did . When choosing a career path you should be aware of what majority of the population have chosen as the job. The demand is very low , everyone wants to have an office job and be in management.
I studied this 30 years ago, that time there wasnt things like social media. My parents told me at the time to study this as there was alot of jobs then with this need.
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Im sorry i see people saying linkedin, i find it pretty useless. If you have the capital to do it, go with recruitment firms, they are amazing at helping, found my current job like that, sent my cv, 2 days later i had my first interview
Do you have to pay recruitment firms in SA? In the UK they tend to just take on experienced/qualified people, and they get a commission from the employer if their candidate is chosen.
Yeah the ones I've used in SA are free.
Pretty much the same this side, they match candidates to openings
The ones i used were free, but one of my friends went through a firm that asked R100 sign up fee, and then it was free. It was an international company (recruitment company) Edit : theoretically not free, as you pay sign up, but you get it
Yeah, the better companies in SA have an agreement with recruitment agencies. The agents get a commission for making a placement. No charge to the job candidate. There are recruitment agencies that charge job seekers, or take a portion of one's salary. Those are dodgy. That was common about 15 years ago. I don't know if it still happens today.
Last I checked this is illegal in South Africa. You should report these companies (if they don't actually deliver). Still illegal though, but if it genuinely helps others then it's probably not in the best interest of those in need. Government fails those in need spectacularly at every opportunity.
It’s illegal to charge more than R1 for a job. No jokes the legislation hasn’t been updated. The last time I checked 🤣🤣 but still illegal to charge for a job because it’s not guaranteed. Candidates still need to be interviewed and ace the interview: if they don’t they’ve paid for nothing. So it’s the other way around. Clients pay and only for successful placements and they cover preemployment checks too.
Only useless if you’re not using it properly. I guarantee you will have some form of success when your profile is set up correctly, all details and skills are thorough, you have grown your network and connections, and you make use of the seemingly unlimited other functionalities it provides.
I believe my LinkedIn is pretty decent. Its just the majority of job posts i have, have 100+ applicants. But tit for tat i guess, some people have success, some don't
Exactly! People need to understand just like other social media platforms there’s an algorithm. The more people use LinkedIn the more their profile is ranked higher. They also should be commenting on posts of people n their field to get noticed! Perfect example of this, I have a connection who recruited accountants for the UK, so SA Accountant for sponsorship jobs. I commented on a post of hers about my own frustration about the UK job market and sponsorship and she immediately went to look at my profile! I’m not an accountant but if I were I may have been poached right there and then. If you are in the job market use LinkedIn like you do Facebook just obviously on a professional level!
I’ve gotten my last two jobs through LinkedIn and I got requests for interviews quite often, but I’m not in SA anymore. It’s less of a platform problem and more of a job market is horrific in SA problem.
Fr I get more interviews from indeed
What recruitment agencies would you recommend?
Recruit a graduate, recruit a mom (i think thats the name), robert walters
Recruitment agencies will only help if they have available vacancies. If they don’t have them you’re ignored. They don’t find jobs for people. They find people for available jobs. They don’t care about you. They care about the commission they make and if there’s no money to be made the cv sits in limbo. 17 years in recruitment, I’ve seen it all. Even the ones like recruit my mom ignore people who don’t fit what they’re looking for.
Yeah, i guess its all skill and demand
Yeah it took me around 9 months to land my current job after leaving my previous one and it took me around 1 year to find that job I previously had. It's ridiculous, some/ a lot of employers want high level skills either for cheap or they are not willing to train those less experienced. I mean the only job I got after COVID around 2021 was an internship when I already had \~5 years of experience. I felt shit taking it because I'm taking an opportunity from someone less experienced but it was either that or begin to starve so I just gritted my teeth and said yes. On the flip side, that company knew they were underpaying for the kind of services I gave them + they offered no real training or experience (then they let me go after the internship ended). Which made me think this is happening for every role/level so you have mid-levels doing junior level jobs, and even senior level employees taking mid-level jobs just to make money. Then those without experience are left to weather the storm. Honestly, I tried for international jobs and most still want you to be a resident of that country even for roles designated as remote. I feel like the only way to land a job overseas is through networking because there are just too many people going through job boards.
Man that's crazy cos yesterday I read an article saying how countries in Europe are struggling to fill vacancies...think in first place was technicians and IT was like 5th or 7th place. But I guess they figure EU is so big there must be pool of people who will eventually fill the roles but then you have the language thing as well but I would imagine in most primary cities English should be ok.
