Finding a Job

Job searching is a process that requires your personal effort. In Tanzania there are no specific programmes to assist you in your search, hence you need to do it yourself. Mywage Tanzania provides some tips to assist you in this quest.

Where do I look for jobs?

• Newspapers: Make a point to regularly read the newspapers that advertise jobs. So far in Tanzania the Daily News and Guardian are the most commonly used newspapers for job adverts, so make it your strategy to read them often. 
• Websites and blogs: There are some websites and blogs that post job adverts and accept the CVs of job seekers. 
• Company websites. One can visit the websites of the companies that are appropriate to your skills/career/profession. Most companies post their vacancies on their websites - visit the Vacancy or Press Release sections.
• Networking: Connect with friends, colleagues and family members to find out available opportunities. They are an informal source of information which could lead you to your dream job. Don’t hide the fact that you are job searching. 
• Recruitment agencies: There are also a number of recruitment agencies that could assist you. You are not supposed to pay the agency, as they are normally paid by the employer, therefore be careful if they ask you to pay some fees.
• The Government: The Tanzania Employment Service Agency (TaESA) can also help to facilitate your job searching. Visit their office/website and learn more.

What do prospective employers require from prospective applicants?

• A well-written Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
• A Cover Letter (a good self-marketing tool)
• Reference letters and current contacts (including address, phone and email)
• For you to be available for an interview in case you are shortlisted.

How should I apply for a job?

Once you have identified a job that you are interested in applying for, you need to do the following:

• Prepare a cover letter matching your qualification to the job description. It is good to follow formal letter-writing tips at this point. Have the subject of the position advertised as the subject of your letter, to make it formal. 
• Prepare your CV, preferably in chronological order. Ensure all your abilities, skills and experiences are included especially that which is relevant to the advertised position.
• Adapt your CV and cover letter to the description of the job by emphasising your skills that match those specified in the job advertisement. 
• Prepare all your supporting documents such as academic certificates, referee’s letters, professional documents and any other relevant content. Have them scanned and saved in PDF version (not picture) in case you need to email them, and have good hardcopies in case of mailing.
• Send the required documents for application using the mode specified in the advert (e.g. email, through the web or mail). Wait for them to call in case you are shortlisted.
• When sending the application, make sure that you use personal contacts such as your email address or phone, or family mail address. This is important for receiving timely feedback from prospective employer.
• When shortlisted, with the possibility of appearing for an interview, have your copies of reference letters and original copies of the certificates you have submitted, as they may be required.
• Since a CV needs to be tailor-made to the advert, it needs to be updated each time a new application is made. Also you need to revise your CV in case you get any new skills or experience.

Read more

Find out about writing the perfect CV in Tanzania.