Archives des Candidate/recruiter - Page 2 of 10

19Jul

Working around the world: countries that offer the digital nomad visa

The telecommuting imposed during the pandemic has completely changed the work dynamic. An explosion of digital nomads, those remote workers who take advantage of the opportunity to travel, has taken place in 2020. According to a report published in March 2021 by The Adventure Travel, there was already a 20% increase between 2019 and 2020.

The digital nomad concept is one of win-win, where everyone benefits. For countries that have chosen to adapt their conditions of entry and work on their territory, it is a real opportunity to inject cash into their economy. As for digital nomads, freed from the office enclave, they will be able to enjoy the most beautiful landscapes from Mexican beaches to Dubai’s skyscrapers.

> List of countries offering a visa for digital nomads

Africa: Cape Verde, Mauritius and Seychelles
Europe: Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Georgia, Greece, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Romania
Asia: Indonesia, Thailand, United Arab Emirates
America: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, Dominica, Cayman Islands, Mexico
Oceania: Australia

Source : https://www.francaisaletranger.fr/

24Sep

Why does a recruiter check references?

In addition to the CV and cover letter, some recruiters may also ask candidates applying for their job offers for references. This is a fairly common practice. The fact that a recruiter asks you for the contact information of former professional contacts in order to ask them about your account does not mean that he doubts you. Nor is it an attempt to trick you, much less destabilize you. Don’t take it the wrong way. A recruiter who asks for your professional references is simply trying to get a better understanding of you to avoid casting errors. But what exactly does a recruiter want to be sure of through a candidate’s references? The point in the next few lines…

A reference request to check your CV …

A recruiter cannot be criticized for wanting to ensure the truthfulness of a candidate’s references on his or her CV, since many job seekers do not hesitate to lie on their CV by mentioning a degree they do not have, or experience they cannot claim. In short, all tips are good for some candidates. Simply get the job. In view of this, the first purpose of a recruiter’s reference request is to avoid falling into the trap of false information on CVs. Thus, it is not a simple style clause if some companies make reference requests. Moreover, according to Apec, in nearly nine out of ten cases, they verify the good faith of applicants based on their diplomas and/or professional experience. And when it is not HR or recruitment firms that do this, the verification is outsourced to specialized service providers (Everycheck, Cvérifié…), while waiting for artificial intelligence to take over and take care of confusing the cheaters.

A reference request to detect your personality…

In addition to the mentions made on your CV, the recruiter may also ask you for your references to verify the statements about your personality that you made during the job interview. These may include your strong and weak points, your progress or lack of progress in the company, your ability to work in a team, your reactions to certain situations, etc. The recruiter will also check other elements such as your hiring and leaving dates, the type of position and missions you have held, the reason for your departure, your professional skills, etc… “We know that a referent is often benevolent, it is up to us to read between the lines, to create a climate of trust, to go beyond a certain politeness,” says a recruitment specialist. This sometimes involves some rather surprising questions: would you entrust your children to this candidate? Would you hire this person again? Would you invite him or her to a restaurant with your spouse? In all cases, the objective is twofold: to check that you haven’t embellished your CV and to better define your profile to ensure that it matches the position, the company and its culture.

A practice framed by the law…

Finally, it should be noted that the law regulates the use of the reference request to job applicants. The recruiter is not allowed to contact your references without asking for your authorization, ideally in writing. Moreover, it is a very good thing that you are asked for your references. Be prepared to accept calmly and seriously. “Don’t be afraid, it’s even a good sign,” says Claude d’Estais, a former HR and headhunter, now a professional mobility coach and author of several books on job search. “It indicates that you’re on the short list, because a recruiter is not going to have fun taking references from all candidates,” she adds.

17Sep

How to prepare for a job fair?

When you’re looking for a job, don’t minimize any opportunity to get the job of your dreams, because you never know… If you haven’t yet received a phone call for an interview, after applying to several job offers, consider attending a job fair. This is a great opportunity to meet potential recruiters. Still, to have a chance to catch the eye of a recruiter at a job fair, you don’t have to go just anyhow … Remember to prepare yourself well for this event which can be a determining factor in your career. What to do? We review with you the tips to use …

1. Take care of your outfit

It’s true that a job fair is not a classic job interview, but that’s no reason to present yourself to recruiters in old jeans with holes in them. Taking care of your outfit will always earn you points with recruiters. Shirt and shaved face for men, blazer and discreet make-up for women, a sober appearance is what you need to seduce a recruiter at a job fair.

