Author: Chantelle van den Heever
Let’s be honest: job hunting can feel like throwing your CV into the void. You’ve got skills, experience, and drive — but still, no response. The real problem? Most applications get lost in the noise. The good news: you can fix that.
Chantelle van den Heever shares a straight-talking guide to get noticed, stay competitive, and actually land the job.
Stand Out Before You Even Step In
First impressions start with your CV. If it looks dated or poorly written, you’re done before you’ve started. Take time to polish it. Use tools like Canva for layout, Grammarly for grammar, and ChatGPT for structure. Focus on skills, not just job titles — employers want to know what you can do, not just where you’ve been.
Then do your homework. Research each company and tailor your application. Don’t regurgitate the ‘About Us’ section — show you understand what they need and how you can help.
Skip the fluff. Keep it clean, clear, and relevant.
Fix the Pitfalls That Cost You the Job
Even a great CV can’t save you from basic mistakes. Here’s what often goes wrong:
Your online presence is a mess
Employers will Google you. If they find old party pics, cringey usernames or chaotic tweets, it’s a problem. Clean it up. Set personal profiles to private, update your LinkedIn, and get a professional email address.
You talk big, but can’t back it up
Saying you’re great isn’t enough — show it. A strong portfolio makes a huge difference. No client work? No problem. Create a mock project that demonstrates your process and skills. Just be clear that it’s a personal example.
You’re not networking
Connections matter — especially on LinkedIn. Don’t just collect followers. Engage. Comment on posts, share insights, and connect with people in your field. It’s not about selling yourself — it’s about being visible, credible, and part of the conversation.
Rethink What Work Looks Like
The 9-to-5 isn’t your only option. The gig economy is growing — and that includes contract roles, freelance work, and short-term consulting gigs. In a tight market, these are valuable stepping stones that build skills and income.
But know what you’re getting into. Understand the tax and legal implications. Protect yourself from scams. And treat every project as a chance to build your reputation and credibility.
Win the Interview, Then Follow Up
Interviews aren’t about having the perfect answer. They’re about showing you’ve done the work. Know the company. Understand the role. Prepare smart questions that show you’re serious about being part of the team.
Then follow up. Within 24 hours, send a thank-you email — short, specific, and genuine. Reference something from the conversation and reinforce your interest. It’s a simple step that most candidates skip. Don’t be one of them.
Stay in the Game
You won’t win every time. You’ll get ghosted. You’ll get rejected. That’s normal. The key is not to stall.
Ask for feedback. Learn. Refine your CV, sharpen your interview game, and keep showing up. Each attempt gets you closer — not just to a job, but to the right job.
The best candidates aren’t always the most experienced. They’re the most resilient. And the most prepared.
The future of work isn’t coming. It’s already here.
At VSLS, we help people and organisations adapt — fast. Whether you’re navigating the job market, reskilling for a shifting economy, or rethinking how your workforce shows up, we’re building practical tools and bold strategies that get results.
This piece is part of our growing library of thought leadership — designed to cut through the noise and keep you ahead.
Want more? Reach out to Chantelle van den Heever at chantelle.vandenheever@vsls.com.
