Interview Tips
By Kennedy Omondi,
Regardless of how gruesome interviews might be, they are a necessary part job search. How one performs in the interview will be key to whether they get the position or not.
“ A candidate’s performance is gauged on their education, skills and knowledge of the field they are seeking to work in.
However, how one summarizes the interview is also of key importance in securing the job.” Says Justus Ngetich, the Recruitment account manager at corporate staffing services.
These are some of the key elements to focus on when concluding an interview.
How to Conclude a Job Interview Well
1. Ask questions.
It is important to ask a few questions to the interviewer but only when the interview is winding up. How do you know that an interview is concluded?
When the interviewer asks you if you have any questions for them, this is usually an indication the they interview is being finalized.
Make sure you are prepared and have questions in mind that you want to ask. However, if the questions have already been addressed by the interviewer, asking it again will make you appear inattentive.
This is a time to show that you are interested in the job and curious about the company itself. Your future employer wants to see someone who is engaged and inquisitive rather than passive.
Not having any question to the interviewer portrays you as not being the right candidate for the job.
2. Address concerns.
Any concern that might have come up in the course of the interview, that may pose as a threat to you securing the job should be ironed out.
These concerns include frequent switching of jobs, large gaps in employment history, reason for leaving your previous job.
These concerns if not addressed might leave the employer thinking twice about whether to employ you. Approach this politely without coming out as being defensive.
3. Ask when to expect a call
Candidates always shy off from asking this question, but it is important that as an applicant, to always seek the next step the interviewers will be taking in regards to filling the position.
Here is where you can ask when to expect a call should you be successful in the interview.
4. Restate Interest.
It is important that before you leave an interview, the potential employer is convinced that you are still interested in the position.
If this is not made clear, the interviewers could assume that through the interview process, you changed your mind and are no longer interested in the job.
5. Show Appreciation.
This is one of the basic steps before walking out of the interview room. Make sure to thank the interviewers for their time. It may seem basic and simple, but being considerably polite goes a long way.
Remember that the same weight given to the first impression is also passed down to the last impression you leave. Therefore be sure to leave a lasting one as this will serve to better your chances of securing that position.
Cover Letter Tips
By Kennedy Omondi,
Recruiters in most cases will determine from the cover letter whether or not to go through a CV. This is because the cover letter forms the platform on which he/she sells himself to the employer.
The same way a cover letter can secure you a job is the same way it can cost you one as well.
Here are some pointers on how this is possible:
Cover Letter Mistakes To Avoid
1. You Regurgitated Your CV
Your cover letter is meant to complement your resume and not reiterate it. Therefore, it would not make sense for you as an applicant to copy the skills in your CV and repeating them in your cover letter.
A job application is supposed to be a representation of you as a well-rounded potential employee, so aim to convey a variety of pertinent information.
Instead of just repeating yourself (“I was in charge of reviewing invoice disputes”), use your cover letter to describe additional details that you weren’t able to fit into the single page of your resume: “By resolving invoice disputes, I gained a deep analytical knowledge.”
2. You Used a Generalized Version.
Just like the CV, each cover letter should be customized and structured in their own way to suit the desires of the job one is applying for.
Composing a unique cover letter for each job you apply for is therefore fundamental. For example a cover letter addressed as ‘Dear sir/madam’ when the name/gender of the recipient is availed indicates a generalized cover letter.
Write a cover letter that’s specific to the job and company you’re applying to, explaining why you’re interested in that particular position.
3. You Highlighted Your Weaknesses.
When making an application to a job and do not meet part of the requirements, you should not reflect this in the cover letter as this is a document that is supposed to sell you to the potential employer rather than spoil your chances. This should be left for the recruiters to determine from the CV.
This means you don’t need to begin your letter by stating, “I know I don’t actually have any coding experience or know much about computers, but…” Focus on explaining how your past experience—regardless of how unrelated it may seem—will translate to this new role.
4. You Focused on What the Company Can Do for You.
Recruiters want to see what a potential employee would do for her company rather than what the job would do for you. This includes the unique skills and expertise you’d bring to the team and how you’ll help the company grow and succeed.
Shows how your enthusiasm will directly benefit the company. For example, one could say, “My thorough understanding of your company’s background and mission means that I can jump in and make contributions to your marketing team right away.” Rather than “I’ve wanted to work for your company since I was little and it would be my dream job.”
Remember that the cover letter is your selling point to future employer and therefore emphasis should be put on its development.
