Telesure / 1Life Hiring Requirements & Assessments JHB 2026

Looking to kickstart or advance your career in Johannesburg’s thriving insurance sector? Specifically, if you’ve set your sights on a dynamic role at Telesure Investment Holdings (TIH), which includes prominent brands like 1Life, Auto & General, and Dialdirect, understanding their exact hiring requirements and assessment processes in areas like Dainfern and Riverglades is your first critical step. As Mike Steenkamp, Founder & CEO of ShiftMate, I’ve spent over two decades navigating the complexities of the South African labour market, and I can tell you that successful placement in a competitive environment like TIH isn't just about a good CV; it's about preparation, precision, and proving your capability.

The call centre and BPO sector in Gauteng continues to be a significant employer, with BPESA reporting consistent growth and a demand for skilled agents. Telesure / 1Life, with its substantial operations in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, is always on the lookout for motivated individuals. This article will provide you with the definitive guide to their 2026 hiring requirements, assessments, and what you can expect to earn, ensuring you're fully equipped to make a strong application and secure your future.

Understanding Telesure / 1Life Hiring Requirements in Johannesburg (Dainfern / Riverglades)

When Telesure / 1Life looks for new talent in their Johannesburg contact centres, particularly around the Dainfern, Fourways, and Riverglades areas, they're not just ticking boxes. They're looking for individuals who can hit the ground running in a fast-paced, target-driven environment. My years placing workers into these roles tell me that while foundational qualifications are non-negotiable, the 'X-factor' often lies in a candidate's soft skills and demonstrated aptitude.

Essential Educational Background & Qualifications

For most entry-level and experienced contact centre roles at Telesure / 1Life, the baseline requirements are consistent and align with industry standards:

• Matric Certificate: A National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) is the absolute minimum educational requirement. This demonstrates foundational literacy and numeracy.
• NQF Level 4 Qualification: Many roles, especially those in sales or customer service, prefer or require a completed NQF Level 4 qualification, often in Contact Centre Operations or Business Administration. This shows a commitment to formal learning and basic industry understanding.
• Regulatory Exam (RE5): For roles involving the provision of financial advice on insurance products (e.g., life insurance sales for 1Life), passing the RE5 exam is critical. This is a Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) requirement, ensuring compliance with the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act. While not always required at the point of application, candidates committed to obtaining it are highly favoured, or it becomes a mandatory condition of employment. You can find more details on FAIS requirements via the FSCA website.
• South African ID & Valid Work Permit: You must be a South African citizen or hold a valid permit allowing you to work in South Africa.

Key Skills and Experience Telesure / 1Life Seeks

Beyond the paper qualifications, Telesure / 1Life heavily screens for specific behavioural competencies and skills:

• Exceptional Communication Skills: Clear, confident, and persuasive verbal communication in English is paramount. You'll be dealing with diverse customers over the phone, explaining complex products, and handling objections.
• Sales Acumen & Target-Driven Mindset: For sales roles (a significant portion of 1Life's vacancies), a natural inclination towards sales, strong negotiation skills, and a proven ability to meet or exceed targets are highly valued.
• Customer Service Orientation: Even in sales, the ability to build rapport, listen actively, and provide excellent service is crucial. Resolving queries efficiently and empathetically is key.
• Resilience & Stress Tolerance: Call centre environments can be demanding. The ability to handle rejection, difficult customers, and maintain composure under pressure is non-negotiable.
• Computer Literacy: Proficiency in basic computer applications (Microsoft Office Suite) and the ability to quickly learn CRM systems and other proprietary software is expected.
• Problem-Solving Ability: Customers call with problems. You need to be able to quickly understand issues and propose effective solutions.
• Experience: While entry-level positions are available, any prior experience in a call centre, retail sales, or customer-facing role is a significant advantage. It demonstrates you understand the demands of client interaction.

If you meet these requirements, register free on ShiftMate and we'll match you to open Telesure / 1Life roles in Johannesburg today.

