2011 Summary

Latitude Resource was established in mid 2010 and has successfully been trading as a specialised GIS recruitment and outsourcing business for the past 18 months. As we have now completed our first full calendar year, we thought it a good idea to send out a festive season news letter.

Since inception in June 2010, the geospatial market accepted our specialised GIS recruitment and outsourcing services with open arms. Our client base has grown from initially providing services to a few specialised GIS consultancies to now servicing a wide range of clients utilising spatial technologies across South Africa, including:

• Local, Provincial and National Government
• Research Institutes
• Parastatals
• Mining Consultants
• Conservationists
• National and international geospatial data, solution and service providers
• Logistics, Marketing and BI related businesses
• Town Planners and
• Engineering firms

Apart from sourcing suitable GIS technicians, specialists and photogrammetrists to fulfil our clients’ personal requirements; we have also successfully placed geospatial researchers, software developers, business developers and sales consultants within the traditional GIS and newly developing geo spatial markets.

We are looking forward to a busy 2012 as the geo spatial market is developing at a rapid rate and GIS data, tools and solutions are more widely used across a variety of industry sectors.

We would like to wish you a very merry festive season and hope 2012 will be a prosperous year.

Enjoy the upcoming holidays!

Bursaries for Geomatics and Survey Courses

Here is a list of bursaries as advertised by GISSA and SAGI - http://www.sagi.co.za/bursaries.php

Online GIS Diplomas, Certificates and Degrees

If anybody is interested in furthering their tertiary education in GIS, but can not attend a full-time course, here is a few links to international on-line qualifications:

Various USA based courses - http://gislounge.com/distance-learning/

Denver University, USA - http://universitycollege.du.edu/gis/degree/certificate/geographic-information-systems/degreeid/31#courses

UNIGIS - http://salzburg.unigis.net

I am sure there are many more, so if you come across any, feel free to make a comment on this post for others to read.

CV Tips and Advice - 05.12.2011

Here follows a few tips with regards to making your CV as professional and effective as possible.

1. Always ad the start and end dates, preferably in years and months, to all past employment positions.
2. List your relevant work experience from the most recent to the oldest.
3. Always ad a completion date to any qualifications obtained.
4. Always double and even triple check for spelling mistakes.
5. Preferably, do not ad photo's to your CV, unless requested by the employer or agent. If you do ad a photo, please keep this as professional and formal as possible. Please keep photo's to head, shoulder or at the most upper body shots.
6. Never use capital letters only in your CV, use it to highlight a particular heading or word only.
7. Use the same font type in your CV, or if you really want to use another font, keep the use of it consistent throughout the CV.
8. Since GIS is a technical field where the use of software is heavily relied on, remember to add a section in your CV that will list your software experience. Apart from listing this in one "Software Experience" section, also mention this under each job/employment section as it will highlight what software was used for what tasks.
9. Do not include a header page unless it is requested by the employer or agent. The first page of your CV should start with your personal information, but should also display a summary of your qualifications, experience and skills. This first page will therefore double as a one page advertisement of you.
10. If you have more than 2 years experience, do not list all the subjects, plus results obtained for each in the main body of your CV as this makes the CV to long and difficult to read. This information can be added to the CV as a appendix.

We will elaborate on some of these points in future blog entries, but in the mean time, please remember the 30 seconds rule which refers to the amount of time a CV has to catch the eye of a potential employer.

Apart from the tips above, please also review some of our previous blog entries if you have not already read them:
CV Tips Intro - http://latitude-resource.blogspot.com/2011/09/cv-tips-intro.html
Applying for a advertised position - http://latitude-resource.blogspot.com/2011/09/applying-for-advertised-position-dos.html
CV Layout - http://latitude-resource.blogspot.com/2011/09/your-cv-layout-dos-and-donts.html
CV Layout Continued - http://latitude-resource.blogspot.com/2011/09/your-cv-layout-dos-and-donts-continue.html

PhD and Postdoc positions

Please find below information on the opening of three PhD positions and a Postdoc within a new project the ITC is running.

Research opportunities on ‘Sensors, Empowerment, Accountability in Tanzania (SEMA)’

The research programme "Sensors, Empowerment, Accountability in Tanzania (SEMA)" is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) under the WOTRO-Global Science for Development Programme. Three PhD candidates, one Postdoctoral Scientist and one software developer will be recruited.  Here are the details of the research programme and how to apply for the PhD and Postdoctoral Scientist positions: <http://www.itc.nl/Pub/research_programme/Research_opportunities.html>. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2011.

