Author name: Liesel

Many of our Clients make use of Recruitment Agencies. Some report back with very good results and others found that the whole experience left them with a very bad taste in their mouths.The number one complaint they have is that the Recruitment Agency just simply doesn’t come back to them after they filled out the required forms and met with them personally. Secondly, they felt that the Recruitment Consultant did not take a personal interest in their abilities and what they have to offer an Employer. New Recruitment Agencies seem to pop up everywhere you look so it is advisable that you do some extensive research before you just blindly go with an Agency. Remember, they will be representing you. Is the Agency a reputable, well-known Company Make sure the Agency you decide to go with has a track record of building personal Client relationships. Good Agencies always do face-to-face interviews. Normally you will have a dedicated Recruitment Consultant who will take a personal interest in you and your career goals. Are they passionate about what they do A passionate Recruitment Agency is enthusiastic about helping you in your employment search and is committed to guide you throughout the entire recruitment process. They possess expertise in and understand various industries A good Recruitment Agency understands various industries or their speciality industry and the needs of Employers. They are able to give advice on CV’s and Cover Letters Good Recruitment Agencies know what Employers are looking for and is able to give advice on or point you to a Professional CV Writer that would be able to tailor your CV and Cover Letter to both industry and Employer requirements. Warning bells should go off when they ask you to pay money upfront Fraudulent Recruitment Agencies know that South Africa is still struggling with a massive employment shortage. Based on this fact they make empty promises usually accompanied by insisting money to be paid upfront for their services. Legitimate Recruitment Agencies are paid by the hiring Company and not by Candidates that is placed. When researching Recruitment Agencies be ready to ask them allot of questions as to enquire whether they are capable in assisting you in landing that dream job. Be “picky” and don’t settle for second best!   This article was written en published by Liesel Cloete. The Award-Winning CV Writer Behind SA CV Writing Studio With an extensive HR/Payroll background, I transitioned from the corporate world and founded SA CV Writing in 2014 to empower professionals in their career journeys. My clients report back on securing interviews with local and international firms. 

So you went for that interview and seemed to be the best candidate for the job. As a bonus you appeared very approachable and charismatic. After a few weeks in the new position, your Colleagues come to notice a few things about you; you don’t work well within a team environment and is a dreadful gossip with an extremely arrogant disposition. You are officially labelled by your peers as a toxic Employee. Coming from a corporate background myself, I have seen and experienced first-hand the consequences that a toxic Employee can have on a department, not to mention a Company. According to a recent Harvard Business School study, Companies who avoid hiring toxic Employees, can in the long-term, save the Organisation more money. The study also revealed that the cost of a single toxic Employee can amount up to ZAR180 000.00. Scary, don’t you think? Additionally, a toxic Employee can jeopardise the stability of other valuable Staff Members as well as slow down their productivity. Any Organisation would agree that their main function should be protecting and maintaining their most valuable resource; their Employees. If you agree to one or more of the following points, you might be considered as just another toxic individual with no real value for the Business: You resist all forms of change, good or bad. Others find you to be aggressive and defensive in all situations. You are disorganised and lack credibility. You tend to display little to no motivation. You make damaging remarks about the Business and its leadership. Others perceive you as a gossip that has something bad to say about everyone and everything. Nobody can tell you much about anything because you know everything! You never do anything more than what is required of you. You don’t perform well in a team environment. During the course of my career I have come to learn that there is no such thing as a perfect work environment. The important thing is that most Organisations are starting to realise the immense costs involved with allowing toxic behaviours to seep into teams and work extensively to contain it.   You will have to make the choice if you are going to work with the Organisation in achieving its short and long-term objectives or if you are going to take yourself down and be known in the industry for your destructiveness. By contributing to a culture of mutual profitableness and respect, you can make a change and ensure that your toxicity stops and does not spill over to the rest of the Organisation. Make the correct choice and be the change.   This article was written en published by Liesel Cloete. The Award-Winning CV Writer Behind SA CV Writing Studio With an extensive HR/Payroll background, I transitioned from the corporate world and founded SA CV Writing in 2014 to empower professionals in their career journeys. My clients report back on securing interviews with local and international firms. 

