The Slimfish Files » Recruitment Agencies and Jobs

Child Modelling, Casting Agencies and Extra Work

Admin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:15:44 +0000

As the visual entertainment scope of TV and advertising becomes larger and larger, there are more opportunities for child modelling, casting agencies and extra work in the industry.

South Africa is producing more of its own advertising and television productions, meaning that child models, background “extras” and other casting roles are available for South African children. For modelling assignments, children are usually only required for half the day, whereas for television purposes the child may be on set for a full day.

What qualities are necessary for child modelling, casting agencies and extra work?

A passion for performing
The right physical appearance for a particular role
Good manners
Tenacity
Self-motivation
An ability to take criticism

It’s all about the agent…

To get a name and fame in child modelling, casting and extra work, you will need and agent to connect you or your child to various job openings and negotiate contracts on your behalf. There are a number of agencies in South Africa that deal with both adults and children:

Zero to Hero casts people of all races and ages for film work and TV advertising. For more details, see http://www.zerotohero.co.za
Star Quality Management Agency for Kids and Adults based in Johannesburg
Kingclip Artist Management for children, models, actors, babies and more.
Imageperfect Model and Talent Agency casting babied through to adults for both TV and print media.
Kidz Take Over Drama School where they teach drama classes and acting skills for both screen and stage.
At La Femme Models, both boys and girls aged 5 and up can take part in modelling classes.
Role Models is both a modelling and acting agency that represents babies to teens for print media and TV advertisements.

Strains and stresses

Children working in the entrainment industry should be fit and healthy as the job can de rather demanding, with odd working hours (often during the weekend, evening, or early morning). As a parent, you do not have any say on when the shooting will take place. The child will also need energy to be able to move around the set and to be able to maintain this energy throughout the shoot. Remember that your child may also be affected by hot lights as well as heavy costumes.

Take heed!

There are a number of child modelling scams out there that prey on the hopes of children and parents who fall prey to their flattery. These scams will ask the parents to dig deep into their pockets to pay for overpriced portfolio photographs and modelling classes. This doesn’t only apply to child modelling agencies, and adults can also be similarly scammed through bogus casting and modelling agencies.

Remember, no modelling agency can promise you work; they can send you out on auditions and from there it is up to you to get the job for yourself. If you land the job, the agency will be entitled to a percentage of your paycheck. An agent should never be paid any kind of upfront fee.

How do I know if my agency is legitimate?

A legitimate agency won’t ask you for any money until you actually land a job.
You won’t be sold modelling classes or photographs – you will pay the modelling coach or photographer directly. If you are directed to a specific photographer they are probably getting commission for it. You are not obliged to use that specific photographer.
Ask around or conduct research to find a reliable and responsible agency.

Hints and Tips for hitting the big time

You don’t need to go to modelling school to become a model. Modelling schools accept anyone who will pay for tuition.
Be persistent. The best way to find a legitimate agency to represent you is to go to casting calls or send pictures to the agency (these don’t have to be professional photographs, rather wait until you are accepted into an agency before you make an expensive portfolio).

Child Modelling, Casting Agencies and Extra Work is an original post from: The Slimfish Files

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Jobs in the DPSA and Vacancies in Government

Admin — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 08:12:21 +0000

The South African government is always in need of good quality public officers, those who uphold the highest standards of the law by serving their country. Looking for jobs at the DPSA and vacancies in government is not as tough as one would think. The trick here is to make sure the positions that are on offer are the ones that are best suited to you.

There is a misconception out there that once you are in a government position, it is a free ride and you become part of the so-called political “gravy-train”. This is not the case and despite what you hear or read in the news, government positions are taken very seriously and are not to be taken advantage of.

For a full list of the vacancies in government, look no further than government’s information website. Here you will be able to look through all of the South African departments and see what jobs are available. Other government circulars are posted in newspapers countrywide, but to beat the general browser to it, you will need to be regularly checking this website in order to get your CV through in good time.

If you are considering applying for a job in the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) then it is best to go straight to the source and direct to their website.

