Skills are necessary

You are only as employable as your skills and experience. For newcomers to the job market, this means getting hired first in order to acquire the necessary experience. Unfortunately this is easier said than done. If you have the skills by the way of a verifiable academic qualification through an accredited institution then many employers will be keen to hire you even without any experience.

At times your first job experience is through a low paying internship well before you finish your academic qualification. However, even skilled workers need to be realistic about starting at the ‘bottom of the ladder’. A few years of experience in these positions will contribute greatly to your career advancements thereafter.

Skills are not only about education although this is the most sure way for newcomers to the job market to get recognised. You may have acquired your skills through practical experience over years and have the verifiable job references to back this up. It is important to ensure that recruiters and prospective employers know this mainly in the way of a well constructed curriculum vitae.

Looking in the right places

Job candidates often give up hope after a few rejections and never take the time time to learn more about tapping into the market. It is not as simple as answering a few classified ads or submitting your CV to the odd recruiter. If you are serious about finding a job you have to get proactive. Sign up with job websites like Career Junction and PNet.  Ask around about specialist job websites that only focus on certain careers and sectors of industry. Most recruiters and some employers find new candidates through these websites.

It never hurts to ask and there is no harm in ‘cold calling’. Stop off at businesses and companies and leave your CV. It is best if you can get through to the HR manager but if the reception desk is as far as you can get than that is fine. Remember that your CV is only a few pages long at most so do not hesitate to spend the money in making a lot of copies and dishing it out as needed. You can also send your CV via email to many of the bigger names in the industry or the contacts and associates of your previous employer.

The Right CV

A poorly constructed CV is another major contributing factor to not landing that job or even being considered for an interview. Imagine that you are the employer, recruiter or HR manager? What would you think of your CV if it is the first form of communication from a prospective job candidate? An abbreviated CV is often the best way to go when you are cold calling. It is simply a list of your academic achievements and work experience along with your contact details. Some candidates offer to lay it out in a ‘short story’ which may be a good idea if your linguistic and literary skills are being judged for the position.

Ideally your comprehensive curriculum vitae should be handed in when asked or during the job interview.  Its all about the professionalism so cut out the fancy borders and unnecessary details about sporting activities in high school unless it is relevant to the the position. Ensure that your CV portrays you in the light that you want to be seen and it may be worth considering a professional CV writer and designer. Work references are crucial so make sure that you have only verifiable references on your CV.

The abbreviation CTC is often seen next to  the stated salary package (remuneration) for the job opening being advertised. It stands for cost-to-company and simply means that this is the total amount that an employer is prepared to pay for the employee and includes all benefits. Those that are new to the job market can find this quite misleading and be surprised to find that their net salary is significantly less than the initial remuneration advertised. However, it is a way of the employer stating that this is the only amount available in the budget for the employee and all associated benefits. Some deductions are mandatory while others are optional and many companies are flexible with the way the final package is structured provided that it does not exceed the CTC amount stated at the outset.

Cost To Company Minus Deductions

When seeking a job, you need to be fully aware that the cost-to-company salary package advertised is not the amount of money that you will come home with. Mandatory deductions include pension, unemployment insurance and of course, you then have to pay taxes. This is not negotiable. Optional deductions may include medical aid and car/travel allowance. In some companies, a travel allowance is mandatory if it is necessary for you to travel as part of your job. Many companies allow their employees to change the amounts allocated to the optional deductions but do not be fooled, you may not come home with significantly more money by cutting back on your medical aid or travel expenses. Tax will consume a portion of this money.

Many of the deductions are not paid in full by you. For example, your employer contributes to your pension, UIF and frequently even to your medical aid. Therefore the CTC rate includes all the employer’s contributions as well. This is because the employer has to set out a budget for the employing a new person. The budget must include all costs that the company will bear by having you work for them. This allows companies to adequately plan the payroll budget without surprise costs. While you employer is required to contribute to certain benefits and may opt to do so in other cases, taxation is between the employee and SARS (South African Revenue Service). Employers only deduct the tax (PAYE ~ Pay As You Earn) and pay it to SARS on your behalf.

What does the CTC include?

The cost-to-company remuneration rate includes all costs associated with your employment. This means your gross salary plus the employers contributions. Your net salary is derived after your portion of the deductions are removed from your gross salary. It is therefore imperative to discuss your salary package at the outset. Clearly identify what your gross salary is – the salary before your deductions and tax. Then identify what your net salary is – the amount of money you will come home with at the end of the month. Once you have a clear understanding of your net salary and whether it is feasible for your cost of living, only then can you truly decide about the feasibility of the taking up the job.