Navigating Telesure / 1Life Assessments and Interview Stages

Telesure / 1Life's recruitment process is comprehensive, designed to thoroughly evaluate a candidate's suitability for the role and the company culture. It's a multi-stage journey, and understanding each step is key to success. My experience shows that candidates who approach these assessments with a strategic mindset, rather than just showing up, are the ones who secure the offer.

The Initial Application and Screening

Your journey typically begins with an online application through their official careers hub, which you can access via Telesure / 1Life's official careers hub. Ensure your CV is up-to-date, highlights relevant experience and skills, and is tailored to the specific job description. Generic applications rarely make the cut. Recruiters will screen for the basic qualifications (Matric, NQF Level 4) and initial experience.

Psychometric and Aptitude Tests

If your application passes the initial screening, you will likely be invited to complete online psychometric assessments. These tests evaluate various cognitive abilities and behavioural traits:

• Numerical Reasoning: Tests your ability to interpret data, graphs, and perform calculations accurately and quickly – essential for understanding insurance premiums, discounts, and policy details.
• Verbal Reasoning: Assesses your ability to comprehend written information, draw logical conclusions, and understand complex arguments – vital for processing policy documents and customer queries.
• Abstract Reasoning: Measures your problem-solving skills and ability to identify patterns and relationships in unfamiliar information – key for adapting to new products or processes.
• Personality Questionnaire: Evaluates your work style, resilience, interpersonal skills, and how well you align with a high-performance sales or service culture.

ShiftMate Data Callout: Our placement data consistently shows that many candidates struggle with the time pressure of psychometric tests, not due to lack of intelligence, but lack of practice. Those who actively prepare using online resources or tools like ShiftMate's workplace skills tests significantly improve their chances of progressing.

Role-Play and Group Exercises

For call centre roles, practical simulations are often the most telling part of the assessment. You might be asked to:

• Individual Role-Play: Simulate a call with a 'customer' (an assessor), where you'll need to sell a product, handle objections, resolve a complaint, or answer detailed policy questions. This tests your communication, sales technique, empathy, and product knowledge under pressure.
• Group Exercise: Participate in a group discussion or task, evaluating your teamwork, leadership potential, communication within a group, and ability to contribute constructively.

The Final Interview: What to Expect

If you successfully navigate the assessments, you'll proceed to one or more interviews, often with a Team Leader or Manager. These are typically competency-based, where you'll be asked to describe past situations and how you handled them (e.g., “Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult customer”). Be prepared to discuss your motivations, career goals, understanding of the insurance industry, and why you want to work specifically for Telesure / 1Life or 1Life.

Telesure / 1Life Salaries in Johannesburg (Dainfern / Riverglades) for 2026

Salaries at Telesure / 1Life for contact centre roles in Johannesburg, particularly in the competitive northern suburbs like Dainfern and Riverglades, are generally attractive and performance-driven. As of 2026, based on ShiftMate's placement data and industry salary surveys, here's what you can expect:

Entry-Level vs. Experienced Agent Salaries

Basic salaries are usually competitive with industry benchmarks, but a significant portion of your earning potential comes from performance-based commission and incentives, especially in sales roles. This structure rewards high achievers.

Commission Structures and Performance Incentives

For sales roles, commission structures are designed to motivate and reward successful sales. These can vary based on the specific product (e.g., life insurance, car insurance), sales volume, and quality of sales. Agents consistently meeting or exceeding targets can significantly boost their monthly income.

These figures are estimates for 2026 and can vary based on specific brand (e.g., 1Life vs. Auto & General), role complexity, individual performance, and overall market conditions. Employers like Telesure / 1Life adhere to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and national minimum wage regulations as set by the Department of Employment and Labour (labour.gov.za).

Real Opportunities: Telesure / 1Life Locations & Transport in Johannesburg

Telesure Investment Holdings has a significant presence in Johannesburg, with offices primarily located in the northern suburbs. Their major hubs are designed to be accessible, though understanding local transport is vital for consistent attendance and punctuality.

