I Got A Job & Lost It, But Kept Going

Have you felt discouraged not only by the current situation in the country caused by the pandemic but also by the fact that your job applications seem to go unseen?

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has rendered many people jobless, with no means of providing for their families. You too may have found yourself in such a situation. However, keep applying for jobs. Companies are looking for you, and the only way they will see you is when you apply.

On 7th July 2020, we advertised a Front Office Executive job for our client, South B Hospital on our website, and other partner websites. We received over 540 applications. Of those, we shortlisted 18 for the first interview, where we recommended five candidates for the client interview, and ultimately one of them got the job!

I recently had a chat with her and this is what she had to say:

Catherine Nduku

Tell us about yourself

My name is Catherine Nduku. I am a customer service professional with over 15 years’ experience in the same field. This is what I love doing. I am also a very confident and outgoing individual, who has always wanted to be in a place where I can grow professionally. I go after anything and never stop until I achieve it. As long as you have the will to do anything, you can do it. That’s my mantra in life.

Where did you hear about Corporate Staffing and the job opportunity?

I had been working in a different town since 2019 but wanted to join my family in Nairobi. In March this year (2020), I decided to resign and come to Nairobi, without any thought of looking for a job.

A few days later, I was going through the Corporate Staffing website and saw a job in my field that I thought I qualified for. I applied, was shortlisted, and ultimately got the job. However, this is around the time Covid-19 was announced as a pandemic in the country. My new employer’s business got affected, and they had to close down. As such, I was not able to join the company.

I was back at the drawing board and constantly looking through Corporate Staffing’s website, hoping for another job opportunity.

During this time, one of the recruitment managers at Corporate Staffing would call, just to check up on how I was doing. With the ongoing pandemic, she was worried about how I was making ends meet. This encouraged me not to give up.

About four months later, I was going through the same website when I saw another job that fit my skills 70%. I called Corporate Staffing offices to let the recruitment managers know that I had applied for the position and I waited for feedback.

How was the application and interview process?

The application was okay because I applied and then called to ensure that my application would be seen. I was called for the first interview 3 days after I sent my application, was later recommended to the client and I eventually got the job.

The best part of the whole process was communication. I was guided through it all, and given the support and care, I needed. I knew I was not alone.

With many professionals facing pay cuts, unpaid leave, and even others being laid off, did you think you would get a job during this time?

I was confident I would get the job because my first experience was good. That, I did not doubt. The only question I constantly battled with was whether people were hiring.

Many job seekers are skeptical about finding jobs during this difficult time. Based on your experience, what can you tell them?

Don’t give up. Go to the right recruitment firm. There are real and genuine ones out there that have a good support system for you, as a job seeker. I know it can be quite disheartening when you are applying and not getting feedback. However, remember that there is someone who is seeing your skills.

Also, there are businesses that are doing well, despite the pandemic. So, don’t be skeptical. I am a good example of that. Keep applying.