Throughout our careers, we may find ourselves in a role that takes more from us than it gives in terms of money, happiness, or energy–sometimes, it’s all three.
At first, waning job satisfaction might not be noticeable, clouded by day-to-day demands and expectations. But at some point, though, you become aware that you’re surviving–not thriving–at work.
Maybe you no longer believe in the mission or identify with your co-workers. Your enthusiasm dwindles.
Regardless of what causes the realization, you know one thing for certain: A change is necessary. Maybe it’s time for a new position. It’s more likely, however, that you’re ready for an entirely new career.
But finding a new job, let alone a dream job, can be tricky. For example, making time to interview is tough when you’re balancing a heavy workload or traveling all the time. Not to mention, changing careers can be hard when you’re facing burnout brought on by your current position.
It’s a paradox many career changers face: How do you tackle a major transition when your time is nil and your energy levels are already low?
This dilemma’s often accompanied by the temptation to opt for a quick solution: find a position in the same field at a different company. While these options are attractive in the moment, you’ve got to resist the urge to skip over the important work called self-evaluation. Unless you stop and take an honest look at what’s causing your unhappiness, you’re likely to repeat history wherever you go.
However, by taking small steps and tending to your emotional well-being throughout the process, you can make a successful transition.
Shore Up Your Emotional Reserves
If your job’s drained you to the point of burnout, lifting yourself out of your career rut and back into a positive place is the first task at hand.
Like other emotional stressors, burnout responds to reframing. Shifting into a growth mindset helps you see possibilities where there once were only dead ends.
When the going gets tough, and you doubt your ability to manage a career change amidst a daunting workload, try taking the perspective of a good mentor. What advice would you give to another overworked person in your shoes? How would you advise a burnt-out friend?
The best answers often come from within and it’s likely you already know where to start: Give yourself permission to take your time. Big decisions, such as leaving a job or deciding to strike out on your own can and should be thoughtful and deliberate. Assure yourself that you can and will take action, and that once you do, things will get better.
Ask Yourself the Important Questions
It’s all too easy to blow through life on auto-pilot, never spending time honestly exploring what you really want in a career. But people don’t succeed by migrating to a particular industry or job. They thrive by exploring their strengths, motivations, likes, and dislikes.
To ensure that you forge ahead based on a thoughtful appraisal (rather than blindly following what you think others say you “should” be doing) employ an honest self-evaluation. Ask yourself questions such as:
- What would I rather be investing my time and energy in?
- What is my personal mission?
- What are my top three values?
- What pivotal experiences have made me who am I today?
- What obstacles stand in the way of me making a career change?
- What strengths can I draw on during my transition?
These big, open-ended questions are specifically designed to provoke creative thinking and help you get in touch with the roots of your personal preferences and natural drives. You won’t arrive at the answers overnight, but the more you think about them, the more you’ll gain the clarity you need to get unstuck and move forward with your transition.
Stop Second-Guessing Yourself
Often, when you’re forced to make a decision that pushes you beyond your comfort zone, fear rears its head. You may worry about the future or become preoccupied with whether you’re making the right decision. At times, you’ll probably face self-doubt and wonder whether things at work are really as bad as you’re making them out to be.
This is an example of a thought trap known as the sunk-cost bias. In short, this is simply our innate loss aversion popping up. We mistakenly rationalize that because so much has been invested in our current path, to change course now would be a waste. But the truth is, the cost of doing nothing–of staying in a job that depletes you–is much higher. Studies show that sticking it out despite your unhappiness leads to emotional exhaustion, illness, and burnout.
Instead of dwelling on what you’ll lose, imagine a career that makes you feel challenged, happy, and fulfilled. If that vision looks, feels, and sounds better, shift your efforts away from focusing on sunk costs and look toward your new trajectory.
Act, Don’t Intellectualize
While the process of clarifying your values and your strengths is important, these discoveries are useless without follow through. Action is the antidote to self-doubt.
Rather than overthinking what you should do to pursue your passion, look for low-risk, micro-learning opportunities that you can accomplish in the few spare hours that you do have. You can start as small as joining a Twitter chat hosted by an organization you’re interested in or committing to sending one email a week to a someone whose career path you admire. Maybe, if you can find the time, you volunteer on the weekends to test drive a new role.
This experimental approach helps you take incremental steps toward a career change in little time without a ton of effort. In the process, you may make connections with inroads to your dream job, short-cutting the traditional (read: long and draining) interview process. You’ll also gain a better sense of answers to questions like: Do I enjoy this work? Do I want to pursue this path further? What other opportunities am I curious about?
I won’t kid you and say that discovering your career happiness formula–the trifecta of finding what you’re good at, what you find meaningful, and what gets you paid–happens overnight. Or that it’s simple and easy, especially when you’re already under a lot of stress.
As long as you’re vigilant about maintaining healthy boundaries and are ruthless with self-care, you can make it through this transition time. In fact, you may find that as your strengths come into alignment with your work, you’ll gain energy and momentum along the way. That’s the difference between a job that drains you and one that lights you up.
Source : themuse.com
By Michelle Wanjiku
You have seen a job advertisement that you would really love to apply for. You have a compelling CV that you are sure will give you a competitive edge. The challenge now becomes how to draft the perfect cover letter that will complement that CV. A cover letter is supposed to sell your skills and experience to a hiring manager. A good cover letter can be the difference between you being unemployed and landing your dream job.
