Article University
By Perminus Wainaina
What are some of the things you can do to make your job search process easier and maybe pleasant? Job searching is often a difficult period regardless of the reason you are not working and when a person is jobless, it can affect their self esteem and confidence. This is why it is easier to get another job when you are engaged.
In the course of my work I interact with many candidates, and I have observed a set of behavior common with those who are able to get jobs faster. I would like to share their approach to job search and what makes them special such that they don’t have to make endless job applications to succeed.
The number one quality I have identified is that the candidates are specific on what they want. Whether it’s the salary, job description, company size or location, these candidates are that specific. By being specific it helps them narrow their search to certain companies and positions. They don’t waste their energies and will gladly say no to an offer that does not meet their expectations. Compare their approach to the majority of candidates who are not sure of what they want and continuously apply for even those jobs that don’t match their interests. You are better off applying for three jobs in a month; jobs that you have carefully considered than making random applications that don’t yield much.
Another quality is the ability to network. Successful candidates are able to establish contacts with a lot of people. With such contacts they are the first ones to know when there’s a vacancy. Some have such strong networks and are aware of company plans to hire even before the role is advertised. You too can establish such contacts by making a point of knowing people beyond your office and family. Make a point of attending events, seminars and embrace any opportunity that will get you to interact with others. Always remember, people hire those they know and like and it starts with friends and acquaintances. You are more likely to get an appointment with a HR manager through a referral than if you contact them directly.
What is your level of confidence? Do you fear rejection? I have encountered several scenarios where a wife or husband contacts me with the CV of their spouse for job placement. And it doesn’t stop there. The wife or husband keeps calling to find out the progress. It’s Interesting, when I look at the CV the individual is educated and some are in managerial posts. At some point I’ll ask them to inform the job seeker to contact me directly as it’s impossible to assist someone I don’t know. If you lack confidence and are afraid of rejection, you’ll be out in the sun for a longer period. Employers are not attracted to candidates who don’t have faith in themselves. And if you fear rejection, too bad because there are no guarantees! Sometimes things don’t work out as planned and you have to start afresh and keep repeating the process.
Still on confidence, it is important to go for what you want. And the easiest way is putting yourself out there; in harm’s way, so to speak. Let me explain, whenever you see a vacancy that suits you how about contacting the recruiters by paying them a visit? Obviously you have to meet the criteria so that you don’t waste anybody’s time. By taking a different approach from the thousands who rely on emails and do nothing else, you will surely stand out and lessen the time it takes to get a job. You’ll also have a chance to form a relationship with the recruiters, which goes along way into knowing you better and updating you on vacancies that suit you.
Lastly, cultivate patience. Know that good things take time. Don’t be too excited every time someone calls you for an interview. Don’t be quick to sign any offer you get. As long as you know that you are giving something back, you will treat every interaction with a potential employer as one of equals. I don’t mean you be arrogant, but also be calm knowing that it can go both ways. You can meet them and they don’t impress you. You can be very excited on what they have to offer but they fail to see your potential. Whichever way it goes, be calm knowing that there will be another chance with a different employer. Hard times never last forever.
By Selipha Kihagi
The number of people graduating from colleges and Universities across Nigeria keeps growing year after year. This then increases the number of jobless Nigerians as the job market continues to become saturated. And with the shaky economy, getting a job in 2016 will become even harder.
But the point of a new year is the opportunity to do things differently, to look at what worked and what failed terribly, to assess current options and lay down a path that is guaranteed to work.
For you to achieve this, you need to identify the underlying problem – in this case, trying to find a job without experience. After graduation, most people believe that the next step is ‘tarmacking’; going from company to company to drop CVs for a job. They also believe it’s time to apply to those open jobs on career websites. The truth though is that only few will be successful through this path.
To avoid joining the list of unhappy job seekers this 2016, here are some steps to follow.
Your Best Next Steps After Graduation
1. Find a volunteer opportunity
This point cannot be emphasized enough. As a fresh job seeker, you need to forget diving into job hunting as soon as you graduate, unless of course you took up jobs during your Degree or Diploma course and have the experience. Employers and recruiters want candidates who have a clue of what the actual job entails, they do not want to start on training after hiring you.