When you are looking for Jobs in the DPSA and vacancies in government then consider the following options as featured on their website:

National Departments

A breakdown of the national departments that are offering jobs.
All you will need is to click on the department you are interested in and it will take you one step further down the application process.
Provincial Administration
Similar to the above in that it lists the provinces that have vacancies.
By clicking on the link that best suits you, it will take you to a circular that indicates all of the available positions as well as the closing date for you to submit your application

These government websites are helpful for the following reasons:

It is regularly updated to offer only the most relevant and up to date vacancies. Many job websites are outdated and this cannot be said for both the government DPSA vacancies website.
It segments the vacancies per department and per administration section, national or provincial.
It gives clear instructions as to how the process should be followed in terms of submitting your CV and the deadlines.
It provides you with the contact information for the people you need to deal with should you have any questions or queries regarding the application process.

Job applications is an area that government need support in, as top quality and honest candidates are always required to ensure the very best service to the entire South African population.

This should make the understanding of the jobs in the DPSA and vacancies in government that much easier to understand. All you need to do it head to one of the two websites indicated above and you will be able to navigate your way to a new job and new career.

Jobs in the DPSA and Vacancies in Government is an original post from: The Slimfish Files

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Jobs for Pregnant Women

Admin — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:27:15 +0000

The job market can be a scary and daunting place for pregnant women. Finding employment when pregnant is tough, and many employers see you as a “bad investment”. Don’t despair – there are positions for pregnant women, many of which would offer you the flexible hours you need.

If you are employed in a company prior to finding out you are pregnant, you will be sitting pretty through your pregnancy. Most South African companies entitle you to four months paid maternity leave. You can decide if you want to take a month of that prior to giving birth, or work right up until the time you have the baby, and then enjoy the full four months afterwards.

There are numerous advantages to being in a stable job and company when you fall pregnant. Paid leave is a huge bonus, especially when your monthly grocery bill suddenly includes formula, nappies, bottles, baby food and so on. This way, you are free to enjoy the baby without stressing too much about the financial implications it brings along with it. Another advantage is that, if your company assists with medical aid, you know this is sorted through this time. Lastly, it is great for women to know that they have a job to go back to after their maternity leave. This again allows them to truly enjoy this time without the pressure of having to find work at the same time.

Bear in mind that if you are in this situation, the company requires you to go back to work for a minimum period to “pay back” the leave they have granted you. In many companies this period is a year, but it varies. Many women take maternity leave with the intention of returning to work four months later, only to realise that they want to be a full-time mom. It’s great to be in a position to make this decision, but ensure you know your employment conditions prior to announcing your resignation – you could find that you suddenly owe the company a lot of money!

If, however, you are not employed at the time you find out you are pregnant, you could feel that your options are somewhat limited. Companies are reluctant to take on pregnant women, mainly due to the disruption factor that this brings along with it. It is also difficult for companies to grant four months maternity leave to a new person who they don’t know, and who might not return after that period.

What about freelancing opportunities for Mum’s-to-be?

Freelancing, work-from-home opportunities and part-time jobs all afford expecting moms the freedom to earn money, without having to prove their staying power in a corporate environment. These options also set them up to be able to work and spend time with the baby once the baby is born.

If you are a writer, copywriter, creative, proof-reader, editor or designer, freelancing could be the ideal job for you. While it is tough in that you need to secure your own pay-check, the bonus of this is that the sky is the limit – there is no ceiling on what you can earn, if you work hard. Freelancing is mostly done at home, which is a huge advantage to expecting and young moms.

There are also numerous work-from-home opportunities advertised on the Internet – some of these involve sending out letters and communication to various people on databases, while others involve selling products to friend and family within a particular network. Just be wary of these offers – some of them really are too good to be true.

If you are a pregnant women needing to earn money, there are many options out there for you – decide what is right for you, and go out and make it happen!

Jobs for Pregnant Women is an original post from: The Slimfish Files

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Oil Rig Employment Opportunities

Admin — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 08:08:04 +0000

There are always oil rig employment opportunities available, and if this is what you want to get into, then there shouldn’t be anything stopping you. If you have what it takes to fill one of the positions available, then you should definitely find recruitment agencies to help you get on board. Yes, you do stay away for a couple of months at a time, but the pay is something to look forward to. There are many jobs available on oil rigs, but if you want to make some good cash, filling one of these positions is definitely going to be a start. Have a look on the Internet to see what companies are out there and then find those recruitment agencies to help you get that position you want.