URGENT - Two contract positions in Cape Town

We have the following two new contract positions available in Cape Town. Both positions will start ASAP.


1) GIS Data Analyst - 2 to 3 months contract ( mid level)
Task - Satellite image interpretation, data capture and analysis.
Skills - MapInfo GIS (Preferred), Excel, Access.


2) GIS Geocoder - 1 to 3 months contract (entry level)
Task - Data capture and geocoding.
Skills - MapInfo preferred, but any exposure to GIS will be sufficient.
Students welcome!


If you are interested in one of these contract position, please send your CV to info@latitude-resource.co.za. 

SA Weather Service Bursaries

I came across these two bursaries tonight if anybody is interested in furthering their studies in meteorology.


1) "The South African Weather Service invites graduates who are in possession of a three year BSc degree with suitable major subjects such as Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Oceanography or Meteorological subjects, to apply for a bursary to undergo a one year course in basic meteorology."


http://metzone.weathersa.co.za/images/PDF_docs/Bursary%20advert%201.pdf


2) "Candidates with Grade 12 certificate with an E symbol or higher for Mathematics and Physical Science (HG) are invited to apply for bursaries to undergo ten (10) months observation training at the SA Weather Services Meteorological Training Institute in Pretoria, commencing February 2012."


http://metzone.weathersa.co.za/images/PDF_docs/Bursary%20advert%202.pdf


Note the closing date is 11 November 2011.

100 Post Graduate Bursaries for Science Grads

I came across this today, the ARC (Agricultural Research Council) have bursaries to offer for Msc, PhD and post doctorate qualifications. Here is a list of the courses they will consider:

See this link for further info - http://www.arc.agric.za/home.asp?pid=5152

New Vacancies 01/11/2011

- GIS Software Developer (C#, .NET), Cape Town *NEW

- GIS Data Analyst, Cape Town *NEW

- GIS Software Developer (C#, .NET), Pretoria *NEW

- Digital Mapping & Solutions Sales Representative, Cape Town *NEW

- GIS Software Developer (C#, .NET), Johannesburg

- GIS Analyst (MapInfo), Johannesburg

- GIS Data Capture Technician, Pretoria

- Lidar Processing Specialist, Pretoria

- Junior GIS Sales Consultant, Centurion

- GIS Business Unit Manager, Johannesburg

- GIS Web Developer, Pretoria

- GIS Business Developer, Gauteng

- GIS Systems Analyst, Gauteng

- GIS Business Analyst, Gauteng

- GIS Developer/Specialist, Gauteng

- GIS Business Developer x 2, Gauteng

- Geospatial Software Developers, Cape Town & Johannesburg

Digital Mapping & Solutions Rep, Cape Town

A international digital mapping and solutions firm is looking to recruit a Digital Mapping & Solutions Representative to join their team based in Cape Town. This is a corporate position which requires a dynamic, progressive leader to develop sales in the digital mapping arena.

Main Responsibilities:

¨       Call on both existing and new customers

¨       Cold Canvassing for new customers, in the B to B and B to C market segments.

¨       Delivering superior customer service

¨       Meet sales targets

¨       Ability to converse on a technical/technology level and advise customers of the best solution.

¨       Be able to fully understand and sell digital mapping / map-driven solutions (mobile and web), as we as to sell online advertising space.

¨       Research into latest mobile and digital mapping technologies (software and or applications) and to advise internal team accordingly.

¨       Grow customized and digital contract business in the South Africa.

Requirements for this position are:

¨       A minimum of 3 years External Sales experience is essential, preferably in the corporate market.

¨       Experience in sales of a technical/technological nature or from a background of software sales will be advantageous. Have an understanding of web browsers & internet basics and possibly have some knowledge of navigation products & the GIS environment would be advantageous.

