By Sera Kazungu

Job searching is a technique that requires mastering, persistence and a lot of determination. Recently, I met a young man who told me that he had been job searching for 5 straight years and had come out empty. He then decided to stop job searching all together because of the frustration.

Are you a fresh job job seeker who has started feeling the frustration of not getting that dream job? Perhaps, you are approaching the job search all wrong.

Here is a list of common job searching mistakes that you need to avoid.

Top Mistakes That Job Seekers Make

1. Aimlessly looking for jobs
The truth of the matter is that everything you do needs to have a focus. To find a job that is just right for you requires that you plan ahead. Do not just look for any job as most job seekers do, look for ones that you actually qualify for.
Writing down a list of jobs will help you have more of a focus. You will use it as a checklist for jobs before you apply for them.

2. Not customizing your CV
The CV is the single most important document to have when you are looking for a job. The mistakes you can make on the CV are many, but none so bad as having a CV that does not do your experience any justice.
A CV needs to speak to a potential employer and tell them how good you are at what you do. Strive to tailor your CV specifically for that job that you are looking for. It could mean the difference in your job search.

3. Having too high expectations
The problem with new job seekers is that they are always too ambitious. In order to hope for a job, you need to keep your expectations to a minimum. The job market has a world of opportunities, but you have to be willing to start somewhere.
Big jobs and salaries will come to you sooner or later. For now, keep your search simple and open, do not be too choosy .

4. Forwarding the same applications to different companies
Sometimes, when you are sending multiple applications, you may be tempted to forward the same application to different companies over and over again. This is a wrong thing to do.
When making applications, keep each application as unique from the other as possible. It is unprofessional to keep forwarding the same applications over and over again. It speaks to the lack of seriousness of a candidate to employers.

5. Not networking
In the Kenyan job market today, it is all about networking. You need you to identify networking opportunities and effectively utilize them. Identify people who have a pull in the job market and can ask as a referral when the time comes.

Do not be content with just sending out online applications. Getting out there to job search is also a great way to network as you get to meet many people, some of whom may be valuable in your search.

Do any of the mistakes apply to you? Change your job searching technique today and you just might land that dream job.
Wishing you the very best in your job search.

Source: US News

It’s harder than ever to land a good job. So if you’re unemployed and searching for one, you’re probably frustrated.
While employers cite many reasons why finding the right talent is nearly impossible, you can only control what you are doing (and not doing) to get on an their radar.

Here Are A Few Things You Should Do Differently To Get More Interviews

1. Cut the time you spend on job boards.
If you’re like most job seekers, you rely heavily on job boards and LinkedIn job postings as your primary sources to uncover job opportunities. This reactive approach is unlikely to result in an interview, because most employers rely on referrals to fill jobs with external candidates.

In reality, the majority of jobs are filled with internal candidates, and even if these positions were advertised, you wouldn’t stand a chance.

Job postings are great for mining information on the specific skills required for jobs. Postings can also help you identify potential employers (and competitors) who are known to hire for the types of jobs you are interested in. Once you’ve identified these companies, you can begin to find people you know or should know who work inside the company. This is how referrals happen.

2.Understand how recruiters work
Use recruiters, either working inside a company’s human resources department or a third party that’s contracted to source talent. Both work for the company, which means they are not going to work on your behalf. When recruiters are interested in you, it may be due to the fact you have a specific skill set and/or significant experience they are looking for.

The best way to use recruiters is to be very clear about the roles you want. It is up to you to notify recruiters if you see a job you are interested in, and you must take the reins to follow up and stay in touch with them.
You shouldn’t pay a fee nor lose part of your salary to recruiters. Employers with job openings pay recruiters. If you should encounter someone asking for money to place you, beware.

3.Network the right way
Time after time, job seekers express disappointment after attempts to network. Most, if not all, give up and resort back to searching posted jobs. It’s up to you to build meaningful relationships with new contacts in your desired field, and that takes time.

Networking is not broadcasting impersonal pleas for help to everyone you know. Networking is about learning about industry trends, new up and coming technology and hot skills in demand. Networking is reconnecting with past colleagues to learn what they are doing now. Networking is about sharing what you’ve learned and offering help. Networking is about giving and not expecting anything in return. Most eager job seekers don’t have the patience for this, but it works. It just takes time.

4.Don’t ignore social media
Depending on your generation, you may either be underutilizing social networks or oversharing on them. If you haven’t reached out to your friends on Facebook, you are missing out on a huge opportunity. More people use Facebook (67 percent) to search for a job than LinkedIn (40 percent), according to Jobvite’s 2015 Job Seeker Nation study. Another way to take advantage of Facebook is by “liking” company career pages or groups and participating in discussions.

