As well as our registered office in Johannesburg in South Africa, we have strategic partners across Africa. We source, receive applications, interview and place candidates all over the world and the African continent, as well as throughout South Africa.

Thanks to our extensive experience in executive search and recruitment at all management levels, we have a specialized team of consultants with different areas of expertise covering all industry sectors.

Yes. It is always advisable to send us your CV in all the possible languages you can communicate in so we can use them when dealing with a relevant employer in a country where one the languages you speak in spoken.

Make sure all the key attributes are in place, such as IT skills, presentation and communication skills along with enthusiasm. A good CV will open the doors to begin with, so it is important to ensure this is perfect. Your CV should be concise and easy to read with your skills and experience highlighted.

When you get to meet the consultant, this is your opportunity to make an impression. Keep in contact with your consultant. Call every few days to remind them of your availability.

Everyone is very busy these days and Recruitment Consultants are probably busier than most! You obviously need to ring your Consultant if you have been asked to do so (after an interview, for example) and you need to keep your Consultant informed of any change to your circumstances. Some Consultants may prefer to be contacted via email, while some prefer regular weekly telephone calls. Work out a system that works for you and your Consultant!

You are advised to keep in regular contact with your consultant, particularly while you have been short-listed for interview. Your consultant will also regularly contact you to give supervision and to answer any questions you may have. They can also advise you of any training incentives on offer.

At the interview with your Recruitment Consultant, you need to be honest about the salary you are on currently and the salary you are looking for. Your Consultant will guide and advise you if they think you are being unrealistic. If you are asked about your salary expectations during the interview with the client, simply state the range you would accept (as discussed with the Consultant) and leave the salary negotiations to your Consultant.

Make sure you do not discuss matters concerning salaries and benefits until the  second interview stage. This also applies to working conditions - these areas can be dealt with in detail later. Don't talk about salary, working hours, holidays unless the employer brings up the subject. If asked about salary, stay open. Tell them what you have been earning before and that you are sure that they will make a fair offer. If you ask for a salary the company will think that this is all that you are interested in and will not appreciate the question.

There could be a number of reasons, ranging from the position being filled by an internal candidate, to the client choosing another candidate more suited to the requirements of the role. The important lesson here is that you learn from the experience – perhaps you need to develop more skills in a particular area or you need to work on your confidence levels. Ask your Consultant for feedback and use the experience to get better results next time.

 

Your consultant will brief you thoroughly prior to interviews. We will give you as much information as possible about the position and the company. Where possible, you will be sent the link to the company's website where you should be able to find out more detail.

We need your consent to collect your information. And We need your consent to disclose your information to our clients and recruiter partners across the world. We also need your consent to contact your referees.

We will always contact you should we want to send your CV to a client or recruiter partner for a job opportunity.

 

Yes, provided you are legally entitled to work in the specific country where the role in being offered. Although most of our clients offer relocation assistance, you should me aware that you will be responsible for your relocation should a client do not assist. For this make sure you visit the relevant department of immigration affairs further information. Think about the practicalities of availability for interviews and start dates.

Candidates apply by sending their CVs via email at info@cvcanal.com . Once the email is received by a consultant, he / she will contact you by email to inform you about the next step.

We have known candidates who routinely apply for all the roles we have advertised at any one time. Considering these roles will range from entry-level to senior executives, the impression that is created by this 'spam' approach is not a very good one. If there are genuinely a number of roles you are interested in and which you feel you are qualified for, remember that our Consultants ideally want a well-written, carefully tailored covering letter to accompany your resume. Discuss your career aspirations in detail with the Consultant.

All the roles advertised on our website are real roles. CVCanal Consulting is a supplier partner of medium, large size and multinationals across Africa. It is therefore under obligation to abide by the core principles of truth in advertising and only advertising roles for which we have permission to recruit.

We value our reputation as an ethical company to the point where we include ethics as a Key Performance Indicator for our staff.

We don't specify closing dates because we keep a role open until the client has made a decision and has extended an offer a candidate. This generally allows candidates the longest possible opportunity to apply.

Some roles are filled very quickly and may only need to be advertised for one or two days, while other more specialised roles may take a few weeks to fill.

