How I Finally Got A Finance Job Through CSS After 10 Years Of Applying

By Lisa Osiako

Have you been applying for numerous job opportunities advertised on our website and have never been shortlisted for any position yet?

John Kinyanjui, first registered with Corporate Staffing in 2010. After many years of applying for jobs, he finally got a job this year.

In March this year, we advertised a Credit Control Job for our client, Kenblest Ltd. The job was advertised on our website and other partner websites. We received over 300 applications, shortlisted 13 candidates and recommended 4 candidates to the client.

After they met the client, John was the preferred candidate, who ultimately got the job.

I caught up with him to find out what kept him going despite the discouragement. Here is what he had to say:

Who is John?

I would say I am a go-getter, and someone who doesn’t give up easily. I have been working as a credit controller for over 10 years and have always aspired to grown and better myself in the same field.

My career journey has been an interesting one because although I have been working, I struggled to get a job I really wanted, for a long time.

You have been with Corporate Staffing all through your job search. Did you ever think of giving up?

I have been with Corporate Staffing since 2010, when I started looking for a job and came across this company. I would constantly apply for jobs, but through the years, I was never successful.

I remember meeting the Managing Partner, Mr Wainaina, who recommended me to three companies, but I still did not get those jobs.

I do not give up easily, and so even though most of my applications were not successful, I would apply for the jobs I saw through your email alerts.

For this particular job, I did not apply. I think because my CV was in your database, I remember receiving a call from one of the recruitment managers, who told me about this role, and asked if I was interested in it. Of course I jumped at the opportunity!

You actively threw yourself in the job search pool early this year. What pushed you to make that decision?

At my last place of work, there was a high turnover rate. This was before the pandemic even hit. By the time the pandemic hit, the turnover rate doubled! This was what made me actively start looking for jobs, despite the fact that many professionals at the time were losing their jobs in various industries

Was the application and interview process any different for you this time around?

The application was different because, as opposed to the previous jobs where I had to apply, for this particular one, one of the recruitment managers called me. I believe with my CV being in your database, it was easier for you to look through and see if I was qualified for the role.

When I was asked if I was interested in the job, I immediately said I was.

The interview process I would say was good. The focus was majorly based on my professional experience, and 30% on my academics.

After applying for numerous jobs with us, and with the ongoing economic crisis, did you think you would get this job?

No, I did not. 

One thing about me is that I fear interviews because I just never know what to expect. This was no different for me. After the first interview, I was anxious that the second would be hard. However, it was actually much better. I knew we were four candidates and I decided to take advantage of the fact that we were few.

After that interview, I was 99.99% sure I had gotten the job.

Many job seekers have applied for jobs with recruitment firms for a while, and have become skeptical about the process. Based on your experience, what can you tell them?

Continue applying. It has taken me 10 years with Corporate Staffing to finally land a job through them. So don’t give up.

When invited for the interview, take some time to prepare, go through your CV, arrive on time, listen to the interviewer, and make sure you leave your potential employer feeling confident in you as a candidate.

In summary,

Everybody’s job search journey is different. It could take a short while and sometimes, like in John’s case, many years before you land a job. So keep on applying and never give up.

Your latest application may just be your last. All the best!