According to Florence Mukunya, Career Advisor at Corporate Staffing Services Limited a recruitment firm that offers career advisory services like CV writing, cover letter writing and interview coaching, a cover letter is a powerful tool that job seekers should use to their advantage. According to her, it is the first thing that a hiring manager looks at before they even move on to your CV. She advises that, your cover letter should be able to scream “I am the right candidate” from afar.
Mistake 1: Weak Opening
Your opening should flag you as the best. Stop splashing the reader with greetings. Again, stop being too obvious to be read. The difficulty associated with writing cover letter openings is mostly attributed to lack of a punch and inadequate of language packaging. By language packing, I don’t mean giving the reader an opportunity to visit their dictionary. Make it simple and straight to what you want to communicate.
Consider this example:
Weak opening: Please consider me for your Communication job that you have.
Better intro: I’m passionate about delivering the right message to the right audience at the right time in a most effective way. I love writing and processing of information.
Mistake 2: Omitting Key Selling Points
A cover letter at all times should position you as the best candidate. In fact, it should go beyond what the resume articulates and be a forerunner for your interview. Good cover letters should emphasize your top accomplishments that are related to the job you are applying. Showcase your key selling points as in this example:
For the last two years, I have gained skills and successfully executed duties related to both print and electronic media. I have been writing, interviewing, editing and managing social media campaigns among other duties.
Mistake 3: Too Long with Inappropriate Salutation
If your cover letter exceeds one page, you may be putting readers to sleep. A great cover letter is concise but compelling, and respects the reader’s time.
On the other hand, they way you start your salutation matters. It can be a turn off for the hiring manager. Take for example, a lady hiring manager receiving a letter on her desk which has been addressed as ‘Dear Sir’. Research about the people who are in the HR department.
Mistake 4: Wrong Format, Repetition and Being Vague
This hinders your chances of getting a job. Stop the use of fancy fonts. Keep it simple. You can use Times New Roman font 12 for clarity. It should include the date, the recipient’s address and your address.
Read your letter as many times as you can to eliminate repetitions. You can give it to your friend to check and remove such repeated material. Don’t bring in what is already on the CV. The letter only compliments the CV.
If your application is a response to an advert, make reference to that specific advert, adding the job reference number, if it is available. The person reading your letter could be reviewing hundreds of such letters for different jobs. Make sure all the content in your letter supports how you will meet the employer’s specific needs. That is, avoid being vague. Stick to the idea as required by the job in its descriptions.
Mistake 5: Grammatical Errors and Wrong Sign-Outs
People who handle information as their job such secretaries, journalists and social media communicators are likely to be wiped out from the shortlist when a hiring manager sees a grammatical mistake in their cover letter. For one, it reflects your carelessness. You couldn’t edit your work and you are applying for an editor assistant post!
Using tags such as “Yours dearest” at the end of your cover letter portrays a lack of professionalism. Keep it simple and use phrase ‘Sincerely’ followed by your name at the bottom. For printed letters, it is an official document connecting you to the employer; make sure you sign against it. Emails, however, can be send without necessarily being signed; but sign if it is a scanned document.
In conclusion, you must show the best in your cover letter. This is because it is the first contact between you and your hiring manager. This article will help you pull down some of the nasty stuffs you have been carrying in your cover letter. The idea of the cover letter is to sell you, speak for you. Make it as simple as possible and ensure it speaks your mid to the employer.
By Selipha Kihagi
When preparing for an upcoming interview for a job, it is only natural that you will go to browse various job interview tips. You will also go the extent of asking the people around you for tips that would help you ace the interview. From sending emails, using social media you will ask for job interview tips in your area of study and yes you will find a pool of ideas and advice.
But is the advice you are getting enough to take you through your first interview or a pack of hostile interviewers? Below are some tips you will find useful in any job interview, regardless the position or company.
Job Interview Tips You Need To Know
1. The first 5 minutes and the last 5 are the most crucial
You may have already been told about how important it is that you impress recruiters or employers during a job interview. Seeking to impress is a broad factor that could become your worst nightmare if stressed too much. Recruiters and employers already know if they are going to hire you or keep you as a maybe in only the first 5 minutes.
What you say, how you behave, your appearance and general attitude will be judged here. The same applies for the last 5 minutes. You need to leave a lasting impression so the recruiter does not forget you once the next candidate comes in. Focus on impressing at these two times, then let your preparation work for you in between.
2. Employers hate direct one sentence answers
This does not mean you have the green light to talk and blab your way through the interview; there is also too much talking. The trick here is to give answers as if you are telling your life story. Employers and recruiters can already see how experienced you are, they want to hear about those real accomplishments you made in your last job or projects you participated in while in school.
Make sure the interviewer is moved by what you say. It’s the easiest way to be remembered by employers. This way even if you don’t get hired, they will reach out to you when they hear of another job.
3. If you believe you are the best, you will ace that interview
This goes beyond having confidence. It is knowing that the company or employer will benefit a lot from hiring you that will count. Think about it, it is always easier to convince someone to try out a certain joint or pizza place, why? Because you believe they are the best in the business.
