Scholarships_CareerTips
Top 10 Warning Signs Your Boss Hates You And What To Do
Source: Linkedin
Have you read the book “He’s Just Not That Into You?” While the now famous book-turned-movie deals with showing women all the signs of indifference from the men they’re trying to date, the same principles can be applied to platonic boss-employee relationships as well.
Your relationship with your boss is a significant predictor of your experience at work. Good relationships increase the likelihood that you’ll get interesting assignments, meaningful feedback, and recognition for your contributions. Bad relationships mean, well, just the opposite. If your relationship with your manager is prickly, icy, distant, or strained, your work — and your career — will no doubt suffer.
Signs you and your boss are in a doomed working relationship (and what to do about it.)
1.Excludes you from important meetings, discussions, decisions. Either she forgot to invite you (which means you’re forgettable in her eyes) or it was deliberate. Either way, it’s not good.
2.Micromanages you. If your boss is micromanaging you, it’s because he doesn’t trust you—whether his reasoning is valid or not.
3.Inaccessibility. The opposite of micromanagement, this can be just as bad if your boss is never available to answer questions or talk with you about important subjects.
4.Publicly criticizes you. First, this is just bad management technique. But in addition, it may mean that he is trying to humiliate you or call you out.
5.Skips you in the promotion round. If this happens more than once and you haven’t had any corresponding black marks on your performance review, it could be personal.
6.Never thanks you (even though that can be a sign that your boss is just too busy and maybe not that emotionally intelligent).
7Dismissal of your ideas. If your boss treats all your ideas as stupid, especially if he does so in a public setting, like a team meeting, it’s not good.
8.Lack of communication of any sort. She never emails, she never calls. It’s like she’s just forgotten you exist… The only thing worse than negative feedback is no feedback at all.
9.Stops introducing you to clients. This is a big bruise to the old ego, because it implies that your boss is embarrassed of you or that somehow you’re not worthy to represent the company or the team.
10.You’re constantly assigned menial tasks. If you’re always the one sent for coffee, asked to make a zillion copies, or put in charge of the filing—and you’re not an unpaid intern—it may also be a sign that your boss doesn’t trust you with more important tasks.
Steps To Follow When You Realize Your Boss Hates You
1.Confront your boss in a positive manner. Don’t add fuel to the fire by being defensive, but bring up your concerns. Approach the conversation from the angle that you want to improve and evolve as an employee—and that you can only do so with feedback.
2.Document your successes and your boss’ slights. Start a little brag book where you write down and document the things you do well, contributions you make, etc. This will be useful when you have your next performance review, or if things escalate to talk of termination. In addition, you might consider keeping a list documenting your boss’ behavior in case you need it for the same reason.
3.Talk to HR or your boss’ boss (assuming the boss in question is not the owner or CEO of the company).
If all this gets you nowhere then a final resort might be to consider taking outside advice.
Remember, we’re all human, and personality differences happen. But if your boss is letting his or her own dislike or prejudices against you interfere with your work and the work of your team, you should take action.
6 Skills Employers Look For in Banking Job Applicants
Top 6 Skills Employers Look For in Banking Job Seekers
By Elizabeth Benu,
“I have a diploma in Business (finance options) and currently looking for a job in the Banking Industry. Are there any skills that I should have to make me a better candidate for a banking job?” asks Jonah Mureithi in an email.
Florence Mukunya, a Career advisor and CV Writer at Corporate Staffing Services, confirms that the banking industry is one of the most competitive in Kenya.
“Most banking employers are looking for candidates who can work well even with the long hours,” she adds.
With this she lists the following skills that will put you forward in the banking industry:
Skills Needed for Banking Jobs in Kenya
Thorough Industry Knowledge
As a fast growing industry, banking professionals are expected to have sound knowledge of finance and the economy, banking regulations and new changes within the industry.
For example, you should know why the lenders cite a flourishing net interest income and growing returns on loans and advances. You could also have ideas of how to meet the growing demands in the banking sector to further enhance the growth of the banks in the long term.
Analytical Thinking
Analytical skill is the ability to visualize, articulate, and solve both complex and uncomplicated problems and concepts and make decisions that are sensible and based on available information.
As an industry with a focus on the economy, a job applicant should be able to think outside the box, solve problems and predict and avert problems before they materialize.
