You’ve just completed matric, now what?
AS you read this article, you’re probably trying to find your first job and are keen to launch your career and start earning some money!
It is important to remember that while your first job may not be exactly what you had in mind, you will learn a lot of invaluable skills and gain experience that will be helpful for your future career.
Your first job is usually not in your chosen field but rather a stepping stone on the career path that takes you to where you want to be.
When applying for your first job, here are some things you need to know: What kind of entry-level jobs are available for first-time work-seekers?
There are opportunities across all sectors for first-time work-seekers. In the retail and hospitality sector, these jobs include sales staff, cashiers, hotel and restaurant staff and delivery and scooter drivers.
There are also positions for butchers, baristas and bakers. In the corporate sector, there are opportunities in sales and service contact centres as well as admin-related jobs.
In the industrial sector, you could look for a job in manufacturing and construction or as a technician. Do not forget about looking for a job with a small business, as SMEs provide more than 50% of South Africa’s jobs.
It’s important to remember that volunteering – if you can’t immediately find work – is also a great way to learn skills and gain experience to add to your CV. A volunteer job may also become a permanent job over time. You can find volunteering opportunities on www.myhandsandheart.org or simply approach
a business near to where you live and offer to work for free to gain experience. Where can young people look for first-time jobs?
As a first-time work-seeker you can look for a job in the workplace section of newspapers, on online job portals or register with a recruitment agency.
Do not forget to develop a LinkedIn profile – you can look for jobs there too. You can also apply at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator – a free service to young first-time work-seekers with no experience – it helps you gain the skills you need to get into employment.
Plus, if you match our employer criteria, have a matric, a valid South African ID, are between 18 and 34 years old and have not been permanently employed for more than 12 months, you can apply to Harambee for free on www.harambee.mobi Five lessons you’ll learn from your first job
1 How to communicate with different people – people skills are 90% of any job.
2 How to manage your time and stay organised – meeting deadlines is an important part of any job.
3 Hard work pays off. When it comes time for an increase or bonus or employee awards, hard work will stand you in good stead.
4 Not to burn bridges along the way – no matter how much you dislike your boss, customers or colleagues, you never know when you may need them.
5 How to be customer-centric and how to deal with difficult customers.
Remember, even CEOs and other leaders started out at the bottom of the ladder. If you would like to watch a few videos of successful people, including our Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, sharing their first job experiences, visit YouTube and search for the Ha ram bee Work For Work channel.
Harambee connects employers looking for entry-level talent to young, high-potential work-seekers struggling to find jobs. Since 2011, more than 30 000 young South Africans have been placed in jobs with more than 300 SA employers. To learn more about Harambee, go to www.harambee.co.za. Candidates can apply using their cellphones on www.harambee.mobi