DestiNation Map
Creating The Perfect CV
Create a CV that gets your foot in the door...
Your CV is one of the most important things you'll need to kick start your career and keep it moving in the right direction. It's not just a neat list of your skills and abilities; it's your first contact with a prospective employer and the document you want to land you an interview. Here's how to build a professional CV that gets your foot in the door and makes the right first impression.
-
1
List your education and qualifications. People need to know where you’ve been and which skills you’ve picked up along the way. Keep in mind what your prospective employer would be looking for and keep your list current and relevant – school achievements probably aren’t going to do that much more to get you through the door.
-
2
Detail your work experience from your latest job to your first. This is often the most persuasive part of your CV, so highlight the skills you needed and the experience you gained. Be honest – don’t talk up your achievements and relate them specifically to the job you’re trying to get.
-
3
List applicable achievements from your previous jobs. For example, if you were employee of the month for racking up the highest sales, say so.
-
4
What about your general skills? Can you speak a foreign language? Have you got a driver’s license? Are there any unusual and relevant computer programs you’ve mastered?
-
5
Mention your extra-curricular activities. Your life is about more than just your job, so list one or two of your hobbies or special interests.
-
6
Include your contact info and double-check for mistakes. If you’re going to use an email address, keep it professional – fluffybunny@holla.com probably won’t make the best impression. If you don’t have an email address, get one. Try Gmail, Webmail or any of the other free and recognisable services available.
-
7
Stay honest. Background checks and character references are standard for most companies.
-
8
Unless you’re asked for them, don’t mention your marital status, age or weight. None of them should get in the way of you landing the interview.
-
9
Avoid the words ‘me’ and ‘I’ as much as you can.
-
10
Stay away from slang and jargon – both are irrelevant to getting your foot in the door.
-
11
When you’re happy with it, ask a friend or family member to read your CV. A ‘cold’ audience often picks up what you might have missed.
-
12
Make sure your grammar and spelling are correct. Again, make sure your grammar and spelling are correct. It’s a basic and you can’t afford to get it wrong.
-
13
Skip the Clipart – your CV isn’t a school project or a cheap birthday card.
-
14
Unless you’re applying for a modelling or acting job, don’t include a picture of yourself. Your interviewer can wait to meet you face to face.
-
15
Choose a font that’s professional and easy to read. Times New Roman, Arial or Verdana will work, but Comic Sans probably won’t.
-
16
Pick a practical font size – 11pt or 12pt is the acceptable standard.
-
17
Add a cover letter. It’ll help motivate why you’re applying for the job or interview, and could set your CV apart from the pile stacked on someone’s desk.
-
18
Keep your CV up to date – you never know when you’re going to need it.
-
19
Print out a few copies of your CV and keep them handy. It’ll save you hassle later.
-
20
Unless it’s impractical, deliver your CV by hand or post a physical copy. An emailed CV could get lost in someone’s inbox, but a hard copy will make it into their hands.
Cracking Your Interview
How to impress future employers...
Now that you've got your CV ready, you need to get it into the hands of the right people and start preparing yourself for the interview. This DestiNation Map covers the basics, as well as a few finer points of the process.
-
1
Start with a list of who you’d like to work for. Get the correct names of the people you’re aiming to have contact with and which role they play in the company. Network. Everyone knows someone who knows someone. Let your friends, family and as many other people as you can, know that you’re looking for a job.
-
2
Get an agent. Agents are go-betweens for companies and applicants. They know which jobs are available and are good matchmakers. If you can’t find an agent, try the Human Resources person at the companies you’d like to work for. Once you’ve made contact, deliver your CV in person – it’s a good gesture.
-
3
Scan the Classifieds or careers section of the daily and weekly papers. If you have access to the Web, start accounts with the recognised professional hubs like LinkedIn and VisualCV. Make it known that you’re looking for career opportunities. Get a grip on the industry salaries from local salary surveys (recruitment agencies are a good place to start) so you know what’s on offer and how much you could expect to earn.
