Spangenberg Management Solutions

SM Solutions works on a simple methodology, proven over the years as the most effective. What belies this simple methodology is the skill of the interviewer and the ability to determine suitability for a specific function.

When receiving a job order, SM Solutions would

• identify the precise need and
• the key specifications required to complete the function. These are the hard skills required by the client.
• We would then use our own database and other resources to select the most appropriate candidate, after which;
• we would go into the interview phase.

In the interview phase,

1. body language determinants are utilised, as well as
2. psychometric personality profiling to determine the suitability of the candidate. These are the soft skills determinant as instructed by the client. We fully understand that a well-placed candidate can impact on the bottom line of our clients’ business.  After the interview, SMSolutions will
3. provide the client with a short list containing the consultant’s summary and
4. the abbreviated psychometric test, if requested by the client.

We offer services beyond the simple recruitment as we have psychologists and HR specialists in our team who are able to identify and test candidates using appropriate psychometric testing. We are also able to assist with candidates having difficulty in adjusting and to create the team dynamic required for all new placements.

Client Base

Our client base includes financial institutions

First National Bank

Standard Bank

Investec Bank

Insurance houses

Metropolitan Insurance

Liberty Life Insurance

Momentum Life Insurance

Information Technology Companies

Sybase

BI Practice

Belay Knowledge Management

Bytes Group

Adultimum Group

Embassies

Royal Kingdom of the Netherlands

Cell Operators

Vodacom

MTN

Pharmaceuticals

Aspen Pharmaceuticals

Compliance with the Regulation for business dealings in South Africa

Spangenberg Management Solutions cc certify that we comply with all the required legalities of transacting business in the Republic of South Africa and of Namibia.

This includes the following Acts;

Employment Equity Act 1998

Labour Relations Act 1997

Basic Conditions of Employment Act 1997

We have one set of Placement Fees based on the Annual income of the candidate. For a cost quotation please contact us.

Guarantee: Should the candidate leave your employment within the guarantee period, Spangenberg Management Solutions will endeavor to provide a replacement free of charge. Should the replacement candidate be employed at an amended salary package, an adjustment will be made to the fee. Should we not be able to find a replacement, the fee will be refunded to you on the following basis:

Should the Applicant be dismissed or leave within:

30 days of commencement       80% refund

60 days of commencement       65% refund

90 days of commencement       45% refund

Please note: The guaranteed period does not apply if the termination is as a result of retrenchment, transfer, changes in job description, unfair dismissal or for any other reason not within the candidate’s control.

Ten Tips on Preparing for a Job Interview

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After sending our multiple CV;s you have at last been invited to attend an interview! Congratulations! Statistics tell us that you are only 5% of applicants who reach the eventual goal of a face to face meeting with a potential employer.

Unless you want someone else to walk away with your job I would suggest you immediately consider your attitude and think about the feedback the initial interviewer gave you on your first interview. It is our experience that this is the most crucial as the agent has clarified all the important aspects of you being suitable for the position with your skills sets both hard and soft…but now it is about your suitability for slotting into the culture and team.

Here are some suggestions to make it happen!

1.     Do your homework. Research the company beforehand so that you can showcase that knowledge during the interview. This will boost your credibility with the interviewer and will help you to formulate intelligent questions to ask him or her.

2.     Know where you’re going. Make sure to find out where the office is and how to get there. If applicable get the GPS directions and do a dry run one evening. Do you know how long the trip will take? Do you have the name and phone number of the person you’ll be meeting with? Do you know how easy it is to park? Save yourself time and unnecessary stress by knowing these things before heading to the interview.

3.     Look the part. Your clothing should be neat, pressed, and professional looking. As it can be difficult to know the culture of the office environment beforehand, err on the side of conservative. Even if everyone’s wearing jeans when you arrive, you’re still probably better off having shown up in a suit. However, don’t be afraid to inject some personality into your look, and don’t neglect the details. Make sure to have a fresh haircut and clean, manicured nails.

4.     Rehearse beforehand. Prior to your interview, prepare answers to common questions the interviewer is likely to ask, such as What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why do you want to work here? Why should we hire you? and the ever popular Tell me about yourself. (Remember this question is not for you to tell them about yourself, but to tell the embassy what you believe you can bring to them BECAUSE OF YOUR PERSONALITY, CHARACTER AND WORK ETHIC.) Conduct a mock interview with a trusted friend as practice.

5.     Secure your references. Find at least three key people — former supervisors, colleagues, or instructors — who are willing to serve as your professional references. Be sure to secure their permission beforehand, and be certain that they will speak highly of you if contacted by a potential employer.

6.     Arrive early. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the interview. Visit the restroom and check your appearance in the mirror. Announce yourself to the receptionist to let him or her know that you have arrived and that you have an appointment. Turn your cell phone off so it doesn’t ring during your meeting.

7.     Bring necessary documentation. Make a checklist of documents that you will need for the interview, and make sure that you have them in your briefcase before leaving home. These documents may include extra copies of your résumé, a passport, driver’s license, Social Security card, or portfolio of writing samples or other professional work. If you are a recent graduate, you should also bring along your college transcripts.

8.     Sell yourself. You have your language skills which was required, but you are still up against three other candidates and you need to be sure why you believe it is YOU they should be hiring! The interview is your chance to shine, so now is not the time to be humble. Develop a 25-second sales pitch that sings your praises. In business this is called an “elevator speech,” a compelling overview of why you? that can be recited in the time it takes to ride the elevator. It should include your strengths, your abilities, and what sets you uniquely apart from other applicants.

9.     Don’t neglect to ask questions. Based on your earlier research, ask how the responsibilities of the open position relate to the company’s goals and plans for the future. Interviewers are often favorably impressed by candidates who show that they are knowledgeable about the organization.

10.  Follow up. After the interview, don’t forget to send a handwritten note or friendly email thanking the interviewer for his or her time and consideration, as well as restating your interest and commitment to the position. If you don’t hear anything after one week, call to politely inquire when they will be making a final decision.

Remember to keep this in mind: Every interview is a valuable learning experience. Even if you don’t get this particular job, when the next interview rolls around, you’ll be much better prepared and more at ease with the whole process. All of which can go a long way to boosting your confidence and improving your chances of being offered the next job.

Above all else…enjoy your interview and respond honestly to all questions. Interviewees can detect responses which are ingenious.

Good luck!