Job Advice South Africa hosts a Twitter chat every Monday afternoon where it covers a host of frequently asked questions by job seekers. We here at Joblife have sifted through this mountain of knowledge (yes literally!) and extracted a few essential items to tip things in the favour of anyone currently looking for a job.

On searching for work

Q: How can one search for jobs online?

A3: Use LinkedIn. A lot. Spending as much time as you can on LinkedIn. Reach out to personal contacts on social media platforms. Be clear on what type of job you’re looking for. Job boards and job listing websites. #JobAdviceSA — Joblife.co.za (@JOBlifeZa) August 20, 2018

I have had good success searching for jobs online on @LinkedIn They have some good things on offer, worldwide #JobAdviceSA — Vanessa Raath (@Van_Raath) August 20, 2018

A3)Via the many well known/trusted job sites – Jobvine,Career24,Indeed,Career Portal.LinkedIn of course has plenty of jobs posted that one can browse through.Its always best to search sites that are well known and don’t ask for any sort of fee to join #JobAdviceSA — Dylan Graham (@TheDylanGraham) August 20, 2018

Q: How does one prevent getting scammed through fake job posts?

A. 2 First you need to check the company’s website and online (social media) posts to see if there is anyone there. Also visit your Linked In to see if there is anyone from that company who is on it. H. R and Finance or interns should be there #JobAdviceSA — TBS Corporate (@TBS_Corp) May 14, 2018

Q: What should one do before searching for jobs?

A2: Update your CV, update and clean up all social media accounts. Narrow your search in line with your career path, i.e. don’t apply for every job under the sun. #JobAdviceSA — Joblife.co.za (@JOBlifeZa) August 20, 2018

I always get people to check that their LinekdIn accounts match their CVs… This is very important! #JobAdviceSA — Vanessa Raath (@Van_Raath) August 20, 2018

About your CV

Q: Once you have completed your CV, what should your next steps be?

A3: Spell check, grammar check. Have a list of companies that you would like to apply to and forward them your CV. Make sure you have a cover letter. Do not forget to register your CV on career platforms. #JobAdviceSA — Koketso Baloyi (@kakesBaloyi) June 18, 2018

A3: Don’t just send out your CV blindly and hope for a miracle. Do your research, create a focused strategy to find the most suitable job, build a network, nurture relationships, strive to stand out above all the other CVs in the pile. #JobAdviceSA — Joblife.co.za (@JOBlifeZa) June 18, 2018

Q: Should you include a photograph on your CV and what are the pros and cons of this?

A2: #JobAdviceSA some clients believe that if a candidate is well presented, well spoken and beautiful; the candidate will be able to attract clients. Some companies will request that the Recruitment agency only look for beautiful people even if they do not meet the job criteria. — Koketso Baloyi (@kakesBaloyi) June 18, 2018

A2: There’s no problem in including a photograph, but only do so if it is professional and well-shot. No cropped photographs from birthday parties. A bad photo can ruin your chances of even being considered. #JobAdviceSA — Joblife.co.za (@JOBlifeZa) June 18, 2018

There is a stigma around concerning looks I agree with you, however, the well-respected companies do know that only a pretty face might get you through the door but it is the skills and knowledge that makes the sale BUT being well presented is a major deal #JobAdviceSA

— SciStaff (@SciStaff_SA) June 18, 2018

Q: What are the key things that your CV MUST HAVE to GUARANTEE that YOU stand out from your peers?

A1: As simple as it may sound: no spelling and grammar errors. Also: clear personal, education, and work history. Make sure that anyone can read your CV and clearly understand your skills and qualifications, without having to decipher confusion in your CV. #JobAdviceSA — Joblife.co.za (@JOBlifeZa) June 18, 2018

A1: #JobAdviceSA it depends on the industry. If you are in the creative industry, the candidates CV should stand out and they should illustrate their profile. In other industries, the CV should be neatly structured not more than 5pages. — Koketso Baloyi (@kakesBaloyi) June 18, 2018

A1: #JobAdviceSA start with your experiences and skills, and end with your personal details. — Koketso Baloyi (@kakesBaloyi) June 18, 2018

#JobAdviceSA Question 1 1. Your summary profile: why should they hire you, what is your Unique selling point? 2. Your job history: what have you done, and what key achievements do you have per position. 3. A Skills index -what skills can you demonstrate. Give them the high-level. — Y-Connect (@YConnect_biz) June 19, 2018

Q: If you have no work experience what information should you include on your CV?

A3. Have you volunteered for any organisation, are you a member of a church group, sports team or other social organisation? Put these on your CV as they may show experience and skills that are relevant to the job that you are applying for #JobAdviceSA — Tim J. Barry (@TimJBarry) June 11, 2018

A3: Learning Styles for learning new tasks, personal interests & hobbies, community & volunteer work etc. In an SA context family context (eg helped raise my younger siblings while single parent worked) academic & sports awards & achievements #JobAdviceSA — Suren Naidoo (@SurenOUTsurance) June 11, 2018

A3: Include information about where you have studied – even a non-certified short course. Include your volunteer work. Be creative and tell a compelling story. #JobAdviceSA — Joblife.co.za (@JOBlifeZa) June 11, 2018

Q: Who should you use as a reference; can one use a relative – what if you have never worked?

