If you’ve just completed your tertiary education and are looking to get into the transport and logistics industry, then you’re at the right place! Transnet—a large South African rail, port and pipeline company—has loads of different job opportunities available to graduates.
Eager to apply to Transnet but not sure how to get started? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our handy guide on how to apply for a job at Transnet in South Africa.
Table of Contents
Familiarise Yourself with the Transnet Careers Page
Start by accessing Transnet’s official website. Once there, navigate to the Careers Page by hovering over “Careers” and clicking on “A Career with Transnet”.
Here, you will see an overview of what Transnet is about as well as the application process. The application process for Transnet includes the following:
- Register: Click on “Register”, and you’ll be taken to a page that will allow you to register an account with Transnet.
- Login: Once you have registered and made an account, you’ll be able to create job alerts, search and apply for vacant positions, withdraw existing applications, track your status for vacancies applied and more!
- Job Search: Here, you can view all of the employment opportunities available at Transnet. You can even restrict your job search results by specifying the search criteria.
- Applicant User Guide: This is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a bursary and career at Transnet.
- FAQ: Get answers to all your burning questions about applying for a job at Transnet.
Register Your Account on the Transnet Careers Portal
Now that you’re familiar with the Transnet Careers Page, it’s time to register your account via the Transnet Careers Portal. As we mentioned before, registering an account allows you to save job searches, track your applications and receive updates on new vacancies that match your profile.
To register an account with Transnet, all you need to do is:
- Visit www.transnet.net and view the home page.
- Navigate to the Careers Page by hovering over “Careers” and clicking on “A Career with Transnet.”
- Click on “Register” and a new page will open with a detailed registration form.
- Fill in the registration form and be sure to complete all the required fields marketed with the asterisk (*).
- Once you’ve completed your registration, you will receive a confirmation email sent to your chosen email address.
- The confirmation email will contain a link, which you need to click on in order to confirm your email address.
- After tapping the link, you’ll be taken to a new page. On this page, you will be able to create your Transnet Profile.
Create Your Transnet Profile
You’ve registered your account and now you’re ready to create your Transnet Profile. You’re now one step closer to applying for and securing a job at Transnet (hooray!). But wait, how exactly do you create your Transnet Profile?
There are 7 steps you need to follow, and you’ll need to spend some time on them, so be sure you fill in your Transnet Profile in a quiet location. Without wasting time, let’s get to it! Here’s how to create your Transnet Profile.
Personal Data
The first thing you need to do is fill in all your Personal Data. This includes all your personal details such as your title, name and surname, gender, nationality, disability, ID, date of birth and ethnic origin.
You’ll also need to include the following:
- Permanent Residence: Enter your street/house number, country, postal code and current location.
- Temporary Residence (if applicable): Fill in your street/house number, country, location and postal code.
- Communication Data: Provide your email address, private phone number (if available) and mobile phone number.
- Internet References: This is your chance to show Transnet what you’re made of! Select the type of reference you’d like to provide (social network, business network, home page, blog or other). Insert your link and add a description of the reference.
Education and Training
Once you’ve filled in the above information, you’ll then move on to your Education/Training. Here, you’ll need to tell Transnet about any courses, certificates, diplomas or degrees you’ve completed throughout your academic journey.
To add your education/training, simply click on “Add” at the bottom left of the screen and you’ll see a new window pop up. Here you can add your education and fill in all of the details about your qualification. Fields consist of the following:
- Educational Institution
- Start Date
- Country
- Location
- Education Type (Certificate, Diploma, Higher Diploma, Masters Degree, National Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Degree, Professional Membership, Training Courses and Undergraduate Degree)
- Field of Education
- Subject
- End Date
- Region
- Education Level
- Highest Degree/Certificate
- Grade
- Description
If you wish to apply for a full-time bursary at Transnet, you’ll also need to include your subjects, the level, achievement level and percentage achieved.
Work Experience
Whether you’ve worked a part-time job or done an internship programme, Transnet wants to know! You can fill in all your work experience information underneath the Work Experience tab. All you need to do is click on “Add” at the bottom left corner and wait for the screen to pop up.
In the additional window, you’ll be able to fill in all your prior work experience and will need to fill in the following fields:
- Employer
- Not under Notice (let them know whether you’re under a notice period or not)
- Start Date
- End Date
- Country
- Region
- Location
- Industry
- Functional Area
- Hierarchy Level
- Job Title
- Description of your role
Qualifications
How qualified are you to work at Transnet? Now’s your chance to find out! Transnet has set out certain fields in its Qualifications tab that it would like you to fill that will examine whether you’re a good fit for the company.
