The ultimate sites for job hunting in South Africa
There are so many websites that post job openings but ultimately, these are the tried, tested and most recommended for the South Africa job market. As you find and save job specifications that spark your interest, keep record of the job title, company, date you submitted your application and what you submitted, was it a CV only, CV and cover letter or any other additional information.
Company website
This should be your starting point if you know for sure which companies you want to be apply to. There is usually a “Career”, or “Work for us” link in the header or footer of the website. Once on this page, job openings are usually visible based on location, job function, date posted and the deadline for applications. There may also be additional information regarding the company’s recruitment process, frequently asked questions, how to apply etc. Take note of all this detail as well and include it in your application. You might be required to set up an account when applying on a career portal and populate your personal details as well as job specific questions. This may include copying what is already on your CV into their site such as skills, past experience and qualifications as well as uploading a copy of your CV and additional items. This has two advantages:
Your profile on company sites allows you to get notifications of new job postings.
Any roles you may suitable for, the internal team will contact you.
South Africa’s Top 500 Listed Companies
Most companies have a presence on LinkedIn, therefore you should also have an up to date profile to make yourself and expertise visible to a global audience. You then get the job opening against all these companies on one reliable site, some of which you can apply directly with your LinkedIn profile without needing to be redirected to another site.
You can show recruiters you are open to work (without your employer knowing) and recruiters or hiring managers can contact you directly.
You can get alerts of job recommendations if you turn this functionality on based on skill/title/company and location you choose.
You can activate LinkedIn Premium for a 1 month free trial for added statistics such as which of your skills match to which job posts, interview preparation, LinkedIn Learning courses and more.
You can connect with people within the company that have a similar role to get you acquainted and even improve your application. based on their advice.
You can join tailored groups regarding a skillset or sector and network your way to job openings suited to you.
Offerzen
A proudly South African company where you can find tech related jobs. You can create a profile, specifying exactly what you are looking for e.g. salary, location, ideal next role, work history, skills and qualifications. It keeps a clear log of the companies that have approached and interviewed you. It is the perfect place to deal directly with multiple companies from one place.
You can specify which companies that can view your profile.
Companies can approach you requesting an interview and the relevant salary & benefits information is shared.
You get assigned a talent advisor to assist with your search.
Indeed
Ideal site as it consolidates job postings across many individual sites, all industries and sectors, making it another one stop point for all your job searches in South Africa. Be aware that you may come across the same job post a number of times due to multiple recruiters trying to resource for this role.
You can read company reviews to get better insights on the company from current/past employees.
Employers & recruiters can approach you if you have created a profile.
You can do salary comparisons across job titles.
Pnet
Broad offering of jobs across sectors and industries including education & training, media & advertising, transport, logistics & freight and has a more streamlined view to assist your search.. Similar to Indeed, quite often the job posts will be by various recruiters.
More filtering options as you navigate the site - you can filter by job function, sector, region, work type, contract.
Salary ranges for the job tend to be available.
Keeps a log off jobs you have applied for through the website.
PuffandPass
This site is tailored for student and graduate opportunities countrywide. Bursaries, internships, learnerships, apprenticeships in service training and graduate programmes.
They have opportunities across many fields such as finance, marketing, engineering & accounting.
They have CV & Cover Letter templates.
Glassdoor
One of the world’s largest job and recruiting sites with extensive details not only jobs wise, but the companies posting them. You can get entrenched in the website to support you throughout your job searching journey after creating your account and uploading your profile.
They have very detailed information of companies, from reviews, salaries, interviews, benefits and company overview.
Know your worth and make use of their salary calculator.
Detailed interview questions to help you prepare e.g. analytical or technical interviews, interviews specific to a profession such as Sales or Teacher.
Nomad Now
This is a rapid recruitment marketplace for all flexi and permanent professional talent You can set your profile as a flexible or permanent worker and set your availability.
It is the perfect place for freelancers/independent contractors to get recurring jobs from a trusted local site and vetted hires.
Make yourself visible. Potential employers contact you directly for you to complete job(s) which you can accept or decline.
Get paid monthly based on completed work.
Nomad Now does all the invoicing, less time taken for personal administration.
Join their community group on Facebook to share insights and experiences.
Be consistent
Establish an approach and create a routine e.g. daily and set a timeframe around how you will do your search, ensuring you keep a log of which sites you have checked, which job role and company you have applied to etc. Be disciplined and consistent and you will reap the reward.
Be Daring
Just because you do not meet every single requirement on the job post, does not mean you should not apply. Supplemental knowledge of the subject matter and a keen interest to be in that field can take you a long way as opposed to ticking every single requirement on the job specification. Note, this is also not applicable to every industry and job role, but you can aim to meet at least 80% of the criteria. Some of the items listed as requirements could actually be nice to have from the company as opposed to must have. Apply for those roles you know you will excel in but must importantly, showcase how you will do so in your application.
Be innovative
If you find that the approach you are currently using is not getting you the desired results, consider trying something you have not done already. Search for people on LinkedIn with the role you are interested in and reach out to them for advice. Let people know you are looking for a job through social media, networking in career or profession specific groups and attending related events (virtual or live). Human workplace speaks of writing a pain letter which is intended to get your hiring manager thinking about his or her biggest problem. Try it.
Productivity & Rest
Only applicable if you are currently not working. Explore your interests, learn a new skill, be involved in community and also try make money through side hustles or freelancing. Explore those crazy ideas you were saving for when you have time because believe it or not, the time is now! With the web constantly at our finger tips take the time to read news, blog posts and general research. It has also been a stressful & challenging 2020, so if you feel this is the time to take care of your mind, body, spirit and rest, take care of yourself.
Do not be wavered
It can be disheartening and tiring doing several applications but not getting any response or receiving many “we regret” emails. You may get many voices telling you what you should do, but if you are sure of what it is you want, do not be wavered by what other people say. Have a plan, pursue it, adjust and re-strategize. You have to be able to discern what will come as a distraction and shift you from your path or what will still be a roadway to take you where you want to go but in a different manner.
“The most common metaphor for careers is a ladder, but this concept no longer applies to most workers. As of 2010, the average American had eleven jobs from the ages of eighteen to forty-six alone. This means that the days of joining an organization or corporation and staying there to climb that one ladder are long gone. Lori often quotes Pattie Sellers, who conceived a much better metaphor: “Careers are a jungle gym, not a ladder.” As Lori describes it, ladders are limiting—people can move up or down, on or off. Jungle gyms offer more creative exploration. There’s only one way to get to the top of a ladder, but there are many ways to get to the top of a jungle gym. The jungle gym model benefits everyone, but especially women who might be starting careers, switching careers, getting blocked by external barriers, or re-entering the workforce after taking time off. The ability to forge a unique path with occasional dips, detours, and even dead ends presents a better chance for fulfilment. Plus, a jungle gym provides great views for many people, not just those at the top. On a ladder, most climbers are stuck staring at the butt of the person above.” Sheryl Sandberg, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead
