The good news is that you don't always need work experience to get started. Many entry-level positions, internships, learnerships and temporary jobs can help matriculants gain valuable workplace experience.
What Jobs Can Matriculants Apply For?
There are several types of entry-level jobs that may be suitable for someone who has completed matric.
Some common options include:
- Administrative assistant
- Receptionist
- Call centre agent
- Retail assistant
- Sales assistant
- Customer service representative
- Data capturing clerk
- General worker
- Warehouse assistant
- Cashier
- Office assistant
- Hospitality positions
- Security-related positions where the required qualifications are met
The requirements will vary between employers, so always read the job advertisement carefully before applying.
Look for Entry-Level Jobs
When searching for your first job, look for vacancies that mention terms such as:
"No experience required", "entry level", "matriculants welcome", or "school leavers."
These types of vacancies may be more suitable if you have not worked before.
You can also search for internships, learnerships and graduate development opportunities, depending on your qualifications and eligibility.
Your Matric Certificate Is Valuable
Not having work experience does not mean you have nothing to offer an employer.
Your matric qualification demonstrates that you have completed your secondary education. You can also highlight skills you developed at school, such as:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Computer skills
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Leadership
- Organisation
Think about activities you participated in at school and whether they helped you develop skills that could be useful in the workplace.
Create a CV Even If You Have Never Worked
You should still have a professional CV when applying for jobs.
If you have no employment history, focus your CV on:
Personal information
Include your name and appropriate contact details.
Education
List your school and matric qualification.
Skills
Include relevant skills that you genuinely have.
Achievements and activities
Mention relevant school achievements, leadership roles, projects, volunteering or other activities.
References
If appropriate, you can include a teacher, coach or another person who can provide a suitable reference.
Keep your CV simple, clear and easy to read.
Don't Apply for Only One Job
Your first job may not be your dream career, and that's okay.
Apply for several suitable opportunities rather than waiting for one employer to respond. Each application gives you experience with the job-search process.
You should also consider opportunities that can help you build skills and experience that may be useful for your long-term career.
Be Careful of Job Scams
Unfortunately, people looking for their first job can be targeted by fake job advertisements.
Be cautious if someone asks you to pay money to secure a job, promises guaranteed employment, or requests unusual personal or financial information.
Always investigate an opportunity and the organisation offering it before providing sensitive information or making any payment.
Keep Building Your Skills
While looking for work, continue developing your skills.
You could improve your computer skills, communication skills or other abilities that are relevant to the type of work you want to do.
Short courses, volunteering and other legitimate opportunities can also help you become more competitive.
Your First Job Is the Beginning
Not having experience can make your first job search difficult, but everyone has to start somewhere.
Focus on finding legitimate entry-level opportunities, create a good CV, apply consistently and prepare properly for interviews.
Your first job does not have to be your final career. It can be the first step towards gaining experience, developing your skills and building the career you want.
Looking for opportunities? Browse the latest jobs, learnerships, internships and other opportunities on VacancyPortal.