Analytical skills are essential in the workplace and include analyzing volumes of data, problem solving, programming, report writing, handling assignments effectively and gathering information.
Ability to work under pressure
Your job in the industry involves demanding objectives,rigid and changing deadlines and many targets to meet. Even with this, a banking professional is expected to work efficiently and offer the best service to customers.
Such can be evidenced through: dealing with an emergency, overcoming problems to achieve goals, taking up responsibilities if a team member drops out and managing well when there is too much work and less colleagues.
Customer Service skills are needed in banking job applicants
How good are you at handling people? Even when you are having a bad day, you are expected to deliver customer satisfaction and timely redressing of customer complaints.
These skills include patience, attentiveness, clear communication skills, ability to ‘read’ customers and persuasion.
Thoroughness or accuracy skills
Remember you are dealing with money here and accounting for every single shilling and accurate account balances is the order of the day.
Ethical conduct
Money is sensitive. In an industry that has you in direct contact with money an employer has to make sure that you are honest enough not to transfer funds into your account or steal from customers.
Best Resignation Letter Example Without a Notice Period
Sample Resignation Letter Without a Notice Period
By Tabitha Makumi,
The big question is…..To write a resignation letter or pack up and leave never without a word to your boss?
“I have been working as a help desk officer with an IT company for 2 years now. For the past six months, I have been contemplating quitting my job due to harsh working conditions and basically a need for career growth. I recently applied for another job which requires me to start working next week on Monday,” writes Moses Wamai in a short email to Career Point Kenya.
In his defense he adds that in the job advert the availability for the vacant position had been indicated as “Immediately”
“I know I am required to write a two week notice resignation letter but how do I go about it in such scenarios?”
The importance of resignation letter is to help you follow a proper system and in essence help your employer understand why you are leaving, explains Melody Mwendwa who adds it also helps one make sure they do not burn any bridges.
That said, have a look at this Sample Resignation Letter without a Notice Period
Janet Chebet*
Communications Officer
P.O BOX 456-00100
Nairobi, Kenya
25th March 2015
Dear Mr ……
Please accept this letter as formal notice of resignation from my position as Communications Officer with DEF Technologies. However, I regret that, due to circumstances beyond my control, I need to resign immediately.
I would like to thank you for providing me with the experience and skills which I have gained whilst working with such an outstanding organization and it is with regret that I must leave my position at this time.
Thank you for all your help and support and I wish you, the company and my colleagues all the best in the future. Should you require any additional information from me, do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
Janet Chebet*
5 Types of Bad Bosses, & How to Handle Them.
Source: trackvia
Have you ever worked for a horrible boss?
If so, you’re not alone. Google “I hate my boss” and you’ll stumble upon more than 13 million results. Nearly half of the employees that participated in a survey published by HR firm OfficeTeam said that they have worked for an unreasonable manager. Of those, 59% made the decision to stay in their jobs and either address the situation or just accept it.
According to a study from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 77% of employees experience physical symptoms from stress, including heart problems. Unfortunately, the stress caused by a bad boss doesn’t go away once you leave the office, according to a survey by Lynn Taylor, the author of Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant (TOT), employees spend about 6 hours of their weekends worrying about what their boss says or does on top of the 13 hours they already spend worrying during the work week.
We’ve identified five main types of horrible bosses, they include:
1. The Micromanager – We’ve probably all seen someone like this. They have trouble delegating tasks and when they do, they spend all of their time looking over your shoulder to make sure that you’re doing it right. This type of boss doesn’t allow you to contribute your own ideas or to reach your full potential.
How to Deal – For the micromanager, trust is usually the issue. Your best bet is to work hard to win their trust. Always come in on time, never miss a deadline and always keep them copied on emails and in the loop about whatever it is you’re doing. That way, they never have to worry about you and over time, they’ll come to see that you’re a capable employee.
2. The Poor Communicator – Unlike the Micromanager, this boss is notorious for providing little to no direction. They just want you to get it done and get it done fast. Unfortunately, they don’t take the time to explain to you what they want.
This can be extremely frustrating for employees who want to do a great job.
How to Deal – The best way to cope with a boss that is a poor communicator is to ask lots of questions up front. Don’t make any assumptions about what they want, just make a list of questions that need to be addressed and let them know that you need to know what their expectations are in order for you to meet them.
3. The Bully – If your boss is a bully, it’s their way or the highway. They often use a threatening tone and intimidation techniques in order to get their way and don’t mind belittling you in front of other employees.
