Online Platforms in South Africa: Analysing the Effectiveness of Job Matching for Secondary School Graduates,

Online platforms have become increasingly prevalent in job matching services worldwide, offering potential solutions to unemployment challenges, particularly for young graduates entering the job market. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilising semi-structured interviews with 30 participants who have utilised online job platforms between and . Data analysis involves thematic coding and content analysis. Participants reported that while the platforms provided access to numerous job opportunities, they often struggled with matching their qualifications to available positions, leading to frustration and a sense of inadequacy in finding suitable employment. The findings suggest that online job platforms can be effective tools for connecting graduates with potential employers but require significant improvements in aligning job offerings with the educational backgrounds of users. Platforms should enhance their matching algorithms to better reflect the qualifications and skills of secondary school graduates, thereby increasing user satisfaction and employment outcomes.