How My Unique Skillset Enabled Me Get A Job Through CSS

By Lisa Osiako

As a professional, have you been seeking to change jobs but are afraid of the uncertainty that may exist especially with the unsettled economy? Have you decided to put your job search on hold until the pandemic passes?

Lenard Kahutu had wanted to change jobs for a while and when he finally decided he was going to get serious about it, the pandemic hit. As many professionals lost their jobs, this did not deter him from continuing with his job search.

His job search ultimately bore fruits when we advertised an Engineering Job for our client ABM, and he was the preferred candidate.

I recently spoke to him about how his job search process had been and sought to derive lessons that you can learn from his process.

Although everyone’s journey is different, there is something you can pick from his story:

What is your professional qualification? 

I have been in production management and supervision for the past 8 years. This is not exactly what I thought I would be doing. Initially, I wanted to do IT and Computer Science. I however ended up specializing in Analytical Chemistry. When I started specializing in this, I thought I would end up working in a research lab. And that’s where I started.

But then, after college, I started researching and realized that there was more to this profession than working in a lab. What I learned in school versus what I learned working in the industry was quite different.

After venturing, I started gaining skills in other areas such as KAIZEN – and became good at it. With all the skills I gained, I knew I could challenge myself to more in the market.

How long had you been looking for a job?

I had stayed with my previous employer for 6 years and done what I thought was all I needed to do at that institution. I had gotten so used to the role that I knew I needed a change – something that could challenge me further.

I’d say I spent the last three years looking for a job, although I had not fully immersed myself into the job search pool. In the last one year – that is 2020, I seriously started looking for a job.

Many professionals were losing their jobs last year. What made you decide to look for another job during this time?

I didn’t want to postpone. I didn’t want to put myself in a situation where I would regret not taking the chance to apply for jobs because I feared the unknown. You never know what the future holds.

What has your job search experience been like?

Most of the job applications I made went unanswered. In the numerous job applications I made, I only got called for one interview.

This was quite discouraging.

Are there any challenges you encountered in your job search process?

With many of my applications going unanswered, the main challenge for me was finding the energy within me to go on applying for jobs. When you don’t get any form of feedback after an application, this can be frustrating for anyone – I included.

Where did you hear about this job opportunity?

When I decided to be serious in job searching, I had indicated to a few people that I was looking for opportunities.

One of them saw this post advertised, showed it to me, and immediately encouraged me to give it a shot.

How were the application and interview processes?

It was seamless. I applied and was later called and invited for the first interview which was via ZOOM. I was impressed because I was given a chance to choose a date and time that worked for me. This was unusual but appreciated.

Did you think you would get the job?

After the first interview, I knew there were other candidates. But what made me comfortable and confident throughout the process is the communication I would receive from the recruitment manager. I was made aware of the entire process, and through it all, I felt I did well. I had hopes especially because the interviewer gave me a chance to express myself.

Many professionals are looking for a fresh start this year in their careers. What would your advice be to them?

Anytime is a good time to look for a job. Also, register with a trusted recruitment firm as this boosts your chances of meeting an employer. Jobs are still there and all is not lost.