So, opt to start with volunteer work. People say and believe that it’s hard to find these opportunities but that is because you are searching online or in publications. You will not find anything here. Remember volunteer jobs are unpaid so very few are going to use money to advertise these opportunities. Identify the company or organization you want to volunteer at and walk in to ask for opportunities. Alternatively, write directly to the organizations asking for an opportunity to volunteer your services in the department you specialized.
2. Join a professional group
If you are in Accounting, find accountant groups on all the platforms and join one that is active. The same goes for other professions as well. These groups will address the underlying issues that affect a particular profession and alert you of job openings as well as networking events near you.
The groups also provide an opportunity for you to query group members about any issue you are dealing with, to which you receive various responses. This will help you grow into your career the right way and give you an idea of what to expect and which industry works better.
3. Choose a mentor
To get from point A to B in an area you have no clue about, you will need direction. In your career journey, direction can be aided by a mentor; that go-to-person when you feel stuck or don’t know whether to go back for a Masters or take up a new job. Mentors help you make decisions as they provide you with outcomes for each option you are weighing.
If you are not sure whether to go right or left, mentors give you a perspective of what is at the end of each direction and leave you to decide. Knowing when you need help is what isolates you for success.
4. Lay out a strategy for your job hunt
As mentioned in point number one, diving into the job hunt process by going gate to gate and door to door until someone considers you only works for a few. To get a job after graduation, you will need a strategy and that strategy is starting with volunteer and internships to gain experience. Don’t agree to become the average job seeker sending in applications without a plan.
Once you have started gaining experience, map out the job market and research widely on what works. LinkedIn is a great source for jobs as you can contact recruiters and employers directly. Create a profile and stay relevant to your industry. Review your strategy after one month and from feedback given, capitalize on what is working.
Being a fresh graduate in Nigeria is the hardest level to find jobs, but with gained experience and a strategy, you can have a permanent job before the end of the year.
By Elizabeth Benu
I recently received an email saying, “I am not comfortable with my references. This is because I have not called them and I want to buy time and ensure they vouch for me. Should I just say ‘references available upon request’ or is it wrong.”
It is clear that Mary Ochieng’ knows the importance of references in a CV. The question is whether to include your references or not.
The Answer:
Should you say “references available upon request?”
“Referees are people who attest to your qualifications and can discuss your skills and attributes. It is therefore important to choose people who can genuinely provide that information to a Human resource manager,” confirms Florence Mukunya, a Certified CV writer and career advisor at Corporate Staffing Services.
“When it comes to hiring, the HR Manager wants someone who can verify your ability to work. It is not advisable to say the references are available upon request because there is no time to call you and ask for your references,” she adds.
She says that including your references saves the employer time and it shows your enthusiasm for the job.
When writing down the references include the name, job title, company, address, phone number and email address of each of your references.
For example:
John The Manager
Managing Director
ABC Company
1046 Nairobi
0744778899
[email protected]
By Sera Kazungu
Have you sent multiple CVs to employers , but have never heard back? It is the most frustrating thing sending an application for a job that you feel overqualified for and yet receive no response.
Most times, the contents of your CV are what will convince the employer to either consider your CV or bin without a second thought.
“The key to a presentable CV is consistency in terms of formatting and fonts. Organization is key to an attractive CV,”says Melody Mwendwa, a career advisor and professional CV writer at corporate staffing services.
Things That Put The Employer Off With Your CV
1. Your experience and the job do not relate.
Are you an entry level job seeker applying for a managerial job? Be realistic in your applications. Avoid making thousands of applications for the jobs that you know you do not have the qualifications for. Employers find this habit annoying.
Be careful not to do this very often as with time, you will develop a bad reputation a branded a joker in the job market.
2. Poor Formatting
Is the font in your CV all over the place? Do you have a mix of calibri, aerial and times new roman for creativity? It is time to introduce your CV to consistency. Choose just one format and stick to it. Do not add color or calligraphy to your document.
3. Inappropriate Email addresses
You know that email address that you created when you were young and without a care in the world? Employer do not like them, especially in a case where you are applying for senior management positions. The likes of [email protected], [email protected] etc.
If you are still using these email addresses it is time to grow up, trash them and create new professional email addresses that will depict you as being professional and mature.
