By Sera Kazungu
Have you just graduated? Are you currently looking For a Job? It is hard securing a job in the current Nigerian job market because almost all jobs available require you to have some experience.
You do not need a job in order to gain experience for that job that you want to land. There are simple ways to acquire much needed experience.
“It is possible to gain experience even when you don’t have a job. In fact, it is advisable” ,says Melody Mwendwa, a professional CV writer and career advisor at corporate staffing services.
The following are three ways to get job experience.
1. Internships
You gain a lot of experience when you do internships. Ensure that the internship you pick is in line with the career path that you take in order to ensure that the experience you gain will go a long way in securing you a job.
Although a good stipend or pay is desirable, do not insist on finding a paid internship. The internship is supposed to pay in experience.
2. Volunteer
Sometimes volunteering seems like it is meant for those people with charitable heart and a lot of time on their hands. This is a wrong assumption. Apart from doing good deeds, volunteering gives you work experience.
Having some volunteer work on your CV will not only show employers that you have a work ethic, but that you are versatile as well.
There are many volunteering opportunities out there, you just have to find one that is tailored to your specific skill set.
3. Attend Trainings/ Seminars
From time to time, various companies offer trainings that are open to the public. Whether it is a training in security, anger management, Hr etc,do not discriminate.
You may be required to part with some money ,but sometimes, the seminars are free. Your investment could be just what you need to secure a dream job.
Avoid just sitting at home and doing online applications. Supplement the applications by getting out of your comfort zone and doing some volunteer work. Gain the experience and step into your dream job.
Source: Mashable
With the problem of unemployment in Kenya and large numbers of graduates every year, job seekers will only become more frustrated with time. For this reason, it is important to review how you go about your job search every now and then so you can form a new strategy to fit the job market.
This will help you stand out from other jobseekers, keeping you one step ahead as you start or advance your career.
To help you out on this, here are tips to help you take a new focus on your job search.
7 Job Searching Tips For 2015
1. Don’t be a copycat candidate
Job searches are a very personal experience and one-size-fits-all strategies will not help you stand out among the competition. Even though a certain interview tactic or style was successful for one candidate doesn’t mean it is the best strategy for you.
Take into consideration your personal experiences, preferences and career goals and use them to position yourself as a unique candidate.
2. Learn to look at job titles differently
You might consider some jobs as being boring, career-limiting or otherwise undesirable. Such preconceptions, however, about the scope, strategic importance and long-term potential of these positions are not always true.
In many cases these jobs offer exceptional opportunity for influential and attractive long-term careers, so try to be open minded.
3. Know that first impressions are everywhere
Most employers are using social media in the hiring process, so the content of your social profile forms an employer’s first impression before you even sit down with for an interview.
You should take special consideration to job-proof your social media profiles. For example, use a picture that represents you as a professional. Assume everything will be seen by a potential employer, then clean up your content and edit your pictures accordingly.
4. Be prepared to land the job
Job seekers make the mistake of thinking the interview as just being informational. You should go into every interview prepared to land the job, not just learn more about the organization.
You only get one shot at your first interview, and this mistake will get you caught looking unprepared and unprofessional. Instead, always come ready for a formal interview; you will never regret being prepared.
5. Be strategic with social media
Social media is where employers are posting jobs and the amount of content and connections thrown at you every day can become overwhelming. Be strategic with how you use social media to seek out job opportunities. First, know where recruiters and hiring managers for your industry spend most of their time.
For example, if you’re looking for a job in finance, LinkedIn might be a more valuable site to keep updated. If its in Communication, Twitter and Facebook are a great resource.
6. Network with your peers
You should aim to network with your peers, in addition to your more senior team members. Find ways to be the person that comes to mind when recruiters ask who they’d recommend for the job. Your peers can also offer honest appraisals about your performance and work reputation when referring you for a job.
7. Be realistic
Be honest about what you can realistically offer to a new employer. It’s tempting to apply for a more challenging and prestigious role, but make sure you have both the skills and the commitment to be successful.
Take a candid look at your current lifestyle and think about how it would be impacted by the position you’re considering. Just because the perfect opportunity has come along doesn’t mean it is the perfect time to accept.
By Sera Kazungu
Do you know that terrible feeling that comes to you when you have just been fired from your job? Terrible isn’t it?
