PICTURE: PEXELS/ KETUT SUBIYANTO
Job hunting can become frustrating when you keep submitting applications, tailoring your CV and checking your inbox, only to hear nothing back.
Also see: 10 High-paying jobs that don’t require a university degree in South Africa
If you’ve applied for dozens of jobs without getting an interview, it does not automatically mean that you’re not qualified. The problem could be your application strategy, the types of positions you’re targeting, your CV or simply the level of competition for available opportunities.
Instead of sending out even more applications without changing anything, take a step back and assess your job-search strategy.
Take another look at your CV
Your CV may be the first opportunity you have to show an employer that you’re suitable for a position.
According to the Department of Employment and Labour, a CV should be neatly presented, relevant to the position and free from spelling, grammar and formatting errors.
Make sure your CV clearly presents your qualifications, experience and relevant skills.
For example, if you’re applying for an administrative position, you may want to highlight skills such as:
- Administration
- Communication
- Computer literacy
- Data capturing
- Record keeping
- Customer service
- Organisation
- Microsoft Office
Avoid making recruiters search through several pages to find information relevant to the position.
Don’t use exactly the same CV for every job
A generic CV may not effectively demonstrate why you’re suitable for a particular position.
Read the job description carefully and identify the skills, qualifications and responsibilities the employer considers important.
According to guidance published by the Department of Employment and Labour, job seekers should adapt their CVs to the positions they are applying for and highlight relevant skills and experience.
This doesn’t mean claiming skills you don’t have. It means making your genuine experience more relevant and easier for an employer to identify.
Follow up when appropriate
If an employer provides contact details and enough time has passed, a professional follow-up may be appropriate.
However, don’t repeatedly contact the recruitment team about the same application.
Check the original job advert first to see whether the employer provided any information about recruitment timelines or instructed applicants not to make follow-up enquiries.
For government vacancies, also remember that some departments specifically state that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Also see: Smart advice for graduates starting new jobs
Look beyond online applications
Online job portals can be useful, but they don’t have to be your only approach.
According to the Department of Employment and Labour, work-seekers can make use of Public Employment Services, including registering on the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA), as well as exploring registered private employment agencies and temporary employment services.
You can also:
- Attend career fairs and networking events.
- Connect with professionals in your industry.
- Speak to former colleagues and classmates.
- Check company career pages directly.
- Explore internships, learnerships and temporary opportunities.
- Ask your professional network about potential openings.
Expanding your approach can help you discover opportunities you might not find through standard online applications.
Prepare before the interview arrives
Don’t wait for an interview invitation before preparing.
According to the Department of Employment and Labour, job seekers can improve their chances by preparing for interviews and practising how they will respond to questions.
Use the waiting period to prepare answers about:
- Your background
- Your strengths and weaknesses
- Your previous experience
- Why you want the position
- Why you should be hired
- How you handle difficult situations
- Your communication and teamwork skills
You should ideally be ready when an employer finally contacts you.
Also see: Unpacking ‘lazy girl jobs’ and why it’s not what it sounds like
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