How to Deal – Stand up for yourself, make your voice heard and put your foot down when necessary. Bosses who are bullies will usually respect you if you lay down the law because you’re speaking their language. Make your arguments in a respectful way and most will listen when you present yourself as a voice of reason.
4. The Saboteur – This kind of boss undermines the efforts of others and likes to play the blame game. If something goes wrong, it’s everyone else’s fault, but when something goes right, they are more than happy to take the credit for it.
How to Deal – Don’t be afraid to make your contributions known to others, including your peers and senior level executives. Also, try to get things in writing from your boss so that you have a trail of evidence to present should they attempt to blame a mistake on you when you weren’t at fault.
5. The Mixed Bag – This type of boss is unpredictable. They sing your praises one day and demote you the next. They can be your best ally or your worst enemy depending on the day of the week. They’re also known for having terrible mood swings.
How to Deal – Develop a thick skin. Try not to take this boss’ attitude personally; most likely, they treat everyone the same way. When they are having a bad day, steer clear of them if possible and limit your communications to urgent matters only.
Bad bosses and your actions.
Like most things in life, you can’t control someone else’s actions; you can only control your responses to them. Oftentimes, your boss is acting out because of problems and insecurities that they may be experiencing. Maybe their supervisor is putting pressure on them to meet their goals. Maybe they have an unhappy home life. You never really know what other people are going through. Although we all have our problems and may manage not to take them out on other people, try to have a little compassion for those that do.
When all else fails, you can always be straight up with your boss, politely let them know what’s bothering you and let the chips fall where they may. You’ll often find that their reaction isn’t that bad and they just may make an effort to change for the better.
The Smart Way To Influence Your Boss
Source: Happy Manager.
Is it really possible to manage your boss?
Whether or not you agree with trying to manage your boss, it’s still important to understand how he or she works. And from there, perhaps you’ll be one step close to being a more effective manager yourself.
What do you do when working with your boss is hard work? Well, before you do anything, think about our tips to help you manage your boss.
1 – First Try to Understand Your Boss
In the classic Harvard Business Review article: “Managing Your Boss”, John Kotter and John Gabarro suggest several ways to achieve this.
They state that you need to ensure you understand your boss, and her working context, by understanding her:
Goals and objectives;
Pressures and issues;
Strengths, weaknesses and blind spots;
Preferred workstyle.
Then, you need to do the same for yourself.
Trying to manage your boss makes sense because it makes your job easier.
2 – Manage Your Boss: Don’t Try To be a Reformer!
Accept that your boss is human, with strengths and limitations just like yourself. As we’ve discussed in other articles, it’s a far more productive approach to build on strengths, than trying to remedy limitations. If that’s good advice for managing your own staff, it’s equally good advice when trying to manage your boss.
However, it’s difficult trying to change personal preferences, habits, styles, and agendas. Difficult and not necessarily time well spent. The important thing is coming to understand what makes your boss tick, and developing an effective working relationship.
Far better to work on the basis of that relationship, and the way in which it’s conducted, than to try to change your boss. Ensure you meet regularly with your boss and try to develop a professional relationship based on mutual trust and respect.
We all feel good when we get better at what we’re already good at!
3– To Manage Your Boss – Find Out What Works
Before you get the wrong impression, this is not an article about “crawling” to the boss. You need to start out with what you consider to be the right things to do. Then find ways to communicate these to your boss, and to get them accepted. Don’t forget we are all different, so it’s important to understand which method of communication and discussion is most appropriate for each particular boss.
In “The Effective Executive”, Drucker suggests that some people are “listeners” and others are “readers”. Some prefer to talk to understand, others must first read before discussing. If your boss is a listener, brief her in person and then follow up with a memo. If she is a reader, cover important points of your proposal in a memo or report, then discuss them.
4 -To Manage Your Boss – Build Your Relationship
How you go about building your relationship does of course depend on many factors. We’ve already discussed the need for good, regular, open communication. This should ideally help build trust, respect and understanding. The ease with which you can support them will naturally vary. Your ability to influence your boss will depend on how well you’ve understood the four factors discussed earlier: goals, pressure, strength and weaknesses, and preferred style.
