AS GRADUATES and job seekers venture into the job market, looking for first-time or new opportunities, the skills of a successful search make the difference in landing the right job.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when job hunting is to submit a standardised CV to apply for all job searches.
This general mass application system, said Lisa Brink of PMG Recruitment Services, is often unsuccessful as employers can easily differentiate between a CV written specifically for a particular advertised job, to a general CV.
"When one applies for a job, their CV has to be remodified for each post. This shows one has researched about the job.
"A general CV is unattractive. At most it is just a document with a list of achievements," Brink said.
In this digital era, where job hunting can be carried out on the internet, a healthy online presence (subscriptions to job recruitment agencies and online job searches) is pivotal.
"Look at a variety of recruitment websites frequently for newly posted positions and ensure your [comprehensive] CV has been uploaded onto job-seeking websites," says Graham Bentley of Kelly recruitment agency.
"[This] means that, when jobs open up, your CV will be automatically matched with appropriate jobs in your area, both in physical location and appropriate work category."
But, the internet should not replace direct communication.
"The internet can remove some of the 'personal element' of your job search. There is an important role played by personal contact with recruiters and companies through telephonic and interpersonal interviews as this allows recruiters to better understand your personality and skills," Bentley said.
"So, when using the internet to search for jobs, sometimes following up with a personalised e-mail or a polite call to recruiters or your consultant will ensure that you stand out as a confident and ambitious candidate ready to work."
Kate Haupt of Jenni Newman Public Relations said: "A lot of jobs are advertised online. Good internet navigation skills, mixed with a comprehensive CV, definitely improves chances for finding a job."
khumelaj@sowetan.co.za
Tailor your CV to the job you want
AS GRADUATES and job seekers venture into the job market, looking for first-time or new opportunities, the skills of a successful search make the difference in landing the right job.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when job hunting is to submit a standardised CV to apply for all job searches.
This general mass application system, said Lisa Brink of PMG Recruitment Services, is often unsuccessful as employers can easily differentiate between a CV written specifically for a particular advertised job, to a general CV.
"When one applies for a job, their CV has to be remodified for each post. This shows one has researched about the job.
"A general CV is unattractive. At most it is just a document with a list of achievements," Brink said.
In this digital era, where job hunting can be carried out on the internet, a healthy online presence (subscriptions to job recruitment agencies and online job searches) is pivotal.
"Look at a variety of recruitment websites frequently for newly posted positions and ensure your [comprehensive] CV has been uploaded onto job-seeking websites," says Graham Bentley of Kelly recruitment agency.
"[This] means that, when jobs open up, your CV will be automatically matched with appropriate jobs in your area, both in physical location and appropriate work category."
But, the internet should not replace direct communication.
"The internet can remove some of the 'personal element' of your job search. There is an important role played by personal contact with recruiters and companies through telephonic and interpersonal interviews as this allows recruiters to better understand your personality and skills," Bentley said.
"So, when using the internet to search for jobs, sometimes following up with a personalised e-mail or a polite call to recruiters or your consultant will ensure that you stand out as a confident and ambitious candidate ready to work."
Kate Haupt of Jenni Newman Public Relations said: "A lot of jobs are advertised online. Good internet navigation skills, mixed with a comprehensive CV, definitely improves chances for finding a job."
khumelaj@sowetan.co.za
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