How Being Aggressive Got Me A Job Through CSS

It is said that you shouldn’t chase your dreams, but rather chase them down with aggressive pursuit.

This is exactly what Serah Njoroge did.

Since losing her job in July 2020, she had applied for numerous jobs and gotten no feedback. She decided to reach out to Corporate Staffing by sending an email, expressing her interest in this HR job she had applied for.

The job was advertised on our site and other partner websites for our client, Kansai Plascon.

I had a chat with her to get to know what pushed her to apply and not just wait to be shortlisted.

This is her story:

Tell us about yourself. What is your professional qualification? Your years of experience?

I am a highly motivated HR practitioner with over 8 years of HR experience, who is enthusiastic, creative, and rigorous, and who has a hunger for success and career development. I am also a person passionate about making a difference, and who is excited by challenges and embraces diversity.

How long have you been looking for a job?

Since July of 2020.

During the pandemic last year, the company I was working for decided to cut costs and thus invested in an HR system that could do most of the work I was doing. My role was therefore declared redundant and I had to leave.

What has your job search experience been like?

Although I continued to look for roles in HR, my job search wasn’t so bad. I was helping out in a different organization and was receiving a small stipend. I think the fact that I wasn’t idle is what helped me not to feel frustrated.

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

I knew about Corporate Staffing through friends and had subscribed to the job alerts.

Now, even before I saw this opportunity, I had written an email to Mr. Wainaina letting him know that I was interested in getting a job in the HR field. I had applied for a few jobs and hadn’t gotten any feedback. I thought I should be more aggressive and that’s why I decided to send an email.

Then, I saw this HR position on the Corporate Staffing website, applied for it, and wrote another email to Mr. Wainaina to tell him that I had applied for the role, and would like to be considered. My application was looked through and I was invited for an interview.

How was the interview process?

It was normal I would say. I was called for a first interview, then later I was recommended to the client who wanted to interview us a second time. The process was smooth.

Did you think you would get the job?

Because you don’t know what is going on in an employer’s mind, all you can do is give your very best during an interview. And that’s exactly what I did – I gave my very best.

Congratulations on getting the job. What is your advice to professionals who have been unsuccessful in getting jobs?

Don’t look at positions you were previously holding and simply look for the same. With the economy starting to rise, be open-minded. For me, I did not want employment gaps in my CV. The truth is, after landing somewhere, you can still advance your career.

Also, be aggressive and pray. Be ready to learn and take up the challenge that comes your way.