Interview Tips
By Kennedy Omondi,
When attending an interview, the main goal of every interviewee is to impress the recruiters. However, in an attempt to do this, candidates at times get carried away and end up giving responses that only ruin their chances of securing the job
We sample some of the responses that should not be used.
5 Things To Never Say in a Job Interview
1. What do you do here?
Never ask this question as this will only show that you did not do a prior background research on the company.
Background checks for the basis when one is preparing for interviews. You should never walk into an interview not knowing about the position or company. You want to want to come out as excited and focused to work with the company.
2. I Did Not Get Along With My Boss.
Not under any circumstance should you speak ill of your previous employer. This might make the employer think that you are the one who is difficult to work with.
3. I Will do Anything.
Target your search to a specific role at each company, and be ready to explain why it’s exactly what you’re looking for.
You don’t want to come out as being desperate and not focused. Most hiring managers are looking for people who are incredibly passionate about the role they’re taking on. So when you give an open request, it only shows lack of passion.
4. It’s On My CV.
When an interviewer asks about a particular aspect even if already covered in your CV, he wants you to tell him more beyond a written word.
The main purpose of the interview is to see how well you can express yourself, therefore any question asked seeks to test or gauge a particular skill.
How you express yourself is key to whether you get the job or not. Your CV has done its part and landed you that interview. The remaining is up to you.
Interview Tips
By Kennedy Omondi,
Have you ever wondered what to do next after an interview? In most cases we stay by our phones in anxiety. Here is what you should do if at all, you do not get any feedback to the position you were interviewed for.
What To Do If You Dont Hear Back After An Interview
1. Take the initiative.
When the timeline expires, wait a few days, then write an e-mail to your primary contact showing your continued interest. Your follow-up message should be tailored as a reply on the email conversation line in which your interview invite was made. If you wait too long it could show a perceived lack of interest.
2. Make a plan.
If you call and e-mail too much, you become both annoying and desperate; if you don’t follow up, you communicate disrespect and a lack of interest. It is important to be formulaic with your attempts to follow up. Only allow yourself two spaced follow up over the course of a limited time.
3. Be gracious.
Always be pleasant in your e-mail or phone correspondence however frustrated you might be. They might still be in the process of interviewing candidates and haven’t yet made a decision or perhaps they think you’d be a better fit for a different position within the organization, and plan to contact you when it becomes available.
4. Avoid Coersion.
Never bribe or coarse your way in as this will only come out as desperate. You should aim to secure a job out of merit and self-confidence.
5. Only use Official Communication Channel.
Never attempt to communicate with a hiring manager through their personal email, home address, cell phone or telephone.
Always strive to move on after an interview however much you think you might have performed well.
Source: HC Online
There’s a reason why you end up not completing the day’s task and simply blaming it on time. You answer a dozen emails you have been neglecting and by the time you actually start working, it’s almost lunchtime.
How did that happen again?
If this has been your experience, here is what to do in order to manage time well
How To Manage Time Well At Work
1. Write a time diary
Make a record of exactly how you are spending your time and figure out how you can better use the time you’re currently wasting. Most people will spend significant parts of their day waiting for things like appointments, meetings and phone calls. Have a task that you can do while you wait.
2. Plan ahead
Don’t just organise your day, extend that to your week and month so you have a clear view of the tasks you need to complete and the deadlines you need to meet.
3. Know when you do your best work
If you work best in the morning, that’s the time to schedule the bulk of your workload. Likewise if you’re an afternoon person. Get as much done during your peak productivity time as possible.
4. Set aside time to get things done
When you have priority tasks to tackle, you need to minimise distractions. Close your door, let your phone go to voicemail and ignore your emails for an hour and see how much you can get done when you just focus on the job at hand.
5. Learn to delegate or say no
When you’re busy, learn to turn down non-essential tasks or delegate them to other employees. If you become overloaded, the tasks will just end up at the bottom of your to-do list, when they could be completed by someone else.
6. Do one thing at a time
Don’t multitask – the projects you’re juggling will end up being done to a lesser standard. Focusing on one thing at a time is faster in the long run and jobs will be done properly.
7. Take a break
Remember to leave your desk and take time out during the day. Breaks will refresh you and make you more alert.
8. Keep work and home separate
Don’t let distractions from your personal life impact on your work day and vice versa. The more you achieve at work, the more you’ll enjoy leaving it behind to go home.
By Jane Okoth
Have you ever sat at your desk despairing at the pay check that’s just landed on your lap?
