Studying is really important – but actually it is only a key to the world of work. Unless you use your qualification to get a job you have missed the entire point! So – what do you need to do to get that first job.

1. Prepare a smart CV. Spend time on this – it’s really important. Surf the web until you find a CV template you like – and use it. Fill in the template fully and save your work with an appropriate file name (don’t use “Imasexypiece.pdf” because this file is going to employers!)
2. Take a look at www.placementsineducation.co.za and read the article on “What should be in your CV” Edit your CV using this article – and don’t forget the referees.
3. Once you have done all of that, get someone who has been working for some time to proof-read your CV. You don’t have to make all the changes they suggest (unless they are correcting spelling and grammar – then you do have to make the change!) but they will guide you as to what employers are looking for.
4. Now decide what sort of job you want. President of SA? Perhaps not yet. Try something a bit further down the ladder. Receptionist in the President’ s office? Well, you can search for that and see what you find. But new graduates should expect to start at the bottom of the employment-heap. You may feel like you know a plenty – but in the world of work, you have a lot to learn!
5. Search online, that’s where most of the jobs are. There are WhatsApp groups which advertise jobs, lots of employers advertise vacancies on their own website, and recruitment agencies advertise constantly. Gumtree has a jobs section. Find some suitable sites – and send your CV whenever it matches the job. Don’t harass the employer – if you send the CV six times your chance of an interview is -6.
6. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get many replies. And don’t be upset if people turn your CV down. Definitely don’t be rude to anyone! Finding a job takes time, sometimes you will be happy – and other times ready to kill someone! All perfectly normal.
7. When someone offers you an interview you are welcome to be excited, but also be aware that only 1% of those interviewed for the first time will be hired. So, treat every interview as “interview practise”, and you will become more confident as time goes on. Only when you have had 100 unsuccessful interviews do you have the right to become a bit discouraged and ask what you are doing wrong.
8. If you have graduated with a B Ed, B degree + PGCE or a B degree in Psychology, Placements in Education would like to see your CV. If we can not assist you, we will tell you where to look. At the moment, we only have entry-level vacancies in Gauteng, and we cannot facilitate relocation – candidates have to be living in Gauteng.

Happy hunting!