So you just graduated. Congratulations! You might be one of those individuals that are not thinking of looking for a job straight away. It’s the December holidays and all you want to do is relax and hang out with your friends and family. Or you might be one of the many that dread the whole idea of job hunting, not only because it’s unknown territory, but also because you have to start supporting yourself as soon as possible. Breathe……. It’s normal to feel that you are in over your head. Here are a view points to help you to stay sane throughout the whole process: Be realistic Face it, not all graduates step into that dream job. It will take a few job changes (if you are lucky) to really settle into that desired position. Remember that you will gain invaluable skills with every job/position you hold, and that is something that no one can take away from you. It’s going to take a lot of hard work You will have to put in a lot of effort and hours to be noticed out in the Job Market. Competition is tough. Make sure your CV is up to date Even if you don’t have the practical experience, a well-tailored CV will show Employers that you are organised and serious about the position you are applying for. Promote your personal brand If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, now is the time to have one drawn up. LinkedIn is a wonderful tool used by numerous Employers and Recruiters who are looking for vibrant and ambitious young candidates. If you already have one, make sure that all your details are updated and correct. Be patient Statistics show that most candidates who are actively seeking employment, get their first placement within a 3 month period. If this is not the case, go back to the drawing board. Make sure you know the Job Market, what Employers are looking for in a candidate, and if you have the skills they require. Enjoy the journey This should be a very exciting time for you. See every interview as a challenge and most importantly, learn from it. You will not only know what to improve on with regards to personal skills, but you will also gain vital life skills that you will be able to utilise throughout your career.   This article was written en published by Liesel Cloete. The Award-Winning CV Writer Behind SA CV Writing Studio With an extensive HR/Payroll background, I transitioned from the corporate world and founded SA CV Writing in 2014 to empower professionals in their career journeys. My clients report back on securing interviews with local and international firms. 

  HR is the backbone of any company. Coming from an HR background myself, I have experienced firsthand the good, the bad, and the ugly of this profession. I fervently believe that the HR Department and overall morale of employees are only as good as the one who sits at the top, making the daily decisions regarding all employee-related matters. Here are eight points to help you determine if you fit the profile.   1. Are you an HR People’s Person Are you able to interact with almost any type of personality? Are you seen as charismatic, one who is known for being fair and loyal to employees and the company? Can you effectively communicate with employees to convey your message? Congratulations, you are probably one of the few HR Managers who deserve to be in this role.   2. HR Requires Communication, Communication, Communication As an HR Manager, you will have to constantly share ideas, thoughts, and strategies with your team. Employees need to understand the importance of the company’s goals, and as a strong leader, you will have to utilise effective communication skills that will relay that message. Sharing the company’s beliefs more efficiently will allow you to act upon the Department Managers’ insight in preventing potential problems.   3. In HR, Honesty (…and Discretion) is Always The Best Policy Both honesty and discretion are crucial for employees. If your team know what is expected of them and you, at the same time, recognise their efforts and achievements, I guarantee you will have a motivated and committed team that would be willing to move mountains for you when needed.   4. Be an HR Motivator…Not an Irritator HR Managers need to motivate their teams and other company employees constantly. You would have to be able to inspire them to achieve their assigned goals with satisfaction. Motivation needs to come from the heart, not just because you want to get the job done.   Also read: SA CV Writing is awarded as the most customer-focused CV Writing Agency 2024 – South Africa   5. I Beg Your Pardon, What Did You Say About Listening? You had a busy day, and the employee who normally comes to you with various issues (some of the time not even work-related) is sitting in front of you again. You have to return a phone call and there is a Department Manager waiting to see you. You feel yourself steering the conversation into a close. The greatest HR Manager understands that people come to HR to be heard. Most of the time, it’s better just to listen and let the other person speak. And when I say listen, I mean really listen. Keep yourself from looking at your watch every 5 minutes. Not only will the person in front of you feel that you are there to assist them with their particular problem, but you will also be reputed for being a Manager who cares for his/her employees. Be the type of manager whose door is always open for your team.   6. Lights, Camera, Spotlight! HR is a support department. Ok, in a perfect world, it is supposed to be a support department. I have seen too many times how someone else’s success resulted in meaningless bickering and gossip. If you are fortunate enough to be the head of an HR Department with employees who care for their team members, you are one of the lucky few. If you, as the leader, allow an employee their time in the spotlight,  you are a perfect fit for this role.   7. Show Respect, Even When You Are Not Respected Sometimes, people who are not performing their jobs well are the ones who tend to blame management. This can make even the most controlled type of personality hot under the collar. Ensure that you maintain control of the situation by showing respect to this person, even if they are at fault. Maintain your dignity, but above all, keep your composure in front of other employees.   