The same notion applies when going for job interviews, think of yourself as a pizza joint (or whatever your best food is) that you truly believe in then sell yourself to the recruiter. If you do this, employers will have no choice but to consider you.
4. Your qualifications will not matter when you are not a people person
Every single job demands that you have interpersonal skills or good communication skills. So, from how you handle the lady or gentleman sitting at the front desk, or the guards at the gate or building you are going to interview, you must be in your best behavior.
Do not become the person who is rude to someone in the lift only to find that they are the ones interviewing you
“So, tell me about yourself.”
What seems like such a simple question can really make you sweat, especially in an interview. What, exactly, should you share—not just to build rapport, but to show that you’re the perfect fit for the job?
Fear not, job seekers: There’s a super-simple formula that will help you answer this question with ease.
How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”
So, the first question you’re probably going to get in an interview is, “Tell me about yourself.” Now, this is not an invitation to recite your entire life story or even to go bullet by bullet through your resume. Instead, it’s probably your first and best chance to pitch the hiring manager on why you’re the right one for the job.
A formula I really like to use is called the Present-Past-Future formula. So, first you start with the present—where you are right now. Then, segue into the past—a little bit about the experiences you’ve had and the skills you gained at the previous position. Finally, finish with the future—why you are really excited for this particular opportunity.
Let me give you an example:
If someone asked, “tell me about yourself,” you could say:
“Well, I’m currently an account executive at Smith, where I handle our top performing client. Before that, I worked at an agency where I was on three different major national healthcare brands. And while I really enjoyed the work that I did, I’d love the chance to dig in much deeper with one specific healthcare company, which is why I’m so excited about this opportunity with Metro Health Center.”
Remember throughout your answer to focus on the experiences and skills that are going to be most relevant for the hiring manager when they’re thinking about this particular position and this company. And ultimately, don’t be afraid to relax a little bit, tell stories and anecdotes—the hiring manager already has your resume, so they also want to know a little more about you.
Credit : themuse.com
One of the most common questions I get asked by job seekers is: How can I transition into a new field when I don’t have any experience in it?
It’s a great question—and a frustrating situation. You know you have the transferrable skills, the drive, and the ambition to do the new job you’re seeking, but it’s hard to compete with others who’ve done exactly what’s required in the position’s description for years.
Yes, it’s true that most hiring managers don’t want to take a chance on someone who might be able to do the job. They want to have proof that you can start delivering on day one. But it’s also true that in today’s world, you don’t have to get that experience at a full-time, 9-to-5 job.
Sure, it can take time, above and beyond your day job. It takes effort (learning a new skill isn’t easy!). In some cases, like if you’re going back to school, it’ll take money. These aren’t negligible factors. But there are options, and if you’re truly committed to making a move, those sacrifices will likely pay off in the long run.
This week, I chatted with Hillary Kerr and Katherine Power, founders of Clique Media Group and co-authors of the just-released The Career Code: Must-Know Rules for a Strategic, Stylish, and Self-Made Career, and their advice is the same advice I often give: Make your own experience. As Kerr writes in the book: “I’ve hired a number of people who didn’t have the exact experience I was looking for. These people were able to show their passion for the job through a blog or portfolio. When someone who works full-time dedicates serious after-office hours to creating a blog or doing freelance work in their field of choice, I know that they truly know what they want to do.”
OK, so how might this apply to you? Here are some of those ways you, too, can make your own experience.
1. Take on an Internship
And yes, even though you are no longer a 20-year-old college student. Many companies offer part-time, remote internships, and if you’re able to complete the work on your own time, you can do this on top of your current job. (One of our editorial interns at The Muse is a full-time reporting and evaluations manager—you can read all about her experience here.)
If you’re looking to make a dramatic pivot, you can also look into residency programs or apprenticeships—they’re typically full-time work, but they can be great ways to kick off that full-time experience you need for your new role.
2. Start a Blog
This exercise is particularly useful if you want to be a writer—many publications care less about the employers that are on your resume than they do about the quality of your writing, so having an online hub that shows it off is incredibly valuable. Proof: This woman was turned down for a copywriting job at her own company, until she started her own blog and showed she had the chops.
Even if you’re not gunning for a writing job, penning compelling thoughts about your industry of choice can go a long way in showing, not just telling, that you’re committed to the role even without traditional experience.
3. … Or Something Else
Not a writer? There are plenty of other media on which you can share thoughts on your desired career—think podcasting, launching a YouTube video series, hosting a regular industry-related meetup, even creating Snapchat stories!
4. Volunteer for a Cause You Care About
If you’re interested in moving into marketing, social media, event planning, or fundraising, look for opportunities at nonprofits through sites like VolunteerMatch. Cash-strapped organizations don’t always have the resources to fulfill these duties through full-time paid roles, so they look to volunteers to help out. Meaning: They’re less concerned with the experience on your resume, more concerned that you’re interested, willing, and committed.
