Whether you’re hunting for your first job or your tenth, it’s important to know how to find jobs in the most efficient way possible.
With Covid-19 still presenting challenges in the business sector, you will face many challenges. Many businesses are scaling down operations, In-person interviews may not be the choice of many hiring managers, and therefore, you need to be extra diligent and creative to find a job under these conditions.
Here are a few ways on how to effectively job search in 2021.
1.Focus on hiring companies.
Despite most companies scaling down operations, some companies are still hiring. With the digital era, 90% of the jobs are posted online. Be on the lookout to see companies looking to fill open positions.
2.Check online job boards
Recruitment firms have taken a step to come up with working online job boards. Signing up for all the genuine job boards you find will increase your chances of securing a job. Job boards, e.g. Kaziweza, will post new vacancies almost daily. Also be advised that genuine employers will not charge you for uploading your CV, the application process or the interview process.
3.Rework Your Resume
Your CV is the best representation of yourself that a recruiter will see. Before calling you in for an interview, a recruiter will have to be convinced that you can handle the tasks at hand. Make your resume tell more about what you can do. For Instance, instead of adding duties and responsibilities you had in a previous workplace, consider writing your achievements.
4.Consider temporary employment
Sometimes when you are job searching, you can come across temporary opportunities, some ranging from a few weeks to six months. Most of the time you have to make a decision on whether to keep looking for long term jobs or take the job. However, sometimes temporary jobs can provide you with a platform for the job you are looking for. Temporary income is still better than no income at all.
5.Respond to ads
There is a popular believe in Kenya that people secure jobs through connections only. And when you are not connected you are doomed. However, most jobs in Kenya are secured through people applying for advertised positions. Apply for all the positions you are qualified for and a hiring manager will consider you.
6.Ask for referrals
Tell everyone that you know that you are unemployed. The more the number of people who come to know about it, the better your chances will be of getting a referral. You should tell the people in your network about the kind of job that you are in search of and also about your skills and somebody would assist you in securing a new job. Do not feel ashamed of asking for that help, it might be the only chance you have of securing a job.
7.Acquire new skills and Stay healthy
Whether you are looking to switch jobs or you are unemployed, it is important to know that acquiring new skills will increase your chances of securing a job. Sometimes, the psychological effects of unemployment can begin to weigh on you.
Keep yourself productive and active. You can do this by maintaining a schedule. You can start a morning jog, exercise and learn a new activity. There are many tutorials on different things available online and this is your chance to learn. These new skills sometimes become your source of employment.
With these tips, you are a step ahead on finding the job that you want. Remember, persistence is key!
This article was written by Esther Rukuno from Kaziweza Limited