After two years at home as a full time accounting student, I have decided to re-enter the workforce and am currently in the job market.
I now know (and understand) why some people stay in the same dead end job for years. They're unhappy, but it's way better than being out there in the shark tank. Job hunting is a roller-coaster. There will be peaks when everything is going well - and you literally feel like throwing your arms up in the air and screaming "woohoo" - and also pits, where your heart is in your throat and you are very tempted to push the emergency stop button and exit the ride.
Securing an interview boosts self confidence and job seekers are instilled with fresh motivation. They are worth something. They CAN secure that position. Elation. Happiness is. And then there are the moments when you have never doubted yourself more. When a recruitment agent is picking your CV apart like a microbiologist examining the stem of a plant, your self confidence decreases. They question everything. Rightfully so, though. They need to know who and what you are before sending you for interviews. For once I am on the receiving end of numerous questions and requests to provide supporting documents. The auditor becomes the auditee. Recruitment agents audit candidates.
This is how the process works in South Africa: a candidate applies for a position (submits his/her CV) on one of the many job websites. The recruitment agent that posted the advert reviews the CVs and makes a short list of the suitable candidates for the relevant position. The agent then contacts the short list of candidates and arranges to meet them for an interview. Candidates are required to take copies of their Identity Documents, drivers licenses, Matric and tertiary qualification certificates, a photograph, and their last/most recent payslip to the interview. That's just the start of the admin. Once at the agency, candidates are required to fill out indemnity forms, confidentiality; disclaimer and biographical information forms. Forms to consent to ITC and criminal record checks are also signed. Fingerprints are taken and only after that will the agent sit down with you. Again, these checks are all within reason as the responsibility of making an successful placement rests with the agent.
Up till now, I have met with four recruiters.
Recruitment agent #1: This agency (well renowned company with branches all over South Africa) is situated in Boksburg. I ran the verification gauntlet above, and then had to complete competency tests on Microsoft Excel and Bookkeeping. The Excel test comprised simple (make the text of a cell "bold") and more difficult (reformatting graphs and tables) questions. I managed to pass, luckily. The bookkeeping test went much better than the Excel test and I scored 96%. Yay me. The consultant didn't quiz me on what type of industry or environment I'd like to work in (which I feel are pertinent questions), nor did she ask about my interpersonal skills or long term goals. The agent had a position in mind for me, and to be honest I think that was it for her. I was the perfect candidate and she wouldn't have to look any further. The company in question was in the agricultural industry, situated in Booysens (the not so nice part of Johannesburg). I went for the interview, and although the managerial experience and responsibility were plus factors there were also some negatives to it. I discussed the job with my mom, William and a few friends, slept on it and then decided the next morning to turn it down. Some may question my reasoning with this decision, but I felt it was better to wait for a better suited opportunity to come along than accept the first offer simply because it was an offer.
Recruitment agent #2: A friend referred me to this purely financial oriented agency in Midrand, after having dealt with them recently. After agent #1 I was hopeful that this would be the key. This consultant was everything agent #1 was not. She was warm, friendly and she encompassed the vision of a recruitment agent I had in mind. Our conversation points included personality traits, technical specifications, ideal work environments, hopes and dreams. Real in depth getting-to-know-the-candidate stuff. She mentioned a position that had become available just before Christmas at a multi-national French cosmetics company that I would be suitable for, and I was elated. A French cosmetics company! What more could a girl ask for? I took French to IGCSE level in high school. The name of this very blog is of French origin! Heck, I'm even considering buying a French car. It was fate. She told me not to get my hopes up as she would have to confirm that the vacancy had not yet been filled, but it was too late. I was already day dreaming of business trips to Paris, attending glamorous photo shoots for products and improving my vocabulary and cultural skills.Failing that vacancy, the consultant assured me she had other opportunities for me so I should go home and wait for her call. I did. She never got back to me regarding the French job (or any other for that matter) so I assume there's nothing available at the moment. I'm disappointed.
Recruitment agent #3: This referral came from a family friend, and our interview was held in Johannesburg. The consultant was bubbly, friendly, and vibrant but possesses the analytical skills worthy of the law degree she holds. After questioning me about my previous work experience, qualifications and personality, the conversation moved to prospective work environments. A question that came up in all three of my interviews was: How do I handle conflict? My response was that I am not an aggressive person and will try solve matters with the other party in an even manner . Should that be unsuccessful I would call a senior member of staff to assist. At the time it seemed a strange question, but looking back it was very important as conflict between staff members arises frequently, and no company wants to employ a candidate with anger issues. The consultant then asked if I would be interested in returning to an audit firm. No deal. My experience in public practice built character, and taught me about many different industries but it can be soul devouring at times. Besides, I'd like to experience the work environment on the other side of the fence - that way I can make an informed decision about long term prospects. I was told that not wanting another public practice job eliminated a fair amount of vacancies, but I should sit tight and wait as new vacancies come up every day and the right one was out there for me.
Recruitment agent #4: I responded to an online advert for a vacancy on PNet, and agent #4 contacted me to set up a meeting at her Benoni based office. This time I was required to complete a typing skills evaluation. I'm not the fastest typist but I managed to score in the 90th percentile (fist pump). As per usual, she went through my CV with a fine tooth comb and asked questions like "Why has it taken you so long to complete your degree?". Fair enough question but on that day I took it a bit personally. I replied evenly with "I started articles and studying at the same time" but in my mind I was totally defensive. The agent moved on to interpersonal skills and asked why I thought a company should hire me. What does one say that a million candidates before them HAVEN'T said? The usual buzz words such as loyal, honest, hardworking, attentive to detail, etc immediately come to mind. I picked the ones I felt described me best but this agent wasn't appeased. She told me that since I had very little interview skills she would coach me on the best way to answer these questions. Apparently one should use one of the abovementioned qualities and then back it up with an example. I was then asked if I had won any special awards or similar at my previous workplace. Um no, auditing isn't really the "Employee of the Month" type of industry. At the end of our interview, the agent said she would like to send me for an interview at a mining equipment company not too far from home.What I've learnt in the job hunting game is that it encompasses the hurry-up-and-wait mentality. Nothing happens quickly.
I haven't left the hunt solely up to the recruitment agents. In between meetings with them, I have been trawling
PNet,
Careers24 and
Career Junction. I have responded to adverts in the local newspaper, followed up on friend's referrals and taken a long shot by emailing my CV to companies that list their HR department contact details on their website. Some respond to acknowledge your email, advise you there aren't any suitable vacancies at present but will keep your CV on file for future reference. Others don't respond at all.
That is where I stand at the moment. Two weeks of active job hunting in, and I am experiencing many emotions. Frustration, excitement, impatience, hope. Yes, the right job will come along at the right time, sooner rather than later though - preferably.