In addition to nonprofits, look for opportunities at professional groups, alumni associations, or even…
5. Volunteer for a For-profit Company
Turns out, this approach applies to more than the nonprofit world. Here’s a story I came across on LinkedIn about a history major who landed a full-time job with a real estate executive without experience:
As she was talking to the executive, who seemed overwhelmingly busy, a light bulb went off. “You seem incredibly stretched right now,” she observed and then asked the $64,000 question. “What would you do to grow your business if you had an extra day in your week?” He paused and said he’d do a market research study for the young urban rental market. She offered to do that for free and was able to communicate quickly how her analysis and writing skills developed for her thesis would give her the ability to execute the project. He took her up on her offer and paid her $10 an hour for her work. After a few weeks, she presented her findings. The real estate executive was blown away by the quality of her report, the clarity of her thinking, and the creativity with which she packaged her analysis. She was offered and has now accepted an entry-level job as a market researcher in the firm.
6. Ask to Help Out on a New Project at Work
Don’t want to get caught working for another company? Look for ways to get experience at your own. Of course, you need to make sure you’re getting your own work done, but you may find departments or projects that are more than happy to have extra hands, especially if they’re new, have more business than usual, or are understaffed in some way.
7. Head to the Classroom
There are plenty of options besides going back to school full-time (though, that’s certainly an option), whether it’s part-time professional education, an intensive bootcamp, or online classes. The learning aspect is obviously great, but what’s really key is the hands-on projects you’ll complete as part of the coursework. Do your homework before you go, asking current and former students how the experience has been, what types of projects they’ve gotten to work on, and how it’s helped them professionally. Ideally, you want a course that’ll give you something to show at the end of it (so you can put it on your resume—here’s how.)
8. Do the Work Before You Apply
Employers want to know you can do the job—so show them. Kerr and Power shared several stories of people who had applied without traditional experience, but with samples of the type of work they’d do if hired. Another example: When told by a hiring manager she didn’t have enough experience for a copywriting position, this job seeker responded with a list of sample taglines. The employer loved them—and that lack of experience didn’t matter so much anymore. She was hired.
Credit : themuse.com
By Lilian Wamaitha
The very concept of networking has been emphasized again and again. Be it a fresh graduate or an experienced professional, the importance of networking is indispensable. Of course when we talk about networking, it has to be the right kinds of networks- the kind that can take your career to the next level.
I like to compare networking to driving a car, if you want to reach your destination, then you got to take the right direction. Networking has to be value-adding for it to be worth your time. You know where you want to be in a few years and therefore the need to be in touch with the right people that can take you there. Here are fresh ways of building a network that adds value to your life.
1. Identify key players
Building a network is not an easy task as it requires connecting with the right people. We all have a desire to right above the completion and therefore come the need to find right people. These are key players in the industry who have the potential of influencing decisions. You will one day need to be promoted at your current job and it’s therefore necessary for you to remain in touch with the right people in top management. Some might see this as a desperate situation but it’s the right way to create contacts who will even come in handy in the near future.
2. Network downward
Most of us put more focus on upward networking and forget that the lower level networks are just as important. It seems like a golden opportunity when we have contacts in upper management but the truth is that this kind of networking only works in some situations. A time will come when you will need that colleague more than a top management executive. What will you do them? Therefore always strive to balance your networks- for that rainy day.
3. Add value
The best way to have a value adding network is to create value yourself. You don’t always have to be the damsel in distress every time. You can also be of benefit to others and this will go down well with your network and they will be more willing to help you than when you are just a person who cannot offer value to anyone else around them.
4. Keep in touch with people
A good way to ensure your network is beneficial is to keep communication open with people. If you are young, most of your peers will text more often than one-on-one or phone discussions. If you are older, then you likely call or meet for coffee to enhance your network communication. Often, during these interactions, people will hear about opportunities and will have the chance to recommend someone. If you promote communication, you’ll be on the minds of those in your network.
5. Avoid drama like a plague
Just because a network consists of professionals, doesn’t mean there won’t be drama within the group. You need to remain neutral and fair. When the dust settles, people are going to remember who took what side. The people who stay neutral will be in the best position because they can continue being friends with everyone. Staying neutral is a good way to ensure your network grows instead of dividing. Set the precedent in your network by treating others equally fair and acting in the way you feel all members of your network should work.
Building the right kind of network cannot be emphasized enough. Remember that networking is a process and if you are willing to put your time, energy and mind into strategies that are effective, you will see a huge return on your investment.
By Lilian Wamaitha,
If you have been to an interview, you know how stressful it can be. With the saturation in the Kenyan job market today characterized by few jobs to compete for, acing that interview becomes your best shot to saying goodbye to that jobless situation. The question about how soon you are available for a job might seem easy to most of us but in reality how you answer it could mean the difference between you getting a job or a rejection.
According to Mr. Perminus Wainaina, Head of Recruitment at Corporate Staffing Services Limited a leading recruitment firm most people perform really well in the other interview sections. However, the problem comes in at the ‘how soon are you available’ question. The way they answer however sends mixed feeling in the interviewer.
This is one of the questions that can go either way. You answer it well; you end up impressing the employer but if you answer it wrongly, your chance of getting that job becomes very slim.
How then do you answer this question?
1. Be smart in response
Whether you are a working professional or you are not employed, leaning to answer this question in a smart way might give you the competitive edge you need to beat other candidates. When asked this question most people tend to come out too desperate by saying that they are available to start immediately.