Accredited In-House Company Training

Accredited training programs are run by a third party education provider who is in most cases registered with SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority). These programs are often funded partly or fully by the skills levy which is mandatory in South Africa. The training provider may also be registered with other educational bodies or even professional associations relevant to your sector of industry. Although at times the training is not in-house as such, it is made available to you by the involvement of your employer with the relevant training provider and certain training days are just for employees in your company.

Accredited courses differ in structure and duration but at upon successful completion, you are awarded a certificate from the training provider. This is useful for future job prospects as these certificates are a form of recognition in the industry that you now have additional knowledge and have learnt new skills possibly beyond your current job designation.

Unaccredited In-House Company Training

Although the term ‘unaccredited’ may conjure up thoughts of dodgy fly-by-night colleges, it simply means that the training you are undergoing is being managed by your employer entirely. There is no outside involvement, or it is very minimal, and you are often not going to receive a certificate to acknowledge completion. The training is mandatory and necessary for you to understand the workings of the company better and complete your relevant duties. This type of training program is similar to the training your received when you first started your job. The lack of a certificate makes it difficult to prove that you have undergone this training should you wish to leave. However, your job designation in this regard indicates your knowledge and skills with regards to the specific subject matter.

Benefits of Training

Accredited and unaccredited training takes many forms and is known by several names. The bottom line though is that these courses will benefit both employers and employees. Unfortunately many employees do not see beyond the benefits that they may reap.

• Growing skills within the current workforce of your company allows it to develop new skills and advance the entire organisation.
• Attaining new skills and knowledge helps with your career advancement.
• New skills can mean better chances at a promotion and a better salary.
• Greater knowledge about the industry and new skills may someday help you to open your own small business in the industry.
• Training may shift you from an unskilled worker to a semi-skilled or even skilled employee.

For a number of reasos, a good credit record is important if you are applying for a job in the financial sector. However, these days this is being applied across the board for all sectors of industry.

It is not about whether you are blacklisted or not that will make the difference. Every reasonable employer will know that any person can undergo periods of financial strain but the focus is on whether employees are making efforts to repay their debts and not accrue any further debt. Failure to service your debt may occur when you lose your job or experience some other mishap in life and this is usually indicated in either in your CV or you may state so during the interview. However if you were gainfully employed yet still managed to slip into debt then it is not going to reflect positively on you.

Why Do Employers Look At Your Credit History?

When we take on a credit agreement, we agree to pay back the creditor for the goods which we are acquiring immediately. Yes, the creditor does earn in way of interest but their is also the part of good faith in that you agree to service your credit as agreed upon. Failure to do so shows a lack of respect for the established institutions and this obviously also shows a lack on responsibility, reliability and at times even honesty.

This is not to say that every person with a poor credit record is an unreliable worker. But in a country where labour strikes and disputes, poor work ethic and even crime in the workplace is not uncommon, employers have to utilize some method or the other to try to weed out those applicants who may be a liability to the company.

Overcoming Blacklisting

Every person should routinely check their credit record. You are allowed to view your records at no charge once a year but you can pay for a report at any time. Prospective job applicants should try to keep their credit records in good standing or deal with any issues as soon as possible.

If you know that your employer will take a look at your credit history and you cannot clean up your record, then you should try to couteract it with character testimonials from community leaders like your pastor or even include a police report clarifying that you have no criminal record. These measures may go some way in undoing the possible impact of your poor credit history on your employer or the recruiter.

If you do have a legitimate reason for our financial woes, other than your lavish spending habits and poor money management, then it may be advisable to explain this at the interview. Be honest, come clean and do not conjure up weird stories. Chances are that the employer may consider all these facts before judging you on your financial affairs.

Training Courses for Motor Mechanics

Years ago, mechanics were trained practically with no formal qualification in the field. These days motor mechanics are skilled professionals with qualifications in motor mechanics obtained from trade schools and technical colleges. With modern cars relying on complex on-board computer systems and advanced engineering, motor mechanics have to be well versed in automotive and electrical engineering in order to do their job. Experience is essential but without some form of technical training, you are unlikely to get the best positions in the industry.

Jobs for Mechanics

If you are considering a career in motor mechanics, its best to decide on specialising in one make of vehicle or a specific aspect of automotive mechanics. The job opportunities may be better plus the pay is significantly more if you have the experience and training in a speciality. Apart from jobs in South Africa, motor mechanics also have work opportunities overseas. Many South African motor mechanics have managed to relocate to developed countries due to skills shortages in the field of motor mechanics in those nations.