For example, how good is your eyesight, and how well do you work on a moving train? Are you prepared to work shifts? How about your reliability? Would you say that you can be counted on to do the job?
You’ll also need to fill in your Basic Education qualifications, as well as indicate whether you’ve completed any Advanced Certificates.
To fill in these fields in the Qualifications tab on your Transent Applicant Profile, all you have to do is (you guessed it), click on the “Add” button on the bottom left corner of the screen and wait for the second window to do its thing.
Preferences
In this section of your Applicant Profile, it’s your chance to tell Transnet what you want out of the job. That’s right, it’s time to fill in your Preferences! What interests, preferences and expectations do you have? Well, that’s up to you to decide.
Luckily, Transnet makes this process quite easy with its dynamic drop-down menus, which list a host of Interest Groups for you to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a job in Administration or Engineering, there’s something there for everyone.
The Preferences tab also allows you to fill in your Salary Expectations, Travel Expectations, Work Location and Employment Preferences.
Attachments
Here is where you can back up your data by adding attachments. Transnet now has quite a detailed overview of who you are, but your CV just adds that extra bit of background and information that will showcase what you can do.
You’ll also have the opportunity to add additional documents that you think may increase your chances of getting a job. This includes everything from your driver’s licence and formal qualifications to your identity document and more!
Overview and Release
You’ve completed your profile and you are ready to review! Here is where you’ll be able to scan over your Transnet Profile and ensure that you haven’t made any errors. You’ll also be able to see how it’ll look to your prospective employers and download the document should you wish to do so.
Transnet also gives you the option of releasing your profile to other employment opportunities and provides a box that you need to tick in order to approve this option.
If you’re happy with your profile and have checked all the appropriate boxes, you can click on “Complete” to finish the “Applicant Profile” process.
Browse Job Openings on the Transnet Careers Portal
Next to your Applicant Profile at the top of the page, you’ll see another tab called “Employment Opportunities.” Select the tab to start browsing for job openings on the Transnet careers portal.
On the Employment Opportunities tab, you can use filters to narrow down your job search by Functional Area, Country, Contract Type and Hierarchy Level. Once you’ve narrowed down your search, select the “search” button in order to view the job listings available.
If you see a job that interests you, click on it to access the full job description. Pay close attention to the job requirements, responsibilities and qualifications to ensure they match your skills and experience.
Keen to apply for the job on the Transnet Careers Portal? Then be sure to move on to the next step: filling out your job application.
Fill Out the Transnet Job Application Form
Start the online application process by clicking the “Apply” button on the job posting and filling out the job application form. You’ll be prompted to enter your personal details, education, work experience and other relevant information if you haven’t done so already on the Transnet Profile. Make sure to complete all required fields accurately.
You’ll additionally be asked to write a short application cover letter explaining why you are interested in the job and will be able to upload any additional attachments or documents you’d like to include in your application.
Review and Submit Your Application to Transnet
Before submitting your application, review all the information you’ve provided. Check for any errors or missing details. Once you’re satisfied that your application is complete and accurate, submit it through the Transnet Careers Portal.
Await Your Application Confirmation from Transnet
After submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation email from Transnet. This email will acknowledge the receipt of your application and provide you with a unique application number that will allow you to track the status of your application.
If you’re among the lucky candidates to be short-listed, you’ll be extended an invitation for an interview, typically within a two to three-week period following your application. However, the response time may vary based on the specific job vacancy and the volume of applications received, potentially leading to longer waiting periods.
Given the high daily influx of applications, Transnet is unfortunately unable to engage in correspondence with each applicant. Regretfully, Transnet cannot provide individual feedback on application status or the reasons for non-selection. Only candidates deemed suitable will be contacted for assessments, which will significantly influence the final hiring decision.
Prepare for Interviews and Assessments
Transnet has a whole bag of tools ready to determine whether or not you’re capable of the role. These assessment tools are largely informed by the job you applied for and may include cognitive tests, personality questionnaires, emotional intelligence tests and in-basket exercises.
Should you be chosen for an interview, it’s important to remember that making a great first impression really matters. Get ready for that initial meet-up by doing your research, thinking of some questions and making sure you’re dressed to impress.
Plus, don’t forget to bring your A-game by showing confidence, a positive outlook and a whole lot of enthusiasm. You’ve got this!
Get More Career Advice at FundiConnect!
Applying for a job can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why, at FundiConnect, we’ve made it our mission to offer comprehensive career advice to students to help your transition into the working world that much easier!
Whether you’re looking to acquire an internship or wondering how to write a motivation letter—FundiConnect has got you covered!
Be sure to check out our Career Guidance and Work Readiness pages to ensure that you’re job-ready for the career of your dreams.