According to Mr. Wainaina, you don’t want to come out as an individual who jumps at an opportunity when it presents itself or like the only aspect of your life is job searching. If you are working don’t come out as person who just leaves an employer hanging by leaving work without giving notice. Yes you have been confirmed, saying you are available immediately isn’t going to impress the employer. Instead it might be the reason you go back home without a job at the end of the day.
2. Show you understand job contracts
Normally, organizations in Kenya normally stipulate how either party can terminate a contract, for instance if you are on probation, its seven days and thirty days for permanent employees. If you are working mention what you contract stipulates that you give a thirty day notice and on top of that that you would want to ensure a smooth hand over before you leave.
However he says, if you feel that the employee needs you before the 30 days, you can mention that you have a certain number of un utilized leave days and you can discuss with your current employer whether to start the new job during those days as they look for a suitable replacement. This goes to show the employer that you are a person who appreciates their job and would not terminate the contract haphazardly. Because, let’s be honest, who would hire someone who has the reputation of leaving work whenever they think is the right time for them?
3. Be at least available within 1 or 2 days
If you have been in the job search for long, you might be tempted to tell the employer how you are available immediately. Some go to the extent of saying that they are even available that afternoon if the employer requires them to. According to Mr. Wainaina, says that saying you are available immediately is not a bad thing.
However, it leaves the employer questioning whether your life only revolves around job searching. He says that the best way to answer this question is to say that you are available in one or two days because you need to wind up on a few things. You can therefore mention that you are volunteering somewhere or are helping someone with a few things.
By Selipha Kihagi,
Interview Questions can be tricky, especially when recruiters or employers want to catch you off-guard in order to see how you react.If you do not prepare extensively for the interview, you risk giving a blank stare to questions you don’t have an answer to.You could also get too anxious worrying about what you don’t know that you even forget your own name. This has happened on several occasions and most candidates are not usually able to turn the tables.
So whenever you have an upcoming job interview, always ensure you set aside time for researching the company and rehearsing common interview questions. To kick off your interview preparation, consider mastering your response to the “Tell Me about Yourself” interview question. It is the first thing an interviewer will ask and how you respond will determine how the rest of your interview goes. Why?If you do it right, your interview is expected to continue in good light. If your response is wrong, the opposite is true.
What Interviewers Expect to Hear From the “Tell Me about Yourself” Question
In order for you to respond to this question without a hitch, you need to understand why the interviewer is asking it in the first place. Take a few moments and ask yourself these two questions; what does my story have to do with the job I am interviewing for? Does the interviewer really care about my personal life or do they just want to hear about my professional background?
If your answer to these questions lean towards showcasing yourself as a professional in your industry, know you are on the right track. Most candidates fail in this question because they either focus on the personal aspects of their life or give a general response about what they currently do. These two approaches will not get you in good books with employers.
Instead, consider getting into specifics about your qualifications, strengths or competencies and your goals in the industry. Mention your education, highlight your most notable experience and conclude your answer by sharing the kind of position and company you are aiming for in your job search. Your response should communicate that you are the best in what you do. So forget about your birth order, where you were born or where you went to school. None of this will really matter.
How to answer the interview question; “Tell Me about Yourself”
Now that you have an idea of what to say and what not to, let’s take a look at an ideal sample answer. The sample focuses on the Procurement profession, but anyone can use it as a guide to come up with an ideal answer for their profession regardless of experience.
Interviewer: So tell me a little about yourself?
Jane Doe (the candidate): “I am Procurement professional with 2 years of work experience coming from several internships earlier in my career, and my most recent position as an Assistant Procurement Officer for Company X.
Throughout my experience, I have mastered various procurement functions including, negotiating with suppliers to get the best price, working around a set budget and even how to handle irate vendors who withhold on deliveries.
In my current position I have been praised for being an innovative employee in only 6 months at the job for proposing and helping implement a system that helped slash costs by 15%. I would love to share this innovative spirit and my great negotiation skills in future opportunities in the Procurement industry.
And while I do love my job, I am currently seeking a position that provides constant challenges and growth opportunities. I believe this position at your Company will be a great match, especially with your customer-focused vision. That is why I am here today.”
With such a response or an even better one that you craft based on the pointers above, you can rest assured the interviewer will be very impressed.
By Susan Gitonga,
The hustle of getting a job in Kenya is one rite of passage that Lecturers and parents don’t prepare graduates for. Looking for a job is a full time job in itself and the waiting game after sending applications is as daunting as it is stressful.
But what happens when you find a Job you would like to apply for? What factors do you consider before sending in your application? Do you have deal breakers and red flags you look out for? While it’s not good to be choosy, don’t let desperation drive you into settling for a job, for the sake of it.
Here are 7 factors to consider, that should guide you as you choose which job to apply for:
1. Consider The Benefits/Remuneration
Unless you’re applying for an internship position, you should be applying for jobs that pay. Consider how much the company is willing to pay you for your work. Assess your situation in terms of demands and responsibilities you need to take care of financially, in order to pick a reasonable job for you. If for example you have siblings you take care of and rent bills you should cater for, pick a job that will meet your needs financially. Never settle. The right job is out there for you.
2. Consider The Values Of The Company
Not all companies value the same things in life. You might get a job opportunity that requires you to compromise your values sexually, or financially. Always do your research on a Company and the role before submitting your application. Make sure you are comfortable with all the terms that are tied to the core values of a company. The last thing you want is regretting later that you are doing a job that you’re not comfortable with.
