Q: SHOULD I RESIGN BEFORE I START LOOKING FOR WORK?
A: I would strongly advise against this. In today's economic climate this would be regarded as irresponsible, and it will not look good on your CV. Employers want to employ people they feel are reliable and mature and this could proof the opposite. Rather actively seek other employment and obtain a different position before you resign from your current employer. It is also important that you ensure that you have a written offer before you resign.
Q: SHOULD I PUT MY CURRENT EMPLOYER AS A REFERENCE ON MY CV?
A: You are not obliged to put any references on your CV. A comment such as "References will be made available on request" can be added to your CV. You can decide who you want to put up as referees and it does not have to be from your current employer. However, should you not be willing to provide a current referee, the impression might be formed that you have something to hide....
Q: SHOULD I ONLY APPLY AT ONE RECRUITMENT AGENCY?
A: If you are actively looking for a different position, it is advisable that you give your CV to more than one agency. Be careful though to send it out to too many as well. Keep the balance.
Q: CAN I TAKE LEAVE DURING MY NOTICE/RESIGNATION PERIOD?
A: In terms of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, this is not allowed.
Q: HOW MUCH OF MY SALARY SHOULD I PAY THE RECRUITMENT AGENCY?
A: You are not supposed to pay the agency anything. Should you be successfully placed at an employer, the agency will charge the employer a placement fee.
Q: SHOULD I BRING MY KIDS TO AN INTERVIEW? A: This is a definite no-no. Rather get someone to take care of them during that time. Bringing your kids with might seem like you can't organise your private life responsibly. It is also not fair to your kids, as they will be left on their own (or at the mercy of a stranger at reception) while you attend the interview.
Q: DO I HAVE TO FILL IN AN APPLICATION FORM AT EVERY RECRUITMENT AGENCY?
A: Every agency has their own requirements and procedures which you will have to agree to should you want them to advertise your CV and represent you at their clients.
Q: SHOULD I DISCLOSE IF I HAVE A POSITIVE ITC OR CRIMINAL RECORD IN THE INITIAL INTERVIEW?
A: Your agency definitely needs to know about this and it is always best to be upfront with a prospective employer, as you'll be able to provide them with details as to how this happened. You can ask the agency if they are going to do an ITC/Criminal check - remember, if they say yes, you have to give them written consent before they are allowed to do these checks.
Q: WHAT DO I DO IF A PREVIOUS REFEREE IS GIVING ME A NEGATIVE AND UNTRUE REFERENCE?
A: You have the right to query something like this as it has to be based on evidence.
Q: SHOULD I DISCLOSE MY DISABILITIES?
A: No, you are under no obligation. In terms of the Employment Equity Act it is a voluntary action, even once you are employed.
Q: IF I GO THROUGH AN AGENCY, SHOULD I CONTACT THE CLIENT FOR THE INTERVIEW OR GO THROUGH THE AGENCY?
A: Always work through your agency - that is best practice. They build relationships with their clients and it is not a good reflection on either of you if you phone the client directly. Any communication between you and the client should go through the agent.
Q: CAN I ACCEPT A POSITION AND STILL LOOK FOR SOMETHING BETTER?
A: This is called using a company as a stepping stone and does not reflect well on any candidate. Rather decline the offer if you are not happy with the position or remuneration. You create not only extra work for the company but a reputation (not a good one) for yourself. People talk!!
Q: SHOULD I TELL THE AGENCY IF I HAVE ALREADY BEEN TO THEIR CLIENT FOR AN INTERVIEW THROUGH A DIFFERENT AGENCY?
A: Yes, you definitely need to. The agency who presented you first will be entitled to invoice the client, should you be successful. It is only fair.
Q: SHOULD I DISCLOSE DETAILS OF COMPANIES I HAVE ALREADY SENT MY CV TO?
A: The agency will probably ask you this question in any event and the client might as well during the interview. Honesty is always the best policy.
Q: SHOULD I ADD A PHOTO TO MY CV?
A: No, not necessary. You should be employed for your skills and experience, not the way you look.
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