Here are a few tips to help you develop a rewarding relationship with your Recruitment Consultant:

1. If you respond to an advert by telephone, make sure you are prepared for the call! Have the advert in front of you and think about your strengths and achievements that match the requirements of the role. Use the conversation to 'sell' yourself to the Consultant – be clear, confident and concise.
2. If the advert asks you to submit a written application by email, then do so as soon as possible. A well-written covering letter accompanying a well laid out resume become your primary marketing tools, so make an effort here! Spelling mistakes and poor grammar are unlikely to impress the Consultant.
3. If you are invited in for an interview, arrive a couple of minutes early because there are usually some forms to complete.
4. Wear a business suit and ensure you are well presented. We operate in the financial services industry – formal and conservative is your safest option.
5. Be honest with your Recruitment Consultant – he or she can't really help you if you are not open about what you are really looking for.
6. Be open to constructive criticism. Our Consultants have worked with our clients for a long time – benefit from their knowledge and advice.
7. Co-operate with your Consultant by being as flexible as you can about attending interviews with clients and giving feedback to the Consultant after the interviews.
8. Keep your Consultant informed of any changes to your circumstances – anything ranging from a new phone number, to holiday dates that impact on your potential start date, to your job search activities.

 

Your resume is your most valuable weapon in your hunt for the perfect job. A well -written resume that is clear and informative will reflect professionalism and endear you to Consultant and Client alike. Here are a few tips on creating a winning resume or use our resume template for further help:

1. Always check spelling and dates (include countries, cities, months and years)
2. Ensure there is a logical sequence (from current job to last)
3. Don't include copies of every certificate and diploma you have ever completed – these can be submitted on request later in the process
4. Try to stick to a 2 to 5 page limit. Most resumes should be between 2 to 3 pages long – anything longer and you run the risk of either including too much irrelevant detail or losing the interest of the Recruitment Consultant along the way. Recruitment Consultants may receive and read as many as a hundred resumes a day – so think about how you can make your resume stand out from the crowd – but avoid graphics, photos and fancy fonts that are impossible to read.
5. Include your full contact details (you'd be surprised how many candidates forget to include a telephone number and emails)
6. Outline your educational and professional qualifications and computer skills, including basic Microsoft packages through to trading systems.
7. Create a job summary and then a section for each employer – with clear details of employment year, dates, job title, responsibilities and achievements (including country, city where you worked and studied).
8. Include hobbies, sports and interests but don't include pointless activities like 'shopping' and 'eating'.
9. Even if you don't include your reference details in your resume (and offer to supply them on request later), make sure you have warned your referees that they may be contacted by Recruitment Consultants and/or potential employers. This is simply good manners.
10. Keep your resume up to date.

 

If your resume is your main marketing tool in the battle to win your dream role, then your covering letter is the attractive packaging that makes the Recruitment Consultant eager to read your resume! Here are some tips to consider:

1. Always tailor the covering letter to suit the role you have applied for. The importance of this cannot be overstated. Take time to consider the requirements specified in the advertisement and tailor your covering letter to highlight the match between job requirements and your strengths and achievements.
2. Indicate in your letter why you are interested in this particular role.
3. Check spelling and grammar – your letter helps to make that all-important first impression.
4. Include the job reference number if one has been quoted in the advert.
5. Keep it concise. If the letter is longer than one page, you have gone into too much detail.
6. Don't just repeat your entire resume in the letter – rather, focus on a few key points to entice the Consultant to read more.
7. Make sure the letter is addressed to the correct person. You would be surprised how often we receive letters that are addressed to rival recruitment companies – talk about a great first impression.

The job interview is your 'window of opportunity' so make sure you do yourself justice and PREPARE TO WIN! Here are 10 secrets that could just help swing the hiring decision in your favour:

TIP 1: Do your homework!

Acquaint yourself with the job description provided by the consultant. You could also print it from our website.

Find out as much as you can about the company – its history, its philosophy, its services and products, its key personalities. The Internet and industry publications are invaluable sources of information. This research will enable you to formulate some intelligent, open-ended questions that will make you look interested in the job and provide you with additional information that will help you make the right decision for your career if you are offered the role.

TIP 2: Be on time for the Interview!

Confirm the date, time and location of the interview. Find out about public transport or the nearest parking. Give yourself plenty of time to make the journey and to catch your breath before the interview. Know who is going to be interviewing you and make sure you know how to pronounce any difficult names.

If it is a telephonic interview with the employer, make sure you give them the right contact numbers. You give them at least two different contacts by which they can reach in case of network problems. Make sure you avail yourself for the interview by being at the right place 15 minutes before they can call you.