If you think you have what it takes then maybe you will find those perfect jobs when looking at oil rig employment opportunities that are available to anyone serious about working or oil rigs. Maybe you have what it takes to be a mud engineer, maybe an offshore medic. Maybe you can be an oil rig painter or an offshore scaffolder. Well, the opportunities are endless and the money is great.

There are many things you can look forward to when working offshore. You will also have the opportunity to find a company that will be able to work abroad. If is this what you want out of your job why not start doing something about it now? You also have to keep in mind that it is hard work and the hours are long, but at the end of the day you can be proud that you have put in what you need to, making the money you receive so much more worth it. Find those oil rig employment opportunities and get the ball rolling.

Oil Rig Employment Opportunities is an original post from: The Slimfish Files

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Offshore Work on Cruise Ships and Oil Rigs

Admin — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 09:50:52 +0000

Offshore jobs are great for people who are young, single and looking to experience something out of the ordinary. In these difficult financial times it is not easy to find employment, but many recruitment agencies are searching for people who are willing to work the long and unusual hours required from offshore positions. Working on oil rigs or cruise liners have extremely irregular hours and conditions, which is often why they pay extremely well and may even be tax free. Your commitment is extreme, but the benefits can be worth it. If you are looking to try something new, are not committed to a family or particular area and are simply ready to work, then this might be just up your alley.

Often offshore jobs have strict conditions. Many positions on oil rigs or cruise liners require a degree of skill and expertise and you thus have to have a qualification to apply for them, or you need to go through their internal training at cost to yourself. This may sound extreme, but because you are out there for such a long time you need to be able to deal with the stress of isolation, as well as the demands of the employment you have been chosen for. Recruitment agencies are generally quite good about ensuring that you’ll find a job that is suitable to your skills and personality traits, and often they can refer you to training or skills development that could benefit you.

Remember that whilst it may sound glamorous to work on an oil rig or on a cruise ship the hours are long and you will spend many weeks away from your loved ones. This has both benefits and risks, and these should both be weighed up before you seek this type of work. Of course, the money you earn will stand you in good stead for things like purchasing property back home, and paying off student loans. So it’s definitely not all bad when you choose offshore jobs available from South Africa.

Offshore Work on Cruise Ships and Oil Rigs is an original post from: The Slimfish Files

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Get a Job on a Cruise Liner in SA

Admin — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:55:28 +0000

Jobs on cruise ships in South Africa allow employees to make real good money if you play your cards right. Although it is well known that the hospitality industry is something that is not easy to manage or handle. There is a lot of stress and long shift working hours that you as an employee have to put up with. But this is an offshore opportunity that you would not have to pass on if it came your way. There are also a variety of positions from beauty therapists to waiters and waitresses and chefs that you are able to apply for and at the same time gain international experience.

If there is one thing that can give you a lifetime of experience that you are able to carry on into your future, it is jobs on cruise ships. The employment positions available are sure to allow you to gain some adventure and also allowing you access to liners as well as boats. This is a once in an experience that everyone should want to take on, whether it has been presented to them before or not. If you do decide to apply for a position, there is always the advantage of sending money home to your loved ones that you are supporting. This is a good way to get on your feet and start new. An offshore opportunity is always one that many have to consider or if you can, not pass on because you will regret it.

You would have the opportunity to be on some of the most snazzy liners and boats. This sure proves that the hospitality horizon is one that is to be taken seriously at all times. There are chances that you can take to gain the employment prospects in order to get to where you prefer in this industry. There is more than one opportunity that you have to take on if you accept a job like this, and there is also a lot of paper work that has to be done if you would like to take on this venture. One thing that you can be sure of is that jobs on cruise ships are something that might come around only once in a lifetime.