2. Find information on participating companies

The mistake you should never make is to arrive at a job fair without first having taken the time to take all the information on all the companies participating in the event. Take all the information you need before you go to the job fair. This will help you find out which companies are of interest to you. What jobs are on offer? Knowing which company you are applying to will work in your favour.

3. Print your CVs in several copies

Since you are going to meet many potential recruiters, don’t forget to print a sufficient number of general resumes and bring your business cards with you if you have any. This will ensure that you don’t miss any opportunities to apply for a maximum number of offers and in many companies. Your chances will only be boosted…

4. Prepare your presentation in 30 seconds in chrono

Recruiters generally do not have a lot of time at career fairs to spend with all candidates. These are networking events. You need to take this into account by preparing a lecture that introduces you, your field of expertise and your experiences. It must be short, precise and effective. You will repeat it to introduce yourself to all recruiters.

5. Collect the cards

When you meet with the recruiters, don’t forget to ask each one for his or her business card. You will then be able to contact them again to ask if they are interested in your application. Who knows? You may be able to find a recruiter interested in your profile.

6. On the spot, think practical

Don’t forget to swallow something before you arrive at the job fair: you’ll be more concentrated if your stomach doesn’t gurgle during an interview. Also avoid smoking before or during the job fair: ashtray breath will put off recruiters.

10Sep

The 5 essential qualities of a high-performing employee

It is no longer a debate … All HR specialists now agree that the company is just as interested in know-how as it is in people skills. Moreover, the individual personality of each person within the company is a valuable source of diversity. However, whatever the personality of an employee, he or she must possess certain indispensable qualities that we will focus on in this article.

1-Being honest

Honesty is a human quality appreciated in everyone, but it is even more so in a worker. In fact, honest and reliable employees have the respect of their superiors and colleagues because they promise realistic goals. In fact, no one likes rough estimates. Those who are honest and accurate in estimating the time they need to complete their tasks and who report regularly on their progress project an image of efficiency and reliability.

2-Solution-oriented mindset

As an employee, you must be involved in solving the problems that the company encounters. You must not be a mere bystander who will simply observe problems and report them to your manager. Indeed, managers do not appreciate employees who pass on problems without suggesting any solutions. Alone or in a team, it is therefore necessary to spend time looking for long-term solutions. After all, problems are there to be solved and you are there to make the company work .

3-The sense of organization

The sense of organization also remains a quality highly appreciated in a worker. As an employee, you have to learn how to organize your work efficiently. Whether you choose to work at home, in the office or at the corner café, make sure you have a method of working and organizing. For example, when the workload builds up, you need to be able to set priorities without discussing every detail with your manager. In short, keep in mind that no manager wants to work with a messy worker.

4-Team spirit

There is a saying that goes: “There is strength in numbers…” This adage also applies to the world of work. Indeed, knowing how to work in a team is a very great quality in a worker. The manager will always be happy to see that there is a real one within the company. He will be pleased to see that the workers take the initiative to share tasks, solve problems and carry out missions that are entrusted to them in a collegial and creative manner. A close-knit team is a guarantee of satisfaction for a company boss and a positive atmosphere in the workplace.

5- Proactivity

Finally, one of the essential qualities of a worker is proactivity. This presupposes that the employee has the ability to put his or her own expectations and needs to one side, in order to reflect on the functioning of the company and its future evolution. In other words, for the worker, it is a question of being able to project himself into the future. This state of mind is highly appreciated by managers because it shows the worker’s willingness to collaborate with the company in the long term.

27Aug

5 sentences to never say at work

The professional world is a universe that requires a certain finesse in speech as well as in behaviour in general. In the company, the words you use give an idea of your professional image. It is therefore a good idea to choose the right expressions when you are in a professional environment. Certain phrases are thus absolutely to be banned if you want to be considered a leader. But which ones? Forbes magazine interviewed Darlene Price (author of the book Well Said! Presentations and Conversations That Get Results) about those words or phrases that should be avoided at all costs at work. We take stock with you.

1. “It’s not fair.”