Dainfern, Riverglades, Fourways: Where to Find Their Offices

While Telesure's corporate head office is often associated with The Campus in Bryanston, many of their contact centre operations are strategically located closer to key transport routes and residential areas, including within the broader Fourways area, which encompasses Dainfern and Riverglades. Look for offices in commercial parks around:

• Fourways Precinct: Areas around Fourways Mall, Montecasino, and Cedar Square often host business parks where call centres operate.
• Witkoppen Road Corridor: This major artery connects many northern suburbs and is a hub for commercial activity.

Navigating to Telesure / 1Life by Public Transport

Getting to these locations, especially from areas like Soweto, Randburg, or Sandton, requires a good understanding of Johannesburg's mini-bus taxi and bus routes. Punctuality is non-negotiable in a call centre environment, so plan your commute carefully.

• Mini-Bus Taxis: This is the most common mode of transport for many. Key taxi ranks include:
  • Fourways Mall Taxi Rank: A major hub for routes serving Dainfern, Lonehill, Bryanston, and connecting to larger ranks like Randburg.
  • Randburg Taxi Rank: From here, you can catch taxis specifically going up Witkoppen Road or towards Fourways, which will drop you at various points near office parks.
  • Noord Taxi Rank (CBD): If travelling from further afield, you'd typically take a taxi to Randburg or Fourways from Noord.

  Always confirm your route with the taxi marshals, asking for specific drop-off points like "Witkoppen Road near Dainfern Square" or "Fourways Crossing."

• Bus Services (Metrobus/Rea Vaya): Metrobus operates routes throughout Johannesburg, some of which serve the northern suburbs. Rea Vaya (BRT) routes are expanding, but may require connecting services from central nodes to reach specific locations like Dainfern. Check specific routes on the Metrobus or Rea Vaya websites for schedules and stops.
• Ride-Sharing Services: While more expensive, services like Uber and Bolt are readily available in these areas for reliable, albeit costly, door-to-door transport. This is often a good option for night shifts or early mornings.

Many offices in these areas are within a 10-15 minute walk from main road taxi drop-offs, but it's crucial to factor this into your travel time, especially during peak hours when traffic can cause significant delays.

ShiftMate's Advantage: Securing Your Role at Telesure / 1Life

The South African labour market, particularly in high-volume sectors like BPO and insurance call centres, faces a significant challenge: the gap between what a CV claims and what a worker can actually do. High turnover in the first few weeks is common, costing companies like Telesure / 1Life valuable time and resources. This is precisely where ShiftMate's trial-to-hire model provides an unparalleled advantage for both job seekers and employers.

Our unique approach focuses on practical working interviews rather than just traditional interviews. For a Telesure / 1Life role, this means you might be placed on a short, paid trial period directly within their call centre environment. This isn't just an assessment; it's an opportunity for you to:

• Prove Your Skills: Demonstrate your actual communication, sales, and customer service abilities in a real-world setting. No more guessing games from a CV.
• Experience the Role First-hand: See if the call centre environment, the targets, and the company culture at Telesure / 1Life are truly a good fit for you. This reduces the risk of mismatched expectations on both sides.
• Build a Track Record: Even if a specific trial doesn't lead to a permanent role, successfully completing a ShiftMate working interview builds your profile and shows verified experience to other potential employers.

ShiftMate cuts through the noise of traditional recruitment by focusing on verified performance. For you, this means a clearer path to employment and a better chance to showcase your genuine talent, securing a stable role within a reputable company like Telesure / 1Life.