In as much as it is something neither you nor your employer like, you will be fired on account of you lacking in one way or the other in your job.
Whether you believe it or not, getting fired is something that is totally avoidable.
Here are some of the reasons that might have made you lose your previous job
Why You Were Fired From Your Job
1. You were too comfortable
You were simply too comfortable in your job. The work was just too easy for you and you failed to concentrate on the performance of your work. You may also have convinced yourself that you were indispensable and started under performing.
2. You brought your personal problems to the office.
Everyone one has problems on a day to day basis. You may have forgotten where to draw the line between personal and business. For example,you may be so depressed that your mood rubs off on people at the workplace. This is a recipe for losing your job.
3. You were ever absent from the office
Are you that kind of a person who always has to be absent? Today you are going to a funeral, tomorrow a wedding, the next a house warming etc. Get your act together. This is an almost definite reason to lose your job, especially when you do not communicate your absence beforehand.
4. You complained about your boss/company on social media
Be very careful about what you post on social media. You like to vent about your job and employer on social sites,assuming that they are either too busy or too clueless to be on Facebook or Twitter. News flash: 90% of employers are on social media.
5. You had an attitude problem
Your bad attitude towards your job,boss and colleagues is also a contributing factor towards losing a job. Attitude is how to do and perceive things. For example, you could always be making faces after the employer tells you to do something.
Take a reality check, if these best describe you; it is time for a change. Wishing you the best at your new job.
By Selipha Kihagi
Every jobseeker is filled with excitement when they are invited to an interview. Like any job interview, you are not the only candidate and whether you will get the job or not depends solely on how best you impress the interviewer.
Sheila Cheptoo, a Recruiting Officer at Corporate Staffing Services says proving your best to the interviewer starts from the CV. Your are at the interview because of your CV, but how best you know what is in it is your ticket to good impressions.
So, how do you convince the interviewer you are the best candidate?
1. You must dress to match the job position
When you walk into the interview room, the interviewer has his/her expectations just like you the job seeker have yours. He/She will derive a lot from just the way you are dressed, so ensure that you dress to communicate. Don’t just pull a suit and a shirt without considering if they match the job you applied for. Take your time and consult someone on the best dresscode for your position.
2. You must describe yourself appropriately
The first question that almost every interviewer will ask is the ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ question. How you describe yourself in this question matters a lot in your convincing. The interviewer wants to know if you are sure about yourself. If you can’t describe yourself effectively, then it will impact negatively on your communication skills, and even your decision-making skills.
3. You must explain your previous/current roles well
Your CV already has a detailed list of the roles and responsibilities you had in a particular position and the interviewer has gone through each one of them. However, you will still have to explain to the interviewer verbally so they know if you just put down a list or if you were coached on how to respond, and most importantly, if you are lying. Let the explanation flow like a conversation.
4. Be conscious of your Body Language
How you use move your hands or the gestures you make can give the interviewer a wrong impression about you. The gestures might be done unconsciously, but will still matter, so be cautious and keep an attentive mind.
If you apply for the right job and consider these tips in preparation for the job interview, your chances of getting the job will be very promising.
By Sera Kazungu
Do you sometimes feel like your CV is what makes you miss out on Jobs? Whether this is the case or not, you should consider checking your CV.
It is very important because it is what ‘introduces’ you to a potential employer before you have said anything. It is what creates your first impression.
Florence Mukunya, a professional CV writer and career advisor at Corporate Staffing Services says no section of the CV is more important than the other. The whole CV should be customized for the job that you are looking for.
So, how exactly should the different sections of your CV have to be in order to ensure that you make a lasting impression?
CV Sections That Will Get You The Job
1. Profile
This should be customized to the profession you are in. It should clearly state professions you have been in and the ones you have been looking for. E.g if you are in sales, you could write your profile as below.
“I am a mature, positive and hardworking individual, who always strives to achieve the highest standard possible, at any given task. I posses excellent communication skills and I have the ability and experience to relate to a wide range of people. I enjoy learning new things, I can work very well under pressure and I have the sales experience to handle customer complaints and solving problematic situations.”
2. Education
Adding your primary level qualifications may not be necessary unless you are an entry level or have not had a long educational history.