4. Head Shots/pictures
Has someone told you that the current CV trend is attaching your photo on the CV? This is not advisable unless the company you are applying for has specifically asked you to attach a photo.
Photos put employers in difficult positions as they put themselves up for questions about discrimination in all forms.
Stick to these simple tips and maybe your CV will receive more attention and consideration the next time you apply for a job.
Good luck in your next application.
By Jane Okoth,
When applying for positions, many applicants ruin their chances by accompanying their credentials with the worst written cover letters.
So what common cover letter mistakes do job seekers need to avoid?
1. Failing To Customize Your Cover Letter
In a recent event brainstorming event that I attended, job seekers were keen to admit that one of the greatest mistake is using the same cover letter for every job and every company.
“When writing a cover letter, it is important to address the company’s specific concerns. Ignoring such information will make them think you don’t care about the job you are applying,” a job seeker opined.
“Customize your cover letter to suit the specific need of the company and also the specific job,” she adds.
2. Failing to highlight your achievements
Melody Mwendwa, a Communications Officer at Corporate Staffing Services says that job seekers highlight their qualification without supporting it with evidence.
“Give enough proof of your skills and achievements which will impress your employer,” she advices.
“It should include what you have achieved in relation to a particular position which you are interested in,” she adds.
3. Overusing “I”
“The focus on your cover letter should be on how you meet the company’s needs,” she affirms.
Ms Mwendwa warns against the overuse of “I” especially at the beginning of the sentence.
“Instead, start by expressing your interest and explain how your qualifications align with the position you are applying,” she argues.
4. Writing too much
“When writing a cover letter, it should not surpass one page,” Ms Mwendwa advises.
“Keep your paragraphs short and to the point because the employer will have to read hundreds of applications.
“Highlighting your cover letter with your most relevant and impressive qualifications is a good way to catch a recruiter’s eye,” she advises.
5. Failing to proof read.
“As qualified as you may be for the job opening, chances are that you may not be considered if your cover letter is full of grammatical errors and mistakes,” she explains.
On her parting shot, Ms Mwendwa says that a cover letter is a summary of the success story in your career.
“Indicate the duties or responsibilities which you undertook, the skills and achievements you gained and how they concur with the new position,” she concludes.
Your cover letter could be the only thing standing between you and your dream job so avoiding these mistakes will land you a dream job.
By Elizabeth Benu,
“I have been invited to 5 interviews this year and some few second interviews. Unfortunately, when it gets to the salary negotiation part I fail miserably. In a particular interview, the hiring manager told me that I am an expensive candidate. What should I do during my next interview” writes Hellen Munuhe in an email.
In a recent survey done in Nigeria, a large number of candidates confirm that questions regarding salaries are usually hard for them. In response, here are some of the mistakes you should never commit:
“All salaries are negotiable. “People have this mentality that it is only people in senior positions who can negotiate yet I myself have had to negotiate with people like drivers and cooks. So long as a job is salaried there is always room for negotiation,” says Tom Kamaliki HR Manager at ICAP .
1. Talking about the money too early in an interview is a salary negotiation mistake
The only time you get to ask about the salary is when you already have a job offer. Asking before gives an impression that you are only interested in the money and not the job.
2. Committing too quickly
The employer said an offer a bit higher than you had expected and you say ‘yes’ right away. Even if you like the offer, request for some time to think about the offer, then if allowed give your answer.
3. Not quantifying your value
During the salary negotiation the employer is looking to understand why you are asking for such an amount of money. Don’t just mention the economy and your experience as the justification. Add some quantifiable achievements such as reducing company revenue and how this could translate to their company.
4. Lack of Confidence
Imagine negotiating a salary with your head bent down and the employer cannot hear what you are saying. Will the employer take you seriously? Lack of confidence shows that your skills are questionable and that you are not sure of what you want or whether your skills are worth it.
Be confident and the employer will respect you.
5. Being confrontational
You already got the job offer and even if you think that their salary is too small for your liking, remain calm. A candidate once stormed out of an interview cursing because the offer was too small. Little did he know that it was just a test. Had he waited and remained calm, it would have ended well.
