Tips on how to market yourself and look for a Job
It is sad to see how many people are looking for employment even to read that they have been searching for 3 years. I will be sharing my tips on how to market yourself and look for a job. Employment is stagnant in South Africa, so you need to be proactive because the traditional way of may not work try some untraditional way.
Looking for employment in South Africa can be a daunting task. I remember when I was searching it felt like a full-time job because I was up at 6am and looked at the new posts as a hawk. After failing to get a job the traditional way, I did it my way and instead of me calling for a job, the company called me.
Here is what I did:
- Place an Ad– I placed adverts on jobsites showcasing myself, I stated what kind of a job I am looking for and cut and paste my experience.Β Use sites such as Gumtree, Job Mail to name a few.
The only irritating part about this, if you are a woman there are man who will take your number and WhatsApp you asking if you interested in a job as a PA with benefits (by this they mean Sexual favours from you) Learn to ignore them. The correct company that is really looking someone with your skills will contact you. Post daily, donβt give up.
- LinkedIn Profile β Create a professional profile on LinkedIn, it does not matter how much experience you have, just get yourself out there and put a nice professional profile pic. When you have, a new skill and add it and update your profile on a regular basis.
- Learn a new skill β There are free online courses that you can do. Shaw Academy offers free courses occasionally. It will be a good add to your CV/Resume. It will show your potential employer that you are regularly intellectually developing yourself. Also, look for free skills workshops and seminars you can attend.
30 Comments
Melissa Javan
Great tips – I never thought about placing an advert.
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Melissa
The thought came to me after months and months of submitting my cv and not hearing anything.βΊ
My Petit Canard
Its hard finding a job when the market is stagnant like how you describe it is in SA currently, but I love that you found your own way to approach this that worked for you. These are really great tips that would be just as relevent in the UK and other countries im sure! Lovely to have you join us again after a while π Great post, thanks for sharing it on #MarvMondays. Emily
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Emily
It would apply in any country. It good to be back ?????
Christie Brown
Although the job market is stagnant these days here in Australia, I’m actually on the look out for a career change, so this post could not have come at a better time! I’ll definitely apply these tips during my search. Thank you so much for sharing!
Christie’s Take on Life. xx
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Christie
Its stagnant everywhere and its horrible. Glad you got to see my post at the time you needed it. I also love finding posts like that
Ravi
Placing an ad looks quite a new idea to me for job seekers. Thanks for sharing your ideas. Would be useful at some point..
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Ravi
Yes its a new thing. Something I tried after sending 100’s of my cv’s and got nothing.
Amber Myers
What great ideas. I’ve heard having a LinkedIn account is important. I should probably fix mine up. I haven’t looked at it in years.
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Amber
Yes LinkedIn is an amazing tool I know friends who were offered jobs through it.
Deimarys
These are really good tips. I had linkedin but deleted it because I didn’t understand it.
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi D
I get what you are saying it also took me a while to understand LinkedIn.
Briana
these are some awesome tips. I never tried placing an ad during my job hunt. LinkedIn is really a great resource as well.
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Briana
I was desperate and placing the ad worked out. ?
Tasheena @ SimplyTasheena.com
These are wonderful tips. Linkedin is a wonderful resource when looking for employment and marketing yourself.
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Tasheena
I swear by LinkedIn these days.
Amila Wickramarachchi
Really helpful tips.I used my linked in profile bio to shoe my experience and shared that I am in search for a job.However,after few years staying at home,I always get offers with really low salary offers.It is similar to my salary as a beginner.So,I am still waiting for the right job… π Shaw Academy is really a nice place to follow a course.I completed Diploma in Digital Marketing…
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Amila
The right job will come and yes keep taking online course to upgradge yourself.
David Elliott
You remind me that I really need to work on my linked in profile. It’s just interesting that I have my career and now this blogging thing and wanting to reflect both things on there. It gets a bit difficult at times.
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi David
Yes it can be difficult but you have to work on it and you will get it.
Amrita
LinkedIn I hear everywhere .Have to check it out , Its very important to put myself in the right place to be noticed.Useful tips.
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Amrita
You better try it out it takes time for some to understand like me but once you get the hang of it. It is insightful.?
Apolline Adiju
LinkediNn is one of my best social media platforms and I use it all the time to generate leads for my business. I agree with you that using it is a good way to market yourself and get a good job.
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Apolline
You are absolutely right Its has become my favorite too lately.
Priyanka
Networking is a huge way to help look jobs. I think recommendations go a long way!
xo,
Pri | Paint The Town Chic
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Priyanka
Yes recommendations do go a long way?
Melissa
I agree that Linkedin is extremely helpful. I know that it will place you in the market and that hopefully companies will notice your achievements.
Sushmita
The good points shared!
Definitely will be helpful for those looking forward to finding a job.
LinkdIn has been the saver for many π
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Susan it a
Thank you
Roxy
These are superb tips. I’m actually in the process of hunting for a job myself so this is right on time!