-
4
Hit the Web. Most Career sites offer great search functionality, so you can pinpoint positions that suit you. Here's a few to get you started:
Career Jet: http://www.careerjet.co.za/
Career Junction: http://www.careerjunction.co.za/
Careers24: http://www.careers24.com/
IOL Jobs: http://www.ioljobs.co.za/
Bizcommunity: http://www.bizcommunity.com/ -
5
Do your research. Once you’ve lined up an interview, find out as much as you can about the company. A few things to look at: their client list, philosophy and values, who the figureheads are and the company’s relative position in their industry. Who’s the competition? Do your best to get an understanding of the industry. What issues or challenges is it facing? Are there any gaps? Can you bring a new idea into the mix?
-
6
Gather a list of typical interview questions and get a friend to rehearse with you. There’s nothing like practice on the road to perfection. Ask the company about their interview process. The more you know, the more you can plan for.
-
7
Have you got the skills? Qualifications are a given, but what else are you good at that might help you land the job?
-
8
Dress for success. Get an idea of what people in the industry wear to work, and then find a good fit. You only get one chance to make a good first impression, so aim for something simple, but professional.
-
9
Know the practicalities and plan for them. Where is the interview? How are you getting there? Who is interviewing you and what is their role in the company?
-
10
Timing is everything, so show up on time. Leave early enough to give yourself half an hour to compose your thoughts before the interview starts.
-
11
No phone. Switch your phone off and keep it off during the interview. It’s a respect thing, plus you don’t want any interruptions.
-
12
Think before you speak. When the interviewer asks you a question, take a moment to figure out how you’ll answer it best. One word answers like ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ don’t tend to lead anywhere, so show some initiative. If you’re unsure of exactly what they’re asking, ask them to rephrase the question. Clarity is everything.
-
13
Don’t fidget. Sit up straight, keep eye contact and be conscious of your body language.
-
14
Don’t badmouth previous employers or colleagues. It’ll only make you look bad.
-
15
Don’t put a price on it. Wait for the interviewer to bring up salary expectations and negotiations. They might wait for the second round of interviews to do this.
-
16
Interview them. It’s not a one-way discussion. Use your research to ask relevant questions about the company. It’ll show the interviewer that you have a real interest in the job. Ask for a business card – it indicates intent. Find out what the next steps are in the interview process as you may be required to go for tests.
-
17
Leave something behind. Two extra printed copies of your CV will be useful to your interviewer if they need to pass them on to their colleagues.
-
18
Say thank you. After the interview, email or phone your interviewer and thank them for the interview. That’s where the business card you picked up comes in handy.
-
19
Follow up. If you haven’t heard anything after an interview, call them about a week later, unless they’ve stated that they will get in touch with you by a specific date.
-
20
Go for as many interviews as you can. Even if you don't land the jobs at first, you'll gain experience through practice and get to grips with the process.
Choosing The Right Wheels
What are you going to drive to get where you want be?
If everything is going according to plan, your career is up and running and you can start thinking about getting behind the wheel of your own car. There's a lot to consider here, from financing plans to insurance to knowing what to look for if you're buying a second hand car. This DestiNation Map will help you navigate the route.
-
1
Choose the vehicle that suits your needs and budget: passenger, fuel efficient and affordable to maintain or more of a status symbol? It’s also worthwhile considering the car’s resale value.
-
2
Work out how much you can afford using a repayment calculator: http://tinyurl.com/5rb5ded. If you’re going to finance, choose financing that allows you to pay off your car as quickly as possible. Remember, the longer your repayment period, the more expensive it is. Stay away from residuals, they make the monthly repayments smaller but in the end you land up paying more.
-
3
Don’t forget to budget for repairs, servicing, monthly running costs (such as petrol, tyres, etc) and insurance. A good rule of thumb here: Don’t spend more than 15% of your income on all vehicle expenses, monthly repayments, insurance, fuel and maintenance.
-
4
New or pre-owned? Weigh up the pros and cons. New cars are in perfect condition, but lose about 20% value the minute they’re bought. Pre-owned is more affordable, but could have hidden problems.
-
5
Do your homework on car values to ease the negotiation process. Feel free to negotiate the price of the car, the value of your trade-in (if you have one) and interest rates. Know what you will be paying, not just the monthly amount, but the capital amount.