At such times, remain calm and try to re-negotiate.
As much as salary negotiation is a tricky affair, avoiding these mistakes makes it easier for you.
By Jane Okoth,
“I was recently called for an interview for the position of a Junior Accountant. My limitation was that the job required more than two years working experience in accounting while I only had internship experience.
I want to know how someone can respond to a question regarding experience when you have none to speak of,” writes Joshua Owino in an email.
Landing your first job interview can be stressful at first but how you respond to questions will make or break your chances of getting the job.
In a situation where an interviewer asks why they should we hire you yet you don’t have the relevant work experience, which is the best way to approach it?
Melody Mwendwa, a Communications Officer at Corporate Staffing Services says that most of the candidates who make it to the interview stage are qualified for the job
“Even if you don’t have the required experience, there is a reason you were called for that interview because the interviewer saw potential in you,” she adds.
“This is the time to focus on your roles at schools and also your key achievements,” she says.
Ms Mwendwa adds that the best way to approach such a question is to highlight specific positions in school, volunteer work or if you happen to have any leadership positions where you think can fit in the job specification.
Here is an example of an answer
“I am a very motivated worker and a fast learner. During my time volunteering with a local organization, I discovered my enthusiasm and passion in the accounting industry and have since demonstrated it throughout my career. From what you’ve told me in this interview, I think this position would make a great fit and I’m excited about this opportunity.”
Ms Mwendwa advises one to stay away from answers that depict their lack of knowledge about the job.
“The biggest mistake will be trying to focus on your weaknesses or show desperation,” she warns.
In conclusion, her advice is to, “Focus on your technical skills during the internship period, your key accomplishments as well as the relevance of your education to the job.”
By Florence Mukunya,
James Waruinge* says he has been through a lot of interviews before but he has never been asked…. “How long do you plan to work for this company?” Last week though when attending an interview with one of the leading event organizing companies in Nigeria, the question was posed to him. “I said three years and I didn’t offer any further explanation.”
Like a lot of job seekers, he wonders how he should have answered the question. “I feel my vagueness may have hindered my success for that job,” he writes in an email
Speaking to Martin Githaiga a HR Officer at Corporate Staffing Services , he notes that it’s a question you should expect in any kind of interview.
“It’s a general question that interviewers are fond of asking.” He adds that, “The question comes in many formats including ‘where do you see yourself in 5 years?’ both questions should be handled the same,” says Mr. Githaiga
He further notes that, “The advice on handling these type of questions is to make sure you show that you will commit and be sincere as much as possible.”
Here are the best possible answers
1. As long as it takes…..
Well make sure you back this up with a factor that will be of the benefit to the company.
Mr. Githaiga says that, “Talking about your performance and the time you want to stay will do it,
Sample Answer: ‘I will stay as long as it takes and my performance will continue progressing for the greater performance of the company’
2.As long as there are growth opportunities.
When answering the question, also make sure that you also consider what you are looking for in the company.
Sample Answer: “I would like to work for you as long as I can grow professionally and that I get exposed to more challenging tasks.”
3.Friendly work environment.
This is the time to show that you are really interested in working for the company, tell them about the background search you have done on the company.
Sample Answer: “According to my research, I have found out that this company provides a friendly work environment and I find that it’s going to be a good place to work at, I am looking for a long term career here.”
4.Till the company and I are satisfied.
Mr Githaiga advices that an interviewee should emphasis on the satisfacytion of both the compnay and the themselves.
Sample Answer: I plan to work here as long as my services are needed by the company.”
5.As long as the company has everything I am looking for.
Sample Answer: “I am looking for a long term position and if there are opportunities for advancement and growth here then I want to stay for a long time,” Mr. Githaiga states.
A word of advice to candidates preparing for interviews is to expect this type of question before hand and avoid been caught by surprise and giving answers such as ‘I will work here till I die’
By Elizabeth Benu,
An interview is not just about a manager trying to evaluate your qualification for the job, it is also an opportunity to show that you have done your homework and to find out if it is the right job for you.
What questions would you ask when the hiring manager asks “So, do you have any questions for us?”
