Sourcing opportunities

It’s important to get a good idea of what is available in the job market and what would suit your individual strengths and interests. Many organisations offer learnerships and internship opportunities, which are a great way to gain experience and build up your CV.
 
Here are some effective ways to find available positions:

• Check job sites and the career section of the newspaper regularly. Popular sites include Career Junction, Careers24 and LinkedIn.
• If you are interested in a particular employer, keep an eye on the careers section of their website.
• Visit your tertiary careers office to see if they have postings of any jobs on the market.
• Don’t underestimate the importance of networking – talking to friends and getting referrals based on their experiences.

Get your name out there

It’s vital that you have a CV that authentically and succinctly provides all the information a prospective employer may need to consider your application. A short cover letter introducing yourself and explaining why you’re right for the job is always a must.

The selection process

Every position has three main components:

• Knowledge
• Skills
• Competencies

While the first two reflect the ‘what’ of a job, the competencies are the attitudes and behaviour that underpin how you’ll perform in the role. Competencies influence how well you apply your knowledge and skills and are always a critical focus in the selection process. An interviewer may ask you questions about how you have dealt with certain situations in the past.

Preparing for the interview

You’ve been called in for an interview; remember the following:

• Do as much preparation as you can beforehand, like researching the position and the company’s history and ethos. Everything you need to know should be online. If in doubt, ask the company’s HR department, or friends and family.
• Focus on the competency requirements. An employer usually wants to see evidence of a positive attitude, energy, discipline (never be late for an interview!) and an ability to give real examples of how you’ve dealt with situations using the competencies in the job description.
• Remember the basics: ensure you’re well rested on the day and remain focused. You may not be successful first time round, but you can ask for feedback and use this to improve going forward. Finally, present yourself as your own most unique and valued asset, because that is what you are.

For more tips, see Tips for standing out in the job market.

Competency quiz

Prepare your answers to these questions in advance of an interview. It's a great way for you to show a potential employer how you respond to challenges.

Creativity
Q: Tell us about a time when you came up with a different or novel approach to a problem or situation? What was your role in this? What was the outcome?

Interpersonal effectiveness
Q: Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a difficult person or colleague. What happened? What did you do? What was the outcome?

City jobs and opportunities

The City offers a range of employment and career development opportunities to suitably qualified applicants from a range of social and educational backgrounds.

Find out more about City jobs and opportunities.

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