Job hunting is already frustrating enough without unemployment running rampant, especially in emerging economies like South Africa.
The government in South Africa reported that in the first quarter of 2023, unemployment was recorded at 32,9 %, and is among the highest in the world.
Job searching when work is scarce
For anyone who lives in a country saddled with unemployment, like South Africa, approaching the job search mission needs some creativity. If getting a job is a number game, it is important to stand out with a banger resume and be open-minded about the emerging remote workplace.
Remote work research goes a long way
Choosing relocation as the answer to unemployment still requires money to settle in a new town. Luckily, in the age of the internet, job searching around the world can be a breeze with remote work.
Many traditional work sites now have remote-only filters such as LinkedIn. Websites such as We Work Remotely and No Desk.co for job seekers anywhere in the world.
Work from home is on fast rise
Do research on the field you are skilled in to find working-from-home opportunities. Do not assume there are no remote opportunities. We Forum reported that remote work grew so much that in 2022, 6 out of 10 Americans have a chance to work from Home. Consider which transferrable skills you may have for positions you notice having remote options.
For example, someone with tutoring experience could find opportunities to Teach English as a Foreign Language, a field with many online opportunities.
What makes a good CV?
It can be tempting to mass-apply and send your CV to every job possible. However, less is more. With tools such as Chat GPT, it is easier than ever to customise your CV according to job descriptions.
Mass sending an identical CV will only serve to make you blend in with a crowd. Sending two CVs that match and speak to the job post will have a better chance than 20 CVs that are identical for all job posts.
How many CVs should you send?
While quantity is important, you must balance it with quality. Research by Brookings showed that the more time spent on job searching, the faster one leaves the job search market. If you can send 10 CVs in a day then do it, but each must be customised, but never settle to send the same CV to all 10.