Get a Job on a Cruise Liner in SA is an original post from: The Slimfish Files

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Cruise Ship Jobs

Admin — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 09:22:46 +0000

Looking for cruise ship jobs? When you are interested in finding employment in this field, know that you have to have some experience to get up there on one of the boats. You stand a better chance at getting one of the positions if you have experience in hospitality, but if that’s all you have, you might rather secure a different offshore job which would be good too, but there are just certain jobs you would prefer above others. The liners need qualified people as these people generally get paid a fair amount of money so you would have to be good to get on board. As long as you have experience in what they are looking for, you shouldn’t have a problem if the company is looking to take on people.

You will find advertisements online as well as in newspapers so this is where you should look when you are looking for cruise shop jobs. However, what is more professional is to actually approach the companies and ask them directly. If they have nothing available at the moment, you could always leave your CV with them and they could contact you when something comes up. If you haven’t got another job by then, you will definitely take the opportunity to work on the boats, but even if you found other employment in the mean time, you should give it up to be on the liners; it is an opportunity of a lifetime.

There are always positions open for those who enjoy working offshore, so they have an opportunity to make a good living for themselves. Having a career in hospitality is a good start and would make it easier for you to get in there, but it all boils down to the experience they are looking for. Cruise ship jobs are available, you just have to be better than the rest to secure your spot on the liner.

Cruise Ship Jobs is an original post from: The Slimfish Files

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Find Jobs Offshore

Admin — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:23:24 +0000

To find jobs offshore using recruitment agencies and groups who are experienced in the field. Working offshore can be incredibly exciting, but the risks and perks are completely different from those onshore. The employment market is so volatile and dynamic that sometimes positions that are advertised as well paid work out to be much less financially sustainable than you would have hoped. By seeking the help of trained professionals you will be able to find jobs on oil rigs and cruise liners that are safe, and non-exploitative. Good money is definitely a perk, but it is not worth it if your safety is at risk.

Starting with recruitment agencies will help you to find jobs offshore with trusted companies and cruise liners. Working on a cruise ship is possible for virtually every person. The hospitality industry is so diverse that it requires people for an enormous variety of positions including scuba diving, fitness training, waitressing, and much more. These jobs are normally well paid, and the added bonus is that when you work in this field you have very little time or place to spend your money. So you can save a great deal. Although there is always the option of the on-board shop! Employment on oil rigs is slightly less glamorous but also offers the perks of high pay and no place to spend it. These positions are highly labour intensive and can be quite dangerous which is why it is best to seek outside help and advice when looking for this type of job.

Before starting work in these roles you are often required to undergo health testing and submit quite a lot of information about yourself. As mentioned earlier there is the potential to make good money, which is why a trained professional should be the first person you ask for help to find jobs offshore.

Find Jobs Offshore is an original post from: The Slimfish Files

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Jobs on Cruise Ships

Admin — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:07:57 +0000

Jobs on cruise ships are a common way for recent school leavers, beauty therapists, hairdressers, receptionists and exercise instructors to take to the sea in search of employment. Many of these jobs are on cruise liners which have excellent facilities and travel to a number of exquisite locations around the globe. Cruise boats host a number of hospitality jobs for waitrons, bar staff and cleaning staff and can provide a new setting for these essential positions. This is an ideal job for young people as many of the positions are for a flexible length of time, and it provides an excellent opportunity to travel the world before seeking a permanent job.

Most of the various jobs on cruise ships are seasonal and last between six months and a year. The recruitment process for cruise liners normally takes place by means of an open day where people from each industry can present their skills, cv’s and are interviewed. These recruitment days are held once or twice a year and sometimes more than one company jointly hosts an open day to show the range of offshore employment that is offered by the industry. Other companies require you to fill in an application form, and then they contact you about employment.

There are some things that you should consider before thinking about employment on a boat. First, you should consider whether or not you would be able to be away from land for such an enduring length of time. Many people working on a cruise ship are only allowed brief visits to land during their travels. Second, you should think about what area of the hospitality industry you have skills in. Many cruise liners require a certification for all positions, including waiting staff. Third, you must be a friendly, outgoing and hardworking person.