Twitter is also a lesser-used platform for job seekers, which is unfortunate, because it is so much easier to interact with people you aren’t connected to. Search Twitter accounts for companies you are interested in working for. Also search for and follow people who work in those companies. Keep an eye out for Twitter chats and online events hosted by employers.

Before you become active on any social network, familiarize yourself with the privacy settings to make sure you know which updates you share with the public. And while you’re at it, evaluate all your past updates and photos to confirm they are positive and clean.

5.Learn about and join online talent communities
In case you haven’t seen or heard about talent communities, these are interactive, two-way streams of communication between employers and people interested in working for those companies. Talent communities exist on employer career pages, LinkedIn groups, Twitter and Facebook, and they help answer questions and provide more insight on a company.

For the employer, these communities become a goldmine of potential talent to reach out to when a new opportunity opens. Rather than posting the job, recruiters can search their community discussions to find candidates.

6.Learn from others
There are online networking groups for job seekers. These groups offer  the opportunity to learn from other job seekers’, fill the void of information on what to expect and serve as relationship-building resources. Groups also offer mental support and encouragement.

Learn by reading advice from a variety of career experts to get alternative perspectives on how to handle situations and navigate your job search. There is no shortage of help for your job search, as long as you are seeking knowledge. And don’t forget: A good attitude helps, too.

By Jane Okoth

We are all familiar with the saying “hard work pays” but that does not mean that all hard work pays.

Take an example of your daily work routine. What time do you wake up? What time do you get home? Do you find yourself working for more than 9 hours a day, you seriously need to work smarter then.

This article will take you step by step into what you need to do to avoid working yourself up to misery

How to Work smarter, Not harder

1. Prioritize your work
It is really hard getting up for work in the morning with the feeling of having so much work to do that you don’t know where to start.

Prioritizing is the golden rule of time management. You are not superman or flash to think that you can do an enormous duties all by yourself in a short span.

Each day, identify the two or three tasks that are the most crucial to complete, and do those first. Whether it is responding to emails or starting out with some projects, it will save more time and your energy as well.

2. Get Some Sleep!
Are you sitting behind your desk right now, struggling to keep your eyes open? Not getting enough sleep not only affects your health, but has a negative impact on your career.

Sleep for less than 6 hours makes you less productive: The less you sleep, the slower you are at work. Also people who don’t sleep are likely to become grumpier at work.

You need 7-8 hours of sleep for your body and mind to function optimally. You know if you’re getting enough.

3. Take A Break
Did you know that you can actually break away from the “busy” work schedule and take a break by walking to a cafe or restaurant for lunch rather than eating at your desk?

Also it will save you from sitting at your desk for long. According to research, prolonged sitting is thought to slow the metabolism, which affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and break down body fat.

4. Spend less time On Social Media
Life is not just about Face book, Twitter or Instagram so for once just stay away from that and focus on the important matters at hand. That way you will spend more time doing important stuff

How about turning your life around by working on these effective techniques? Chances are, you are likely to be more productive at work.

Source: Nairaland

Asking for a raise at work is probably one of the most difficult decisions you will have to make in your career. It is even much more difficult if you and your boss are not best buddies or if your company has instituted several protocols that you have to go through to make this possible. In any case, these shouldn’t stop you from demanding an increase if you feel you are worth it.

You should also understand that your boss will probably not increase your salary simply because you demanded it. Therefore, it is very important that you consider these steps if you want to ask your boss for a raise he will never refuse.

1. Gather a stockpile of leverage

First of all, before you start making demands, you need to consider your worth objectively. You want to take into account your job responsibilities including leadership tasks, your level of education, years of experience and training, and your track record of achievements. These are the ammunitions you will need.

Your boss will never give you a raise simply because you have worked longer than everybody else. Also note that the standard response you will get is that the company does not have enough in its budget to support your raise. When asking your boss for a raise, you will need to assess your worth to be able to convince your boss to see your point.

2. Seek relevant information

Secondly, try to gather useful information. You want to know if the company’s budget can actually support your demand, who has the power to make your wish come true, if there’s a performance review in place, if the salary increase is by rank or by fixed schedule, and what others in similar positions in the industry are earning.

The last thing you want to do is ask your boss for a raise when the company is posting losses or going over your boss’ head to ask his/her superiors for salary increase. Both doesn’t usually turn out well.

3. Build your case & negotiate

The ammunitions we talked about earlier: your accomplishments, the initiative you took that led to the success of that deal, etc. Now is the time to put them to use. Don’t go around saying things like, “I need the money and you know I deserve it because I have worked for X number of years”. That is weakness and it doesn’t really help anyone.

You will need some good negotiation skills. If your boss is not budging on the salary, tell him/her you will consider non-monetary benefits e.g. an official car, wardrobe allowance, rental assistance, or a better job title. Do not be greedy, be reasonable in your demands & don’t threaten to quit if your demands are not met, you are not indispensable—unless you really are.