¨       Reliable motor vehicle

¨       A proven track record of achieving monthly sales targets

¨       Computer literacy and

¨       Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  

Knowledge	Skills	Attributes
·         Computer Literacy in Excel, MS Word. ·         TMS an advantage ·         Software sales experience advantageous. ·         Technical background would assist	·         Accuracy and efficiency ·         Sales and customer relationship management required ·         Strong Administrative and communication skills required ·         External sales background – minimum 3 years	·         The ability to work both independently and within a team structure ·         Must have a motor vehicle to visit clientele ·         The ability to deal with corporate clientele ·         To understand technical requests and software applications

New job specs added to www.latitude-resource.co.za

We have just added further detail to the vacancy page on our website, please see below:


GIS Software Developer (C#.NET), Johannesburg - Ref: GDEV5004

A GIS software solutions firm based in Johannesburg, but with a footprint in Southern Africa, is looking to recruit a mid to senior level .NET software developer. Spatial software experience in either or all of the following: ESRI, Spatial VU and Buffalo is essential. Please only apply if you have 2 years plus software development work experience.

Lidar Processing Specialist, Pretoria - Ref: LPGT5001

A National geospatial services business is looking to recruit an experienced LiDAR processing specialist to join their team based in Pretoria. Experience in the full data workflow process, from the point of capture to the completion of the final product is essential. The ideal candidate will have experience in merging LiDAR point clouds from static as well as moveable survey stations.

Junior GIS Sales Consultant, Centurion - Ref: JSGT5001

An international GIS data and services business is looking to recruit a junior sales executive to join their team based in Gauteng. Experience in geospatial industry is essential. Sales experience is not essential as employer is willing to provide sales training for an applicant with the right personality.

The successful candidate will have excellent verbal and written communication skills. This is a great opportunity for a junior GIS professional who is looking to move away from the technical side of GIS and get involved in the business/sales side of things.

GIS Business Unit Manager, Johannesburg - Ref: BMGT5001

A leading market intelligence data and solutions provider based in Johannesburg is looking to recruit a business unit manager to lead their market & data intelligence side of business. The ideal candidate will have geospatial market intelligence data experience, understand how this information can be utilised by potential clients and comprehend which industries can make use of such data/services.

The successful candidate will also have previous team and project management experience. Experience in running a business unit is preferred, but not essential. Ideally this person should come from a market intelligence background with experience in using geospatial data and tools. Business management experience in the form of budgeting and strategising will also be a distinct advantage.

Preferred personality traits: Driven, motivated, self starter and someone that can lead and motivate a team.

Salary will be experience dependent.

Please see the main site for further details - http://www.latitude-resource.co.za/vacancies

Latitude Resource advertise in the latest PositionIT

Check out our new add in the latest PositionIT magazine - 

http://z.positionit.eepublishers.co.za/index.aspx?issue=issue20&page=11

Latest Vacancies - 10/10/2011

Here is a list of our latest vacancies. If you would like further information regarding any of these, please express your interest by sending your CV to info@latitude-resource.co.za .

- GIS Analyst (MapInfo), Johannesburg

- GIS Data Capture Technician, Pretoria

- Lidar Processing Specialist, Pretoria

- Junior GIS Sales Consultant, Centurion

- GIS Business Unit Manager, Johannesburg

- GIS Web Developer, Pretoria

- GIS Business Developer, Gauteng

- GIS Systems Analyst, Gauteng

- GIS Business Analyst, Gauteng

- GIS Developer/Specialist, Gauteng *URGENT

- GIS Business Developer x 2, Gauteng

- Geospatial Software Developers, Cape Town & Johannesburg

Visit http://www.latitude-resource.co.za/vacancies for more details.

Interested in getting qualified in GIS?

One of our junior candidates recently asked me what South African universities offered courses in GIS. Here follows a couple of links that might assist anyone else with the same query:


Uni Degree: http://www.gissa.org.za/education/university-courses-in-gisc/university-courses-in-gisc

Other GIS Courses: http://www.gissa.org.za/education/technical-courses-in-gisc

Hope this helps!

Your CV layout....... the do’s and the don’ts continue....

In our previous blog article we touched on some general ‘GOOD LOOKING’ CV tips. Here are a few more points to keep in mind.

Personal  details: Make sure that your name is clearly stated. It does however not have to be in a huge font size and take up an entire A4 page.  JC Smith is not your full name unless you want to be addressed as JC. If however your legal names are June Cindy Smith then type it out as just that. The name you want to be called first (if it is not your legal name then put it in brackets) and then any other names and then your surname- in this order.

E.g. (Sunshine) June Cindy Smith: if you want to be addressed as Sunshine

E.g. June Cindy Smith: if you want to be addressed as June

Contact details: Make sure that your contact telephone number, email address and your physical address (including province!) is at the start of your cv, clearly visible.  Your recruiter does not want to have to search for these details.

