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Hidden Truths On 5 Mistakes Kenyan Job Seekers Make

By Perminus Wainaina

The Kenyan job market has for some time now been experiencing a crisis. It is estimated that over 50,000 graduates are being released into the Kenya job market every year with the market appearing unable to provide enough jobs for all these graduates.

Are you experiencing a similar situation?

Well, if you are looking  for a job this year, changing jobs or simply looking to grow in your career, then you must avoid common mistakes when job hunting.

Knowing how competitive the job market in Kenya is, you need to be stand out from the rest of the competition.

Today I will share with you 5 hidden truths on some mistakes you might be making when applying for a job

I’m sure avoiding these mistakes will help you get a job and take you to where you want to be in your career.

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  1. You fail to brand yourself

Have you ever heard of something called “Personal Branding”? If not, let me show you how failure to brand yourself can affect your job search.

Personal branding refers to the art of packaging yourself for the job market by marketing and position your skills and competencies.

So, do you brand yourself as an expert in your field?

If not, the time to start is now. This will make your CV shortlisted by employers and will increase your chances of landing an interview.

This Will Interest You >>> How personal branding will advance your career

  1. You send out a generic CV

If you are in the habit of sending out a “one size fits all CV”, you need to stop. Why? In the eyes of the employer, you simply come across as lazy and uninformed as well as lacking seriousness for the job.

Your CV must adhere to professional standards and your skills and competencies should match those indicated on the job description.

For instance, if you have applied for an Accounts position job yet you also have experience as a Customer Service executive, you should ONLY state your accounting skills.

Resist the temptation to include irrelevant information in your CV. It will only consume much needed space.

  1. You fail to do background research on the company

It would reflect so badly on you if you appeared completely clueless on what the organization you want to work for does.

Actually, this is a sure way of making sure you never get a job.

All you have to do is research on the company. You can also indicate what current positive affairs and projects they are involved in.

In the application process especially when writing a cover letter, you can indicate some of their core values which you wish to be associated with.

  1. You do not network

You and I are privileged to live in a world where information is at the click of a button.

The biggest network today for online professional networking is without doubt-Linked In. This site has been useful in connecting people like you with great jobs, other professionals and relevant content.

Additionally, there is the old school way of networking through interpersonal relationships.

The thing you need to know about networking is that it must be purposeful. Therefore attend more professional events related to your field, have a ready CV, volunteer to take part in an event.

You might just land a job this way and progress in your career.

  1. You apply for the wrong jobs

If you have randomly been sending out applications, here is a reality check…

Employers are ONLY looking for the BEST fit. Know your profession and maintain focus. Don’t be tempted to keep applying for jobs whose skills, experience, profession and qualifications you don’t match no matter the frustration.

I can assure you, you will only end up being more frustrated because your CV will never be shortlisted.

Always remember this, employers have hundreds of CV’s to go though, therefore the littlest mistake will disqualify your application.

Always apply for jobs in which you meet at least 80% of the qualifications.

Have I helped?

I sure hope so.

Let me know in the comments section below which other mistakes you feel you are making when searching for a job. I’ll be happy to offer my suggestions.

Remain encouraged.

48 Comments

  1. not very much experienced in the field you have applied for, how can you go about this one in an interview?

  2. A wonderful advise. We perish due to lack of knowledge. Now I know and I will improve on my weaknesses. Thanks

  3. This is very true. It becomes really hard to get a job if you’re to stick with that which you got skills in. Most people really take any job that will pay the bills

  4. Hello Richard,
    Please consult our CV writing department at 0798 56 86 38 or 0798 56 86 43 for more assistance on professional CV Writing.

    Regards,
    Judith

  5. Its indeed true being clear about who you are and what the employers want in you thanks good advise.

  6. Dear Perminus Wainaina,
    Yes! your article above is indeed very helpful to me. I must admit that l resonate very well with the following mistakes;
    1. Failing to brand myself.
    2. Sending out a generic CV.
    3. Applying for the wrong job.

    I have gaps in my employment and wish to change my line of profession,as Sales and Marketing Executive to Customer Service Officer. My greatest challenge is in preparation of new professional CV that highlights this and the same time contains all that recruiters look out for in the competitive job market.

    Best regards.

  7. I believe i will start branding myself come February to increase my chances of being shortlisted for a job interview

  8. That piece is highly informative and sure helps. Whats your take for applying for jobs that require less experience if they are the only available jobs?

  9. Information in time. No wonder we keep on being active opportunity seekers without success!!. Thanks a lot. Its a thousand millage boost.

  10. This means I only apply for jobs which I have experience its the only way I will meet the criteria. When I graduated I just wanted a job to pay rent and buy food so I took an accounting job despite having done marketing.Someone did HR but now works as a bank cashier. If we can only apply for jobs where we have experience then most of us are stuck doing jobs we only took to put food on the table.Also changing careers become very hard.

  11. i really appreciate for this i think my mistake is not knowing more about the company when am applying for a job

  12. Very helpful although I dispute the last point.Civil engineer lands a bank job as a Teller.

  13. Magnificent piece and quite hilarious advice made out of the ideal principle the most important component of personality. Keep on keeping on pro!

  14. Quite right, but due to the tight situation of hustling one is tempted to start from anywhere, then God open other doors.

  15. Quite right, but due to the tight situation of hustling one is tempted to start from anywhere, then God open other doors. Otherwise it’s great advice.

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