Preparing for the job market

When the pomp, style and glamour of graduation dies down, for many graduates, the reality of finding a job hits — unemployment among the youth continues to be the biggest challenge in Kenya. If your New Year’s resolution is to get a job, this article is for you.

January and February are considered the best months to get a job, piloting new products for revenue growth and testing new goals. As a graduate, you want to position yourself as a problem solver, innovator and enabler of business growth. You must take calculated steps to impress your potential employer and stand out. This is why you need these strategies

Thank-you notes: Write genuine thank-you notes to people who supported you during your academic journey. This can include supervisors, lecturers and guest speakers. Spare a paragraph to talk about your career aspirations and ask for introductions to potential employers in your field.

CV and application letter: Make your CV short— one or two pages. Showcase your academic achievements, attachment experiences, how your academic project contributes to business growth and your skills. Talk about conferences attended, extra training and professional certifications. Learn how to structure a neat, presentable application letter.

Identify potential employers: Applying for many jobs and wishing one goes through is not a good strategy. During this festive season, create a LinkedIn profile and start reaching out to people who work in the companies you are targeting. Review the company website to learn about business practices and other details. Knowing your prospective employer and their recruitment processes could increase your chances of getting a job.

Practice interview questions: Building confidence in your skills and demonstrating this through the interview process will take you places. Practising when you get an interview invite increases anxiety, so do it early and have an elevator pitch.

Mr Komba is the communications manager at Generation Kenya