Luckily, there is a way to improve your situation and boost your bank balance in these simple steps:
Here are 5 great tips that will get you a step closer to that Job you always dream about.
5 Tips To Achieving A Better Paying Job In Nigeria
1. Develop Your Technical Skills
Speaking to Melody Mwendwa, a Professional CV Writer at Corporate Staffing Services, one of the most important things to master is your technical skills.
“Try as much as possible and gain the skills that will help you in the future job search so as to be qualified for a better position.
Take up any relevant training offered so as to equip you with the knowledge. For instance, if your field is accounting, consider taking up additional (CPA) K courses that will be very beneficial.
2. Be Conversant With The Current Market
What are the most sought-after skills right now that Kenyan employers are looking for? You need to be asking yourself this question if you are looking for a better paying job.
The job market is dynamic as it keeps changing. If you want to keep your eyes set on a better job, be updated with the current skills and knowledge in the Nigerian Job market.
3. Take up more responsibilities in your Current Job
The main aim is to sharpen the leadership skills in you. Employers are looking for candidates who have leadership abilities.
Taking on broader responsibilities will make you more attractive as a candidate.
You also need to have excellent spoken and written communication skills, the ability to work well as part of a team, and a reputation as someone who keeps their cool under pressure are all critical.
Showcase your potential to motivate teams by demonstrating your skills to the current employer.
4. Specialize, specialize, specialize
As a job seeker, you need to understand that being an expert in a field will make you stand out.
Employers will prefer candidates with specialized skills as opposed to those with only general skills.
Some jobs can even require one to have specific knowledge and skills just to be considered. For instance, IT companies often require that individuals who are knowledgeable in a specific software language.
5. Give learning a chance
Never stop learning. In your current job, put yourself in a position that will enable you to expand your skill set. Look for new assignments that will bring you strength and challenges.
Remember that positioning oneself to land a high-paying job takes time and effort, but it’s worth it in the long run.
By Perminus Wainaina
One of the major frustrations faced by Nigerian job seekers is applying for jobs and not getting any response. A candidate is left wondering whether the application reached the intended party or if the problem was the application itself.
While there’s much that job seekers can do to improve the odds of getting invited for an interview, the sheer number of applicants in some profession makes it hard for employers or recruiters to respond to each candidate.
In some professions, i.e. accountants, administration, customer service, IT, NGO and nowadays procurement, it is not a surprise for a job advert to receive more than 3,000 applications.
Let’s consider the fact that an employer is looking for only one candidate and reflect on how competitive the job market is. By the time they are going through the 100th application, they will already have received at least ten candidates to interview. Whether its recruiters or employers, the reality is that they are trying to save time.
The professions I have highlighted above are what I term as saturated careers because there are far too many candidates chasing very few job opportunities. Additionally, some of the professions are cheap to undertake i.e. for CPA you can take exams without having to attend classes. Others like HR and procurement are relatively new and candidates are registering in droves.
So, how do you position yourself to remain relevant in such a competitive field?
With my experience as a recruitment professional, I can say that it helps to be an all round professional. For example, in accounting, if you only specialize in one area say accounts receivables, payables, or credit control, it will be hard to move to a job that requires a profession competent in all accounting areas.
In other professions, say HR, you are better off getting skills in all areas. For example, those in HR and have worked in the manufacturing sector always have an edge over those who have worked in service or government. This is because working in manufacturing exposes you to health and safety, labor unions, ability to supervise skilled and unskilled labor and also a chance to handle a large workforce. If you are looking to grow your career in HR, work for a manufacturing company.
If you find yourself in the wrong job or career then it’s time to make a move ASAP. I know of candidates with Bcom + CPA (K) qualifications working for banking institutions as customer care professionals and tellers. This might break your heart but as long as you remain in banking, no one will ever hire you as an accountant.
Employers are looking for specific skills and you won’t get this working in customer service or as a teller. I have seen this happen in all professions where after college one gets a job in a different field as opposed to their area of training. I always advice such candidates to consider a pay cut or an entry level position. Another trick you can use is to find a part time job or volunteer to gain skills. You could for example help an SME keep their accounting books in order.
Another tragedy I see with most Kenyan professionals is going back to class for an MBA when they feel that their career is not going in the right direction. An MBA should complement your current skills and should be seen as an ‘added advantage’. However, if your plan is taking an MBA to drastically change your career and life then it won’t work. MBAs in Nigeria used to be a ‘hot cake’ but as more and more Nigerian professionals go back to class for this certificate, it is slowly losing value with employers (because of saturation). My free and time tested advice; an employer will always pick a candidate with the right skills and attitude over one with many papers and less skills.