3. Consider The Qualifications Requirements
It’s okay to apply for a job that is within your qualifications and slightly above, but at the same time, don’t be over ambitious. Most people get into jobs they are not qualified for and their performance shows as they are unable to meet all the demands of the job. While it’s good to aspire to learn and challenge yourself, ensure that the job you apply for is manageable, one that you can effectively deliver.
4. Consider The Location
The high cost of living in Kenya can drive you into settling for a job that is not necessarily a good fit for you. Location is sometimes overlooked when it comes to applying for jobs, but it is a key factor to consider. If you have a family of young ones, for example, consider whether it might be right to relocate. If they’re in school, might that mean that you transfer them? Or if you’re married, might that mean that you both relocate?
Choose a job located in a place you are willing to move close to. Other jobs might also be located in risky areas, and that might be something you need to consider as well.
5. Consider Your 5-Year Career Plan
I assume that you have a career plan that you wish to accomplish by say 5 years or 10 years. No one can tell the future, but we can determine the direction by the choices we make today. If you intend to be a Human Resource Manager in 5 years, you should not be settling for a job in sale just because you can’t seem to find a job.
Pick a job that suits your career plans, a job that will provide a way to your goals and dreams.
6. Consider Growth Opportunities
Don’t settle for a job that doesn’t challenge you and motivate you to be a better person. Pick a job that you qualify for, that requires you to do more than is expected. Pick a job that has strict deadlines, so that you can develop good time management skills, a job is competitive, so that you can outdo yourself and work hard to retain the job etc.
Don’t pick a job that is too easy. Look for a job that provides you with an opportunity to grow.
7. Consider Work Life Balance
Some jobs might mean that you have no free day, even a Sunday, and that might not be suitable for you. The Newly Appointed Chief Justice David Maraga refused to compromise his Saturday which is his Sabbath day according to his Faith. It’s important that you determine which work schedules you can work with and which ones you can’t. Work is good, and giving it 100% is even better, but you must determine what you are willing to handle on your plate and what you can’t, then pick the right job for you
We all know confidence is a big factor of success—it’s the determinant of achievement, the drive that keeps you going. But we don’t always have as much it on hand as we need.
Most people will tell you to “fake it ’til you make it” when it comes to feeling good about yourself. But I’m not a big believer in that. I don’t think you have to fake anything, because you already have within you what you need. You just have to discover the qualities that make you feel important by connecting you with those inner resources, and lead from within.
Here are eight ways to restore your self-assurance daily:
1. Go Out of Your Way to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Confidence comes from taking risks. When you take a chance and get positive results, it proves you’re capable. Wins turn into empowerment. Don’t let the fear of discomfort and failure make you frightened to try—be bold and take the risks you need to be successful.
2. Adopt a Positive Outlook and a Noble Cause
Spend as much time as you need to find the good in life. Consider what’s meaningful, and think about what you want to achieve and how you’re going to achieve it. Look for things that inspire and motivate you. Most of all, adopt a positive outlook and stay connected to a noble cause. Confidence soars when you embark on a mission with an honorable purpose—and if you look around, you’ll realize that those among us who live purposefully and seek out ways to serve others are the most content.
3. Get Up One More Time Than You’ve Fallen
You demonstrate confidence every time you fall down and have the tenacity to get back up—from knowing how to learn from problems and mistakes, let them go, and move on, whether it happens once or a hundred times.
4. Become as Well-Informed as You Can
School yourself on current events and general information—make a point of filling whatever gaps exist in your knowledge so you can build a broad perspective. Being knowledgeable gives you the confidence to contribute meaningfully to conversations and planning.
5. Don’t Let Perfectionism Stop You From Trying
Perfection is the enemy of success. When you feel you have to be perfect, it’s easy to become locked up with enough fear that you don’t even try. Instead, satisfy yourself by doing your best work and having confidence in its value.
6. Look the Part
Make subtle changes to empower yourself through the way you dress, your body language, and even in the way you speak. Taking small steps toward displaying your confidence can help you strengthen it. That doesn’t mean trying to be something you’re not, but showing others your own unique and talented self.
7. Trust Your Instincts and Go With Your Gut
You know more than you think, so learn to trust the inner voice that says, “You can do this.” When that trust is absent, the resulting void keeps you from achieving all that you’re capable of. Trust yourself and you’ll know how to succeed.
8. Don’t Let the Past Dictate Your Future
Your level of assurance is set in part by how you’ve dealt with past struggles. Much of the difference between those who are confident and those who are not lies in how they carry their past. Learn from struggle and make it part of you, and then move forward believing that you are credible, smart, and worthy of success. Show the same compassion to yourself as you do to others.
If you can stretch yourself to cultivate positivity, tenacity, and trust in yourself, you will find a deep well of confidence to lead you in whatever you choose to undertake.
Credit : themuse.com
When I first moved to New York, I was a cover letter machine. I wrote to every sir or madam with a job opening. I expressed my interest in positions for which I had none. I waxed rhapsodic about companies I’d never heard of. My response rate? A whopping zero percent.
Around the 10th unanswered application, the negative chatter started to kick in—and it sounded suspiciously like Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada.