TIP 3: Preparation is Key!

Review your resume and think about your achievements and accomplishments. Have some answers prepared to those inevitable questions about your short and long-term vision, strengths and weaknesses. Review the position description or the details you have been given about the role. Show how your experience will benefit the company.

TIP 4: Look the Part

Try to match the professional standard of dress expected in the industry in question. A business suit is best, but a smart jacket is acceptable. Polish your shoes and keep accessories to a minimum. Carry out 'running repairs' if the weather is wet or windy. This may seem obvious but you'd be surprised how often good grooming is overlooked.

TIP 5: Mobile Phones

During face-to-face interviews, turn off your mobile phone. For telephonic interviews, refer to TIP 2.

TIP 6: Salary

Don't discuss salary with the interviewer at the first interview with the client company. It is best to leave the question about salary to your Consultant, but if the subject does come up, give an indication of your present and desired salary range, as discussed with the Consultant, but don't get bogged down in detail. Your Consultant will assist you with negotiations at offer stage.

TIP 7: Your Consultant as a 'Sounding Board'

Be careful not to voice any reservations about the job during the interview. They may prove to be unfounded and you can always turn down further interviews or any prospective offers if your reservations are not dealt with satisfactorily. Use your Consultant as a 'sounding board' and they can assist with further investigations if necessary.

TIP 8: Think Before You Speak!

Never make negative or derogatory comments about your previous employers and never tell a lie – it will come back to haunt you! Always be honest in your responses. Never say you have other options to consider if you don't.

TIP 9: Co-operation is Critical

Always co-operate with your Consultant – they are there to help you too. Always turn up for interviews they have set up for you – and don't be late! Keep your Consultant informed of developments and give them feedback on interviews as soon as possible while your thoughts are still fresh in your mind.

TIP 10: Just Ask!

Finally, if you really want the job – tell the interviewer! Don't be too arrogant, but you may just get the position if you ask for it!

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Q). Tell me about yourself
A. This is a very common opening question. This is your opportunity to positively introduce yourself. Focus on your career history, mention previous jobs, qualifications, skills and achievements.

Q). Tell me about your main strengths
A). Focus on your skills, experience and other positive contributions you can bring to the job and the company.

Q). What are your weaknesses?
A). Try to turn this type of question to your advantage. Be brief and focus on work related issues. Highlight a trait which the interviewer will perceive as a strength. For example, your unusually keen attention to precise details and regular habit of expecting the same from colleagues.

Q). Why did you apply for the job?
A). Ideally this answer ought to be along the lines that the job offers an opportunity for career progression and new challenges. Also highlight skills and experience you can offer the company. By researching the company, show your knowledge, perhaps adding how much you would like to work for them because of their corporate philosophy, organizational structure etc. This will impress the interviewer.

Q). Why do you want to leave your current employment?
A). Take care not to personalize any grievance. Be professional and explain candidly along the lines that you are simply furthering your career for greater challenges and professional attainment.

Q). Tell me what you know about our company?
A). This is where prior research of potential employers bears fruit. This an excellent opportunity to show you are keen about the job and the company.

Q). Where do you see yourself five years from now?
A. Here the interviewer really wants to know how the company can benefit from the plans you have for yourself. Mention your desire for career advancement, taking on new challenges and greater responsibility.

Don't

• Don't slouch, and always maintain eye contact with the interviewer(s).
• Don't badmouth your present or former employers.
• Don't smoke during the interview. You may accept tea, coffee or water if offered, as it does relax the atmosphere.
• Do not chew gum!
• Do not call anybody by first name only unless you are invited to do so. Use a person's name when talking.
• Do not be late.
• Do not cross your arms or slouch and try to look your interviewer in the eyes.
• Ladies no enormous or cumbersome handbags

Do's

• Shake hands firmly and don't take a seat until asked.
• Speak in a firm, confident voice and always present a positive attitude.
• Maintain a professional image before, during, and after the interview.
• Relax and be yourself, but don't forget that the person sitting on the other side of the desk could be your future employer.
• Have a tissue on you.
• Have a writing pad at hand with your questions or other notes you want to take.
• Always display a positive attitude towards this company, the job markets in general, the country, political future, the position, your life. Companies do not employ negative, depressed and worried people, but those who can accept life as it is and see the good and positive side of it.

 

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