*remember the 30 seconds rule*

Loads more to follow....

Job vacancies on http://www.gissa.org.za

If you are searching for GIS job opportunities in South Africa, remember to check http://www.gissa.org.za/jobs every once in a while.

Your CV layout....... the do’s and the don’ts

We  previously mentioned that in general your recruiter takes about 30 seconds to decide if your CV is one for the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ pile. As a recruitment agency we do evaluate all CV’s sent to us and therefore when a CV with a good, well thought through, clear layout is opened, it immediately sparks our attention.  

Here are some tips for a ‘GOOD LOOKING’ CV.

• Photos: generally it is very difficult to get this right, so as a rule we would encourage you not to add a photo to your CV. If this is something you really would like to do, then keep the photo small (passport size) and professional (no pics from your latest beach holiday) and definitely only stick to one photo.
• Font: use an easy reading, uncomplicated font.
• Bold:  Don’t do your entire CV in Bold or underlined. Use these two tools for highlighting the parts of your CV that you would like to stand out.
• CAPITALS:  Don’t write your entire CV in CAPITALS. Save capitals for where it is grammatically needed.

*remember the 30 seconds rule*

This being only the start of our CV layout tips....... loads more to follow....

Current Vacancies - 14/09/2011

Here is a list of our latest vacancies. If you would like further information regarding any of these, please express your interest by sending your CV to info@latitude-resource.co.za .

- GIS Web Developer, Pretoria

- GIS Business Developer, Gauteng

- GIS Systems Analyst, Gauteng

- GIS Business Analyst, Gauteng

- GIS Developer/Specialist, Gauteng *URGENT

- GIS Technician, Durban

- GIS Business Developer x 2, Gauteng

- GIS Project Manager & Business Developer, Cape Town

- Geospatial Software Developers, Cape Town & Johannesburg

Visit http://www.latitude-resource.co.za/vacancies for more details

Applying for a advertised position... the do’s and the don’ts.

Make sure that you have read and understood what the job advertisement is asking you to do.

Typically Latitude Resource would ask that the following information be provided:

Please send your CV, including a cover letter containing the following information to info@latitude-resource.co.za

1)     Quoting reference code:  ********

2)     Availability ( notice period );

3)     Remuneration expectation;

4)     Relevant years experience to advertised position;

5)     Current location and willingness to relocate;

When we then receive a CV with no cover letter or any of the above requested information it automatically does not leave a good impression.  Treat your application as if it is your first interview with the recruiter and by ignoring the instructions you are not putting yourself in the best light.

Remember, everything about your application leaves an impression- make that impression a good one!

CV Tips - Intro

When trying to find that ‘ideal’ job, your CV is the most important document. In general your recruiter takes about 30 seconds to decide if your CV is worth spending more time on reading, or one for the ‘NO’ pile. Remember that in most cases your CV is one of many, so make sure that everything in terms of the layout and context is eye catching and not off putting.

The recruiter will either be impressed or “depressed” by the following:

1. Layout
2. Context
3. Skills/experience

In most cases a CV’s good and bad points can be categorised under one of the above three points. The layout is what draws your attention first, secondly the content needs to be correct and finally and most importantly the skills/experience needs to be relevant to the position.

I mention skills last, because it does not matter how good or relevant your skills are to the position, if you put the recruiter off with your CV’s layout and context, your CV will in most cases be discarded.

Anyway, this is just the intro and further details will follow later.

Welcome

We would like to welcome you to the new Latitude Resource Blog. The purpose of this blog is for the Latitude team to share geospatial/GIS jobs, opportunities and recruitment tips with anybody who is interested. 

As a specialised geospatial recruitment firm, we deal with many clients looking for that right person, plus prospective candidates searching for the ideal opportunity, on a daily basis. We therefore have a very good idea of what clients want in terms of candidates and what candidates need to do in order to give themselves the best chance of getting that ideal job opportunity.

Latitude Resource started in June 2010 and since day one of receiving CV's, speaking to candidates and searching for that ideal candidate, we have been dealing with a whole range of candidates and CV's which include some of the best as well as the worst we have ever seen. Instead of just ignoring the bad, we would like to assist you via this blog in supplying notes and tips on the following:

• Creating the perfect CV,
• Writing a gripping, short and to the point covering letter,
• Help you to prepare the best you can for interviews.

We look forward to our first post and hope that this blog will assist candidates in finding that perfect job!

All the best

The Latitude team