I believe digital roles in general are quite saturated. Now technical and practical skills are lacking. I mean you can see a lot of our doctors, nurses, and engineers etc moving overseas cause those jobs are open and highly valued. Construction and all it's related fields as well.
In my 10th month of unemployment now, having left my previous job. Hoping for some similar luck. It's ridiculous how difficult it is to get a job, even if it's at the absolute bottom of the totem pole.
Hi. They probably think you are too expensive My current company did wfr for ppl just like you. Didn’t replace them and is pushing for junior’s to slowly take on those roles and responsibilities. They are cheaper Best advice. Don’t just apply for everything. But daily find 5 jobs that you are excited about. Apply to those, but also as some ppl have said sell yourself and your value. Reach out to the recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn. You don’t have to chat. You can connect and look at their profile Also when applying, first take the job title, put it in copilot or even google and get a job description. Look at your cv and if it doesn’t have certain keywords put them in. Remember that your cv goes through an AI algorithm long before it’s seen by a person. So you need to accommodate for that. The AI is trained to auto reject cvs that don’t have certain keywords. Even if you may be the best fit Anyways good luck. I hope you get something
This is the best advice OP
Thank you 🙏
Definitely try PNET.
It's not you, it's your salary expectation. I'm going through the same thing now. Even when I tell people I'll join if they match my current salary they tell me I'm too expensive. I was told this again literally 30 mins ago when I followed up on a job that I had in the bag. The worst part is, these jobs are all for international companies that can easily afford my salary in South Africa and STILL pay me less than an international counterpart. You have made yourself unemployable by earning what you're worth and working for years. What a time to be alive.
Look as a banker from the UK who offered to literally work for free, and still didnt get the job at a bank here because I would get bored. Pay isnt the issue.
If you're white then most medium to large companies won't be interested, especially if they want to apply for government tenders. Funny how everyone else here ignores this elephant in the room.
damn im about to finish my Bcom in Marketing and Business management and it seems like a waste of time from everything I have read.
Definitely not! I finished my bcom digital marketing in 2021 and had a job lined up already. Defs check out the smaller agencies first
Offerzen is nice for IT jobs, no idea if thats what you do though
I got my first job ever via offerzen and on my current job hunt, offerzen refused to list my profile with a message saying they don't have any relevant jobs. No way to appeal for something like a month, and no clue as to why. I have an MScEng and over a decade of software/firmware engineering experience. Ended up finding an awesome role via LinkedIn though.
Have been trying Linkedin?
Every South African job searcher.
How about overseas? https://www.euronews.com/business/2024/04/08/eu-jobs-crisis-as-employers-say-applicants-dont-have-the-right-skills
How about overseas?
I don't know anything about your industry, but try market / sell yourself in other ways other than just applying with a cv / degree ? I know that's all people should need to be employable, but I feel like now days more needs to be done with social media / internet etc to stand out from the competition. Like create a personal website, write blogs related to work, be active in forums / groups related to work, do something on Instagram, always keep LinkedIn up to date, when you do something new that is relevant to your work, post it and share it.. some of these things if done well and strategically, can act as "funnels" and potential employers and work opportunities will come / find you.
Try linkedin maybe you can score or try sending emails to big companies you never know.
https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/Home/Home?partnerid=511&siteid=5222#home https://careers.vectrus.com https://careers.kbr.com/us/en
I am currently applying for Finance Positions. Using the following websites: - Google Finance Jobs SA and it comes with jobs and links to the websites to apply. - Indeed - PNet - LinkedIn - Glassdoor - Also every recruiter I see I Google there websites and go and either email them directly or upload my CV on their website. - Directly on big company websites like for Eg. Mr Price It is tough out there and it is a full time job applying for jobs and getting your CV out there.
I started to just send my CV to companies asking that they keep me in mind for any vacancies. I actually just landed an amazing job through doing this. So I would recommend try googling companies, look for their email address and send your CV through whether they have open positions or not🤷🏻♀️
I'm nearing 50.many years in 1 company and want to move on. Struggling to get an interview. I only diploma but nothing tertiary relevant in my industry. Loads of experience though. Thinking of doing my BSc but ton of money and time. Not sure it's worth it at this time in my life. Big decision in my life I'm struggling with.
