Preparing Your CV and Interview for Placement

A well prepared CV and solid interview performance are central to a successful placement, whatever route a job seeker takes to find work. This page sets out practical points to consider when preparing documents and getting ready to meet a prospective employer or agency consultant.

Structuring a clear CV

A CV intended for a placement agency should be easy to scan quickly, since consultants often review many applications in a short space of time. Useful sections include full contact details, a brief summary of experience and key skills, a chronological work history with dates and job titles, educational qualifications, and any relevant certifications or licences. Listing specific, measurable responsibilities and achievements in previous roles, rather than vague descriptions, makes it easier for a consultant to match a candidate to a suitable vacancy.

Supporting documents

Agencies in South Africa commonly request certified copies of an identity document, matric certificate, and any post school qualifications. If the role requires a specific licence, such as a driver's licence, forklift certificate, or professional registration, having a current certified copy ready speeds up the registration process. Contactable references, including names, positions, and telephone numbers of previous supervisors, are often requested as part of the verification process before a candidate is put forward to a client.

Tailoring applications to the role

Where possible, it helps to adjust a CV's summary and highlighted skills to match the specific type of role being applied for, rather than sending an identical generic document for every application. For example, a candidate applying for an administrative role might emphasise organisational and computer skills, while the same candidate applying for a customer facing role might emphasise communication and problem solving experience.

Preparing for the interview

Interviews arranged through a placement agency may happen in stages: first with the agency consultant, then with the client company. The agency interview is often used to confirm the details on the CV, assess communication skills, and clarify availability and salary expectations. It is worth being honest and specific at this stage, since any mismatch between what was discussed with the agency and what is later said to the employer can undermine confidence in the candidate.

For the client interview, researching the company beforehand, understanding the core requirements of the role, and preparing clear examples of past work that demonstrate relevant skills all help. Arriving on time, dressing appropriately for the type of role and industry, and bringing a printed copy of the CV and supporting documents are simple but often decisive details.

Discussing salary and conditions

Being clear about salary expectations early in the process, rather than leaving it until an offer is made, reduces the chance of misunderstandings later. It is reasonable to ask about the full package, including any benefits, transport arrangements, overtime policy, or probation period, before accepting a position. For temporary placements, it is particularly important to clarify who the legal employer is, how often payment will be made, and what happens if the assignment ends early.

Following up after an interview

A short follow up message or call to the agency consultant after an interview, asking politely for feedback, shows continued interest without being overbearing. If an application is unsuccessful, asking for constructive feedback can help improve future applications, although not every agency or employer will be able to provide detailed reasons.

Keeping records

Keeping a simple record of which roles have been applied for, through which agency, and on what date, makes it easier to follow up appropriately and avoid duplicate applications. This record also becomes useful if there is ever a dispute about whether a particular agency introduced a candidate to a particular employer.