Overseas Jobs for Motor Mechanics

There are a number of professional associations for motor mechanics and membership with one of these statutory bodies plays a big part in landing well paying jobs. If you looking at overseas opportunities as a motor mechanic, then you will need to have membership with professional associations both here in South Africa as well as with associations abroad. Work experience is the most important consideration and reputable references which can be verified is essential.

There are many different employment positions in a pharmacy depending on the size of the operation. Some small pharmacies are practically a one man operation with a pharmacist tending to customers, dispensing medication and handling the cashier till. Most pharmacies though need at least 4 employees – a pharmacist, a dispensary assistant, front shop salesperson and the cashier.

Jobs for Pharmacists

A pharmacist is a highly skilled medical professional with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and years of practical experience. There is no shortage of jobs for pharmacies both locally and abroad. Some pharmacists may opt to start their own business by opening a pharmacy while others will locum or work for a hospital or clinic dispensary.

Jobs for Pharmacy/Dispensary Assistants

A dispensary assistant is often a well trained and experienced person who is familiar with modern drugs and the pharmacy operation. There are short courses and correspondence training programs for pharmacy assistants but it is not uncommon for pharmacists to train a trusted employee to become an assistant with no formal qualification.

Dispensary assistants cannot dispense medication. Their sole function is to assist the pharmacist in the daily operation of the dispensary. Apart from handling medication, a dispensary assistant should also be familiar with medical aids and computer software for submitting medical aid accounts. A keen eye for detail is also essential to ensure that prescriptions are properly filled out and stock is adequate so as not hamper the pharmacist’s duties.

Front Shop and Cashier Pharmacy Jobs

The front shop assistant handles customers and monitors stock on the pharmacy shelves. These are OTC (over-the-counter) medication which are not scheduled, multivitamin and nutritional supplements, herbal products and toiletries.

Apart from assisting customers, the front shop assistant has to double up as the salesperson and sometimes even the cashier as well. Promoting front shop items that are on sale, advising customers and completing till transactions may all be part of the front shop assistant’s duties. A qualification is not necessary but assistants with years of experience in the industry are usually better positioned for a pharmacy job.

Finding unskilled or semi-skilled work in a pharmacy depends a lot on experience. If you have a qualification then this is an advantage. With more pharmacy chain stores and dispensaries in supermarkets now opening up, pharmacy jobs are becoming more widely available.

Salaries in Australia

Australian salaries vary depending on your job position, skills and experience. You can expect to earn between AU$5,000 to AU$8,000 if you are a skilled professional but make sure you check on the cost of living in Australia. The tax rate is high and property is expensive and even if you plan to start off at the bottom of the ladder, it is important to remember that if the living conditions are not up to scratch, you may quickly find yourself back in South Africa. Australian jobs are in demand globally and with a stream of skilled professionals from Asia entering Australia, South Africans have more competition.

Employment Agencies for Australian Jobs

Many South Africans have fallen prey to  unscrupulous and unregistered labour brokers promising job opportunities in Australia. After paying an upfront administration or relocation fee, you may find that the broker disappears and there is no job waiting for you at the other end. It is important to use a reputable employment agency, preferably in Australia, if you want to find a decent job in Australia.

You can use employment websites like Seek but you will find that you will need a work visa before your application will even be considered. Hopping over to Australia on a  holiday visa in order to find a job and hopefully qualify for a work visa will not work any longer. Australian immigration has become very strict and unlike jobs in New Zealand, there is little room to negotiate with a prospective employer if you don’t have the correct paperwork.

Professional Jobs in South Africa

Medical and I.T. professionals are still in demand in Australia. For other professions that were previously in demand, like for teachers, the job opportunities are now limited. With more Britons looking at relocating to Australia, the competition is stiff and South Africans are not given preferential treatment. Unskilled workers will find it tough to find a job in Australia and while artisans were in demand 15 to 20 years ago, this has decreased and you may end up in Australia with a low salary and limited work opportunities.

Salaries in New Zealand

Depending on your sector of industry, New Zealand salaries may vary from NZ$4,000 to NZ$7,000 per month. In South African rands, that equates to a monthly salary of R20,000 to R35,000 considering an average exchange rate of 5:1. While this may seem like a pretty tidy amount of money, it is important to remember that the lifestyle you can afford in New Zealand is significantly different from South Africa. The tax rate is not as low as many South Africans are led to believe by emigration agencies and even though services like health care are free, if you want a better life, you will need to earn in excess of NZ$60,000 per year.