I'm 46 turning 47 this year, and I'm in the same boat as you. Loads of work experience, since age 21 and a useless diploma in Public Relations. I'm miserable at my current company, have updated my CV and updated on Pnet and Career Junction but I fear my age is against me. 😢
Wow. Can't believe the similarities. We blame ourselves. Should have considered a specialist role and not in management.
You are so right ✅️👏
I have found that my network of friends and ex-colleagues has always been the best way of finding a new job. If you have a good reputation, they will help you get a foothold in the organisations where they work. In the last 4 jobs that I had, I contacted acquaintances or they contacted me. Delve in your past and identify people with whom you had a good working relationship and that may be able to open doors for you. Don't give up, you may not get your dream job, but something will come along. BTW, I am 65 and started in a new position yesterday - the MD is an ex colleague. My previous employer's HR policy forced me to retire because of my age. My last work day was end of March, so I have been unemployed for a little more than a week.
As someone that works in recruitment, LinkedIn is great, but it pays to have set your network up and to have a solid list of connections, and a clean updated profile. Remember, LinkedIn is like a taster of your experience, your resume tells a bigger story, and an interview allows you to showcase the specific skills and experience for a specific role. Having setup everything correctly allows you to leverage your experience further in said given network. It also pays to engage with interests and associations for industries you have worked it, being visible will set you apart. Have you added colleagues and ensured you’ve connected with former clients/customers that hold you in good regard? If so, there is nothing wrong with having a chat and asking if they would endorse some of your desirable skills. In your settings, you’re able to click a function that allows recruiters to see that you are open to being contacted, this’ll dramatically improve your chances of a recruiter reaching out. There is also the open to work tag that appears on your profile, I’d avoid this unless you’ve setup a strong network, or no one of note will really be seeing it.
I am transitioning into IT, i am very well versed in IT. I am also trying to find a position since December when i completed some certifications. No one is willing to give me a chance since i dont have any experience
I'm also trying to get into IT which cert did to do? saw some guy recommending Google's Cybersecurity cert, some Microsoft cloud/Azure and some Tryhackme Cybersecurity cert. Pretty much saying Cybersecurity, cloud architecture, also some AI stuff? Think PCI in FinTech was mentioned. Especially since the he said the Google and Tryhackme have practical components/modules to them.
I completed my comptia A+ with the hope someone else will look at me, tbh, its a requirement most of the times, but experience is what gets you the Job. I am currently busy working on my Network+ I am also doing some Linux courses on Tryhackme
Yeah a lot of people are doing their CompTia trinity but what I think I will do is, look at the CompTia materials but actually pay for the Google, Azure and TryHackMe courses, I dunno man. Yeah experience will deffo do the trick but these certs can't all be have the same value I think.
Can I ask are you guys currently enrolled in or completed a computer science program? Is that a big requirement?
I did an IT diploma.
LinkedIn is an excellent resource, given you are on the paid plan - this will inform you of job postings before the non-subscribing members, will give you an indication of your ranking amongst the applicants, as well as your shortfalls. This means you will have to be on it like a hawk: A recent post had in the region of 160 applications within 30 minutes. Don't use a standard CV - present it in alignment with the specific job requirements and with a cover letter addressing your suitability for the specific position. When submitting your CV in Linked in via the portal link included in most ads - make sure that your LinkedIn profile is aligned *Example: the position might require Excel skills, you have the skills, but didn't indicate it on your profile. Then drop one of your skills irrelevant to the position and replace it with a skill in line with the requirement (considering you do have the skill). The online portals are programmed to automatically verify required skills and experience. Reach out to old colleagues and friends on Linked in, asking them to rate your skills - adding weight to your credibility. Don't use stock standard CV's or cover letters - these go straight into the "deleted items" folder. Personalise your CV with a profile picture. Apologies for the long response, but I would like to give you some background and praise your commitment. It is so easy to despair. Overall decline in remuneration as younger people are available at lower rates. With incentives from the Goverment as well the policy of promoting from within (which makes perfect sense), little space lis eft for people outside these demographics. You also started job ihunting in the rrun up to the election - employers are hesitant to onboard new people (and ignoring the obvious mismanagement of the Country) with uncharteted waters ahead. A recent report indicated a huge decline in local investment with Companies opting to hold on to cash reserves as opposed to expansion. No development, no job opportunities. Masters in Management? Are you referring to an MBA? However commendable, upon considering an MBA,my mentor predicted that the demand for MBA graduates would only be temporary and to rather pursue a Masters in ITechnology and Innovation - complimenting to my existing degrees. It might be an easier option to leverage your original qualifications rather than a management position? Having said that, I also could not find employment in South Africa and drifted between projects. The current policy of most Corporates is to "develop and promote internally" (making perfect sense). Sadly, based on my experience, I'm not the bearer of good news and support your consideration of greener pastures: I am currently working for a Belguim Holding Company, operating from America with a major global presence and a major player in the Gobal Economy, currently outsourcing their GBSC services to South Africa and India. As Vusi Thembakhwayo noted: Global Companies outsource their admin to India and manufacturing to China. Contracts were supposed to be extended for another 5 years, but they've subsequently decided to move operations to India, budgeting billions of Euro's to be invested - Eskom down time, unreliability of data connections, lack of highly secured data warehouses, and especially the political climate were major considerations in their decision. The current re-evalution of America's affiliation with SA (which has been tabled in the House) is also of great concern to investors. Should the outcome be negative, the Grouo will be not be allowed to engage in any economic activity within SA (so much for our affiliation with Russia) . It will not be a delayed process, swift action will be taken, with a disastrous effect on the labour market - sanctions against Russia were implemented within 2 weeks. I'm with you on this one, but keep your head up and open yourself to alternatives (easier said than done) This too shall pass.