Sandra Mbogo a HR Executive at Orient Insurance gives her insight on this
“One , you can ask about your position. Ask anything about the job description to get clarity on it. This shows that you are interested in the position. For example you may ask, “What specific skills are you looking for in the job candidate?” Ms. Mbogo says.
“Secondly ask about the organization. You have done your homework about the company but there is something more you need to know. For example you can ask about the organizational culture,” she adds.
Thirdly ask about anything that is not job related. “A certain candidate once asked, ‘I noticed keycards are in use and I wish to know more about them?’ and this emitted interest because it was a reflection that they had made observations in what happens in the organization and that the organization appealed to them,” adds Ms. Mbogo.
“Fourthly, this is mostly an obvious one, ‘when will I hear from you?’. Be sure to ask his question nicely and listen to what the hiring manager says. This shows that you are looking forward for the job if you are selected. After the hiring manager gives an answer, say “thank you, I will be really looking forward to hear from you,” states Ms. Mbogo.
Lastly, ask a question to clarify a part of the interview that was not clear.
“If during the interview you did not understand an issue that was mentioned before, it is right that you clarify with the interviewer. This would be a chance to do that,” says Brenda Mideva, HR Officer at FEP group.
I enquire what it means when a candidate asks the salary he/she will receive as their first question.
“It may mean two things. One it would mean that the candidate is moving towards salary and two it could mean growth because they do not want to stagnate in terms of salary. It is important to phrase your question in a clear manner if the hiring manager does not ask a throwback question concerning the money question,” says Ms. Mideva
“An interview is a venue to confirm queries in the organization. Some candidates ask how much money they will get from the position as the only question. This shows that you are money minded and you want to work for the money,” Ms. Mbogo adds.
“It is advisable that the candidate asks a question, even if it is just a single question. Failure to ask a question depicts you as someone who was not fully prepared or someone who is interested in nothing. However there is nothing wrong with not asking a question but it would be helpful if you did,” Ms. Mbogo advices.
Next time you are invited for an interview be sure to ask some if not all of these questions.
Source: Engineering Jobs
Have do you come across a job that you feel you are under qualified for? I am sure you had thought of applying for it but then something changed your mind.
Most people never apply for something for which they weren’t 100% qualified to do according the job description. Either they wouldn’t feel right doing it, or they would write it off as a waste of time.
Here are 3 reasons why you should go ahead and apply for that job you’ve been ogling for weeks now, and it’s not at all a waste of time.
1. Nobody ever gets their ideal candidate
For the most part, when you read a job description, it’s describing what the “ideal” candidate would bring to the table. Guess what: the ideal candidate rarely exists, and even more rarely do they apply for that specific job.
A less-than-ideal candidate may get the job. You might not be a perfect fit, but if nobody else is either, then you’re on an even playing field.
You shouldn’t apply for something for which you don’t believe you could actually do competently. If you believe you can actually do the work and you can prove it objectively, fill your boots and apply.
Another note is that you don’t need to – and should never – lie about your credentials and experience. Don’t pretend to be the ideal candidate to get the job. It’s unethical, and my point here is that you don’t need to be ideal in the first place.
2. Sometimes the hiring manager doesn’t even know what they want
In many cases, the person hiring for the role doesn’t have a 100% clear idea of what they need for their team. There may be more than one way to skin a cat, so to speak.
If you put your name forward, even if it doesn’t fit the job description, then you may bring to mind a new and innovative way for the manager to solve their problem. It’s more important to offer them a solution than the solution they think they need.
Suppose you have expertise that can fill part of the hiring manager’s need. Maybe that’s good enough. Maybe you can fit into the team in such a way that the manager gets an even better configuration than they were looking for.
Maybe you have some experience that the manager didn’t ask for that could still be perfect for helping them solve their problem. They’ll never know, and you’ll never know unless you put your name out there.
3. You might be the best applicant
Even if you’re not 100% the perfect fit for the role, you may still be the best of all the applicants. This is what I call the “Multiple Choice Effect”.
Remember doing multiple-choice tests in school? The instructions at the top of the test almost always read “Chose the best answer”, and not
“Chose the right answer”.
You may be the best answer to a hiring manager’s problems. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to be the best option.
Apply for that job now; you never really know if it was meant for you.