Go home, Lisa, said the small, icy voice in my head. You’re just not cut out for this. Also, you have no sense of style. At my lowest point, while surfing job boards at Starbucks, I actually locked myself in the bathroom and cried.
Here’s the good thing about rock bottom: Nothing is off-limits. I gave myself permission to try any and all tactics in the cover letter playbook, from throwing in a Beyoncé GIF to pretending the hiring manager and I were good friends. Finally, 103 cover letters later, I landed on one that worked.
Within an hour, I had an interview request waiting in my inbox—and then another, and another. Soon, my response rate skyrocketed from 0 to 55%, and I was scheduling interviews with Vogue, InStyle, and Rolling Stone into my calendar. In other words, this letter—fueled by an old copywriting framework called problem-agitate-solve—is powerful stuff.
Here’s how this three-part formula (a.k.a., my secret sauce) works:
1. Identify the Problem
55% of hiring managers don’t read cover letters. Why should they, when we write like modern-day Oliver Twists, begging them to please, sir, give us the job?
News flash: The hiring manager isn’t here to make your dreams come true. They’re in it for themselves. OK, that’s harsh, but the truth is that they’re looking for an awesome candidate to come in and do a kick-ass job that’ll help them run their department (or company) more efficiently and successfully. That’s why, when a friend tipped me off to an opening at the fashion magazine I’d read religiously since middle school, I resisted the urge to gush—and opened with this one-liner instead:
“As a veteran of Details.com and Vs. Magazine, I’ve seen how crazy fashion month can get.”
This sentence, though just 16 words long, tells the hiring manager two things: I understand the problem you’re trying to solve, and I’ve been there. The trick? Zeroing in on the right problem—because it’s almost never spelled out for you in the job description.
When you’re writing your own cover letter, start with the list of responsibilities and ask yourself, Why? Why is this task important to this company? Keep digging until you can’t go any further. The true need is usually the one at the end of a chain of whys.
2. Agitate the Problem
Now that you’ve identified the problem, here comes the fun part.
Because no hiring manager has ever said, “I just love paying employees thousands of dollars every year!” your challenge now is to remind him or her how painful the problem is, and by default, how valuable a solution could be. Don’t be afraid to twist the knife a bit, like I did in my second paragraph:
If you’re looking for someone who can not only keep up, but also deliver that SEO-friendly, 75-page street style slideshow five minutes ago…
Notice I didn’t say, “If you’re looking for someone who can turn around projects quickly…” I was specific, and I made sure to use an example I knew would resonate with a stressed-out web editor.
And if you’re new to the industry or the role? Just ask. This is exactly what informational interviews are for. Find someone on the team you’re applying to, let your interviewer do most of the talking, and pay close attention to how he or she discusses the company’s challenges.
In conversation, we instinctively trust people who mirror our body language. On your application, you won’t get the chance—but you can do the next best thing: Pick up on your interviewer’s subtle cues and phrases and then mirror their speaking language in your cover letter.
3. Offer the Solution
By this point, you’ve got the hiring manager squirming at the table. Now, deliver the solution. Hint: It’s you.
Think about what makes you incredibly qualified to solve the problem. In my case, I knew I wanted the hiring manager to think of me and say, “Lisa? Oh, she’s the one who knows our backend systems and seems like a real go-getter.”
Here’s how I made it happen:
“Since TeamSite and I are old friends, I’ll be able to hit the ground running—and whether it’s churning out a dozen blog posts per day or refreshing the homepage with breaking fashion month news, I’ve done it all. Most importantly, you’ll never hear me say, “That’s not my job!”
4. Close With Confidence
After all that work, you aren’t going to dash off a breathless “Hope to hear from you soon!” right? Instead, seal the deal with a sentence that displays confidence, competence, and a genuine interest in the company:
“I’d love to learn more about your production needs and how I can help!”
Boom. That’s it.
Like its contrarian sibling, the pain letter, this cover letter takes some guts to send. I get it—the first time I fired it off, I was so terrified my boyfriend had to hit the enter button for me.
Look at it this way, though: Everyone else will compete on how many buzzwords they can stuff in a sentence. They’ll swear up and down how passionate they are and how hard they work. But you? With this cover letter formula, you’ve already proved it.
You, my friend, play a different game.
Credit : themuse.com
By Selipha Kihagi
Ever taken time to think carefully about your current job title? You may be okay with your responsibilities and daily tasks, but are you satisfied with your job title? Most people make the mistake of assuming a job title to not mean so much. But the reality is that your job title is very important when it comes to your career. It determines how other people see you, what salary someone in your position deserves and even whether clients want to interact with you or not. It also plays a great part in the hiring process.
Think about it, when was the last time someone asked you about your daily tasks? Most of the people you meet will ask you what you do for the organization, expecting you to mention your job title. Also, when recruiters are looking through your CV to determine if you are qualified for a certain position, they will on most occasions look at your previous job titles. If they are looking to fill the position of an Accounts Manager and it happens you have been an Accounts Assistant for the most part of your career, you may get bypassed for the role. Why? A recruiter may consider you inexperienced for the job.
To this regard and in order to avoid confusion later in your career, pay attention to your current job title and ensure it matches your experience level. Because a job title is more than just a phrase, it is important in these 3 ways.
