August is Women's Month, and we are proud to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women both in South Africa and around the world. But it's also a good time to reflect on the unique challenges women face in the workplace, particularly when job-hunting. We’ve chatted to a few women who have recently entered the job market and asked them about their fears and challenges. And then, the Antal recruitment experts offered some advice to help make the journey a little easier.

The #1 Issue: Imposter Syndrome

Confidence, often caused by imposter syndrome, tops the list of challenges.

Imposter Syndrome is a feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy despite the evidence of their success. One woman we spoke to even admitted that she feels like an imposter by admitting to having imposter syndrome because, deep down, that means she knows she is good at what she does.

Antal advice:

Acknowledge ALL your achievements: Regularly remind yourself of your accomplishments and the effort behind them. Every single one of your life experiences, whether at work or at home, has shaped who you are today.

Ask for feedback:  Constructive feedback from colleagues and mentors can help validate your skills and boost your confidence.

Be kind to yourself: Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer a friend. Recognise that everyone has moments of self-doubt. Recognise that moments of self-doubt are natural and can indicate growth - and if you’re in a space where you aren’t experiencing any self-doubt, chances are you’re not stretching yourself.

Salary Negotiations

Another issue that popped up repeatedly was salary negotiations. Women often feel hesitant to negotiate their salaries, fearing they might appear greedy or ungrateful. This hesitation can lead to accepting lower offers than they deserve.

Antal advice:

Do your research before entering negotiations. Try to get a feel for the industry standards for the role you are applying for, and be prepared to advocate for yourself and your worth. Practice your negotiation skills with a partner or a friend or our recruitment team and remember that asking for fair compensation reflects your value, not a favour.

Our team is highly experienced in this matter and can handle the negotiation for you.  Our job is to secure fair pay based on market standards, without bias. Be realistic about your expectations. As specialist recruiters, we know the market norms for your level.  If your research shows you're being paid below the market rate for your experience and qualifications, then you should push for a salary that matches the market standard.

The Mom Challenge: Getting Back into The Job Market after a Career Break

Career breaks can often lead to perceived gaps in experience and skills. For women who have taken a break to focus on family, getting back into the job market can be particularly challenging, perhaps due to self-doubt about their skills and relevance.

Antal Advice:

Focus on the transferable skills gained during your break, such as time management and multitasking.  Remember that your diverse experiences add value. If you’ve taken a career break to be a mother, these experiences make you adaptable, resilient, and resourceful. Acknowledge your achievements and remind yourself that you deserve a place at the table.

The Interview Process

Interviews are scary for most job hunters, especially when you’re already battling imposter syndrome and confidence issues. As a woman, perhaps you even have the additional pressure to prove yourself in male-dominated industries.

Antal Advice:

Prepare, prepare, prepare. Research the company and its culture, and be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements. Practice answering common interview questions and consider working with a career coach.

Remember, an interview is not just for the employer to assess you but also for you to decide whether the company is the right fit for you.

Our last word

There’s no doubt that, as a woman, you may face unique challenges in the job-hunting process, but we also have no doubt that you are innately resourceful and resilient, and you absolutely have the ability to achieve anything you put your mind to. Every step you take brings you closer to achieving your career goals, and at Antal International, we’re here to support you.