SA’s unique talent pool attracts a growing Canadian technology start
CostCertified, a Canadian technical startup that provides cost estimation software for the residential construction industry, is opening a business base in Cape Town, which aims to create at least 300 jobs for local people over the next two years.
Mike Bignold, Founder and CEO of CostCertified |
CEO and founder Mike Bignold explains that the software was originally developed to help project managers at his own construction company compile cost estimates. However, he soon realized that the software had the potential to offer value to the construction industry as a whole.
Since its inception in 2021, CostCertified has received support from the technical incubator program, Y-Combinator, and is tipped to become one of the fastest growing companies in North America. After raising $ 8.45 million (R133 million) during the seed round of financing, the company is now ready for expansion.
Attitude first – skills can be taught
The charm and hospitable character of South Africans were important factors in the startup’s choice of Cape Town as the site of its first overseas headquarters.
“We chose South Africa as our next hub based on the caliber of talent we expect to find locally,” says Bignold. “Except [Cape Town] As one of the most beautiful cities in the world, South Africans are known for their fantastic lively culture and atmosphere, versatility and, of course, the ability to stress; there is an unknown pool of talent here that we are keen to exploit. “
The company is currently recruiting over 30 representatives for sales development and customer success for its Mother City business.
“Our hiring team is looking for ambitious candidates who show resilience, agility and a competitive entrepreneurial spirit to join our high-performing team. Our strategy is to hire for attitude first – skills can be taught,” says Bignold.
As a significant number of entry and junior positions are available, applicants do not need to have a robust sales background or several years of experience.
Gender equality and diversity
Given that South Africa’s unemployment rate is currently 34.5% (Stats SA – Q1 2022), this recruitment process is really welcome.
“We are so proud and happy to be able to help make a dent in unemployment. Our strategy is to employ South Africans with no related experience or education; for previously disadvantaged but talented people, this offers an opportunity to accelerate their careers significantly.” Bignold. “We value diversity and are an inclusive employer – we will always encourage and welcome people of all backgrounds as we strive to come together with our ideas, experiences, perspectives and unique identities to achieve great success.”
War for talent
With over 60,000 people already employed in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector in Cape Town, the city is a growing call center hub in Africa. Online retailer Amazon is already grabbing South African customer service talent for the construction of its headquarters in the coastal city’s River Club development (currently on ice due to a land dispute).
However, Bignold believes that CostCertified offers something that these giants can not provide. “Unlike large established multinational companies, we are still a startup where each individual team member can, and must, have a massive impact on the business path,” he explains. “With our successful rapid growth strategy, the platform and opportunities for career development are endless and happening much faster. Larger companies cannot offer it.”
Skill training
CostCertified not only wants to offer jobs, but this is the chance for employees to learn and develop new skills.
“Startups are unique and offer an opportunity to build and diversify so many skills for young professionals. We all provide the best tools and equipment for the job – as well as training in a variety of technologies, soft skills and technical skills – such as sales technology”, says Bignold.
“We maintain a fast, agile, high-performing culture, where employees learn to be resilient and, most importantly, how to wear many hats, which will be very marketable skills for their future. The rewards are endless when you feel some of the bigger vision and immediately see what effect you make every day. “
Long-term opportunities
With learning and development comes the opportunity for promotion.
“Our philosophy is to grow employees into roles that suit them best, based on where they stand out and the work they enjoy – even going so far as to create new and specific roles for them,” Bignold encourages. “As a growth-focused company, we are always looking for opportunities to promote and expand competence.”
Application process and tips
“Our success is driven by the ability to connect with our customers, and communication is key,” advises Bignold to those interested in applying company openings.
“We ask all our potential candidates to provide a short video that introduces themselves along with their application. This allows the candidate to share a little about themselves and allows the recruitment team to identify if they would be a good fit. In addition, each the ability to provide concrete examples of skills or attributes set out in an application is always helpful, ie milestones, special projects, achievements, key figures, etc. Answering questions before they are asked will always give candidates a competitive advantage. “