Our forthcoming article “managing by friendship” suggests a counter-culture approach to managing. It may be that many of us would not count our boss as our friends. In fact in our articles: What Makes a Happy Company and The Value Of A Good Manager? People Leave Managers Not Companies we see that survey evidence points towards many of us finding our boss to be the least person we’d want to spend time with!
In this case you may prefer to manage your boss by spending as little time as possible with him!
5– How to Avoid Being Overloaded or Having Your Time Wasted!
Firstly your boss will need your time and that is legitimate. What isn’t legitimate is an over loading, or wasting of your time. There are still ways that you can influence your boss time management. So what things can you do, and what do you need to look out for?
Tell your boss when you are reaching saturation point.
Make your boss aware of the consequences if she tries to overload you: “yes I could get that done by then, but that would delay this…”
Don’t say yes to everything your boss asks you to do, negotiate!
Ask your boss to prioritize when she gives you a list of tasks.
When asked to do something: find out details and, if possible, say you’ll get back to her, or take a look at it. Then:
Work out what the job involves;
Find out who else could be involved;
Go back with an answer “ here’s what I can do”.
Remember: When Your Boss is More Effective, So Are You!
The number one lesson here is this:
Work gets far easier for you and your colleagues when you’re able to manage your boss. The result can also be a more effective boss.
This article will probably not solve every boss management issue you have. Each situation is different and some suggestions will work, while others may not.
The important thing is to realize the importance of understanding your situation, and of finding ways to manage it.
Below you’ll find some of our related products which you may find helpful.
But perhaps one way to manage your boss is to manage your own performance
TOP 5 Skills Every Employer Looks For in Interns
“I am looking for an internship, but I think I do not have the right skills with me. Are there any skills that employers are looking for?” asked Janet Wanjiru, University of Nairobi student in an event that I recently attended.
While an internship is the lowest entry level position you can land, for some it is hard. It does not require experience, but there are some skills that most employers are looking for.
What are some of the skills employers look for in interns?
Time management skills
Do you find that you rush from task to task without ever finishing anything? This shows that you have poor time management skills. To improve, understand what is urgent in your list of duties and tackle that first.
For effective time management skills, Martin Githaiga, a HR Associate at Jumia Kenya advices that interns should be punctual in the morning and leave a bit late in the evening. This gives you time to execute all duties of the day.
Communication skills
So you think writing ‘xaxa’ or ‘fwend’ makes you cool? This is an indication that your communication skills need to improve. How well you pass on information to others is a measure of how good your communication skills are.
For example, having the ability to speak properly while maintaining good eye contact, tailoring your language to your audience, listening, presenting your ideas in a well crafted manner and writing clearly requires good communication skills.
Positive Attitude
Employers want someone who is optimistic. This does not necessarily mean someone who is always smiling, but someone who is positive when faced with challenges.
This is an attitude that sees the glass half full instead of half empty. You can never be taught on how to have a good attitude so instead of focusing on the technical skill you learnt in school, being positive goes a long way.
A positive attitude is achieved by thinking positive thoughts, focusing on your strengths and having confidence in them.
Important skills that employers look for in interns
Initiative
Are you someone who can work on their own and take opportunities that will benefit the employer? If you answered yes, that is initiative. It requires creative thinking, confidence and knowledge.
In an interview demonstrate this by asking well thought out questions such as “what are your expectations of me in this role”. For those in internships come up with new proposals and ideas.
“When coming up with new ideas; analyze the methods that the organization uses and propose a better method. You can even offer to demonstrate through a meeting or practically doing it. As long as it meets the target,” says Vincent Macharia, a HR Officer at The Copy Cat Limited.
Commitment
“If you’re interested in something, you’ll do it if it is convenient. If you’re committed to something, you’ll do it no matter what.”
Commitment is different from interest and involves the following being punctual (do not be late for an interview), respecting workplace rules such as dress code, personal phone use or office romances and attending meetings.
For those already in internships make sure you finish your internship program.
“Finishing your whole internship helps show the aspect of commitment to your future employer,” Mr. Githaiga advices.
If you do not possess all the skills mentioned above, get there a little step at a time by honing these skills in your daily activities.
CV Writing Tips: Is It Necessary to Include Your Age?
We all want to land that dream job, but sometimes you feel too young or too old for the job. For those looking to change careers it is a little bit harder to convince the employer that you are the right candidate.
“Does including my age make a difference in a job application?” asks Maureen Ndiwa in an email.
