Looking for a job in Kenya is likened to looking for a
needle in a haystack; it has simply become next to impossible. The competition
has become very tough, and employers are looking for relevant experience in the
positions they are looking to fill.
All in all, there are new hires joining new companies every day; how do they do it? Here are tips on how to find a job in Kenya
How To Find a Job in Kenya
1. Start with self-assessment
When looking for a job, start with understanding yourself.
Get to know your strengths and weaknesses and the type of work you like
accomplishing.
Also analyze the positions you are applying for, some of the
positions require a candidate to work shift which would include night shifts
others also want a person who can weekends.
Well, if you have classes or volunteer somewhere over the
weekend then such a position might not work for you unless you are willing to
drop some of your other engagements.
Over and above, the better you know yourself, the more
likely you’ll find a job that provides you with greater satisfaction.
2. Update your CV
Once you know what kind of jobs you want, it’s time to work
on your CV.
A CV is the only document that gets you invited for an
interview. Make sure that its updated to the most recent position and that all
your achievements are included on the CV.
Simply wow the recruiter.
3. Apply directly to an employer
Once your CV is ready you can start making applications
online and also applying directly to employers.
So how do you do this? Find out companies you would want to
work with, look for their contacts and send your CV which will considered first
in case they have an opening.
This may be considered shooting in the dark but it beats
sitting on the couch waiting for something to come up.
4. Ask relatives and friends about jobs where they work
Another tip on how to finding a Job in Kenya is keeping in
touch with friends and relatives, they could be having openings at their places
of work and they could easily recommend you.
This is especially with entry level positions such as
attachments and internships where the graduate might not be well connected in
the job market as they are fresh from school.
5. Search hidden job markets
There are a lot of jobs out there that are never advertised,
so if you are relying only on the online job platforms to look for work you are
missing out.
As a jobseeker, you may then wonder how one gets to know of
those hidden jobs; you do this is by simply networking with professionals in
your industry where you get to know of open positions in their companies that
have not been advertised.
The advantage of applying for such position is that the
competition is less as only a few people get to know and apply for the jobs.
6. Concentrate your job hunt on smaller companies
It’s obvious that all job seekers want to work for
Safaricom, NGOs and such. It's not wrong to be ambitious but then the
competition becomes tougher as everyone is applying to the same companies.
Smaller companies equally have good positions and one gets
exposed in almost all departments and here you have a chance to grow and climb
the career ladder very fast.
7. Prepare for all job interviews
Well, the worst mistake job seekers do is forgetting to
prepare for interviews and end up not getting the job they have been waiting
for all their life.
It’s wise as a job seekers to invest in interview
preparation as it’s a one off training that you can use in all your interview,
you do not need to be trained every time you get a new interview invitation not
unless you feel there is need.
8. Accept a temporary position or volunteer work
When looking for a job, do not be choosy, you can accept
temporary positions as you wait for a permanent post.
Rarely does one become successful over night; you have to go
through the system like everyone else which means starting with attachments,
internship and volunteer work.
Do not take these positions for granted as they equip you
with necessary skills and experience.
9. Expect the job-search to take much longer than you can imagine
Lastly, expect the job search to take longer than you
expected, so don't give up.
Prepare mentally and physically for a long wait and then you
can be happily surprised if you are lucky to have a short job search journey.
10. Be a lifelong learner
The best job seekers are never satisfied with the status
quo. They continuously develop their skills through online courses,
certifications, or industry workshops. This demonstrates your dedication, keeps
you competitive, and positions you for exciting new opportunities.
11. Target your search
Gone are the days of spraying your resume everywhere.
Successful job hunters take a targeted approach and avoid “Easy Apply” systems.
Research companies and positions beforehand, tailoring your applications to
highlight relevant skills and experiences. Showcase your passion for the
specific role and company culture and seek out leadership at your target
company.
12. Craft your personal brand
In today's digital world, your online presence is your
calling card. Excellent job hunters curate their online profiles, particularly
LinkedIn. Share your skills and accomplishments, provide industry insights, and
engage in relevant discussions.
13. Embrace the power of positivity
Job hunting is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be
rejections, but successful job hunters don't get discouraged. They maintain a
positive attitude, seeing setbacks as learning opportunities. They stay
focused, motivated, and keep searching for the perfect fit.
14. Prepare like a champion
Treat every interview like a championship game. Research the
company beyond what is expected. Plan your answers to common interview
questions and potential questions specific to the role. Practice your answers
beforehand, anticipate questions about your resume or experience, and always
dress professionally.
15. Gratitude is golden
It's not over until it's over, and sometimes even after!
Successful job hunters send thank-you emails after every interview, reiterating
their interest and enthusiasm. They also follow up with hiring managers with a
cool and calm demeanor if they haven't heard back within a reasonable
timeframe.
By incorporating these habits into your job search toolkit,
you'll be well on your way to job hunting excellence. Remember, job search
success is a life-long journey. Embrace the adventure, stay focused, and keep
developing these powerful habits!