World of Work: Liyema’s take on interviews, networking and resumes

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Liyema Consulting is more than just a staffing solutions provider. We pride ourselves in being leaders of talent demand management, contingent workforce management, and talent community mapping with a passion for people, technology and automation.

As talent is our core business, we know that our greatest asset is our staff.

The Liyema team is a fierce group of individuals who are as diverse as the jobs they do. They are persistent learners in their respective roles, with a passion for growth. Our staff have a wealth of insight for candidates including graduates and students who are trying to decide on a career path. The close-knit team work to each others’ strengths, making it easier to identify and highlight yours. Below is some first-rate career advice from some of our talent-specialists.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3520″ img_size=”300×300″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ image_hovers=”false”][vc_column_text]

Sthandiwe Bobo 

Senior Talent Acquisition

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]When she doesn’t have the office in fits of laughter, this Liyema veteran is an expert in spotting the perfect fit for a company. The following tips may seem basic to some, but Sthandiwe lets us know that a large number of candidates could be in a better position by noting the following pointers:

  • Do your research before you go for an interview – this includes in depth research into your prospective employers’ social media.
  • Always update your LinkedIn account and be active on the professional networking platform.
  • Keep up to date with new recruitment trends.
  • Add all tertiary projects to your CV – they count in your favour if you don’t have work experience.
  • Never, ever lie on your CV.

Interviewers are pretty straightforward, and if they’ve been hiring people for years, they usually know within five minutes if a person is suitable for a position or not. Other than ensuring you have the relevant work history, how you present and articulate yourself are crucial aspects frequently taken for granted by interviewees.

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Jade Glennistor

Business Development Consultant & Tech

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Jade is the energetic guy in the office with all the great ideas. He understands that there are small things that should be rule of thumb, yet many candidates miss these. He advises the following:

  • Rehearse your interview by searching online interview questions for the position that you are applying for. Ask a friend or a family member to play the role of interviewer.
  • Practise your presentation in front of a mirror. You are your biggest critic so you’ll be able to iron out all your mistakes.
  • Google The Mirror Technique and practise it. This will teach you confidence, how to dominate a conversation and get your point across clearer.
  • Dress the part of your potential manager’s position, not your potential job role.

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Samantha Kgabi

HR & Payroll Manager

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This highly efficient and ever so sweet clapback queen is an ace client-whisperer who has the following advice for potential candidates:

  • When building your career, be ready to serve.
  • Be curious. Research critical skills. Strive to build a career in a field that our economy needs.
  • Be bold. Ask questions that will help you gain experience in areas that will challenge you. A comfort zone is a beautiful thing but nothing ever grows there.
  • Students should research different career paths available worldwide, attend career expos and expose themselves to new trends like AI.

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Phume Gumbi

Talent Acquisitions Team Lead

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Phume is a breath of fresh air in the office. She believes that job-hunting should not be doom and gloom. It should be exciting and candidates should take joy in the process because it’s all part of creating the life that they want. She thinks candidates should note the following:

  • There are companies that conduct surveys (e.g. Bain Consulting) which will assist you with information like:

Which sector is employing the most at the time?
How many jobs are advertised in a sector each month?
What job titles are most popular in a specific sector?
Which companies are recruiting, and which countries are paying the highest salaries in a specific sector?

  • When looking for work, you should not be shy to contact a company of your interest directly and discuss available opportunities.
  • It is important to engage with professionals within that industry to learn trends and culture.
  • Looking for a job is a job. Be excited about finding a job. Invest time in it, and don’t rush the process. This way, you will find something most suitable for you.

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Lindo Mabizela

Finance and Compliance

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Your personal time and work ambitions are not mutually exclusive. no one personifies this better than Lindo. Our local Mr Photogenic who holds a Master’s Degree in The Art of Being Awesome offers this advice to candidates:

  • Your network is your net worth. Spend time building new networks and maintain the ones you already have.
  • Ask the right questions, listen to understand, and learn to constantly stay updated with changes happening around you.
  • Google is your best friend.

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Lerato Erasmus

General Manager, CPT Office

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Lerato is the highly driven life guru of Liyema. Our Miss ‘Get Up, Let’s Do It” offers this sage advice:

  • A career is not just about adding value in your current job, it’s about breaching your comfort zone. Volunteer for projects that stretch you and collaborate across cultural lines, skill sets and different thinking styles.
  • Stepping out of your comfort zone may result in failure. These failures will work to your advantage as you grow your career, fast-tracking your ability to offer smarter solutions for complex problems efficiently, thus making you more valuable.

In the rapidly evolving world of work, one tip the whole team can’t stress enough is, google is your friend. Research, continuous learning and applying your knowledge will be what determines your career path.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]