3. Work experience
You should start with the most current work that you have done or are currently doing. This helps keep track of how recent your experience is. This section of your CV should be brief and to the point. It should also be written in point form.
4. Others
This is where you mention your hobbies and memberships that you hold. Be careful only to include those that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
5. Referees
This is an important section. They should be three referees in your CV. Avoid putting your friends as referees. An authoritative referee is one who has worked with you in a managerial or supervisory level. Pick wisely as these are the people who will determine how a potential employer views you.
Stick to these tips and let your CV speak for you as you apply for new job opportunities.
By Selipha Kihagi,
Every employee in Nigeria wants to get ahead in their career, to move up the ladder in their jobs and become CEO one day. For this to happen you have to be promoted from one level to the next and this will not only depend on your job performance, but also your personality.
Your personality traits are just as likely to eliminate you from opportunities of advancement as they are to help you, says Tim Fancher in his book, “Why Haven’t I Been promoted.”
These Character Traits May be the reason you didn’t get promoted
1. You are too Nice
Being nice or agreeable will surely get you through the interview stage, and you might be given responsibility to manage small teams, but when it comes to the big promotions, you just might not get it.
A higher position comes with tough decisions and if your interactions in the office translate to you being too flexible or too forgiving, then that promotion remains a dream.
2. You are always complaining
This character trait of constant complaining can go unnoticed until one of your co-workers points it out. It might be that you find the office too dull or too bright, your food too hot and your water not cold enough.
Whichever it is, you won’t let the people around you hear the end of it. This might ruin any chances you have of a promotion.
3. You lack authority when you speak
You are always expressing an idea like a question. It might not be your intention but every time you speak at the office, you always end it with a high pitch making it appear as if you are asking a question.
The idea you have may be a good one and may even be taken up for a project, but how you put it across during a meeting will make your boss rethink that promotion.
4. You are not organized
Some people tend to believe that as long as their work is done well and in time they don’t have to worry about how their desk looks. How your desk looks matters because if documents are all over instead of being neatly arranged, it is clear you lack organizational skills.
If you are not sure you have these traits, you can always do a self evaluation.
By Jane Okoth
Preparing for an interview? You are probably stressed about what answers to give when asked the very tough questions or wondering whether you will be called back or not.
Truth is, there are other important things you should be concentrating on. First impressions count a lot and in an interview, never underestimate it.
On this note, watch out for these tips to make sure you’re presenting yourself in the right way for the most successful interview possible.
How To Make a Lasting Impression In An Interview
1. Arrive on time
One of the most important factors to consider whenever you are invited for an interview is time. It is very important for you to arrive for the interview at least 20 minutes earlier before the scheduled time.
This will show how serious and reliable you are for the job.
2. Dress Appropriately
A job interview is not the place to showcase your fashion statement. The type of dress or clothes you put on says so much about you. The first judgment that interviewers make is basically based on your dress code
Your attires should be clean and neatly ironed. Also remember to select clothing that fits properly. This will help you to feel comfortable and relax in your interview.
3. Have Everything Neat, Organized, and Accessible
You can be certain that, within the first few minutes of your meeting, your interviewer will ask for a copy of your updated CV. If you have to dig through your handbag or your briefcase past some old tissue papers, fare receipts or a phone charger, that may signal that you are a little disorganized.
To make the best first impression, everything you need should be neatly organized and readily accessible: Your CV, References should be accessible just in case.
4. Put your phone away
You may be addicted to candycrush, but the job interview is a serious affair. Answering your phone, responding to a text, or even looking at your phone during a job interview is a no-no. The moment you enter an interview room, your phone should be off
5. Ask smart questions
When the interview comes to an end and the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for me?” take advantage of this opportunity.
Ask intelligent questions such as
- What specific skills are you looking for in candidates?
- What do you expect me to do in order to help your company achieve its goals?
Be careful not to ask questions related to payments or benefits as this might show how greedy you are.
These Tips will not only increase your chances of getting called for a second interview, but also help keep the job just in case you managed to be offered one.
You probably learnt Body language as part of your Communication Skills class, but if you were a typical student then I believe attention escaped you once your lecturer started listing the Dos and Donts.
As a job seeker, you will have to revisit the Body Language issue.