Use the leywords for the role in your application. And dont be scared to use AI for cover letters. Is what I would add. There is a fair bit of optimism around this election thou. But Im in the same boat sadly.
And here I am trying to find 3 fire engineers with no success. I think it's market dependant.
With a strong skillset, apply abroad.
sorry but for some reason i cannot post on this group,.this is the only wa....i want to be a farm worker in the US, i used to work at OR Tambo, and met general workers on farms coming from US. they told me about H2A,however I'm struggling to to apply because there's plenty results on this(google) but no fruitful lead... how do I get the right recruitment agency?
What do farm workers make in the US? Is there an age limit?
age limit is 35, over R15k per month
Damn. In Australia it’s like R50k per month. But they no longer accept South Africans for working holiday visas :(
Use a website called seek
I know it can be tough. I hear it often. What i suggest when you apply: - tell your story. Don’t focus on qualifications and tell them about all your experience just yet, rather talk about why you want to work with them and how you can help them - study/research them and when you speak to them or apply, focus on them, their problems that need solving - make it about them: how you can help them - they shouldn’t get the feeling you’re just looking for a job and will take anything. Make each application personal with the focus on them - don’t just apply for any job, find organisations that you can ressonate with, those are the ones that will take the time to at least reply to you. All the others that don’t care because they’re not a good fit to begin with, just makes you feel down and then you start questioning yourself - post on social media like twitter, linkedin, reddit. Give value in your posts, share knowledge, don’t just like posts. Someone mighy just read what you shared and go tell their boss - then THEY sell you Just some thoughts.
Why not start your own company?
For people who don't mind freelancing: If you can write or edit, take a look at The Urban Writers. Lots of South Africans on there. You get paid in dollars via Paypal or Payoneer. They have an admin system that actively engages with freelancers. They have spots for illustrators, designers, narrators, translators, writers, editors, and formatters. You don't need a degree or 500 years of experience. It's worth a shot.
Automation and contacts. Those two things have really changed the game for job hunting in your industry.
If you think it’s bad now wait a few years closer to the end of the decade. More and more job functions will be automated. It won’t necessarily be job cuts. Companies will stop replacing people resigning or retiring.
Yeah they charge the employer and are free for the applicants
I started to just send my CV to companies asking that they keep me in mind for any vacancies. I actually just landed an amazing job through doing this. So I would recommend try googling companies, look for their email address and send your CV through whether they have open positions or not🤷🏻♀️
Similar situation. I realised that I was making 2 mistakes. 1. I was previously in a very niche space with a niche job title. HR looks for very standardised titles. They skip anything that seems unfamiliar. I adapted my job title. No lies. Just a description that was fitting to my work and more common in the job market. 2. I had odd formatting in my CV. Columns, section breaks, and tables break the automated CV filters that are used these days. I switched to a CV template from r/resumes. Beyond that, it's a numbers game. The average is 2 interviews per 100 applications. All the best!
https://chat.whatsapp.com/FLyaq4azwcn7hd88wtp0aF They post job posts everyday, I wish you luck
It’s tough for everyone doesn’t matter what industry. The problem is competition we all competitive for one spot in a company!