How to Apply for Telesure / 1Life Jobs in Johannesburg (Dainfern / Riverglades)

Applying for a role at Telesure / 1Life requires a systematic approach. Follow these steps to maximise your chances of success:

1. Step 1: Create your free ShiftMate profile at shiftmate.co.za/join — it takes 3 minutes and puts your profile in front of verified SA employers actively hiring call centre agents and sales professionals in Johannesburg. ShiftMate matches your skills to real job opportunities, including those with Telesure / 1Life.
2. Step 2: Visit the Official Careers Portal: Regularly check the Telesure Investment Holdings careers website. Navigate directly to Telesure / 1Life's careers hub where all their current vacancies are posted. Filter by location (Johannesburg, Gauteng) and role type.
3. Step 3: Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Do not use a generic CV. Customise your CV and a brief cover letter for each specific role, highlighting how your skills and experience match the job description. Use keywords from their advertisement.
4. Step 4: Prepare for Assessments: As discussed, anticipate psychometric tests and role-plays. Utilise online practice tests to familiarise yourself with the format and time constraints.
5. Step 5: Nail the Interview: Research Telesure / 1Life and 1Life specifically. Understand their products and values. Prepare strong, competency-based answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to showcase your experience.
6. Step 6: Follow Up Professionally: A polite thank-you email after an interview can reinforce your interest and professionalism.

For more insights into call centre hiring requirements and assessments, similar to those at 3iSolutions, explore our blog.

Frequently Asked Questions About Telesure / 1Life Hiring

What are the minimum Telesure / 1Life requirements for a call centre agent in Johannesburg?

The minimum requirements for a call centre agent at Telesure / 1Life in Johannesburg typically include a Matric certificate, a valid South African ID, and often an NQF Level 4 qualification. For roles involving financial advice, an RE5 certificate is usually mandatory either upon application or as a condition of employment. Strong communication skills and basic computer literacy are also essential.

How much can a call centre agent earn at Telesure / 1Life in Dainfern / Riverglades?

An entry-level call centre agent at Telesure / 1Life in Dainfern / Riverglades can expect to earn a basic salary between R8,500 and R11,000 per month, as of 2026. This basic salary is often supplemented significantly by performance-based commissions and incentives, especially for sales roles, potentially pushing total monthly earnings to R15,000 or more for top performers.

What kind of assessments does Telesure / 1Life use for hiring?

Telesure / 1Life employs a multi-stage assessment process that typically includes online psychometric tests (numerical, verbal, and abstract reasoning), personality questionnaires, and practical simulations such as individual role-plays (sales or customer service scenarios) and sometimes group exercises. These assessments evaluate cognitive abilities, behavioural traits, and job-specific skills under pressure.

How do I apply for Telesure / 1Life jobs in Johannesburg?

To apply for Telesure / 1Life jobs in Johannesburg, first, create a free profile on shiftmate.co.za/join to get matched with suitable roles. Then, visit the official Telesure Investment Holdings careers portal or the 1Life careers page directly. Ensure your CV is tailored to the specific job advertisement and be prepared for their comprehensive assessment process.

Do I need sales experience to work at Telesure / 1Life?

While prior sales experience is highly advantageous for many Telesure / 1Life roles, especially those focused on insurance sales, it is not always a strict prerequisite for entry-level positions. Companies like Telesure / 1Life often value a strong sales aptitude, excellent communication skills, resilience, and a target-driven mindset, which they assess through their interview and simulation processes. Training is often provided for successful candidates.

What are common pitfalls during the Telesure / 1Life interview process?

Common pitfalls during the Telesure / 1Life interview process include failing to research the company and its brands (like 1Life), providing generic answers instead of specific examples for competency-based questions, lacking enthusiasm or energy, poor time management during assessments, and not demonstrating resilience or sales orientation during role-plays. Incomplete applications or not meeting basic requirements are also significant barriers.

Does Telesure / 1Life offer training for new hires?

Yes, Telesure / 1Life typically offers comprehensive training programmes for new hires, especially for call centre and sales roles. This training covers product knowledge (e.g., specific 1Life insurance policies), sales techniques, customer service protocols, compliance (FAIS, FICA), and the use of their internal systems. The duration and intensity of the training can vary depending on the specific role, ensuring new agents are fully equipped before engaging with customers.

Ready to explore your Johannesburg (Dainfern / Riverglades) job opportunities? Register on ShiftMate today and let us help you find your next career move.