Is it really necessary to include your age in your CV?
Florence Mukunya, a certified CV Writer and career advisor says that it is, adding that some job descriptions will guide you on what to include in your CV.
“If the job description requires someone aged between 20-26 years, then ensure that you include your age or date of birth. If it is requested age discrimination should not be a problem to a job seeker,” she explains further.
She also adds that employers are usually careful not to employ an underage individual or someone who will retire soon.
It is important to note that employers cannot throw away your application because of your age unless they indicated it in the job description.
How to include age in your CV
Ms. Mukunya also gives the following tips on how to indicate age in your CV.
It can be listed in the career objective section. For example “I have over 3 years experience in Accounts where I have mastered the use of the Sage accounting software…”
It can also be listed in the personal details section where you indicate “Date of Birth: 23rd March 1987”
If the job description demands that you include it, put it across this way “As a 25 year old Administration professional, I possess excellent communication skills…”
“At the end of the day, when it comes to indicating age on your CV, let the job description guide you,” she concludes.
The Best Time To Apply For A Job
I was recently invited as a guest speaker in a job preparedness workshop. The workshop objective was to equip fresh graduates with job search skills. Among the topics covered were CV writing, interviewing skills and how to successfully apply for jobs.
There was one common question with the participants. The majority wanted to know whether there was a right time to apply for a job. Specifically, they wanted to know whether it was okay to apply immediately when you become aware of a vacancy or to wait until the notice is about to expire.
When is the best time to apply for job?
When it comes to job search, you have to keep abreast with the trends. One of the changes that has taken place in the last decade is that over 90% of Kenyan employers are now demanding that job applications be sent online. This is either by way of candidates sending their applications via email or filling an online form. It’s only the public service and a few firms that are yet to embrace technology and are still insisting on hard copies.
You also have to be conscious that employers are taking a shorter time to fill vacancies. The main reason being that technology has made it easier to receive and process applications. When it was hard copies, employers had to wait until they got many applications and only then would they start the long manual process of going through the envelopes. Now, all they have to do is check an email and if they are enough applications, they start short listing. This is a task that can be performed by one person thus saving on time and allowing the process to move faster.
There’s also the issue of having many job seekers in the market. Unlike the early 2000 where the number of graduates was low, nowadays we have thousands of graduates. It is estimated that every year, we have over 70,000 new graduates. This means that they are many employees chasing fewer opportunities.
The best time to apply for a job with Corporate Staffing Services
Here at Corporate Staffing, some job adverts receive as many as 2,000 applications. And the tragedy is that we are only looking for one candidate. No wonder, some of you keep asking why they don’t receive interview invites. The truth is, they are too many applicants qualified for the job and job seekers have to come up with creative ways of getting noticed. I will address this issue of how to become visible in a competitive market in a different article.
With this in mind, we can comfortably answer our question on when is the right time to apply for a job. To ensure that you stand a chance of being shortlisted, apply as soon as you become aware of the advert. This will work in your favor should an employer start processing applicants as they receive them.
You also stand a chance to beat the competition. You will be ahead of the crowd that waits for the last minute. I can confirm that when it comes to jobs at Corporate Staffing Services, we process applications as we receive them. It’s no surprise to find out that a job has already been filled within the duration indicated for sending applications.
Even as you strive to apply for jobs, my advice is for you to ensure that your documents are in order. Ensure that your CV is tailored for the job. You also need to have a cover letter that explains why you are the best candidates by providing more details that may not be on your CV. And lastly, remember to follow employer’s instructions. If they have asked for salary details, do provide.
As you can see, getting a job invite sometimes has more to do with the process and steps taken than your qualifications and skills. You can be the best candidate for the job, but if an employer doesn’t get a chance to review your application, then it doesn’t count much.
Best Tips: 5 SMART Ways To Reschedule an Interview
“I am currently employed and actively job searching. I was invited for an interview, but was assigned on a project by my boss. How do I reschedule the interview without appearing disinterested in the job,” asks Jennifer Kimanzi in an email.
We cannot predict the future and in cases such as Jennifer’s something inevitable might come up before you attend the interview. What do you do when you have to cancel an interview to your dream job?
“Most companies understand that circumstances come up. What’s important is to let the company know in a timely manner that you won’t make the interview,” advices Alison Doyle, a job search expert with experience in HR.
