At Staff Training we are passionate about upliftment programmes, about learning
and progressing, below are a number of tools, suggestions, papers and resources
that you may need or want in the near future.
Upliftment
We live in what is sometimes described as a harsh country. The quality of life
for the vast majority of South Africans
is not that great. Many talents go unnoticed and many individuals do not have
the confidence to "sell" themselves. If you
are in the position to assist an individual with an upliftment programme, make
yourself available as a mentor.
We have included a free download for you to give such an individual a possible
entry into the formal economy. This download
is geared towards the upliftment of a housekeeping employee to the reception position.
Step 3 of 3 - order our CD to assist with pronunciation and elocution.
Did you know that of all the receptionists that we train, approximately 50%
say that their performance is inhibited by the fact that they are not confident
expressing themselves in English? The result is therefore that they neither offer
information, nor clarify instructions. This is particularly prevalent in Gauteng
and in Cape Town City Bowl and Northern Suburbs.
7 Interviewing Tips for Jobseekers
With a new year kicking off, many South Africans are entering
the job market for the first time. Others are motivated and keen to progress with
their careers and have thus been looking out for something more exciting to do.
In other words the big INTERVIEW is looming. Here are seven tips on how to go
about preparing for it.
1. Think about why you are applying for this particular type of job. In other
words if you are applying for a sales position, your reasons could be
a) you are comfortable with and really like communicating with people, people
fascinate you and you enjoy meeting them personally. You like the exposure to
different cultures and behaviours and in sales, not only is the exposure presented
to you, it also tests your ability to adapt to adapt to the different cultures.
b) You operate well under pressure and in a competitive environment - sales provides
this challenge.
2. Weigh up the reasons for working at a particular size company. For example
a) I am applying for a position at ABC headquarters because it is one of the biggest
corporate companies in the country. I am keen to work for a corporate because
of their investment into training and the fact that there are more promotional
opportunities in a corporate than there are in small business.
b) I also like to sell a product that is known.
3. Investigate why you would work for a specific company. For example
a) I am applying for a job at this company because THIS company is very big on
sport sponsorship and being a keen football player I believe that I would be encouraged
by this kind of environment.
4. Research a particular industry. You could be thinking along the lines of:
a) I am a sport fanatic so working in a sport equipment manufacturing industry
is really my ideal job. I believe that sport is the future and is a way to unite
this country. It is also a way for us to involve the youth, get them off the street
and get them to a point of keen participation in what can only be a life building
experience.
5. Plan what you would like to do with your life for the next 2 years.
a) What would you like to achieve from a knowledge point of view?
b) What would you like to achieve as far as family are concerned? c) What would
you like to acquire from a materialistic point of view? d) What would you like
the job to offer you from a social point of view?
6. Consider what YOU can do for the company?
a) What knowledge do you bring?
b) Are you well connected, eg do you have any social ties to Bafana Bafana or
the Springboks?
c) What energy do you bring, eg you are very kind and non- judgmental, so you
tend to have a stabilising effect on those around you.
d) What are your strengths, eg you are very patient and find that people generally
manage to give you a better picture of what they want because you listen so well.
7. Consider your weaknesses and the company risk if they employ you. Also find
ways to address and control these.
a) For example you are a good mathematician with great attention to detail, but
you really dislike having to waste time in redoing calculations - mistakes normally
happen if you are given incorrect detail to begin with. You are trying to minimise
the chances of this happening by asking more questions in advance to ensure that
the figures are correct, plus you now use Emotional Freedom Technique to control
your agitation.
b) You are impatient around arrogance and find it difficult to hide. Emotional
Freedom Technique helps in this instance as well.
Preparing for an interview in this manner assists you in many ways. Firstly you
are better able to answer the necessary questions. Secondly you are personally
clearer as to what it is you are trying to achieve and will be more likely to
recognise your opportunities when they comes your way!! The internet is a huge
source of information, you will find most of the company details on the net, alternatively
ask around. You will be surprised at how much you can find out if you put the
effort in…and one thing life has taught me, the reward, after a bit of effort,
is always a bit sweeter.