8. Dr. Jackel…No, it’s Mr (or Mrs) Hyde! Are you known for displaying more than one personality in an 8-hour work day? I know all too well the feeling of dreading going into the HR Manager’s office for fear of not knowing which personality you will have to interact with at that particular moment. A great HR Manager is always consistent, unwavering, and holds to impeccable personal and professional work ethics.   So there you have it! If you possess these traits – charisma like confetti at a parade, communication skills sharper than a tack, honesty mixed with discretion, motivation that doesn’t grate on people’s nerves, listening skills worthy of an award, respect in abundance, and consistency that would impress even robots – congratulations! You may have what it takes to be a fantastic HR Manager.   Let SA CV Writing create a standout CV that represents your skills and experiences. By customising your CV to align with your career goals, you’ll be able to measure your success in your own unique way. Let’s get started on achieving your career goals today!   #cvwritersinsouthafrica #professionalcvwriters #cvwritingservice #SA_CVWriting #careergoals  This article was written en published by Liesel Cloete. The Award-Winning CV Writer Behind SA CV Writing Studio With an extensive HR/Payroll background, I transitioned from the corporate world and founded SA CV Writing in 2014 to empower professionals in their career journeys. My clients report back on securing interviews with local and international firms. 

  Ah, social media—the digital playground where you can share your every thought and snack choice, all while trying to stay professional.  But let’s face it: in today’s world, being an open book online could land you in hot water quicker than you can say “unemployed.” Recently, we’ve seen a surge in stories about people getting roasted for their online antics, especially when they openly flaunt their workplace affiliations. As if that wasn’t enough, their companies got dragged into the mess, too! So, what gives? It turns out that while social media is an awesome tool for brand building (and don’t we all love free self-promotion?), there are some serious etiquette rules to follow—or risk becoming the next viral meme.   The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media Let’s break it down: social media can either catapult your career or send it crashing into a dumpster fire. In 2016 (or any year ending in “teen,” really), it’s pretty much guaranteed that your future employer is lurking on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Even if your potential workplace isn’t trending like Taylor Swift, rest assured that HR personnel are doing a little detective work. If you think your posts don’t matter because “it’s my page,” think again! Every tweet and status update is essentially a window into your soul—one that prospective employers and colleagues can peer through.   Employers Are Watching Social Media Accounts More companies are using social media as a background check tool. Yes, that selfie at last weekend’s party may come back to haunt you when you’re applying for an executive position.   Your Reputation Matters Do you want to be remembered as “that person who ranted about their boss online”? Spoiler alert: probably not.   The Art of Filtering Your Thoughts So, how do you avoid becoming the laughingstock of the internet? First off, consider this simple rule of thumb: if you’re tempted to vent about your boss or share an eye-roll-worthy story about office drama,… don’t. Sure, it might feel cathartic to let loose on social media, but remember the age-old adage—what happens on the internet stays on the internet.   Here are some tips to keep your online persona squeaky clean:   Think Before You Post: Ask yourself if you’d be comfortable with your mom (or worse—your boss) seeing that post. Choose Your Platforms Wisely: Consider using platforms designed for professional networking when discussing work-related topics. Leave Twitter rants for after hours! Keep It Professional: This doesn’t mean you have to stop being yourself; it just means being aware of how others perceive you online. Be Mindful of Your Photos: Yes, those beach vacation pics are adorable, but avoid posting them during office hours!   Read more here: SA CV Writing is awarded as the most customer-focused CV Writing Agency 2024 – South Africa   Don’t Underestimate Social Media’s Power Let’s not kid ourselves here—social media is powerful. Just because it feels casual doesn’t mean it isn’t impactful. A single misguided post can spiral out of control faster than you can hit “delete.” So, if you’re thinking about sharing something spicy or controversial, remember these golden words: once it’s out there, it’s out there forever. The permanence of online content is a stark reality that should guide your every post. And let’s face it—a bad reputation can follow you around like a lost puppy long after you’ve switched jobs or industries. Do you really want the “that person” label sticking with you? Didn’t think so!   In summary, navigating the wild world of social media requires more than just typing skills and a smartphone—it demands awareness and discretion! In today’s tech-savvy landscape, it is crucial to build and maintain one’s personal brand; however, doing so without thoughtfulness could lead to career chaos instead of success. So, before you hit that POST button after yet another frustrating day at work, take a moment to reflect. Will this help or hinder my career? Choose wisely; the internet has no shortage of eyes watching your every move—and trust me, no one wants to become the punchline of a viral joke!   Let SA CV Writing create a standout CV that represents your skills and experiences. By customising your CV to align with your career goals, you’ll be able to measure your success in your own unique way.      This article was written en published by Liesel Cloete. The Award-Winning CV Writer Behind SA CV Writing Studio With an extensive HR/Payroll background, I transitioned from the corporate world and founded SA CV Writing in 2014 to empower professionals in their career journeys. My clients report back on securing interviews with local and international firms. 