Why Body Language Is Important During An Interview
According to Perminus Wainaina, a Recruitment Manager at Corporate Staffing Services, both your
words and your behaviour will affect whether you establish a connection with the interviewer.
“When you meet the potential employer or human resources officer, you will want to show that you
are confident, trusting, open, attentive, and eager, but restrained,” says Wainaina in his book, Smart
Jobseeker.
So, What Body Language Mistakes Must You Avoid In A Job Interview?
1. You must never fold your hands
This is to mean that your hands should be open at all times. While you meet the potential employer,
for example, have an open palm showing you are ready for a hand shake. This shows your openness
and readiness for a conversation.
2. You must avoid leaning back
While some people may think leaning all the way back on your chair is a good thing, it is not! You
never know what chair you will be sitting in during the interview.
Leaning all the way back in a slanty chair will give you a slouching posture, communicating to your
potential employer that you are bored or not interested in the interview. Instead, lean in to show
interest.
3. You must not let your eyes wonder
Most times when in an interview, you are bound to be anxious and nervous which may cause you to
look away from the interviewer. This will make you lose focus.
Eye contact is important, but then again do not look at your interviewer straight in the eyes for too
long, instead alternate by looking to his/her side, within face range.
4. Don’t Drop The smile
I’m not saying you keep grinning throughout your interview, that will confuse your interviewer, I’m
saying make an effort to smile. Some people try to look serious but instead make out a frown.
The interviewer may be distracted by the frown appearance trying to understand if your mad, sad or
just have a frown face. A smile goes a long way in communicating confidence.
Source: Quintessential Careers
Are you considering changing your career? Are you bored, fed-up, lost, or otherwise unhappy in your current career?
Changing careers is one of the biggest decision job-seekers face, and with many possible outcomes and consequences. Before you make that jump to a new career field, consider these common career change mistakes so that you can avoid them as you make the transition from one career to your next.
1. Making a career change without a plan.
Probably the biggest mistake you can make is attempting to change careers without a plan. A successful career change can often take months to accomplish when you have a strategy, so without one, you could end up adrift for an even longer period.
2. Changing careers because you hate your job.
Don’t make the mistake of confusing hating your current job with hating your current career. Take the time to analyze whether it’s just the job/employer/boss that you hate, or whether it’s the career/skills/work that you dislike. The same goes with if you are feeling bored or lost with your job; review whether it’s the job/employer or the career.
3. Making a career change solely based on money/benefits.
Certain career fields are very alluring because of the salary and other benefits they offer, but be very careful of switching careers because of all the dollar signs. Keep repeating to yourself, “money won’t buy me happiness.”
Remember that you may make more money, but if you hate your new career, you’ll probably be spending that money on stress- and health-related expenses. A career that’s hot today could be gone tomorrow, so dig deeper.
4. Changing careers because of outside pressure.
Don’t let your parents, significant others, or anyone else influence your career choice. They don’t have to live that career every day; you do. If you love what you do and earn a reasonable living, why is it anyone’s business but yours? If you switch careers because of outside pressure to have a “better career,” and then hate your new career, you’ll end up resenting the person(s) who pressured you to make the switch.
5. Changing careers based on the success of others.
It’s human nature to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. Just because your best friend or neighbor is successful in a certain career does not mean that you will be — or that you will be happy doing it — so certainly consider the career field, but make sure you do the research before jumping into it.
You probably learnt Body language as part of your Communication Skills class, but if you were a typical student then I believe attention escaped you once your lecturer started listing the Dos and Donts.
As a job seeker, you will have to revisit the Body Language issue.
Why Body Language Is Important During An Interview
According to Perminus Wainaina, a Recruitment Manager at Corporate Staffing Services, both your
words and your behaviour will affect whether you establish a connection with the interviewer.
“When you meet the potential employer or human resources officer, you will want to show that you
are confident, trusting, open, attentive, and eager, but restrained,” says Wainaina in his book, Smart
Jobseeker.
So, What Body Language Mistakes Must You Avoid In A Job Interview?
1. You must never fold your hands
This is to mean that your hands should be open at all times. While you meet the potential employer,
for example, have an open palm showing you are ready for a hand shake. This shows your openness
and readiness for a conversation.
