You are in : Jobs > Career Articles

Careers Info

Improving employability

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:18

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) recently hosted a workshop entitled: “What your recruiter didn’t tell you,” at the Hyatt Regency in Rosebank, Johannesburg. The workshop was presented by CEO of the Ridout Group, Rob Ridout, a headhunter with sixteen years experience, and author of “CV for Life: Finding work in South Africa”. Approximately 100 ACCA members, students and tuition providers attended.

“Our objective in 2008 is to improve the employability of ACCA members and students. Our workshop today is in keeping with that objective,” Head of ACCA SA, Nirri Nair explained.

Going through interviews with South African candidates, Ridout was struck by the fact that nobody was assisting candidates in the job market with interview skills. “No one is telling candidates how to find work and to look for a job that they want,” Ridout recounted.

Ironically while many may struggle to find employment in South Africa there is a global scarcity of talent. “Right now, on a daily basis, there are thousands of job vacancies in South Africa, and yet we tend to focus on unemployment. There are vacancies that have not been filled in six months and in some instances, even a year. The talent is not there,” he observed.

Ridout said candidates should always approach a job search with a Business Plan. “Have a time scale and stick to your plan. Make sure your CV reads as a complete story and practice your story. You must be able to explain your moves. There must be purpose,” Ridout noted.

He cautioned that it takes 3-6 months for an entry-level person to find a job, and longer in the case of more senior positions. “You can afford to have options. Give yourself time to get those opportunities. There is a massive skills shortage in terms of accountants. You can afford to be slightly picky,” he observed.

Although people are often extremely reticent to use their personal networks to find employment, these are often very effective. “Some large companies even pay their staff to recommend people they know,” he informed.

Although money is an important consideration, a career move is even more important. “Think about career prospects. Move at the right time. Do not horse barter. Understand your package and benefits. Understand what you want, what you are on. Set your target and stick to it,” he advised.

The workshop provided a wonderful opportunity to launch ACCA SA’s new career site: www.accrecruitment.co.za, which has been developed in partnership with the Ridout Group.

Students, professionals and members will have access to the website. Not only will they be able to post their CVs on the website, but they will also be able to search for job opportunities. “We will only invite a set number of clients to load jobs onto the job board. There are three options: head hunt me, employability forum, which will provide leading edge information to render candidates more employable, and an employability workshops, which will be hosted by ACCA,” Ridout explained.

Nair described the website as a “move in the right direction for those who have struggled to find jobs”.

ACCA SA members will have the opportunity to meet with Ridout, to fine-tune their interview skills and a consultant from the Ridout Group will be available to meet with ACCA students. ACCA SA will pick up the cost of a first consultation.