Applying for a Job

Where do I start?

Identify your strong points and key skills areas. What are you good at? What have your trained or studied for? What do you enjoy? Identify which sector or area this falls into  - for example, IT, or nursing, or bookkeeping.

Know your capabilities. For example, if you like working with people, then maybe a quiet desk-bound job is not for you. 

Know what you want

Be clear about the kind of work you are looking for – and what you are qualified for. It is no good applying for a job that sounds nice – but that you will not be able to do. 

Also be clear about the kind of hours you can work – are you looking for full-time employment, or part-time work? Can you work flexi-time? If the job requires over-time, or night-work, can you do this?

Do research

Find out what sort of jobs are out there, in the fields you are interested in. Read newspapers and trade magazines, go online, find out what salaries and benefits also go with the work

How do I apply for a job?

There are several ways:

• Answering local newspaper advertisements
• Mailing resumes to potential employers 
• Going to private employment agencies
• Using the internet to respond to online job postings
• Answering advertisements in professional or trade journals
• Going to Ministry of Labour Offices where employment officers will pick out workers
• Asking family members, friends or professionals you know for job leads

Can you use all these methods?

Try at least three to four methods, particularly those that suit you best. 

Read more

Find out more about Labour Laws in Zimbabwe.