Your colleague has received a pay raise while you work harder than he does. This can indeed create some frustration. But complaining or brooding about your anger in the workplace would be counterproductive. Instead, take stock of the facts, build a case and present it calmly to the people responsible,” advises Darlene Price.

2. “It’s not my problem” / “It’s not my job” / “I don’t get paid for this”

This sentence is to be banished, because it shows that you do not have the team spirit, nor the sense of solidarity. This does not mean that you have to accept everything, but you must be more tactful in your refusal. Darlene Price says that if, for example, you’re overwhelmed and your boss asks you to take on an extra task, tell him that you’d be happy to help and ask what priority you should give to each of the projects you’re working on. And Darlene Price’s continued use of this method will show that you’re willing to invest in the team, while reminding him that he needs to be realistic in his expectations.

3. “I will try.”

The verb to try implies a certain reluctance or lack of commitment. It is perceived by influential leaders as a rather negatively connoted verb in professional exchanges. Imagine, for example, that you absolutely must mail an invoice before a certain time and ask your colleague to take care of it when he goes to his next customer. If he replies “I’ll try” you will feel obliged to do it yourself because the sentence implies a possibility of failure.

4. “But that’s the way we’ve always done it”

It should also be remembered that initiative is the hallmark of leaders. A good worker must be able to think outside the box to innovate. Employers value innovation and creative thinking among their employees. However, this sentence proves that you are stuck in your habits, rigid and closed, without any prospect of evolution. Change is not always negative: never be so adamant about a new idea or way of doing things,” advises Darlene Price.

5. “He’s a fool” / “He’s lazy” / “My job sucks” / “I hate this company”

According to Darlene Price, this kind of sentence not only reveals immaturity, but can get you fired. Making those kinds of judgments is always going to reflect poorly on you. If you have something to reproach someone with, let them know directly, tactfully and politely: it will prove your professionalism.

30Jul

Africa: Industrialization is essential for job creation

In Africa, job creation is essential for sustainable development and inclusive growth in the continent. Vulnerable groups such as women and youth are disproportionately affected by the scarcity of decent work opportunities in Africa. Yet they are important links in the African population without whom development is not possible. Almost all observers maintain, and rightly so, that only industrialisation will make it possible to create the skilled jobs needed by young Africans. Thus, according to United Nations projections, Africa will experience unprecedented population growth and should account for nearly 40% of the world’s population by 2100 (i.e. as much as China and India combined) as against nearly 17% today.

Industrialization is becoming a response to the urgent need to create ten to twelve million jobs a year just to absorb new entrants to the labour market. It must, however, be an industrialization thought out and adapted to the African context.

Indeed, each country having its own characteristics, it is essential that each government envisage industrialization by taking into account in particular the natural resources at its disposal and the potentialities with which the country is endowed. Industrialization must be based on the creation of a favourable economic and social environment. According to Jonathan Le Henry, a consultant with PWC, African countries would benefit from “a common and integrated approach to industrial policy.

And the latter to specify that several levers must be activated to win the challenge of industrialization in Africa. It will be a question of capitalizing on natural resources to create new activities with higher added value, to rely on strategic partnerships to promote value sharing and technology transfer, to rely on the technologies of the industrial revolution 4.0 to achieve productivity gains, improve the level of competitiveness and better integrate into the value chain. Finally, the aim will be to create the necessary conditions for improving the business climate by offering an attractive environment for foreign investors and minimizing the burden of bureaucracy.

Such an approach could enable African populations to benefit from massive job creation. In the long term, the development of the African continent could be sustainable and beneficial to every African citizen.

At present, African industry generates only US$700 of GDP per capita on average, three times less than in Latin America (US$2,500) and five times less than in East Asia (US$3,400). And its exports consist of low-technology manufactured goods and unprocessed natural resources – which account for more than 80 per cent of the exports of Algeria, Angola and Nigeria, for example.

Africa, like Europe in the nineteenth century and Asia in the twentieth century, must therefore embark resolutely on the path of industrialization in the twenty-first century. To this end, the President of the African Development Bank Group, the Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) have agreed to work together to help Africa design its industrialization agenda. Other initiatives are also emerging to bring the dark continent out of the shadows.