By Elizabeth Benu,
Pressure in job is almost inevitable but what would you say when the HR Manager asks “How do you handle pressure?” in an interview?
If you went blank or are not sure how to handle the question here are tips from Patrick Matere, a HR Manager at Sovereign Hotel
What does this question seek to find out from the candidate?
“It is meant to interrogate the candidate’s ability in handling difficult situations at work and how they would manage to beat tight deadlines. It also seeks to establish whether or not one appreciates on-the-job stress. Apart from this, it evaluates a candidate’s attitude towards on the job stress and how to balance between pressure and performance,” he says.
He also adds that it seeks to find out if a candidate has techniques to manage pressure and to bring out the behavioral competence required to remain focused and successfully accomplish a task on time.
What should be in the candidates mind before they answer this question?
Mr. Matere says that the candidate should draw challenging work scenarios that exhibit ability and acquired experience to manage job pressure.
“The answer evaluates one’s behavioral competence. One should think, “Have I ever been under pressure?” How did I handle it?” Still, one should be careful not to make the interviewer feel like they cannot work without pressure,” he remarks.
Mr. Matere also advises that one should make the answer short and precise, keep it professional and stick to work related situations.
“However, if one can be able to precisely correlate personal pressure to sterling performance at work, then it’s okay,” he adds.
As HR professional what would be your perfect answer to this question?
“Make the interviewer recognize that you appreciate pressure. Use this opportunity to show how you stay focused on the goal and not the pressure,” he says
He exemplifies a perfect answer as “I handle pressure by remaining proactive and responding to situations with a creative solution rather than allow myself to procrastinate as a result of pressure. All in all when I am under pressure, I focus on deliverables and get the job done…….
The worst answer to this question as Mr. Matere indicates would be to tell the interviewer that “I cannot work under pressure” or “I don’t like pressure.”
He is also quick to add that a candidate cannot leave this question unanswered. Why?
“If a candidate fails to answer this question, the interviewer quickly concludes that this kind of an employee “closes their eyes at the sight of a problem” and hopes that the problem will have gone by the time they open their eyes forgetting that “hope” is not a strategy,” he notes.
His parting shot: “Attitude is everything! Pressure, if well perceived, helps us to keep up to standards, be creative and innovate more, which is crucial to competitiveness and excellence.
With this kind of attitude, you will be able to manage even interview pressure and get that desired job by not overlooking this question,” he concludes.
Best CV Formats
By Elizabeth Benu
“Is there a type of CV format that Nigerian employers prefer to see during job applications,” asks Kathy Kanini in an email.
Judging from the many formats you have seen or think there are which one will get the employers attention? If you are seriously looking for a format that is easy to scan and easy to highlight important data Nigerian employers want to see, then read on
As Melody Mwendwa, a professional CV writer at Corporate Staffing Services confirms, there are three types of CV formats. The good news is that there is a format for everyone no matter your qualifications and experience.
List of Best CV formats preferred by Nigerian employers
The Chronological CV
This format highlights your work experience in the order of the most current experience listed at the top. It has the following sections: career objectives, professional experience and accomplishments, education and additional skills.
A chronological CV format is good for candidates who are experienced.
However, if you are switching careers or are an entry level candidate, do not use this format. Instead showcase your skills in the professional experience section.
The functional CV
This format on the other hand, lays more focus on your marketable or transferable skills. If you have less work experience i.e. a recent graduate or entry level job seekers or you are changing careers or have gaps in your employment history; this is the ideal CV for you.
It is written in the following order: objective, accomplishments, skills, employment history, education and referees.
A functional CV is useful to people with gaps in their employment history, are re-entering the work force, have frequently changed jobs and /or are looking to change careers.
The combination CV
It is a blend of the two above that focuses on your strongest skills and links those skills to your past job history. This is perfect for the recent graduates, career switchers and professionals with extensive experience.
It is divided in the following sections: objective, profile summary, accomplishments, experience, education and references.
Why the combination CV format is most preferred by Nigerian employers
“Nigerian employers prefer the combined format because it gives all details to your career and any skills that the employer might find impressive that would have otherwise been omitted in the other formats were used,” says Ms. Mwendwa.
The success of your job application boils down to how you package yourself: through your words and general appearance of your CV.