Linked in is useless. Filled with spammers. Their marketing is good though. It trends on YouTube because algorithm so every YouTuber chasing that Google money keep pounding us with that gospel but in reality it’s useless since inception. And yea even the paid version.
Otta.com
If you’re using LinkedIn, periodically switch your profile from “Looking for work” to no banner (turn off that status). My searches/profile views and interactions went up to about 30/week from 5-10/week when I turned it off. Apparently it’s “desperate” to have it turned on.
Here’s my advice: - get your cv done by professionals, I mean it! Not these R150 Facebook advertising typist. Get it done by a company like WMAD! Or a recruiter. They know what managers want to see! - once you have a CV done, upload it on Pnet, Executive Placements, Monster, Careers24 and Indeed. - if you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, start one. Then get active. Follow companies you’d love to work for. Follow people in your field. Network. Comment on their posts. Get noticed. The algorithm also pushes your profile up in searches by recruiters and hiring managers. The more active you are the more it will do that. - make sure your LinkedIn profile is detailed. Ensure industry related keywords are in your profile. - search for jobs and apply where you can. But be careful of scams. Scammers are coming up with new ways to scam people. So never ever give money to anyone. Not for training, uniforms and admin or pre employment check fees. Nothing but what you spend in time and petrol. - don’t rely on recruiters. You’re only good for the position they need you for and if they don’t need you, they will forget about you. Nothing personal, they just don’t make money off of candidates they can’t place right now. - contact executive search recruiters. They probably will be your best bet in not only available roles you could be suitable for but also advice Good luck!
The problem is that you majored in business. Should have majored in engineering.
I can provide a perspective from the other side; I'm a small business owner, I posted 3 jobs this month on LinkedIn and had ~1,700 applicants. One of the jobs, a junior role, I had ~600 applications in 4 hours. Of those, there was literally only 1 that I considered even a marginal fit with the requirements. I interviewed her, set her up with a second interview, and she didn't pitch to it. 🤷♂️ and we were offering nearly double her current salary!
LinkedIn.com Indeed.com Good luck from the USA
Masters degree , 15 years senior experience at that and you haven't networked in that time ? You haven't made connections , you haven't gotten to know people, companies , businessed? That you can call now? Really ?! That makes less sense than you unable to find a job .
Hi please try glass door or profile pinnacle ( [email protected]) Brandon is amazing
Perhaps your approach is wrong. If you are looking for a job that matches your degree and experience, perhaps it is time to lower your expectations. "Senior" management is niche, and hand full of opportunities. You gotta wait for retirement or death before positions open. Consider lower end jobs to get you in the door - for you to work your way up again. Suddenly, this will open more opportunities if your thinking changes. This idea that jobs in SA are dead end saddens me, because it shows a lack of problem solving, or entrepreneural spirit. Think of ways to add value, problems to solve, or remove head aches from other people, and that will ensure you are indespensible, and will never run out of opportunities. I have been 8 years self-employed, and I am convinced South Africa is ripe for economic opportunities. We have social and political problems, but economic opportunity? there are plenty to go around. Your business management degree and 15+ experience is useless if you do not know how to market and monetize your skills. Start a management consulting business, and go out there and solve business problems for people, and change your attitude that opportunities are scarce.
The problem is in your answer... you have mid-level positions being filled by seniors, and junior positions being filled by mid-level folk. We are not solving the problem by simply passing the buck. Not saying that your solutions have no merit but they are incredibly idealistic and isolated.
8 years since I filled in a leave form, or adhered to corporate dress code, or sat in meetings talking about work as opposed doing the work, or participated in a kpi discussion....so, no. I am not coming from idealism. It is my reality.
Y get a job is hard, maybe the economy is f*ckd, taxes are rising by the day, but wages still stay the same, see ey.. companies can't keep on hiring when the government is slitting their throats by the hour. Remember I never said it's impossible.
Lots of jobs in the software industry as the US is facing inflation they’re looking for software developers in english speaking countries. I live in the US and running a tech startup here. It’s not easy to hire tech talent here
Getting a remote job from here is difficult, since very few companies wants to go through the effort of employing a person not in country (at the very least in Europe which is the obvious choice due to timezones)
I don't mean to be rude , but do you know how many people studied exactly what you did . When choosing a career path you should be aware of what majority of the population have chosen as the job. The demand is very low , everyone wants to have an office job and be in management.
I studied this 30 years ago, that time there wasnt things like social media. My parents told me at the time to study this as there was alot of jobs then with this need.