Comments on: 10 simple lessons when applying for a job

By: Tilana

Tilana — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:53:17 +0000

Thanks a mil’ for this! I’ve started a training company dealing with soft skills in particular. We’ve approached our municipality to get all the unemployed youth out there and teach them basics similar to what you have outlined.

By: Tom

Tom — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:04:39 +0000

I have a question concerning the cover letter that bothers me. Because I’ve seen both variants on Googles search results, I can’t find out which of the two following phrases is the correct one. Is it:

“to apply for a job /at/ a company” or
“to apply for a job /with” a company”?

By: Paul G

Paul G — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:32:28 +0000

Great post, Andrew. Very valuable to everyone out there looking for work.

By: Louise

Louise — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:06:42 +0000

What a great post! Out of your list of ten, the following are the most important for me:

3) Make the cover letter professional
9) Check and double-check your grammar
4) Answer the key questions in cover letter

If I receive a CV with a cover letter that contains spelling or grammar mistakes, I don’t even bother to read the rest of the CV. People don’t understand what a bad impression it gives.

I agree 100% with the smiley icons and hotmail addresses – they are just a big No-No!

By: Liza

Liza — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:46:31 +0000

Rather throw this to the Dept of Education.
Teachers are swamped dealing with discipline issues, admin heavy assessment systems, meetings, fundraising.

Tech-wise people with the “real world” skills actually work in the “real world” because they know that there are easier ways to make R8k-R9k a month.

The focus of education in SA is determined and driven by the DOE. They should steer the big picture into the classroom. provide the materials, information and support in this regard. Maybe something like an employability roadshow or teaching-resource pack developed by “outsiders”.
The DOE could also get more synergy going with The Umsobomvu Youth Fund.

By: Andrew Smith

Andrew Smith — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:32:48 +0000

It is a shame that traditional education has strayed so far from really educating people for the real world. Hopefully some “outsiders” can come in from time to time to speak to students and teachers. If I was closer to your school I’d happily offer!

By: Anne Gordon

Anne Gordon — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:09:18 +0000

Thanks for this Andrew, it is extremely helpful. I only wish (as a high school principal) that we had had some decent guidance on this before, from someone who actually knows what’s going on out there. Most teachers have no idea how to apply for a job in the real world, – teaching is still very much a ‘protected’ profession with a very specific pool to draw from. I will pass this on to our students, and hope others involved with schools will also see what you have written. THANKS!!