1. Your job title indicates your expected salary
Whenever you are applying for a job, you will probably see a quoted salary for that particular position and sometimes this will be given in range form. Most times the amount provided is usually matched up to the job title and not necessarily the responsibilities involved. Is this right? Probably not, but even as you do your research on expected salaries, most times your results will come back based on the job title.
So think about your current job title and do your research on similar titles. Ask yourself; does your salary reflect your responsibilities or is it just in line with the generic job title that is your job?
2. Your job title could directly affect your reputation
Reputation at work is usually very important and could determine how well you move up from one position to the next. Your job title could directly affect how your co-workers view you or even how clients relate with you. And if your title is wrong, then the same reflects on your work and you may end up not commanding respect as you should.
For instance; the way most customers or clients will address someone in management is not the same way they will address someone at a lower level. It is a discrimination that exists and there is nothing much you can do about it. So if your role can match up to someone in management but your job title picks you for someone two positions down, you will not receive the respect you deserve. This will then affect your work, how you relate with potential employers and if you get recommended for future roles.
3. A job title may be a barrier for future career opportunities
As mentioned earlier in the introduction, recruiters can use your job title to determine if you get the job in question or not. Most people work under generic titles that are just allocated for the sake of it. That is part of the reason why people have witnessed their job titles changing once they got hired.
For instance, you come across a position seeking for a Business Development executive but once you get hired, the title changes and you now become a Sales Executive. While you may not see the problem initially, this mere change in titles will come to cause you problems in future.
So if you find your job titles changing for no particular reason, don’t hesitate to ask your boss about it.It could be that your title changed once you got hired or maybe you were promoted but your title remained the same. Whatever your job title story is, make sure your roles and responsibilities reflect your current job title.
Job titles are as important as your duties and responsibilities. So whenever you find yourself raising eyebrows because of your allocated job title, remember to address it or even propose a change.
Selipha is a Communications Officer at Corporate Staffing Services, a leading Recruitment firm that offers CV Writing, Job Placement & Career Advice. If you have any queries, contact: [email protected]
By Lilian Wamaitha
So you have gone through all the hustles of a job search and have finally landed your dream job. How do you move on from here? How to you grow your career to rise to a management position? All these are questions everyone needs to ask themselves. Basically, the main reason we chose our careers wisely is so that we may end up doing what we love. That way, we may wake up every morning looking forward to another day in the office because that’s simply where you would rather be. Nobody wants to be the only person in the office who will never get a promotion.
Having the right attitude to succeed cannot not only take you far in your chosen career path but can also be a door to so many other opportunities. You may even end up working for that multinational company you have always dreamt of. Wouldn’t that be nice? Here are therefore a few tips on how to stay ahead in your chosen career path and to keep growing in general.
1. Having the right mindset
Making clear career goals will enable you forge ahead in your career. Having the knowledge required to perform your duties to the best of your ability is the first step towards career growth. For instance you may have extensive knowledge in finance making you the ideal candidate when a finance position comes up in your organization. You need to go out of your way and gain more knowledge in your industry. Don’t fall into a comfort zone expecting things to happen their way. The current corporate world we are in does not work like that. Your actions indeed need to speak louder than your words.
2. Positive emotional outlook
Any career expert will tell you that holding on to your past does more harm than good. If you are the kind of person who holds on to things that happened in the past, you end up translating the same thing in your job. Say for instance you used to work in a company where the good things you need were never recognized but only the wrongs. This is not the time to decide to be arrogant and not make any effort in your current jobs since you feel that there is no need to try and you end up lagging. Instead be diligent in what you do, and who knows, someone will notice your effort and you may end up being the department head.
3. Have a mentor
One other way of making it in your chosen career path is to have someone you can look up to. Mentors go a long way in shaping who we become in future. You need to get someone in life you can look up to who has made it in their chosen career. This might be a professional contact, a family member or a friend from campus who has made it in their career.
4. Take failures as challenges to grow
Naturally no career is a smooth sailing all the way. Along the way you will encounter failures and disappointment. You will encounter rogue bosses or supervisors who make your life a living hell or that colleague at work who seems you can’t get along with. But do you allow anyone to define your life? Many of us are in the habit of treating failures as setbacks in life. We end up getting discouraged and not putting in as much effort in our jobs as we used to. When you chose the career you are in it’s because it’s what you wanted to do with your life. So what is the right way to deal with setbacks and failures? Always treat failures and setbacks as opportunities to grow and improve yourself. In short have that mental attitude that you can do anything no matter what comes along your way and who knows how far you will go in your career.
5. Have a thriving social life
Don’t be too stuck in your career that you forget yourself. There are instances when we are so much focused in our work that we end up messing up our social life. A little fun along the way has never hurt anyone. Learn how to make friends and have an amazing social life. After all, you need to think about other things rather than just those reports on your desk. Take time to have coffee with friends, cook yourself a delicious meal while sipping a glass of wine. Go and have mad fun with that gang of friends who are always asking you to loosen up. Go out on a date and meet the love of your life. It is only this way, you are able to face that weekday ahead with so much enthusiasm and strength carry out your duties diligently.
We all want to have a thriving career path. To have that managerial job and enjoy better benefits like a company car, travel allowance or good medical insurance. You can only grow in your career by having a holistic life and practicing all those tips mentioned above.