Apart from work, there are other valid reasons to postpone an interview. They include: health, personal reasons such as the death of a family member and travel glitch (for example if you are travelling from Kisumu to Nairobi and there is a matatu strike)
Smart Ways of Rescheduling a Job Interview
Ms. Doyle says that the best way to reschedule a job interview is both by email and a phone call.
“Let the person who scheduled the interview know that you cannot make it and ask if it would be possible to reschedule,” she adds.
Give enough Notice
The polite thing to do is give as much notice as possible. Remember that the HR manager is human and being considerate of their time is something they will appreciate. Do not cancel at the last minute unless it is an emergency.
Doing this shows that you are enthusiastic about the job and displays that you are a good employee.
More tips on how to reschedule an interview
Call first, then email.
The most effective way is to call your interviewer. Communication through phone makes it easier for them to understand your situation and make better plans.
It is also advisable to send an email and apologize for the inconvenience caused. Here is sample email:
Dear Human Resource Manager,
Due to ABC reason (explain the reason), I request the cancellation of my job interview for the position of Accounts Assistant in Nairobi with Mr. XYZ.
I would appreciate if you can reschedule the job interview as soon as possible.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Sincerely,
Your names.
Explain the reason for rescheduling
A well explained situation is more likely to make the interviewer be more considerate and willing to reschedule.
For example if you are sick, just don’t say you can’t make it to the interview. You can say, “I have malaria and not strong enough to attend an interview. I do not wish to waste your time so I request a further date for the interview when I am fit enough to come to your offices.”
Suggest an alternative date
You have already explained your situation; suggest another date that is most suitable for you and the interviewer. Do not make a mistake of pushing your date but negotiate to a date that is comfortable for both of you. You do not want the interviewer to feel as if you forced them.
Lastly, remember to be professional when communicating. Being rude and demanding can see you lose out on your dream job.
Top 6 Salary Benefits Offered to UN Employees in Kenya
The United Nations is one of the biggest international NGOs in the world when it comes to offering employment opportunities.
According to the organization’s website, the work of the UN touches lives in every corner of the globe.
It is every job seeker’s dream to work with the UN for reasons such as the prestige, a competitive package as well as the benefits offered.
Talking about benefits in particular, would you be interested to know more about how the United Nations rewards its employees?
Career point caught up with an employee of the international NGO who gave us a sneak peek of the employee benefits on condition of anonymity.
Benefits Offered While Working At The United Nations
The United Nations offers you an attractive remuneration package with a competitive pay and benefit.
Apart from the normal remuneration like medical which every employee is entitled to, a housing allowance is offered to employees. This will depend on whether it’s an employee who is nationally or internationally recruited.
Kenyan employees are entitled to a housing allowance amounting to 10% of their salaries as opposed to internationally recruited staff members who do not enjoy that privilege.
The Organization also caters for the travel expenses of its staff members who are off on official duties depending on the location.
Women are the luckiest who enjoy special privileges as employees of the international organization. For a maternity leave, they are given special treatment when resuming to work. This entails having an extra 2 hour rest in the normal work routine.
UN Salaried Benefits Offered To Kenyan Employees
When it comes to the salary, every year, employees are entitled to a salary raise based on their different groups and categories. This means that as the salary increases, so does the level of professional qualification.
Lastly, the United nations gives its employees a chance to work in a diverse environment to the extent that they are allowed to choose their dressing code.
While most of us are used to a strict dress code that allows casual clothing only on Fridays, the UN is very different. Employees at the United Nations do not have a strict dressing code as long as the employees are decent.
Top 5 Money Mistakes Young People Should Never Make
Money Mistakes that Young People should Avoid
Many young people lack the knowledge of what it takes to handle big financial responsibilities. But there comes a time when they find themselves with the responsibility of having to pay for things like accommodation, food, transport and other expenses which they didn’t worry about in the first place.
The reality is that life is expensive and many young adults find themselves being brought down to earth with a bump when they discover just how pricey it can be
Here are some tips and thoughts on becoming more money savvy
Failing to Stick to a budget
Having and sticking to a budget is always key. If you don’t know how much you have and how much you’re spending, you’re heading for trouble. Start by noting down your monthly costs and income.
Be honest about what constitutes a necessity or an indulgence. Ultimately, if you know exactly how much you are earning and how much you are spending and on what, half the battle will be won.
Do you want it, or do you need it?