Visas for New Zealand

Previously, many South Africans would apply for a permanent residence visa and if they qualified, even without a job, they could relocate to New Zealand and settle down. As of 2010, New Zealand tightened its immigration criteria. If you don’t have a guaranteed job in New Zealand and if you do not qualify on the Long Term Short Skills List, then chances are that you will be unsuccessful when applying for a permanent residence visa under the Skilled Migrant category. You may qualify for a Work-To-Residence (WTR) visa which gives you 9 months to find a job before you are reassessed.

Finding A Job In New Zealand

Going through an agency is still your best bet for finding a job in New Zealand and you will have a better chance if you are prepared to take a position outside of Auckland. Hopping over to New Zealand for three months to find a job is not  an easy task – jobs are scarce and without the proper paperwork, most employers will not even consider you. When applying for a work visa, having a guaranteed job and the relevant qualifications is essential so if you do get offered a job, make sure that the offer will be seen as legitimate by the New Zealand authorities. It is also important to ensure that your qualifications are recognized by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority or your application will be in vain.

You can use some of the big employment websites in New Zealand, like Seek, to find a suitable job but read the fine print at the bottom of each job posting. You will most likely require a work visa before the employer will even consider your application.

Government Job Benefits

There is a difference between working for a municipality and working for the state (government jobs). Government employees get extensive medical cover on GEMS medical aid at reduced rates as the state subsidises the premiums. In addition, government employees also get a housing subsidy and salary brackets depend on the number of years you have served with the state. These benefits are significantly different from the private sector and even though the ‘take home’ salary may be a little lower, at the end of the day when all the benefits are considered, government employees do earn well.

Employment in the Government

Getting into a government department is not an easy task. While every department has to advertise job openings in the local media, there are usually thousands of prospective candidates for any opening. There is no denying that the selection process in government departments are not as stringent as the private sector. However, unions have been playing their part in ensuring that unqualified applicants are not given preferential treatment because they are personally linked to seniors in the relevant department.

Labour Brokers and Employment Agencies for Government Jobs

Many municipal departments use labour brokers and employment agencies despite their denial in the media. Municipalities are carefully monitored, both by the local government and residents, and need to ensure that the right people are found for the job. It is best to find the agencies that deal with the government and municipalities and sign up with them if you want to secure a job in government. These agencies are given a tender to find suitable candidates and you may find that they only deal with government work and not the usual private sector jobs so finding them may be a bit more difficult.

Affirmative Action and Employment Equity

Non-white South Africans, particularly females, and persons with disabilities are given preference when it comes to government jobs. If you do not fall into any of these categories, then your only hope may be to deal with a company handling government tenders. Government departments outsource a lot of work and many of these companies are prepared to hire some employees who do not meet with AA and EE criteria.

Many government jobs are initially contract work or temporary jobs but it is the first step of getting into a government department. Efficient workers are usually kept on and given the skills shortage within government, any experience within a state department, even temporary work, can play in your favour for future job openings.

Employment Agencies and Labour Brokers

While labour brokers have been getting much negative publicity with trade unions and government having vowed to eradicate them, the reality is that labour brokers are doing booming business in South Africa. The strict labour laws means that South African employers can bypass much of these regulations by employing contract workers via a labour broker. This works against you the job seeker but if you have the skills and a good work ethic, you may be able to eventually secure a good position with the employer that is hiring you.

There are a number of employment agencies in South Africa catering for different sectors of industry and both professionals and unskilled workers. Leaving your CV with one of these agencies or signing up with an employment agency is usually free and it is one of your best bets for finding a job in South Africa. Sometimes the best way to secure a full time job is to apply for temporary jobs in South Africa and you may be kept on in the long term.

Newspapers and Advertised Jobs

Many companies in South Africa do not use employment agencies or labour brokers and advertise available positions in the local newspapers. Usually suitable applicants will be hired from within the company but if the necessary skills are lacking, employers will take new applicants provided that you have the necessary qualifications and experience.

You can get a head start by leaving an updated CV with different companies in your sector of industry even if there are no job openings. Contact the HR (Human Resources) department and find out if they do accept CV’s. If not, you will need to keep searching through newspaper ads and wait for openings. If you cannot find any suitable positions, it may be worth considering a classified ad in your local paper where you can advertise your skills and experience in the hope that an employer finds you.

Employment Websites

A number of employment websites are available and can be a better option if your do not want to go through an agency or newspapers. Career Junction is one of the biggest job websites in South Africa and you can add your profile and upload your CV for free. If you spot any suitable job openings, you can apply for it online and if the advertisers feels that you are suitable, they may schedule an interview. PNet is another popular careers website in South Africa but most jobs are for professionals.

Whichever route you choose to take, finding a job in South Africa requires perseverance and patience. It may be helpful to take not of the tips for the unemployed as it will guide you as to what you need to do to make yourself more attractive to employers.