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How C.S.S Helped Me To Change Jobs When The Pandemic Hit

Are you working in your ideal job? Are you qualified in one area but practicing in a completely different area?

If you had a chance to go back, would you still follow the same career path you are currently on?

Truth is, you cannot change the past. However, there is something you can do to make the future better. 

Maurine Wavinya had been working in the same organization since 2018. Towards the end of last year, she began looking for another job. In her own words, all she wanted was a change.

3 months into job searching, the global pandemic hit the country and she was not sure how that would affect her job search. She, however, continued applying and eventually landed a job that fit with what she was looking for.

I interviewed Maurine on her job search journey and changing jobs during this time. Most importantly, I wanted to know how she was able to keep looking for jobs, and what you and I can learn from her experience.

Towards the end of March, just as Covid-19 was declared a pandemic in the country, we advertised a Technical Sales Job for our client, Chloride Exide on our website and other partner websites. Of the over 600 applications we received, we shortlisted 20 for the first interview, and selected 5 to meet the client. Maurine was their preferred candidate, ultimately securing the job.

Who is Maurine?

I wear many hats. In a nutshell, however, I would say that I am a sales engineer with slightly over 2 years’ experience in this field.

I started working before graduating from university in 2017. Before that, I went through a three-month internship in 2016, and soon after got a job. That began my career in the engineering field.

Maurine Wavinya

Did you know about Corporate Staffing before you applied for the job?

Yes. I had been seeing job opportunities from Corporate Staffing on social media – LinkedIn, in particular. I had also seen similar job adverts on a different job website – BrighterMonday.

I had never applied for a job through you before.

For this particular role, my friend shared it with me and I decided to apply.

What made you apply for this job?

I was looking for change. I had been working for the same company for about 2 years, but was looking for something more specific.

By the time I was applying for this job, I was still working, but even with the ongoing pandemic, I knew that I needed a change, for my personal and professional growth.

What was your experience throughout both the application and interview processes?

The process for me was very smooth and professional. I loved the communication I received. At every stage, I would get updated. Unlike other job agencies I used before where I was not given any feedback after the first interview, I appreciated the feedback I got. I was never in the dark.

Even when I got the job and reported to the client’s offices, you people still called me to find out how I was settling in. The after service was great! This made me feel like I was not alone.

With the ongoing pandemic, many professionals have faced job losses. Did you think that you would be able to change jobs during this time?

When I applied, the disease had not been declared a pandemic in the country yet. I made my application and did not give it much thought.

By the time I received a call inviting me for the first interview, I had already forgotten that I had applied for that role.

Looking back, I would not say that I was very sure that I would get the job.

What advice would you give someone who is looking to change jobs, but is worried about doing it during this difficult time?

The pandemic was an unforeseeable risk. However, companies are very strategic when it comes to handling risks. With that, you shouldn’t worry.

I would also encourage you to apply for jobs through the right recruitment firms. It will save you a lot. Having applied for jobs with other recruitment firms, I would say Corporate Staffing in particular, is a good recruitment firm. Their level of professionalism is top-notch.

Keep applying, because you never know when your job opening will come through.

In the end,

Changing jobs during this time may not be an easy and quick process. It is, however, possible for you to change jobs and enjoy a career and job that gives you satisfaction.

All the best!

10 Comments

  1. But it seems she has been working there for two years and familiar with everything is only the right time came for her to be given a job….. Such soughts of interview others we normally attend to boost and motivate the one employed personally I don’t see any magic but lord ? timing.

  2. How I wish one day will give such a testimony,I lost my job at Twiga foods when the pandemic hit the country and upto now am still applying for opportunities. With 70 applications have never been successful.

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