You should always research the company offering the job, to avoid disappointment. There are numerous positions for work on boats, but you should always make sure that the liner you are looking at has reputable references and good reviews from staff and clients alike. Steiner, one of the biggest offshore employers, is one of the safest options and they offer up to 2000 jobs on cruise ships per year.

Hospitality Employment on Boats

Hospitality employment on boats is a great way to experience the world whilst earning a great sum of tax-free money. There are a number of companies that have hundreds of spots available on all types of boats such as cruise-liners, private yachts, and luxury chartered yachts. So for those of you, who are looking for a year abroad and want to earn some money at the same time, then why not take a look around at what is on offer. This a great way to get invaluable work experience as well as experience different countries and cultures.

For those of you who are looking for hospitality employment on boats then there are some websites that you should visit. One great website is www.cruiseshipjob.com that not only provides you with all the job listings, but also gives you information about how much you can earn, profiles on the different cruise liners, and frequently asked questions about cruise liners. One downfall is that the majority of unskilled jobs available on these cruise-liners are taken up quickly, and do not pay as well as the skilled jobs do. But for those of you who are just looking for a way to get out of the country and work abroad then cruise-liners offer fantastic experiences.

If you would rather work on a private yacht, then there are also a host of jobs available. A great website to look at is www.crewfile.com. This site lists a number of jobs that are available on yachts such as deckhands. Working on a yacht also generally pays more than working on a cruise-liner. So if you have just finished school, or are bored in your day job and are looking for a new adventure that pays, then working on a boat or cruise-liner is a great place to look.

Jobs on Cruise Ships is an original post from: The Slimfish Files

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Offshore Jobs

Admin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:43:42 +0000

When it comes to offshore jobs, they might not always be easy to find, but when you do get your hands on a suitable one, hold on to it! In most cases we don’t mind what positions are available as most of these jobs are great ones, so we just take what is available, but some companies can be a little stricter than others and require you to have specific qualifications. Whether you want to work on the oil rigs, or you are interested in joining those on the cruise liners, you could find wonderful benefits by making use of recruitment agencies. These days employment isn’t always easy to come by, so it might take some time before you find something, but that doesn’t mean you should give up easily.

Depending on what you are qualified in, you should find enjoyment in the many offshore jobs that are available. Recruitment agencies would be able to assist you with the jobs that fit your criteria, therefore you should leave your details with them and they will be in contact if something regarding employment in your category pops up. The positions that are available might not be exactly what you are interested in or qualified in, but you should still keep looking or even try out new positions if you are up for that. Many successful individuals work on the oil rigs where they love their job and are thankful for it as it pays the bills and more.

These types of jobs are not really ideal for family orientated individuals, but then again it all depends on you and the lifestyle you prefer and live. The cruise liners are also an option, but then you should be prepared to stay away from home for long periods of time as you would have to with all offshore jobs.

Why Oil Rig Employment is Highly Paid

The reason why oil rig employment is highly paid is because to put it bluntly, it is not safe. It is not a boring a dull job and there are many people that work offshore that would agree. You will be able to find many jobs on oil rigs and the one thing that they all have in common is that none of them are safe. Think about materials that are used – spark, metal, gas and oil. These are always a dangerous combination and these very same materials are worked with every single day on oil rigs. If you are looking for work that you are sure to love, you will find that oil rig jobs are among the most exciting and among the most interesting in the industry.

People that work on land knows why oil rig employment is highly paid and because of this, they get the necessary skills and go for oil rigs. The promotions are fast and you get paid huge amounts of money sooner than anybody else on land. This is the kind of life to expect when working on oil rigs. You also have to be cautious. The highly paid oil driller positions are not for the timid or weak. The work you find here are treacherous and you should take this into account. If you are good at this kind of stuff and have a split second reaction time when it comes to danger striking, then this is for you.

Explosions and oil fires are devastating. Equipment can fail at any moment and you will have heavy machinery operating around you. This is a job where you have to pay attention and it is not for those people that enjoy watching television. You have to be prepared for rapid movement and you need a split second reaction for fast action, because this will prevent you getting in the middle of an accident.

Offshore Jobs is an original post from: The Slimfish Files

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