4. Don’t take rejection personally

There is a fairly good chance you will get turned down when asking your boss for a raise, but that should not stop you from making your demands. If this happens, don’t develop a negative attitude towards your boss or your work. Continue to keep improving yourself and if you really have to move on to a better job, don’t burn bridges. Keep the relationship with your boss cordial. It has far reaching advantages than burning bridges.

y Selipha Kihagi

Applying to jobs can be a tedious process, especially because you need to write a Cover Letter for each and every job you apply for.

Most job seekers in Kenya let the frustrations of their tedious job applications get to them, and for this reason they end up making mistakes that cost them the jobs.

These candidates do not even realize they made a mistake in their cover letter during the application, until someone points it out to them and this is very rare.

To avoid such situations that could lead to a series of frustrations, it is always important to take your time when drafting the cover letter.

Why? Because the cover letter tells the story that your 2 or 3 page CV couldn’t.

Customer Service Job Sample Cover Letter

“Your Name Here”
P.O Box 66600 – 20200
Nakuru
30th July, 2015

The Human Resource Manager
XYZ Company Limited
P.O Box 000 – 00100
Nairobi
Dear Sir/Madam,

Re: Application For The Position Of Customer Service Executive

I am writing in regards to the Customer Service Executive opening at your company. I believe my 4 years’ experience working as a customer service agent has provided me with the problem solving skills and great interpersonal communication skills you are looking for in this position.

In addition to my degree in Business Administration, I have received training in customer relations management, leadership skills and I am currently pursuing a post graduate diploma in Information Management, all of which will come in handy when dealing with difficult clients and coming up with effective organizational policies.

Working at XYZ Company, I was also responsible for handling telephone calls coming in and out of the organization, dealing directly with clients on behalf of my manager and keeping record of major official documents. I believe this experience has given me the skills you are looking for and makes me the best candidate for this job.

Attached is my CV for your review. I look forward to an interview where we can discuss my qualifications further and the value I will be adding to your company.

Yours Sincerely,
“Name Here”

If you are sending your application directly to the recruiting officer and can tell what gender they are just from their email, be specific and address them with their names or as Dear Sir or Dear Madam, not both.

The person receiving your email may be offended or think your cover letter as just another application among hundreds you have sent out and not consider you.

SOURCE: Nairaland

Etiquette is a word that has the power to dredge up childhood memories of dinnertime reprimands: Elbows off the table! Napkin in your lap! Excuse yourself before leaving the table! Most of us likely have mastered table manners by now (or at least know not to talk with a full mouth).

But what about office etiquette? Did you know that there is work etiquette? Below are some of the most overlooked work related manners that you need to adhere to.

Etiquette Required At Your Workplace

1. Do not text or Facebook in the office
Hey… it’s just a quick text to a friend confirming your after-work plans. No problem there, right? If it happens during a meeting or presentation; as harmless as it may seem, the person you’re supposed to be giving your attention to will notice, and it can end up straining workplace relationships.

Even outside of a meeting, using social media and doing other personal stuff distracts from the work at hand. Bottom line: no one is that good at multitasking, and productivity will suffer.

2. Keep professional boundaries
For the most part, the days of private offices and high cubicle walls are gone. But does an open workplace mean personal space is a thing of the past? No. You should pretend that the walls are still there.

Send an e-mail to see if someone is available to chat, rather than just barging into their space, don’t sneak up behind someone, announce yourself as you approach and knock on the edge of their desk when you arrive. You should respect co-workers’ personal space.

3. Dress appropriately for work
Dress to fit the workplace. “You want to blend in,” “Fit in with those around you.” Use the boss as a gauge. If the boss comes in khakis and a short sleeve shirt, that’s a good indication that casual dress is appropriate for the office.

4. Excuse yourself to take personal Phone calls
That call may be important to you, but it’s not vital your co-workers. Just like gossip, loud phone conversations in the office can distract people from their work.

Phone conversations in the workplace should be kept down to a “polite murmur.” And if it’s a personal call, take it elsewhere. Also, don’t use a speaker phone (unless, of course, it’s necessary for the call).

5. Strive to learn something new
Confidence is good, but arrogance, is not. Don’t hold back your good ideas, but have respect for what people already have done at the company, even if you would have done it differently.

6. Don’t Job Search on company time
Don’t use company resources to look for new employment. It demonstrates a lack of respect and loyalty to your current employer. Also, remember not to tell co-workers about your job search. The information will leak out and can damage your position at your current job before you’ve found a new one.

7. Avoid gossiping in the office
Don’t be the source of gossip in the office — whether it’s about your life or someone else’s — or a participant in it. Gossip distracts people from their work and can create an unprofessional environment. You can deflecting gossip in the workplace – saying you’re too busy to chat, for example – and moving the conversation to a personal space, such as meeting for a drink after work.