Many people apply to the same few places everyone else does, and miss the ones with less competition. Knowing where to look is worth more than sending more applications.
Job sites like Nasi Ispani are the obvious route and worth using daily. Company websites often list jobs never advertised elsewhere, which means far fewer applicants. Walking in still works for retail, hospitality and trades.
People you know fill more jobs than any advert. Not connections in a grand sense: a neighbour, a former teacher, someone at church, an aunt's colleague. Tell people you are looking and what you are looking for. Most will not think to mention a vacancy unless you have told them.
A job advert asks you to pay a R250 registration fee to be added to their database.
What happens: This is a scam, and the amount is chosen to be just small enough to risk. Legitimate recruitment agencies are paid by employers, never by you.
What happens: Correct. A recruiter who asks a job seeker for money is not a recruiter. Phone Skills lesson 7 covers the full set of warning signs.
How many jobs should I apply for in a week?
Fewer, better applications beat many identical ones. Somewhere around five to ten properly tailored applications a week is more effective than forty copies, and it is far more sustainable. Job hunting is exhausting, and burning out in three weeks helps nobody.
Should I use a recruitment agency?
Yes, if they are legitimate. A real agency is paid by the employer and never charges you. Check they have a real office address and a proper company name. Any agency asking you for a registration fee, a training fee or an admin fee is a scam.
Before you move on
- Tell five people you know that you are looking
- Check two company websites directly
- Remember: a real agency never charges you
Check what you know
3 questions. Have a look at what this lesson asks.
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