Ultimately, it is you who knows what you want to achieve in your career. And just like a product in a competitive marketplace, you have to study your environment and position yourself strategically. I can’t promise you it will be easy or cheap, but over time and your being consistent, your career will work for the better.
Perminus has over ten years experience in human resource management working with employers from different sectors. His major goal is to build relationships with employers in order to gain a better understanding of their recruitment needs and meet the requirements in a cost effective and timely manner.
By Jane Okoth
One of the biggest mistakes that job seekers make is using the same CV for every single job application.
In order to land an interview for the job you are applying for, you need to customize your CV so as to fit the required job description.
The following Key points will guide you if you want to write a CV to match the job description.
3 tips on how to tailor make a CV
1. Read the Job Description carefully
Most importantly, read through the job description thoroughly and understand what the prospective employer is looking for.
You need to make the employer know that you fully understand the job requirements and what will be expected of you. This will in turn give you a better chance of getting a call for an interview.
2. Your Experience Should Match With The Job Description
Speaking to Melody Mwendwa, a Professional CV Writer at Corporate Staffing Services, you have to ensure that your experience matches with the job description
“First and foremost, review the requirements listed in the job description and confirm that you have the skills and experience the recruiter is looking for”, she says.
“Also check and see if your current skills are a match,” she adds.
If your previous job is not in line with what the Job description, consider matching your skills from past experiences like volunteer work, relevant hobbies, extracurricular activities and even temporary jobs.
3. Be Honest with yourself
Many job seekers make the mistake of applying for a job they are not qualified for and assume that they can tailor make the CV to fit that particular job.
According to Ms Mwendwa, no amount of tailoring will cover for the fact that you are only an entry level and not a professional with 10 years of experience.
As much as you are trying to make your employer understand you are the best candidate, don’t forget to keep it real.
Applying for a job in this competitive market can be intimidating, but once you figure out what is required of you, you are this close to landing your dream job.
Source: Forbes
Most career experts would tell you to start looking for a new job while you’re still employed. But when you do—you must tread carefully. to compile a list of the 6 dos and don’ts of job searching while you’re employed.
1. Never bad-mouth your current employer.
Even if you are in a bad situation with a tyrannical Vader-like boss, it’s prudent to take the high road, demonstrate some class and ensure that you don’t burn any bridges. Keep your conversations and your psyche focused on the positive benefits of moving forward, rather than the negative aspect of what you are trying to escape.
2. Let your prospective employer know that your job search should be kept confidential.
Teach suggests that you inform them that you don’t want your current employer to know that you’re looking for a new job and would appreciate it if they told as few people as possible that you are interviewing
3. Don’t use any of your current co-workers or supervisors as references.
If one of them is contacted while you’re looking for a new job and they’re not aware you’re looking for a new job, you’ll have a lot of explaining to do. Don’t put yourself in this position.
4. Schedule interviews during non-work hours.
Remember the key is to keep productivity up while at work, and missing work hours can directly have an effect on this. Don’t create a situation where your employer will question your loyalty due to your absence at obvious work hours.
5. Stay focused on your current job.
Continue to perform at or above your current performance level. It is important to show respect and professionalism to your current employer.
You should never check out prematurely or “go on autopilot.” As difficult as this may be, this is the time to keep doing stellar work, to preserve your reputation and be able to leave, when the time comes, with your head held high.
Though it can be hard to stay focused on your current job when a job search requires a lot of time and effort, you must remember who is giving you that paycheck every week or two.
Job Application Tips
By Loreen Mwangi
How much does your physical appearance influence your chances of getting a job? Most of us would agree that physical appearance or your body type should not play a part when being considered for a job.
Unfortunately, beauty plays a role in some job positions in the market.
Just like how you can find someone attractive, the same applies when it comes to getting a job.
Does beauty matter?
At certain times, employers specify the kind of individuals they want shortlisted for a job. If you are invited for an interview and you end up getting a rejection letter, sometimes it’s less of your qualifications and more of your appearance.
Some job roles require you to have a certain height and weight.
Before you jump on any application, make a habit of reading all requirements. Most employers will not put their “preferred” physical appearance public, but will insist when candidates are shortlisted.
When it comes to Sales and Marketing, having an attractive and appealing work force can help better sales. Beauty is an integral part of branding and advertising firms and its no different when it comes to certain sectors.