-
6
When buying privately, always have the car’s roadworthiness tested by the AA to avoid buying a dud. If you’re planning on financing your purchase, you’ll have to do this as a matter of course.
-
7
Don’t get taken for a ride by private sellers. Check their identities against the registration details. Check the mileage, service history and take the car for a test drive. Check to see whether the car is fully paid and not stolen - you can ask your local police department to check the history of the vehicle in question. The police can check up the registration of the vehicle to see if it is stolen or not.
-
8
Know your test drive checklist. Look at the steering, gear change, acceleration, brakes, comfort, noise, legroom, visibility, seat adjustment, boot space and sound systems.
-
9
There's no need to limit yourself to car dealerships. Also check out the classifieds and these websites:
http://www.callacar.co.za
http://www.autotrader.co.za
http://www.cars.co.za/usedcars.php
http://www.carfind.co.za -
10
Enquire about a new car’s warranty, which guarantees the car’s reliability. If your car malfunctions within a certain period, the dealer has to repair, replace or refund you at no extra charge.
-
11
Insist on a written quote from a dealer so you can confirm an offer later.
-
12
What kind of motor plan does the dealership offer? Usually it includes a service plan (for engine-related items) and a maintenance plan (for wear and tear items) for up to three years, but the only way to be sure is to ask the question.
-
13
Remember that after buying a second hand car, you have 21 days to register the car.
-
14
Think you’re the best driver in the world? Most people do, so don’t skimp on car insurance. Speak to a few insurance companies to see what cover they can offer you, which type of cover suits you best and exactly what the cover you’re paying for will deliver if you need it. Insurance is compulsory for financed vehicles.
-
15
Let’s set the “third party” record straight. This kind of insurance gives you (the first party) cover from the insurance company (second party) to cover claims if you have cause damaged to someone else’s vehicle (the third party).
-
16
Protect your new wheels by fitting it with anti-theft devices: alarms, gear locks, steering wheel locks, laminated windows, tracking devices and immobilisers. Keep your car looking good – wash it regularly and maintain the paintwork by keeping it polished. It’ll help avoid later bodywork problems like rust and help you keep your resale value.
-
17
Keep your car in great condition by having it serviced regularly. The car service booklet will have info on when to take the car in.
-
18
Check that your tyres’ treading is not worn beyond 1.6mm to ensure your safety.
-
19
Avoid the ‘vultures’ by signing up for roadside assistance. It will come in handy when flat tyres, flat batteries, keys locked in car and empty fuel tanks hit you. It’s offered by most insurance companies at no extra cost, just another benefit of insurance.
http://www.aa.co.za -
20
Consider taking an advanced driving course. These don’t aim to turn you into a race driver, but rather train you to become a better, safer driver. Here’s a few links for reputable courses:
BMW driver training: http://www.bmwdrivertraining.co.za/Home.html
Audi Driving Experience: http://www.4rings.co.za
Volkswagen Driving Academy: http://www.vw.co.za/about/drivingacademy
Keeping Your Career On Track
How to stay the course on your way to the top...
Landing the job is only the first step in what's probably one of the key journeys in your life. Turning a job into a career takes time, patience and continuous commitment. This DestiNation Map will help you keep your wits and stay on the course to becoming, and remaining, a valuable asset to your employer.
-
1
Get the most from your current job by being a valuable, positive employee and making sure the job gets done.
-
2
Skills alone won't get you there if you don't look the part. Make sure you look professional.
-
3
Know what you want and set goals. Long term planning helps you keep on track with career objectives.
-
4
Be a team player - demonstrate your skills without making your colleagues look bad.
-
5
Take on more responsibilities when given the opportunity. This will demonstrate your talents to your company.
-
6
Find a mentor. Experienced co-workers have a wealth of knowledge to share that you won't find online or in a textbook.
-
7
Feedback rules. Act on performance appraisal recommendations to up your game at work.
-
8
Don't stop learning. Attend seminars and workshops to help improve your skills. What about courses and furthering studies? Most companies welcome this and will sometimes even help pay if it's relevant to your field.
-
9
Don't skip after-hours homework. Keeping up to date with industry news and developments shows your enthusiasm for your career and gives you a work-place advantage.
