How My Immediate Application Got Me A Job Through CSS

By Lisa Osiako

If you were to describe 2020 in your own words as a professional, what would you say?

2020 has been a year that many professionals will remember as one that came with numerous challenges. Many lost their jobs, others were sent on unpaid leave and others had to take a pay cut.

Despite the hardships, many have found hope and resilience in going on and applying for jobs.

One such individual is Ruth Mwendwa, a HR professional.

In August 2020, we advertised an HR job for our client, YDX Agency Limited. This was done not only on our website, but other websites as well.

Ruth was among the applicants, who ultimately became their preferred candidate of choice.

I interviewed her on her journey, in a bid to share some of the lessons you can pick from her story:

Tell us about yourself

I am a team player. I like working with people and creating an environment everybody would be happy to go to.

I have been in the HR field for about 5 years, and with each role I have applied for, I have tried to ensure that the job advert is in line with what I am looking for as a professional. This ensures that I just do not apply for any HR role I see.

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

I have known about Corporate Staffing since 2015. That is when I started applying for jobs on your platform.

This however, was the first interview I got with you.

What I actually learnt is that when you see a job, apply immediately. All the other jobs I had applied for since 2015, I would see a job, and tell myself that since the deadline was still far off, I would apply then.

I had been invited for four interviews at other places, and what was even common with all the other four jobs, is I applied immediately.

Also, I was very specific in what I wanted. So when I checked the role and it fit with what I was looking for, I applied immediately.

How long had you been job searching before coming across this job?

The company I was working for closed down in April. Due to the pandemic, there was no business. My lease was terminated in July.

In April, I was declared redundant. And that’s when I began earnestly looking for a job.

How was the application and interview process?

When I was due for the first interview which was to be held via ZOOM, I was quite nervous. I had an internet issue and so we had to conduct the interview via telephone. I was anxious that my internet issue would be a problem, but the interviewer was very friendly.

When I got the second interview invite, you guys even advised me on what to do.

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?

There were 3 of us. I was the first to arrive, and I left the interview room sure that I would get the job.

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

When you are looking for a job, it should not just be all about meeting the qualifications. The culture matters too. Personality also matters.

Also, be passionate about what you are doing. Very many organizations need people – but they need good people. Apply for jobs, and don’t fake it. Be yourself. One organization may not like you, but there’s a company that will.

And lastly, as a job seeker, you should be smart and know what you want. Otherwise, you will end up applying for everything and at the end of the day when nothing comes through, you feel frustrated, tired and disappointed.

In the end,

It is always advised that when you see a job opportunity, apply for it immediately. Do not wait for the deadline. This will raise the chances of your application being seen and considered for the next step in the process.