2. You must avoid leaning back
While some people may think leaning all the way back on your chair is a good thing, it is not! You
never know what chair you will be sitting in during the interview.
Leaning all the way back in a slanty chair will give you a slouching posture, communicating to your
potential employer that you are bored or not interested in the interview. Instead, lean in to show
interest.
3. You must not let your eyes wonder
Most times when in an interview, you are bound to be anxious and nervous which may cause you to
look away from the interviewer. This will make you lose focus.
Eye contact is important, but then again do not look at your interviewer straight in the eyes for too
long, instead alternate by looking to his/her side, within face range.
4. Don’t Drop The smile
I’m not saying you keep grinning throughout your interview, that will confuse your interviewer, I’m
saying make an effort to smile. Some people try to look serious but instead make out a frown.
The interviewer may be distracted by the frown appearance trying to understand if your mad, sad or
just have a frown face. A smile goes a long way in communicating confidence.
Source: Quintessential Careers
Are you considering changing your career? Are you bored, fed-up, lost, or otherwise unhappy in your current career?
Changing careers is one of the biggest decision job-seekers face, and with many possible outcomes and consequences. Before you make that jump to a new career field, consider these common career change mistakes so that you can avoid them as you make the transition from one career to your next.
1. Making a career change without a plan.
Probably the biggest mistake you can make is attempting to change careers without a plan. A successful career change can often take months to accomplish when you have a strategy, so without one, you could end up adrift for an even longer period.
2. Changing careers because you hate your job.
Don’t make the mistake of confusing hating your current job with hating your current career. Take the time to analyze whether it’s just the job/employer/boss that you hate, or whether it’s the career/skills/work that you dislike. The same goes with if you are feeling bored or lost with your job; review whether it’s the job/employer or the career.
3. Making a career change solely based on money/benefits.
Certain career fields are very alluring because of the salary and other benefits they offer, but be very careful of switching careers because of all the dollar signs. Keep repeating to yourself, “money won’t buy me happiness.”
Remember that you may make more money, but if you hate your new career, you’ll probably be spending that money on stress- and health-related expenses. A career that’s hot today could be gone tomorrow, so dig deeper.
4. Changing careers because of outside pressure.
Don’t let your parents, significant others, or anyone else influence your career choice. They don’t have to live that career every day; you do. If you love what you do and earn a reasonable living, why is it anyone’s business but yours? If you switch careers because of outside pressure to have a “better career,” and then hate your new career, you’ll end up resenting the person(s) who pressured you to make the switch.
5. Changing careers based on the success of others.
It’s human nature to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. Just because your best friend or neighbor is successful in a certain career does not mean that you will be — or that you will be happy doing it — so certainly consider the career field, but make sure you do the research before jumping into it.
By Sera Kazungu
Congratulations on getting the call after a long wait. It feels good,doesn’t it? Especially after the long gruesome process that got you there in the first place.
Don’t pop any champagne just yet, there are certain things that you need to weigh before accepting that Job offer.
Sheila Cheptoo, a Recruitment Officer at Corporate Staffing Services stresses that taking a closer look at Job offers is crucial to anyone thinking about changing jobs to advance your career path.
Here is a list of four crucial things to consider before you hand in your resignation at your current job;
What To Consider Before Accepting A Job Offer
1. Job Security
Is your new job going to be as stable or more stable than your current job? Do not accept a job offer that does not offer you . For example, you should not leave a permanent job for a contract job. Be sure of the terms of employment
2. Growth opportunities
What are your chances of growth at a new company? Are you accepting a position that is higher or lower than the one you currently hold? Career growth is an important part of working and you should not settle for less than you are worth.
Render your resignation only when you are sure that the new opportunity offers you a promotion from what you currently do.
3.Salary And other benefits
A salary is the main reason why you work. Are the benefits you are being offered worth leaving your current job for? Weigh the benefits that you are receiving against the ones that you are being offered. If the old outweigh the new, it is not worth the trouble
4. People
Did you know that the people around you are very important to your succeeding or failing at your job? How they relate to you matters a great deal. How were you treated when you went for the interview? That is the question you have to ask yourself when gauging the people at your new job.
Do not be in a hurry to resign and accept a new job without checking to see whether it is the right thing to do. Take your time and avoid regretting your choice.