-
10
Know your worth. Having a sense of your skills and value helps you justify a raise when the time comes. Keep in mind that you can't just demand a raise, you need to earn it. Whatever increase you ask for needs to be in line with what you were recruited to do. You aren't entitled to a raise- you need to earn it.
-
11
Avoid office politics. Gossiping spreads negativity and is a bad form of bonding with your colleagues.
-
12
Network, network, network. Build good relationship with clients, colleagues and mentors. Remember that trust and respect is earned – you have to work hard to get it, but it’s always worth the effort.
-
13
Avoid looking like a job-hopper. Holding a job for at least a year (18 months is ideal) makes for a better track record and will give you enough time to get decent experience out of the time you've invested.
-
14
Know when to move on to a new job. If your company does not offer room for growth, it might be time to move on. Try to be realistic about your expectations - you may need to study further or even apply for a different job at the same company. Remember, respect and trust is earned- you have to work hard to get it.
-
15
Aim to lead a balanced life. Devoting enough time to family, hobbies and fitness is good for mind and body and healthy employees are more valuable to companies.
-
16
Always carry your business card with you. You never know who you might run into at the checkout queue.
-
17
Work hard at your career, but never do anything that compromises your personal code of ethics.
-
18
Practice influence. Effective influencers have good rapport with others and build ever stronger interpersonal relationships.
-
19
Poor personal hygiene is a career limiting move which few colleagues will be willing to point out to you.
-
20
Know your workplace rights as well as your responsibilities and aim for a fair balance of the two.
Finding The Perfect Pad
It's time to move out. Where do you want to stay?
-
1
Start by taking a look at your finances - it's easier to shop around once you know what you can afford. Decide if you want to rent or buy. Renting is more affordable in the short term, buying more cost effective in the long run. However, buying is an investment – so perhaps consider renting with a friend while you save for a larger deposit.
-
2
What are your long term plans and career prospects? Buying a property is a serious commitment and will have an impact on your practical financial flexibility – there are a lot of expenses involved and you'll have to keep the place for a while before you can recover them or sell for a profit.
-
3
If you're interested in buying, calculate what you can afford. Keep in mind all your current and future monthly expenses, and then consider what expenses a new property will have. Don't just look at today's interest rate – leave room for fluctuations in the future. Here's a calculator you might find useful.
-
4
If you're going to need financing for your purchase, find out how banks decide on the value of the bond you qualify for, what sort of deposit they require and the differences between fixed and variable interest rates. Speak to a few banks and see who can give you the best options - now's not the time to rush your decisions.
-
5
Know where to look - check out the properties section in your newspapers and search online at:
www.privateproperty.co.za
www.pamgolding.co.za
www.seeff.co.za
www.propertygenie.co.za
www.remax.co.za -
6
Once something has caught your eye, visit it a few times and at different times of the day. Take someone who can give you an objective opinion. Know which direction the wind comes from, what the traffic's like at peak times and the condition of the neighbours' houses and gardens.
-
7
If the property is in a complex, make sure you know what the levies are, and what they include.
-
8
Don't rush into anything. Take the time to see as many places as you can – it'll all help you make a more informed decision.
-
9
Don't be influenced by the furniture inside the show house. Find out exactly what will stay and go, then work out what your own furnishing is going to cost. Invest in the basics before you splash out on the leather lounge suite and plasma screen.
-
10
Know the pros and cons of old and new properties. Older buildings tend to need more love, while newer buildings are typically less spacious but might not charge transfer duties if you buy from the developer.
-
11
Location is everything, so make sure you know enough about the area. How long will the commute to and from work take you? How much activity is there in that specific property market?
-
12
Make sure your credit history is spotless before applying for a home loan.
-
13
Know what the estate agent's commission structure is. Ask them to explain all the costs involved in buying the property, or do it on your own with this handy tool.
-
14
Do not be bullied by estate agents. Speak to other agents if you're unhappy with the service your agent is giving you.
-
15
Ask your estate agent about RPPR (Residential Property Price Ranger). Subscribe to RPPR to get accurate and up-to-date listing prices as well as the actual prices houses in your area are being sold for.
