Prelude to Interviews

1. Prelude to Interviews Job Search Strategies: By Nicholas OmondiOuma BEd. (KU) MEd.(Educational Communication & Technology, KU) County Director of Youth Development, Taita Taveta

2. Presentation Overview • Self-Assessment • Job search ‘tool kit’ • Research • Networking and the “hidden” job market • Implementing/managing your search • Final thoughts

3. Self Assessment • What do you want to do? What are your skills and interests? – what do you find enjoyable? Helps to narrow audience • Informational interviews – talk to friends, family, faculty members. Identify likes/dislikes • Ask yourself questions - ex. What was your favorite class? To gain insight

4. Desirable Skills & Qualities • Here are the top skills and qualities of the “Perfect Job Candidate,” according to employers of college graduates, polled in 2010: • Communication skills - Computer skills • Detail-oriented - Initiative • Strong work ethic - Analytical skills • Interpersonal skills - Leadership skills • Problem-solving skills - Teamwork skills • Flexibility and adaptability

5. Draw the connections • Examine your profile! • Self-analysis exercise

6. Job search tool Kit – Resume/CV and Cover letters • Are your primary (and mandatory!) marketing tools so be strategic. • Must demonstrate your skills and experience • Tailor your resume/CV and cover letters for each opportunity (paid or volunteer) that you apply for • Focus on the most relevant skills and experience to the employer for that opportunity. • An employer looks at your application (resume/cover letter) for approximately 15-30 seconds when deciding if they should invite you for an interview!

7. Job search tool Kit–Calling Card/Business Card • Helpful for situations when distributing a resume is not appropriate or convenient e.g. in:- • networking events, association meetings, career fairs, information sessions, or impromptu meetings.

8. Job search tool Kit – Social Media • Includes Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube, Twitter, blogging, personal websites, e-portfolios • As opposed to a candidate “finding” their employer of choice, an employer “finds” YOU, the candidate as a result of your involvement. Eg Dennis Itumbi– now working @ OP. • Keep it professional: Your screen or profile name, the pictures posted on your profile (or on those of your friends or contacts), the videos uploaded to YouTube, and status updates/posts/tweets should be appropriate. “clean up your social media footprint”.

9. Research - Job Sources • On Campus Interview Program • Internships • Career Fairs • Employer Information Sessions • Online Job Sites • Direct Contacts with Employers • Networking • Professional Associations • Newspapers/Professional Journals • General Employment Agencies

10. Job Search Tip: • More than 80% of students who had full time jobs before graduation connected face-to-face with employers: • Employers interviewing on campus (OCI) • Speaking with company representatives • Attending employer information sessions • Attending career fairs • Participating in internships • Networking

11. On Campus Interview Why participate? • It’s FREE! • Save on transport! Interview on campus • Chance to interview for multiple internship and full- time positions • Employers chose TTUC and want to interview you! Depends on the profile the college has built over time & nature of its alumni. • Get email notifications • Greater chance of being hired • Secure a job before you graduate • Easy online sign-up Who can participate? • All current TTUC students are eligible depending upon employer requirements. • TTUC may need to establish a Career Centre under the office of the Dean to organize this.

12. TTUC CAREER CENTRE Functions of such a centre could be, among others; • Offer career guidance (course/unit choices, job search, CV writing, interviewing skills, etiquette etc) • Making Professional Connections • Liaising with potential employers for On Campus/college Interviews (OCI) OCI is used by employers for: full-time entry level positions, management training programs and internship programs.

13. Research - Employers • Employers expect it • Displays your seriousness, thoroughness and attention to detail • Helps to personalize cover letters and resumes, and answer questions appropriately • Helps determine your “fit” with the organization

14. What to Learn About a Company/Organization • Description of job responsibilities • Personnel information (NAME, policies, relevant information of executives) • Organizational culture, goals, and strategies. • Size, age, location, history, ownership • Products or services, major competitors, recent development, expected growth

15. Career Fairs • Before the job fair: • Obtain a list of participants and research those organizations of interest and prioritize list • Develop error-free resume and your 30-second commercial • Be prepared with questions to ask employers • At the job fair: • Greet the employer and present your resume • Dress professionally, ask questions and get their business card • After the job fair: • Follow the instructions from each employer regarding follow-up • Send a letter to employer to refresh their memory of your conversation

16. Online Job Search • National job sites • Industry-specific sites • Company-specific sites • Association sites – professional associations • Government sites • International sites

17. Internships • How can internships be valuable? • Test the water, how you fit… • Put your theory to practice • Applicable experience for your resume • Earn extra cash especially if it is paid. • Gain industry networking contacts • Get your foot in the door and turn your internship into a full-time job

18. Characteristics of the labor market • Hidden job market

19. DID YOU KNOW? 90% of job seekers apply for the 20% of jobs available in this market 10% of job seekers apply for 80% of potential jobs in this market

20. Networking Why network? • Uncover the hidden job market • 75-80% of jobs are obtained via personal contacts (Canvassing) • Learn more about your chosen career field • Get advice through informational interviews to find out how to conduct your job search • Do not limit yourself to only top organizations • Make contact before an employer knows they need you!

21. Networking How do you network? • Talk to everyone you know! • Informational Interview • Join the student chapter of a professional association* • Pass out your calling card • Share how you can be a valuable resource for them • Grow your connections • Stay connected

22. Networking Who do you network with? • Current students and alumni • Family, friends, relatives • Faculty, department staff • Current supervisors • Employers directly

23. Network through Informational Interviews • Make courteous initial contact • Ask for information….NOT a job • Face-to-face meetings • Be politely persistent • Try to obtain several referrals from each person you contact • Follow up and keep them informed of your progress • Thank them

24. Implementing/Managing Your Search • Organize yourself with a system • Keep records of initial contacts and follow-ups • Set reasonable daily/weekly goals for your career search • Continue to assess process • Update/review resume/CV with a Career Advisor

25. Get Organized!

26. Final Thoughts • Be organized, self-motivated, and assertive • Job searching requires time and energy • Don’t be discouraged if it takes you a few months to secure a desirable position • If you’ve searched for 6 months, you may need to redirect your search or gain experience • Take a temporary position or internship • Volunteer work • Persevere • Continue to develop and use new resources to diversify your search

27. Job search websites www.myjobsinkenya.com www.bestjobskenya.com www.psckjobs.go.ke http://www.careerpointkenya.com www.kenyancareer.com www.kenyanjobs.blogspot.com www.jobs.n-soko.com