  Congratulations! You’ve just tossed your cap in the air, celebrated with friends and family, and felt that rush of excitement that comes with graduation. The world is your oyster, and you’re ready to make a difference. However, before you sprint towards your dreams of changing the world, there’s a crucial step that needs to be taken: finding work and landing that first job. But don’t rush into mass emailing your CV just yet! The job market can be daunting for fresh graduates. To help you navigate this journey effectively, here are some essential tips to expedite your search.   Also read: https://sacvwriting.co.za/graduate-cv-guide-2025-job-hunting-tips-success/   Tip 1: Be Realistic As a new graduate, it’s easy to dream big about landing that high-paying position straight out of school. However, it’s important to temper those expectations. Recognise that success often takes time and requires starting at the bottom. Research entry-level positions or internships that will allow you to learn while you earn. Embrace opportunities as stepping stones toward your ultimate career goals.   Tip 2: Treat Your Search Like a Full-time Job Set aside specific hours each day to scour job boards, tailor applications, and follow up on leads. The more time you invest in your search, the better your chances of finding that ideal role.   Tip 3: Network They say it’s not what you know but who you know—and there’s truth in that! Your network can offer valuable insights and connections in your desired field. Reach out to old classmates, professors, or anyone who might help you in your search. Join online groups related to your industry on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook.   Tip 4: Publications and Newsletters Staying informed about industry news is crucial. It helps you understand current trends and prepares you for interviews where this knowledge may be relevant. Subscribe to relevant publications and newsletters; they often feature openings and insights from industry leaders that can give you an edge over other candidates.   Also read: https://misterindependent.com/keeping-up-with-industry-trends/   Tip 5: Research Company Websites Create a list of organisations you’d love to work for and regularly check their career pages for new opportunities. This proactive approach demonstrates to employers that you’re genuinely interested in joining their team.   Tip 6: Temporary Employment Consider temporary or contract work as viable options when searching for a full-time role. Not only do these positions provide valuable professional experience, but they may also lead to permanent employment if you impress during your tenure.   Tip 7: Recruitment Agencies Don’t overlook recruitment agencies! Many businesses prefer to collaborate with agencies to streamline their hiring processes. Registering with an agency may open doors to additional opportunities not advertised publicly, giving you access to roles tailored specifically to your skills and aspirations.   Tip 8: Review Your CV Ensure your CV is sending the right message, as it is the first impression an employer will have of you! This is your first impression on potential employers, so it’s crucial to get it right. If needed, consider professional services like SA CV Writing, which can provide expert advice tailored to your unique background.   Read more here: SA CV Writing is awarded as the most customer-focused CV Writing Agency 2024 – South Africa   Ready to take charge of your future? Start by putting these strategies into action today! And if you’re looking for personalised guidance on crafting an impressive CV or preparing for interviews, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals like SA CV Writing, who can help polish your presentation skills and ensure you’re ready for whatever comes next on this exciting path ahead! Enjoy the journey… Happy job hunting!   #JobSearchTips #EmploymentGoals #cvwritingservicessouthafrica #cvwriting #cvwritingservice  #sacvwriting #professionalcvwritersinsouthafrica