-
16
Always negotiate the asking price. If you know someone who has experience in buying or selling property, ask them to join you in the discussions.
-
17
Get a qualified property inspector to thoroughly scrutinise the property before you buy it – it can make a big difference and help you avoid any nasty surprises.
-
18
When you're satisfied, you can make an offer to purchase. Once you've signed the offer, it's a legal agreement. You're bound to its conditions if the offer is accepted, so make sure you've read the offer and understand it fully.
-
19
There's a lot of detail involved in a property purchase, so take your time and ask all the questions you need to if there's anything you don't fully understand.
-
20
Don't forget house insurance after the sale. There's a difference between home insurance and insuring the contents of your home. Try these sites to get a fix on what insurance will cost you:
http://www.santam.co.za
http://www.miway.co.za/home-insurance
Carving Your Own Path
If you want to work for yourself, here's the place to start...
Ready to follow the Entrepreneur's Path?
-
1
Many businesses don’t make it past the 5 year mark. Be clear on why you want to start a business.
-
2
Understand yourself. If you’re a self motivated, problem solving, people’s person with business savvy and you have the ability to live with uncertainty, you are off to a good start to becoming an entrepreneur. Pick something that you are naturally curious about and actually want to do!
-
3
Understand your market. Who will buy your product or service, and how will it make their life better? Focusing on meeting a genuine need in the market, and not just on making a quick buck, will mean a sustainable and healthy business.
-
4
Understand your competitors. Duplicating an existing service in a saturated market is not ideal. What unique skills do you bring to the table that will give you and your business a competitive edge? Look at competitors and learn from their strengths and weaknesses.
-
5
Don’t mess with the law. Know what regulations the government require for new businesses.
-
6
Sole Proprietor, Partnership, Close corporation or Private Company? Different business structures bring different benefits and limitations. Choose the most appropriate one for your start-up. Here are a few sites you might find useful:
http://southafrica.smetoolkit.org
http://www.bizempire.co.za -
7
Retail, wholesale or internet-based? Figure out what channel is best for your product or service.
-
8
Starting a business part time is easier than starting out full time. Having a steady income while you find your feet reduces stress and pressure. Make sure that this doesn’t however conflict with your conditions of employment with your employer.
-
9
Work out how much start up money will you need. Keep in mind things like stock, rent, marketing, business cards and office supplies. Create a detailed budget and cash flow forecast.
-
10
Think about partnering with people who have the right skills, assets and capital to make your business work. Think twice about starting a business with friends. When things turn ugly, you could lose friendship on top of money.
-
11
Make sure you have your family or loved ones’ approval. New businesses often require 16 hour, 7 day shifts.
-
12
Ask people’s opinion on how you can improve your product or service for a reality check.
-
13
Money is a huge influence on your business. Start out small and expand when you make more money. Take out a loan if needed.
-
14
Make a PowerPoint presentation on why your product or service is the best. You can use it to pitch your ideas to venture capitalists or anyone willing to invest in your business.
-
15
Write a business plan. Thinking through all aspects of your business will help you to avoid a lot of obstacles, and help you understand whether the business is actually viable or not. This may seem boring, but it is important. Spending a few hours writing the plan can help you to avoid months or years of heartache! Also, getting partners to agree on business goals, why they're attainable and how they will be reached is a smart move.
To get your own step-by-step business plan, click here to download. -
16
Working from home in the beginning is a great money saver. Don’t invite clients to your home though - rather meet them at coffee shops.
-
17
Great service and products won’t go far if no-one knows about it. Devise a savvy marketing plan for your business.
-
18
Prepare yourself for common problems of new businesses: money trouble, too much risk, too few partners with business knowledge, too much admin.
-
19
Stay up to date with technology, which could improve your work and make your life easier. See www.smbboss.co.za for a free download of a booklet compiled by Microsoft regarding software applications.
-
20
Keep track of all your expenses to avoid a bookkeeping nightmare a few months down the line. Your business may need to register for different forms of tax. Seek assistance from a tax consultant or an accountant, who is also a tax specialist. It is better to have the peace of mind that your financials are correct and submitted in time.
