Dispatch Careers to empower and guide job seekers

Entering the job market can be a daunting and stressful experience – not just for students making the transition from high school, university or college, but also for those who have lost a job due to tough economic times or even a mother or father returning to work after taking some time out to raise children. The anxiety is further compounded by the country’s high unemployment rate. In the Eastern Cape, a little more than 45% of the province’s citizens are without a job.

Despite the challenges, many still venture out each day in search of “piece jobs” or send out CVs and applications with the hope of attracting the attention of a future employer. The situation may seem desperate, but it is not entirely hopeless.

Daily Dispatch readers, in a survey completed several months ago, requested that jobs and career advice be published in the newspaper to help empower those searching for opportunities.

We listened to their call and introduced two full pages of job advertisements from the private sector, government and parastatals every Monday.

Today, the Daily Dispatch also launches its careers page to supplement the weekly job advertisements (see page 10 for more information).

Every week, Dispatch Careers will feature practical career and business advice for those who are preparing to enter or re-enter the job market or entrepreneurs who are looking to blaze their own trail.

Featured experts will provide guidance on a number of topics, including how to draw up a CV that will hold the attention of an interviewer, how to conduct yourself in a job interview, what it takes to buy into a franchise, and many more.

The Daily Dispatch will also profile a graduate who has been struggling to find a job, with the aim of getting them noticed by prospective employers.

Securing a job is much more than just having the right credentials on paper. It is also about having the right attitude and determination, setting yourself apart from the dozens of other candidates who may be vying for the same position as you and being open to new possibilities as you may not end up in the job you studied for.

With Dispatch Careers, we hope to provide our readers with the necessary tools and knowledge to empower themselves.

Securing a job is much more than just having the right credentials on paper. It is also about the right attitude