A guide for young job seekers: CV tips, volunteer work, and entry-level roles.
Fresh out of school with no work experience? Don’t worry – everyone starts somewhere. Here’s how to land your first job and kick-start your career, even when your CV feels empty.
Reframe Your Thinking: You Have More Than You Think
Stop saying: “I have no experience”
Start saying: “I’m eager to learn and contribute”
You might not have formal work experience, but you have life experience. Every project, leadership role, and challenge you’ve tackled counts.
Building Your First CV: What to Include
Essential Sections
Personal Details: Full name, cell number, email, location (suburb/city)
Objective Statement: 2-3 lines about what you want and what you offer Example: “Recent matriculant seeking entry-level customer service role to develop professional skills while contributing to team success. Strong communication skills and fluency in English, Afrikaans, and isiZulu.”
Education: Matric certificate, subjects, any distinctions or achievements
Skills: Computer literacy, languages, soft skills (teamwork, communication, problem-solving)
Activities & Achievements: School leadership, sports, cultural activities, academic awards
What Counts as “Experience”
School Projects: Group assignments show teamwork and project management
Sports/Cultural Activities: Demonstrate discipline, commitment, and working under pressure
Part-time or Holiday Work: Babysitting, tutoring, helping at family business, car washing
Leadership Roles: Head boy/girl, class captain, sports captain, debate team leader
Community Involvement: Church activities, community clean-ups, helping elderly neighbors
Technology Skills: Social media management, basic graphic design, typing speed
Where to Find Entry-Level Jobs
Online Job Boards
- Indeed South Africa: indeed.co.za
- PNet: pnet.co.za
- Gumtree Jobs: gumtree.co.za/jobs
- Jobs.co.za: jobs.co.za
- CareerJet: careerjet.co.za
Company Websites
Check careers pages of major employers:
- Retail: Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Mr Price, Edgars
- Banking: FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, Absa (learnership programs)
- Telecoms: MTN, Vodacom, Cell C
- Fast Food: McDonald’s, KFC, Steers, Nando’s
Walk-In Applications
Still effective for retail and hospitality:
- Shopping malls (especially during holiday seasons)
- Restaurants and fast food outlets
- Petrol stations
- Call centers
Volunteer Work: Your Secret Weapon
Volunteering fills CV gaps and shows initiative. Look for opportunities at:
NGOs and Charities: SPCA, local shelters, food banks Schools: Tutoring younger students, helping with admin Community Centers: Sports coaching, computer literacy programs Religious Organizations: Event organization, community outreach Hospitals: Patient support, administrative assistance
Pro Tip: Choose volunteering that relates to your career goals. Want to work in marketing? Help a local business with their social media.
Entry-Level Roles Perfect for School Leavers
Customer Service Representative
- Salary: R8,000-R12,000/month
- Skills needed: Good communication, patience, basic computer skills
- Growth potential: Team leader, supervisor, training roles
Retail Sales Assistant
- Salary: R6,000-R10,000/month + commission
- Skills needed: Friendly personality, basic math, product knowledge
- Growth potential: Senior sales, store management
Data Capturer
- Salary: R7,000-R11,000/month
- Skills needed: Typing speed, accuracy, attention to detail
- Growth potential: Data analyst, administrative roles
Call Center Agent
- Salary: R8,000-R14,000/month
- Skills needed: Clear voice, patience, computer literacy
- Growth potential: Quality assurance, team leader, trainer
Administrative Assistant
- Salary: R8,000-R12,000/month
- Skills needed: Organization, filing, basic computer skills
- Growth potential: Office manager, PA roles
Application Tips That Work
Your Cover Letter
Keep it short (3 paragraphs):
- Which job you’re applying for and why
- What you bring (enthusiasm, skills, availability)
- Request for interview
Follow-Up Strategy
- Week 1: Submit application
- Week 2: Follow up with phone call or email
- Week 3: Visit in person if possible
Interview Preparation
Research the company: Know what they do and their values Prepare questions: “What training do you provide?” “What does a typical day look like?” Dress appropriately: Business casual, clean and neat Arrive early: 10-15 minutes before your appointment
Building Experience While Job Hunting
Free Online Courses
- Google Digital Skills: learndigital.withgoogle.com
- Microsoft Learn: docs.microsoft.com/learn
- Coursera: coursera.org (many free courses)
- edX: edx.org
Practical Skills to Develop
- Computer literacy: MS Office, Gmail, basic troubleshooting
- Language skills: Improve English, learn business terminology
- Soft skills: Time management, communication, teamwork
Create Your Own Experience
- Start a small business (selling, tutoring, services)
- Help local businesses with social media
- Organize community events
- Mentor younger students
Red Flags to Avoid
Scam Job Ads: Never pay upfront fees or provide banking details Unprofessional Emails: Use firstname.lastname@gmail.com format Overstating Skills: Don’t claim expertise you don’t have Unprofessional Social Media: Clean up your Facebook and Instagram profiles
Learnerships and Internships
Where to Find Them
- SETA websites: Check sector-specific training authorities
- Company websites: Many have dedicated learnership pages
- Government programs: www.gov.za/services/education/learnership-programmes
Popular Programs
- Banking: FNB, Standard Bank graduate programs
- Retail: Shoprite, Pick n Pay management training
- Manufacturing: Various SETA programs
- IT: Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco academies
Networking for Beginners
LinkedIn: Create a professional profile, connect with industry professionals Family and Friends: Tell everyone you’re job hunting School Alumni: Connect with former classmates who are working Community Events: Attend local business networking events Mentorship Programs: Look for formal mentorship opportunities
Staying Motivated During the Search
Set Daily Goals: Apply to 3-5 jobs per day Track Applications: Keep a spreadsheet with company names, dates, and follow-ups Celebrate Small Wins: Getting an interview is progress Keep Learning: Use job search time to build skills Stay Positive: Rejection is part of the process, not a reflection of your worth
The Reality Check
Your first job won’t be your dream job – and that’s okay. You’re building experience, skills, and professional relationships. Focus on learning, showing up consistently, and proving your value. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint.
Remember: Every successful professional started exactly where you are now. Your willingness to start at the bottom and work your way up is actually your biggest strength.
Start today: Update your CV, identify 10 companies to apply to, and take the first step toward your future career.
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