The sanctions imposed on South Africa during the 1980s had an adverse impact
on the corporate sector. Also, there was an increase in international competition
once the normalization of political relations with the country's major trading
partners occurred in the 1990s. Finally, the global decline in the consulting
sector has had an adverse impact on the South African market, especially because
many local consulting firms had parent companies in Europe and the U.S. The
current trend has been to merge information technology (IT) and management consulting
functions. Although the short term effect of these factors on the corporate
sector has been negative, the effects of globalization should benefit the South
African economy in the long run.
Unemployment in South Africa is high, but this is due in large part to a shortage
of skilled workers. Major areas of employment include financial services, business
services, and mining. There is a high demand for sales personnel with relevant
experience. The demand for both research analysts and marketing managers is
also much higher than the supply of appropriately qualified individuals. This
is also true for Chartered Accountants, insurance
industry positions, consulting, and auditing. However, there is an oversupply
of people for clerical and banking positions.
There are two types of CV's in South Africa. Either may be used, according
to personal preference or depending on circumstances.
- The brief profile is an abbreviated version of
the comprehensive CV, and merely lists the main elements of the applicant's
education and work experience chronologically.
- The comprehensive CV includes all the same sections,
but expands on the applicant's current or most relevant position.
The CV should be written in British English, as this is the language of business
in South Africa.
Dress conservatively for your job interview - this means suits with ties or
sport coats and trousers for men, and dresses or suits for women. In preparation
for the interview, thoroughly research the company. This will enable you to
answer questions well, and demonstrate knowledge and initiative in your own
questions. The interview, for which you must be punctual, will usually start
with introductions in order of seniority, and handshakes all around. People
living in South Africa generally shake hands or make gestures with their right
hand. The force with which a handshake is returned should be based on the force
with which it was received. Men and women do not typically shake hands as much
as in the West, so unless a woman in South Africa initiates the handshake, men
should not reach out their hands. Equally, the American woman might not have
her hand taken by a South African man when she extends it. Don't misinterpret
this as discourteous.
After a few minutes of casual conversation, the meeting will begin in earnest.
Unless invited to use first names by the interviewer(s), use "Mr."
or "Mrs." or "Miss" (or perhaps "Ms.") during
the conversation. The first questions will be questions about your experience,
and your solutions to real or potential problems. Listen carefully to the questions;
speak clearly and confidently. Be prepared to discuss your strengths, weaknesses
and accomplishments. Avoid arrogance and boasting. Although you may be made
to feel at ease, never become familiar Hand gestures are common in conversation
in South Africa, and it is perfectly fine for you to use them. However, avoid
close physical proximity, pointing a finger at anyone, or talking with your
hands in your pockets, all of which are considered impolite.
South Africans rely on networking and personal recommendations when looking
for job, but foreigners with few personal contacts in the country don't need
to worry--there is no reason why they cannot compete in the job market and gain
access to networking resources. This is especially true for well-educated and
highly skilled workers. Any expatriate who wants to find a job in South Africa
should consider checking out the country's many professional organizations and
trade unions. They are easily found by conducting an Internet search for your
area of career interest. A few are listed below.
Business Women's Association
of South Africa (BWA)
The BWA is committed to advancing the interests
of women in business and public life by providing social and networking facilities
and promoting the personal development of members. It provides information on
topical issues as well as giving moral support to members. It is also committed
to assisting women who are not members to study at recognized business schools
and assume positions of responsibilities in the business world.
Direct Marketing Association
(DMA)
The DMA is the trade association for the direct
marketing and call center industry in South Africa. Established in 1974, the
DMA is a nonprofit body representing more than 400 local and international organizations
involved in direct marketing. It represents marketers and suppliers active in
all media, from telephone to print and direct delivery to electronic.
Institute of Directors in
Southern Africa (IoD)
The IoD is a leadership forum that helps members
develop through education, information, and the sharing of knowledge. The IoD
provides its membership, which includes directors and other business leaders,
with networking opportunities, among other benefits.
The Society of
Advocates - Witwatersrand Local Division - South Africa
In Johannesburg most advocates belong to a voluntary association, the name of
which is the Society of the Advocates (Witwatersrand Local
Division). This is the largest Bar in South Africa and it has approximately
600 members, practising in chambers held either in the city centre, or in Sandton.
Useful Addresses
Engineering
News
Engineering News is Africa's premier source
of engineering news. It is published on a weekly basis in English, and may be
searched online.
Finance Week
Finance Week is published weekly in English
and provides an overview of economic information, along with award-winning investment
advice.
The following links can help you find short term and permanent job opportunities
in Johannesburg.
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