The temptation to indulge and buy the latest gadget, phone or outfit is hard to resist for many, let alone young adults branching out into life for the first time
Either way, chances are it’s not really worth putting yourself in a financially vulnerable position.
Don’t do debt
Many countries are in an awful lot of trouble because of debt and the same is true with many people.
While debt has its uses, such as in the context of a first car purchase, it can quickly become a serious problem if used for non serious expenses
Failing To Save is a Money Mistake Most Young People Make
Kenyans are known for their bad saving habits so the sooner you start to save, the longer your money has to grow.
There are a variety of options for short, medium and long term savings and a number of saving options available to young people. It depends on your requirements, including how long you want to save for and also how quickly you want access to your money.
Investing is “not for me”
While retirement and investment portfolios may seem like things that you don’t need to worry about right now, the sooner you begin to save for your old age or to put away money for a property deposit, the better.
By putting into practice these tips, you will be able to avoid any financial burden in the future.
6 Best Tips on How To Apply For A Job on LinkedIn
“There are so many jobs that ask you to apply through LinkedIn. How do you do that?,” asks Elishiba Mathenge in an email.
Over the years, Human Resource managers have taken up the trend of recruiting through LinkedIn. Companies such as Google, Nokia, Airtel, KPMG, Phillips and Equity Bank are some of the companies that have taken up this trend. Having a perfect LinkedIn profile is essential for a successful application.
If you have a profile, here is how to apply for the jobs via LinkedIn:
1. Search for the jobs by clicking on jobs at the top of your home page.
2. If you are looking for a specific job title or a job with a known company. Type the name in the search box at the top.
3. For those looking to refine their job search, click on the advanced job search button. This gives you an option of finding your jobs by keyword, location, job title, company, job function, experience and industry.
4. Click on search to get the available jobs according to your specifications.
5. Click on a job title to view the full job description.
6. If you suit the requirements, click on Apply Now or Apply on company website. This varies with companies.
More tips on how to apply for a job through LinkedIn
Picking an apply now option allows you to apply directly using your LinkedIn profile. It also requires you to upload a CV or cover letter. You also have an option to follow the company to stay up-to-date on the latest news and career opportunities.
The advantage is that your LinkedIn network is not notified about your application activity.
When uploading your CV, ensure that it is less than 5 MB than in Microsoft Word or PDF only.
The apply on company website option directs you to the website to make an application. Follow the instructions to apply that are posted with the job. This can require you to create an account or apply via email depending on the company.
Finish your application by clicking on Submit.
Before application ensure that your LinkedIn profile can sell you to the employer.
6 Tips To Help You Bounce Back After Being Fired
“I was fired. I was not performing well at my previous job and the boss decided to discontinue my employment. What does a person do immediately they are fired? I am confused and helpless. Please help,” write Sylvester Mutiso in an email.
In the current job market, getting fired is every employee’s nightmare. Sometimes, like Sylvester’s case, it is inevitable. So what do you when you find yourself in this situation?
8Things to do when you get fired
1. Understand why you’ve been fired.
If you weren’t good in your job you were not a good fit. Take initiative and ask for an explanation on the areas you came up short in. Perhaps you did not enter data as fast as expected which affected the whole company.
Understand that it is something you did wrong and do not blame the boss for your inability to perform. Instead, use this to work on yourself.
2. Accept
Benson Ng’ang’a, a Human Resource Officer at Bata Foot Plus says that, “Depending on the reasons for your termination, the first thing is to accept the fact that you were fired. Stay positive about the issue.”
More tips on what to do immediately you are fired
3. Learn what you do best.
You have already figured out the reason you were fired so analyze your strengths. This will be important when you start looking for a new job and when you get invited fir interviews.
4. Update your CV
Once you deal with the frustration of losing your job, update your CV. Add any achievements you got from the job and target your CV to the industry you are eyeing.
An updated CV maximizes your potential as a candidate and also helps you get back on your feet.
5. Attend networking events.
Just because you feel ashamed that you lost a job, does not mean you should lock yourself up forever. Go out and network with friends, former colleagues and other professionals. They are good information about any available jobs and the latest industry trends.
6. Check your finances
Alison Green, a job search and career advice with HR experience says, “Assume that you might not find a new job for a few months. Review your budget and cut out any expenses you can.”
Getting fired is not the end of the world; be positive and follow these steps to get back on your feet.
