Searching for a job in today’s competitive markets can feel like a daunting task, especially in industries like finance, mining, and energy, which are highly specialized and continuously evolving. Job seekers are often left wondering why their carefully crafted applications seem to vanish into the void, with no response from companies that are hiring. In this article, we’ll break down some of the modern best practices for job searching and explore the reasons why your applications might not be yielding the desired results.

Whether you’re targeting positions in Africa’s booming job market or seeking roles in finance, mining, or renewable energy, these insights will help you sharpen your approach and land that next career opportunity in Africa.

1.Optimize Your CV for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many companies today use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage the flood of job applications they receive. These systems are designed to scan resumes for keywords relevant to the job description, filtering out those that don’t seem like a good fit. If your resume isn’t ATS-optimized, it might never even reach a human recruiter’s eyes.

With that said, not every recruitment company uses this computerised method to find suitable candidates for their clients. At CA Global we utilise our expertise and 17 years of experience to pick by hand the applications that stand out. We take the time to read between the lines and unpack your CV, then we call you to get to know you as a person. Therefore, a keyword filled CV would only work for a robot recruiter, not the experienced industry leading recruiters.

Best Practices to Utilise When Refreshing Your CV:

• Use clear and concise language: Avoid overly complex terms and jargon unless specifically required.
• Tailor your CV to each job description: Incorporate keywords from the job listing naturally into your resume, especially in sections like “Experience” and “Skills.”
• Avoid fancy formatting: Stick to simple, standard fonts and formatting. Graphics, tables, and images can confuse ATS software.
• Include all Qualifications and Years of Experience: With that said, don’t forget the duration of experience working on particular systems. We want to know what you specialise in.  

In the finance, mining, and energy sectors in Africa, where technical expertise and industry-specific skills are essential, aligning your resume with these keywords is critical to getting noticed.

2.Tailor Each Application

One of the most common reasons job applications don’t receive responses is that they’re too generic. Recruiters can spot a cookie-cutter application from a mile away, and they prioritize those that show genuine interest in the specific role and company.

Best Practices:

• Personalize your cover letter: Address the recruiter by name if possible, and explain why you’re particularly interested in their company and the role.
• Highlight your unique qualifications: Focus on the skills and experiences that make you an ideal fit for the position. For example, if you’re applying for a job in the African mining sector, emphasize your knowledge of local markets, regulations, or languages.
• Show company knowledge: Research the company’s values, recent projects, or expansions, and mention these in your application to demonstrate you’re serious about working for them.

3.Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is an essential tool for job seekers, particularly for those seeking executive or senior roles in fields like finance, mining, and energy. Recruiters often use LinkedIn to find potential candidates, even before posting a job. Having a well-optimized LinkedIn profile increases your visibility and boosts your chances of being contacted for job opportunities.

Best Practices:

• Keep your profile up to date: Make sure your LinkedIn profile reflects your current role, skills, and achievements.
• Use a professional photo: First impressions matter. Use a clear, high-quality photo that represents you in a professional light.
• Utilize keywords: Just like with your CV, your LinkedIn profile should include keywords relevant to your industry and role. If you’re targeting positions in finance, make sure terms like “financial analysis,” “investment management,” or “accounting” are included in your profile.

4.Network Actively

In many industries, especially in Africa, networking is key to finding the right job. Building relationships with industry professionals and recruiters can often open doors to job opportunities that aren’t advertised publicly.

Best Practices:

• Attend industry events and webinars: Whether online or in-person, events like conferences and networking sessions are great places to meet potential employers and learn about new opportunities.
• Join industry-specific groups: LinkedIn groups or other professional forums focused on finance, mining, or energy in Africa can be a good way to stay updated on job openings and industry trends.
• Follow up with connections: After meeting someone at an event, or connecting with them online, send a polite message to stay on their radar. Establishing a rapport can increase the likelihood that they’ll think of you when an opportunity arises.

5.Keep Track of Your Applications

Many job seekers submit applications and then forget to follow up or track their progress. This lack of organization can result in missed opportunities, or in some cases, applying to the same job multiple times without realizing it.

Best Practices:

• Create a tracking system: Use a spreadsheet or a dedicated app to keep track of which companies you’ve applied to, the job title, date of application, and any follow-up steps.
• Follow up on applications: After a reasonable period (usually around 10-14 days), send a polite email to check on the status of your application. This demonstrates initiative and shows the employer that you’re genuinely interested in the position.

6.Be Patient and Stay Positive

It’s important to recognize that the hiring process can take time, particularly in specialized fields like finance, mining, and energy in Africa. Hiring managers might be reviewing hundreds of applications, scheduling multiple rounds of interviews, and waiting for final approvals from upper management.

Best Practices:

• Be patient: If you haven’t heard back within a week or two, don’t immediately assume the worst. Stay patient and continue applying to other jobs.
• Keep refining your approach: After each rejection or period of no response, take the time to review your application process. Could your resume be stronger? Is your cover letter too generic? Small tweaks can lead to big improvements.

Why Companies May Not Be Responding

Even when you follow all the best practices, there are still several reasons why companies might not respond to your job application. These include:

• Overqualification: Companies may fear that you’ll leave as soon as a better offer comes along if you’re overqualified.
• Lack of industry-specific skills: Especially in fields like mining or renewable energy, not having the right certifications, language skills, or specific experience can be a dealbreaker.
• Internal hires: Sometimes, companies post jobs externally as a formality but intend to hire someone internally.
• Hiring freezes: Economic conditions or internal restructuring might lead to a temporary halt in hiring, even if a job was posted recently.

Find Your Next Career Opportunity with CA Global

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, CA Global is here to help. With our extensive expertise in recruitment across Africa, we specialize in connecting talented professionals with leading employers in the finance, mining, and energy sectors. Our user-friendly website is updated regularly with exciting job opportunities, so whether you’re looking for a high-level executive position or a new challenge in a different sector, we’ve got you covered.

Visit CA Global’s job portal today and explore the latest roles available across Africa. Your next career venture could be just a click away!