Prelude to Interviews

JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES:BY

Nicholas Omondi OumaBEd. (KU) MEd.(Educational Communication & Technology,

KU)County Director of Youth Development, Taita Taveta

Presentation Overview

Self-AssessmentJob search ‘tool kit’ResearchNetworking and the “hidden” job

marketImplementing/managing your searchFinal thoughts

Self Assessment

What do you want to do? What are your skills and interests? – what do you find enjoyable? Helps to narrow audience

Informational interviews – talk to friends, family, faculty members. Identify likes/dislikes

Ask yourself questions - ex. What was your favorite class? To gain insight

Desirable Skills & QualitiesHere are the top skills and qualities of the “Perfect Job Candidate,” according to employers of college graduates, polled in 2010:

• Communication skills - Computer skills• Detail-oriented - Initiative• Strong work ethic - Analytical

skills• Interpersonal skills - Leadership skills• Problem-solving skills - Teamwork skills• Flexibility and adaptability

Draw the connectionsExamine your profile!

Self-analysis exercise

Job search tool Kit – Resume/CV and Cover lettersAre your primary (and mandatory!) marketing

tools so be strategic. Must demonstrate your skills and experience Tailor your resume/CV and cover letters for

each opportunity (paid or volunteer) that you apply for

Focus on the most relevant skills and experience to the employer for that opportunity.

An employer looks at your application (resume/cover letter) for approximately 15-30 seconds when deciding if they should invite you for an interview!

Job search tool Kit – Calling Card/Business Card

Helpful for situations when distributing a resume is not appropriate or convenient e.g. in:-

networking events, association meetings, career fairs, information sessions, or impromptu meetings.

James Mrefu0721 000 xxx james_mrefu@gmail.com

•B.Com (Accounting Option)•CPA (K)•Excellent Accounting and Tax compliance•Goal oriented and competent•Excellent customer relationship management•Proficient in Computer skills …

Job search tool Kit – Social Media

Includes Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube, Twitter, blogging, personal websites, e-portfolios

As opposed to a candidate “finding” their employer of choice, an employer “finds” YOU, the candidate as a result of your involvement. Eg Dennis Itumbi – now working @ OP.

Keep it professional: Your screen or profile name, the pictures posted on your profile (or on those of your friends or contacts), the videos uploaded to YouTube, and status updates/posts/tweets should be appropriate.

““clean up your social media footprint”. clean up your social media footprint”.

Research - Job SourcesOn Campus Interview Program InternshipsCareer FairsEmployer Information SessionsOnline Job SitesDirect Contacts with EmployersNetworkingProfessional AssociationsNewspapers/Professional JournalsGeneral Employment Agencies

Job Search Tip:More than 80% of students who had full

time jobs before graduation connected face-to-face with employers:Employers interviewing on campus (OCI)Speaking with company representativesAttending employer information sessionsAttending career fairsParticipating in internshipsNetworking

Why participate?• It’s FREE! • Save on transport! Interview on campus• Chance to interview for multiple internship and full- time positions • Employers chose TTUC and want to interview you! Depends on the

profile the college has built over time & nature of its alumni.• Get email notifications • Greater chance of being hired • Secure a job before you graduate• Easy online sign-up

Who can participate?• All current TTUC students are eligible depending upon employer requirements.•TTUC may need to establish a Career Centre under the office of the Dean to organize this.

On Campus Interview

TTUC CAREER CENTRE

Functions of such a centre could be, among others;Offer career guidance (course/unit choices, job search, CV writing, interviewing skills, etiquette etc) Making Professional ConnectionsLiaising with potential employers for On Campus/college Interviews (OCI)OCI is used by employers for: full-time entry level positions, management training programs and internship programs.

Research - Employers

Employers expect it

Displays your seriousness, thoroughness and attention to detail

Helps to personalize cover letters and resumes, and answer questions appropriately

Helps determine your “fit” with the organization

What to Learn About a Company/Organization

Description of job responsibilitiesPersonnel information (NAME, policies, relevant information of executives)

Organizational culture, goals, and strategies.

Size, age, location, history, ownership

Products or services, major competitors, recent development, expected growth

Before the job fair:•Obtain a list of participants and research those organizations of interest and prioritize list•Develop error-free resume and your 30-second commercial•Be prepared with questions to ask employersAt the job fair:• Greet the employer and present your resume• Dress professionally, ask questions and get their business cardAfter the job fair:• Follow the instructions from each employer regarding follow-up• Send a letter to employer to refresh their memory of your conversation

Career FairsCareer Fairs

Online Job SearchNational job sitesIndustry-specific sitesCompany-specific sitesAssociation sites – professional associationsGovernment sites

International sites

Internships How can internships be valuable?- Test the water, how you fit…- Put your theory to practice- Applicable experience for your resume- Earn extra cash especially if it is paid.- Gain industry networking contacts- Get your foot in the door and turn your

internship into a full-time job

Characteristics of the labor market

Hidden job market

10% of job seekers apply for 80% of potential jobs in this market

DID YOU KNOW? DID YOU KNOW?

90% of job seekers apply for the 20% of jobs available in this market

NetworkingWhy network?

• Uncover the hidden job market • 75-80% of jobs are obtained via personal contacts (Canvassing)

• Learn more about your chosen career field• Get advice through informational interviews to find out how to conduct your job search

• Do not limit yourself to only top organizations • Make contact before an employer knows they need you!

NetworkingHow do you network?

• Talk to everyone you know! • Informational Interview• Join the student chapter of a professional

association*• Pass out your calling card• Share how you can be a valuable resource for

them• Grow your connections• Stay connected

Networking

Who do you network with?• Current students and alumni• Family, friends, relatives• Faculty, department staff• Current supervisors • Employers directly

Network through Informational Interviews

• Make courteous initial contact• Ask for information….NOT a job• Face-to-face meetings• Be politely persistent• Try to obtain several referrals from each

person you contact• Follow up and keep them informed of your

progress• Thank them

Implementing/Managing Your Search

Organize yourself with a systemKeep records of initial contacts and

follow-upsSet reasonable daily/weekly goals

for your career searchContinue to assess processUpdate/review resume/CV with a

Career Advisor

Get Organized!

Final Thoughts

Be organized, self-motivated, and assertiveJob searching requires time and energyDon’t be discouraged if it takes you a few months

to secure a desirable positionIf you’ve searched for 6 months, you may need to

redirect your search or gain experience Take a temporary position or internship Volunteer work

PersevereContinue to develop and use new resources to

diversify your search

Job search websites Job search websites

www.myjobsinkenya.com www.bestjobskenya.com www.psckjobs.go.ke http://www.careerpointkenya.com www.kenyancareer.com www.kenyanjobs.blogspot.com

www.jobs.n-soko.com