22Apr

4 tips to guarantee your cover letter is read

Recruiters are overloaded with the huge number of cover letters they get every day. That is the reason why, if your cover letter has nothing original about it, there is a good chance that it won’t be read. You must then set yourself apart with a strong email: cover letter! Usually, a lot of those letters or emails are flat and boring. To put an end once and for all to all those tasteless cookie cutter cover letters, we have a few simple writing style techniques to help boost your mail.

Be straightforward

First and foremost, keep in mind that the first sentence of your cover letter is crucial. Therefore, you must learn to avoid beating about the bushes. You must quickly get into it. Many think that they need 3 or four sentences to give praises to the company before going in. Wrong! The hook of your cover letter must be powerful. If it isn’t, the recruiter will get tired of reading from the very beginning.

Be careful of the style of your letter

We said earlier that recruiters didn’t have time. Consequently, you must absolutely avoid having convoluted phrases in your cover letter. Prefer having a more fluid style therefore much easier for the recruiter to read.That will make your letter more attractive. It’s not necessary to have an over the top complicated writing style in your cover letter. If it is not clear and simple, it will simply be tossed away for the benefits of other ones.

A cover letter is not a CV…

It is common to see uninspired candidates, to repeat in the cover letter what they have already written in the CV. It is far from being a good idea, because the cover letter must be seen as something that will make the recruiter choose between two candidates in other words to set them apart. A good CV is certainly a good thing but a good CV with a good cover letter is even better. It is in the letter that you will show that you are someone who has a vision of its profession. So say it! Talk skills, techniques, multitasking, leading skills, organization skills, methods, efficiency…

choose a clear structure

The structure of your cover letter is very important. If you want a strong letter then be careful. If done right, there is a great chance you will leave a good impression on the recruiter who will see you as someone consistent. If you want to have a simple and clear structure, you can choose to have a more traditional composition with a paragraph for every sentence. It will be set up this way:

– Opening: where did you find this job offer?

-Motivation: why did you answer that job offer?

-Argumentation: why are you the perfect candidate?

– Conclusion: Anticipate a future interview.

08Apr

6 tips for finding a job without a diploma in Africa

Finding a job in Africa is not easy for people with degrees, let alone for people without none. When you have left school with no diploma, it can be difficult for recruiters to have an interest in you. However no matter how difficult it can look for someone to get a job without a degree, it is not a lost cause…There is a lot of different help needed and plenty of sectors that hire people with no qualifications. Here, you will have few tips on how to find a job with no degree…

Go to the dedicated services…

As a person without a degree,when you are looking for a job, think about going to the departments that are dedicated to people in the same situation as you. Those services will help you find the perfect job for you. They will also help you find vocational trainings. There is a lot of different kinds of departments depending on the country you are in.

Go after the sectors that are hiring…

Despise what you think, not having a degree is not necessarily an obstacle to you finding a job considering the fact that many fields do not look for specific qualifications. That is the case in the transport field, for example, like delivery guys or taxi drivers. That is also the case in the rail transport where they hire people without degrees. The food service industry, sales, wholesale distribution, cleaning services are all among the sectors that are opened to people without degrees. Lastly, in the public sector certain public services don’t always require certain skills like the army.

Think internships…

In the lieu of a degree, an internship could be an excellent option that could make your integration easier. It will allow you to gain experience in the field you want and improve your CV. It shouldn’t matter to you whether your internship is paid a little or not at all. What is important is to do one so you can show recruiters that you are motivated, and that is the key factor in job seeking. Remember that any experience is good experience.

Point out your skills

Much as a degree supposes you have knowledge and skills, not having one doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t have skills. You excel at respecting deadlines or in teamwork? Do not hesitate to underline it on your CV and your cover letter. It could grab the attention of some recruiters especially those who are mostly interested in soft skills.

Put everything on your network

If you want to find a job with no degree, you must have several channels to better your chances. Your friends, the friends of your friends can all help you through word of mouth or via social networks. Put all your chances on your side by building a strong CV and creating a LinkedIn profile, for example.

Be patient

Last but not least, it is important to know that job seeking sometimes takes a lot of time and can be fastidious even for people with degrees. That is the reason why, you should remain patient and not give up after the first few months. Learn to go around because climbing the ladder takes some time.

