How CSS Helped Me Get a Job That Aligned With My Long-Term Goals

Various reasons drive professionals to look for a new job. Among them: better compensation, geographical location, job security, career advancement, or better work environment.

Basil Ouko, was motivated by the desire to grow and get an opportunity that would expose him to more challenging and rewarding experience.
Through LinkedIn, he came across the role of Production Officer we had advertised for our client in the manufacturing industry and he emerged to be the best.

Here’s his story:

Tell us about yourself. What is your professional qualification?

I am Basil Ouko, an engineering professional with a specialization in production. Over the past four years, I have gained valuable hands-on experience and practical knowledge working in product manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, household appliances, and electrical wholesalers.

I have collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement innovative solutions, ensuring efficiency and quality in the manufacturing processes.
I am passionate about continuously learning and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in various aspects of production to be able to contribute to the success of the organization and make a positive impact on the products and processes.

How long have you been looking for a job?

I had been looking for a job for three months because I wanted to explore better career options and I wanted a job that aligned better with my long-term goals and aspirations. During this process, I submitted my applications and continued to develop my skills to enhance my chances of securing the right job opportunity.

How has your job search experience been like?

My job search experience has been both challenging and rewarding. Throughout the process, I encountered various opportunities and obstacles which exposed me to learn and grow as a professional.

On the challenging side, the job market can be competitive, and finding the right fit for my skills and career goals took time and effort.
On the rewarding side, I have had the opportunity to learn more about different industries and gain a better understanding of my strengths and areas for improvement.

During the job search, I have also taken short courses to enhance my skill set and make myself more marketable. Each step of the process has been a valuable learning experience, reinforcing my determination to find the right roles that align with my passions and career aspirations.

Generally, my job search experience has been a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth. It has taught me to stay adaptable, proactive, and positive in the face of challenges, ultimately leading me closer to the ideal career opportunity.

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

Certainly, during my job search process, I encountered several challenges that tested my resilience and adaptability. Some of the notable challenges include:

• The competitive job market required me to showcase my unique skills and experiences effectively.
• Job rejections and the feeling of disappointment after investing time and effort into applications and interviews, and not getting the desired outcome which was disheartening but I learned to view rejections as opportunities for growth and continued to improve my approach.
• Lack of feedback in some instances which made it difficult to identify areas for improvement and refine my interview skills.
• I was already employed during the job search, therefore, balancing the current job’s responsibilities with the efforts of job hunting was demanding. Time management and maintaining productivity at work while actively seeking new opportunities required careful planning and dedication

Despite these challenges, I embraced them as opportunities for growth and learning. Each hurdle taught me valuable lessons and strengthened my determination to find the right career path that aligns with my skills and aspirations. By persevering and adapting to changing circumstances, I remained focused on securing the best-suited position for my professional growth and development.

Where did you hear about Corporate Staffing and the job opportunity? And would you recommend Corporate Staffing to anyone?

During my job search, I came across Corporate Staffing as a reputable recruitment firm through various online job sites and LinkedIn.

The positive reputation and firsthand experience I had with CSS’s dedication to connecting candidates with suitable opportunities and their commitment to professionalism and ethical recruitment practices are qualities that make them a reliable choice for job seekers and I would gladly recommend them.

How was the application and interview process?

The application and interview process with Corporate Staffing was efficient well-organized, and professional. The entire experience left a positive impression on me, and I felt supported and valued as a candidate throughout the process.
After coming across the job advertisement on an online job board, I promptly applied by sending an email expressing my interest in the role.

Within a few days, I received a positive response, and I was thrilled to learn that I had been shortlisted for further consideration. The next step involved an online interview, which was conducted professionally and allowed me to showcase my skills and suitability for the role. The online interview process was seamless, and the interviewer was friendly and engaging, creating a comfortable environment for me to express myself.

After the online interview, I was invited for an in-person interview at the client’s company, which provided an opportunity for more in-depth discussions and interactions with the company’s team members and decision-makers. The in-person interview further solidified my interest in the position and allowed me to gain a better understanding of the company’s culture and work environment.
A few days later, I received the exciting news that I had been successful in the interview process and had been offered the job. Corporate Staffing then initiated background checks.

Once the background checks were completed, I was given the offer and began the transition process, serving my notice period at my previous job before officially joining the new company.

Did you think you would get the job?

I believed I had a strong chance of getting the job because I felt my skills, qualifications, and experiences aligned well with the requirements of the position.

Throughout the application and interview stages, I invested time and effort into researching the company, understanding its values and goals, and tailoring my responses to showcase how I could contribute to its success.

Ultimately, I am grateful that my efforts paid off, and I was offered the job. It was a testament to how preparation, a positive attitude, and effective communication during the interview process can lead to a successful outcome.

What do you think employers look for or check when selecting suitable candidates?

The criteria may vary depending on the industry, role, and company culture; here are some common factors that I believe most employers often consider:

• Employers seek candidates who possess the necessary qualifications, education, certifications, and relevant work experience required for the role.
• They assess candidates’ technical skills and other relevant competencies related to the role.
• They value candidates who demonstrate a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn, grow, and drive team success.
• They look for candidates who can analyze complex situations and propose innovative solutions.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential for effective collaboration and conveying ideas.
• The modern workplace demands adaptability and employers value candidates who can adapt to change and thrive in diverse situations.

Many professionals continue to look for jobs during this competitive job market. What is your advice to them?

In a competitive job market, getting a job can be challenging and may require extra effort and perseverance.

Here are some valuable pieces of advice for professionals who are actively looking for jobs:

• Stay positive and persistent because the job search can be a roller coaster of emotions, but maintaining a positive attitude and staying persistent is essential.
• Tailor your applications to highlight the skills and experiences that align with the specific job requirements. Generic applications may not stand out in a competitive field.
• Upgrade your skills and knowledge by attending workshops, online courses, or gaining certifications relevant to your field to make you more marketable and show your commitment to continuous improvement.
• Explore various online job portals and career websites. Optimize your profile on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to increase your visibility to employers.
• Be open to different opportunities that could utilize your transferable skills.
• Prepare for interviews by researching the companies practicing common interview questions and showcasing how you can add value to the organization.

What do you think is the secret to getting a job in this competitive market?

The secret to getting a job in a competitive market lies in a combination of strategic approaches, adaptability, and perseverance.

Here are some key factors that can make a significant difference:

• Tailor your applications to highlight the specific skills and experiences that match the job requirements to show that you understand the employer’s needs.
• Leverage your professional network to be exposed to hidden job openings because most of the job opportunities are filled through referrals.
• Work on improving your skills because employers value candidates who are eager to learn and adapt to new challenges.
• During the interview, demonstrate how you can add value to the organization and impact the business.

If you were to speak to any professional out there, what is one thing you would tell them to do to succeed this 2023?

To succeed in 2023, I would advise any professional to focus on continuous learning and adaptability. The world is rapidly evolving, and staying ahead requires staying informed about the latest trends, technologies, and developments in your field.