A worker’s physical appearance being valued and appreciated by customers and clients is soon going to be part of the sought after legitimate qualifications like intelligence, honesty, job experience and excellent interpersonal skills.
As much as this subject is up for debate, we can’t ignore the fact that your physical appearance goes a long way in making a personal statement.
Again, it all depends on the kind of the job you are looking for. Some fields tend to consider beauty and body type as a determining factor while other industries don’t place a significant value on it.
Having your body type considered during an interview can be viewed as discrimination by some people, while others might see no fault in it.
Every company has its own terms and policies, don’t apply for jobs where your physical appearance will not fit within their requirements.
Physical appearance is not just about your weight, it also entails, how presentable you are in front of people. Always make an effort of looking your best in any interview.
Don’t disqualify yourself by dressing inappropriately. Remember, looks do matter.
5 Steps To Make Your Job Search Fast And Easy
By Kennedy Okoth,
The process of job search can be a gruesome one and others even consider it a job on its own.
However, with clear planning and organization, it can be very easy and simplified. There are some guidelines that should act as your guideline when preparing for this to make the process smooth.
How to Job Search Easily and Faster
1. Create a job search plan with your objectives in mind.
Before embarking on a job search, have your objectives and priorities right. What is your short term and a long term objective in as far as your career is concerned? This can be projected as immediate or 5 years later. Ask yourself what your interests are and how best you can you use them? The same goes for your skills?
2. Be prepared with your documents.
Make sure that you have all the necessary documents needed when looking for a job. These include your CV, cover letter’ application letters, and testimonials. This comes in handy if needed for verification in an interview.
3. Search for jobs with their category and not title.
Most job seekers tend to do their job searches based on the position they are applying for, however, according to Justus Ngetich a human resource professional, this should not be the case. He says, “Job seekers should make job applications based on their category of job they are looking for and not the title they seek as this will ease the process.” For example, one should not search for ‘Accountant’ position but rather search ‘Accounting jobs.’
4. Network with others To Job Search
The job search process is a journey traveled by many. Therefore, it is important to network with both employers and fellow job seekers as this will make it easier to realize open positions.
5. Move on after an application or interview.
Your first job application or interview does not guarantee you a position. Many applicants are thrown into a state of disillusion and end up frustrated. It takes several attempts and the interviews only make you better. Don’t take it personal after facing rejection.
The process of job search can take longer than the anticipated time, but in the long run it edges you closer to your dream job. Remember that Rome was never built in a day.
How to dress for an interview
By Loreen Mwangi
When it comes to interviews, your image and presentation matters a lot. Most people don’t know this, but how you dress has an effect on your confidence.
How you dress creates an image of your personality. Therefore, you need to dress in a way that you present yourself as the best fit for the job.
Getting the right outfit can be frustrating, that’s why we are here to help you. Read the following 5 tips to help you get the right idea of how you should dress for your next interview
5 tips on how to dress for success
1. Your dressing depends on the industry
How you dress for an interview majorly depends on the kind of job you are applying for as well as their Corporate culture. A suit is not necessarily the best choice for any interview.
If you are applying for a job in financial services, then you’ll be required to be in a suit. On the other hand, if you applied for a mechanic position, dressing in a suit would be quite inappropriate.
The dressing code for an Insurance company would definitely be different from a Telecommunications company. Understand the culture of the company before you dress in a manner that would make you feel out of place and uncomfortable.
2. Dress in clothes that fit you well
Don’t be one of those candidates who attend interviews dressed in clothes that are either one size smaller or one size larger than them.
For ladies, don’t put on a tight skirt that makes it hard for you to move around, or a short skirt that you’ll have to keep pulling it down. For men, put on a suit that fits you well that you don’t have to keep adjusting your belt all the time.
3. Be Always Neat in a Job Interview
Don’t attend an interview with wrinkled clothes. Clean and press your clothes the day before the interview. Nothing turns off interviewers as an unkempt candidate. Hygiene and good grooming is essential. Avoid flashy jewelry.
4. Wear comfortable shoes
Interviews tend to take longer than intended. Put on shoes that can allow you to stand for long hours. It’s inappropriate to attend an interview with the shoes you would probably wear to a club.
A reasonably heeled shoe is flattering and helps you present a professional image. Again, if the company allows casual dressing, then you have more options than those in the corporate world.
5. Avoid strong Fragrances and perfumes
Some people are allergic to strong scents. So keep this in mind when dressing for an interview. Avoid the use of strong scents that can cause an allergic reaction and have the panel sneezing their guts out.
Use this 5 tips to ace your next interview.