03Apr

Africa: when the blue economy generates jobs

Contrary to what stereotypes and misperceptions “Afro-pessimistic” have here and there, Africa is full of potential. Actually, it is not a coincidence that more and more investors have set their eyes on the black continent to do business. Talking about great potential, the blue economy have plenty of it in terms of investment so jobs. Therefore the blue economy generates jobs in Africa and is dedicated to reducing the unemployment rate in the black continent. According to experts, approximately 23 million of people work in the fishing sector. It ensures food safety for more than 200 million of people and generates an added value of 24 billion dollars so a 1.26 GDP of all the African countries. Experts believe that the blue economy in Africa plays an important part in promoting a substainable economic growth with ressources coming from the ocean, waterways, lakes and other water related ressources. It makes more sense knowing that 38 of the 54 countries in Africa, are coastal countries and 90% of exports and imports go by sea. Because of this, some observers considers the blue economy as “ the new line of development in Africa”.

Millions of direct jobs

The fishing sectors generates millions of direct jobs and induced employment. This goes from processing to packaging, fish nets and engines making, ice supplying, the building and maintenance of ships. Actually, the economic role of that sector has been confirmed by WorldFish center research institute based in Malaysia that tells us that in Uganda for example, fishing in lakes brings more than 200 million of dollars every year which represents 2.2 of the GDP of the country. That sector of activity has 135 000 fishermen working and 700 000 people working in the processing and fish trading and making 87.5 million of dollars exports revenues.

A sector that is mainly controlled by foreign companies

If there is something that observers have all noticed is the fact that the blue economy in Africa is mainly controlled by foreign companies. Statistics from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) confirm that statement by showing that even though the potential is obvious in Africa, it is however a rather low fish producer and is only ranked 4 on the worldwide scale with 4 500 00 tons. Continental fish is mainly done in Africa especially in Africa’s big lakes regions (Uganda and Tanzania) and Nigeria for river fishing. This sector would benefit more from opening up to local fishermen so the blue economy can even more contribute in reducing poverty in Africa. It is therefore necessary to have a better participation of locals in the sector.

30Mar

Africa: more than 3 million jobs expected by 2025 thanks to e-business

In a world where economy is now highly digitalized, e-business have generated 1.462 billion of euros in 2014 with China and the USA on top. Africa is also part of the movement. Therefore, in the black continent, e-business have reached more than 50 billion in 2018. Despise the digital divide that defines the continent, this business that consist in buying and selling goods and services on the internet is booming in Africa. Indeed, only 26% of the population in Africa has access to internet. Moreover, e-business looks into being a real tool in reducing the unemployment rate. That is at least what a new study from Boston Consulting group revealed. According to them, a collaboration between the private and public sector in Africa could unlock the potential of e-business and boost up the economy of the African continent and create up to 3 million jobs by 2025.

From the conclusion of that report called « how can digital marketplaces propel jobs in Africa » and published by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), digital marketplaces like Jumia Souq, Thundafund and Travelstart could create 3 million new jobs by 2025 in Africa. « Those ‘e-business’ websites that connect buyers and suppliers of goods and services, could also increase the revenues and facilitate the international economic growth all without disturbing the activity of the existing companies », the report added.

Africa is lucky enough to have a very young population and an emerging middle class which represents the perfect environment for e-business . However there are lots to do in order to give a real boost to e-business. The study of the e-business ecosystem in Africa helps us realise that this sector has a long way to go in the black continent. For example, in the report, for the digital marketplaces to really reach their full potential in Africa, public and private sectors must first work together to create a suitable digital environment. It also lets us know that in Africa approximately 58% of new jobs will be in the consumer goods sector, 18% in mobility services and 9 % in travelling and hospitality.

The obstacles that the expansion of e-business in Africa could be facing are, according to the report, the lack of infrastructures, of regulatory clarity and a limited access to certain markets. Policy makers, on the other hand, are concerned about issues related to securing citizens personal data and the possible risk of disturbance in the sectors of activity.

Nonetheless, despite the obstacles, we can hope for an evolution of e-business in Africa and in turn, the creation of new jobs in this continent that has become the main destination of investors. The Young Africans should therefore seize this good opportunity that e-business is offering to boost their chances of having a job. In order to do that, it is necessary to get a training in ICT.

1 2 3 4 … 10