A1: #JobAdviceSA candidates can include a mentor, lecturer or educator, someone you have volunteered with. I personal would not include in family members that I have worked for. — Koketso Baloyi (@kakesBaloyi) July 30, 2018

A1: Good references are people who can vouch for your expertise and work ethic – even in a volunteer and internship capacity. Steer clear of family references unless there is a clear professional relationship – like a weekend job at your uncle’s store. #JobAdviceSA — Joblife.co.za (@JOBlifeZa) July 30, 2018

Q: Once you have completed your CV, what should your next steps be?

A3: Spell check, grammar check. Have a list of companies that you would like to apply to and forward them your CV. Make sure you have a cover letter. Do not forget to register your CV on career platforms. #JobAdviceSA — Koketso Baloyi (@kakesBaloyi) June 18, 2018

A3: Don’t just send out your CV blindly and hope for a miracle. Do your research, create a focused strategy to find the most suitable job, build a network, nurture relationships, strive to stand out above all the other CVs in the pile. #JobAdviceSA — Joblife.co.za (@JOBlifeZa) June 18, 2018

#JobAdviceSA Upload your CV on Career sites like PNET CareerJunction and copy and paste your experience, skills and summary profile on LinkedIn. Become pro-active, don’t wait for companies to contact you. Sell yourself in as many places as possible, be unique and stand out! — Y-Connect (@YConnect_biz) June 19, 2018

On interviews

Q: How should you describe yourself in an interview?

I think it is also good to describe yourself as a ‘constant student of the world’ – you can explain this as you being someone who is curious about the world around us and always waiting to keep up with industry trends #JobAdviceSA pic.twitter.com/E4YnqD31Iy — Vanessa Raath (@Van_Raath) July 23, 2018

A1: #JobAdviceSA Practice your response but make sure it comes naturally. I would describe who I am; for example: my qualities as an individual; my personalitie; leadership skills; charity work. — Koketso Baloyi (@kakesBaloyi) July 23, 2018

A1: Talk about yourself in ways that relate to work in general, the job at hand, your experiences, and your ambitions. Every question in an interview, even personal ones, are designed to understand how to stand out from other candidates. #JobAdviceSA — Joblife.co.za (@JOBlifeZa) July 23, 2018

Q: What qualities will make you stand out in an interview?

A person who starts with a firm handshake and looks me i the eye is off to a great start in an interview! #JobAdviceSA — Vanessa Raath (@Van_Raath) July 23, 2018

A3: #JobAdviceSA Confidence – make eye contact while you answer; don’t be afraid to smile while talking. Express how happy you are to be considered for the position. Point out – how your skills would benefit the company. — Koketso Baloyi (@kakesBaloyi) July 23, 2018

Q: What is the best way to prepare for an interview or assessment?

A:4 #JobAdviceSA Identify the skills, interests and experiences that the organisation is looking. Find out about the people who’ll interview you. Research the issues, trends and opportunities affecting the organisation. Prepare answers to common interview questions. — Koketso Baloyi (@kakesBaloyi) August 20, 2018

A4: Look at the job profile and see what skills are needed. Would they be able to make you write a test to check those levels, or do a role-play? Some companies even want you to set appointments, send calendar invites or write a program or sell something. #JobAdviceSA — Y-Connect (@YConnect_biz) August 20, 2018

Always make sure you get a good night’s sleep the night before so you are fresh and clear minded #JobAdviceSA pic.twitter.com/40nq9fUkeh — Vanessa Raath (@Van_Raath) August 20, 2018

Q: Always have questions ready for the interviewer. What questions can you ask during an interview?

You could ask about the company culture,the type of environment or atmosphere in which you could potentially be employed in,but as above don’t ask about benefits or salaries it doesn’t really give off a good 1st impression #JobadviceSA — Dylan Graham (@TheDylanGraham) July 23, 2018

A4: Smart questions: What will be required of me on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. How will my performance be measured? What scope is there for learning and development in my role? Is there a career roadmap available? #JobAdviceSA — Joblife.co.za (@JOBlifeZa) July 23, 2018

I would not ask about slary or benefits or if you can work from home!! Try and find this all out before the interview from the Recruiter or from people who you know work at the company #JobAdviceSA — Vanessa Raath (@Van_Raath) July 23, 2018

From seeking employment to preparing for an interview, this list of advice should aid you in securing your dream job!

Thank you to @JobAdviceSA and to the following peeps for their amazing answers: Vanessa Raath, Koketso Baloyi, Ruramayi, Y-Connect, Suren Naidoo, Tim J. Barry, SciStaff, TBS Corporate and Dylan Graham. Follow them on Twitter for exceptional advice!

Now go out and apply to positions using the advice from the experts.

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