The next logical step after schooling (or NYSC for Nigerian graduates) is to get a job. This is usually not the case for most job-seekers. Many of them have to wait from between one to ten years before landing a "good" job.
Personally for me I don't believe there are no jobs. The challenge most time is how to get the available jobs. The truth is that people get new jobs everyday. People are promoted everyday and the posts they leave behind are still vacant. Businesses are being registered on a daily basis (na spirits dem employ?).
After establishing the fact that there are jobs, the next thing is to have a plan and a definite strategy. You must understand that the conventional way of getting a job will not work for everybody. Your chances in the conventional ways are limited because of the population of people looking for the same thing you're looking for. Some even have better qualifications than you. That's why you need to strategize!
How to plan and strategize
The economy is divided into sectors/industries, these industries are sub-divided into firms. What you studied might not be found in every firm (unlike accounting or IT). So you have to identify the firms that need your skills. Get the details of these firms, their names, location, what they do etc. This information will guide your approach. Prepare a good CV and cover letter. Don't wait for them to ask you for your CV. Don't send soft copy only. These companies receive thousands of CV online daily. Go to the company physically.
Don't just give your CV and Covet Letter to the gatemen/security, not the receptionist not even the HR (in some cases). Try and get it to a top management staff, or a P.A to the MD. You can get to meet a top person who works there on LinkedIn.
The idea is to get their attention at all cost. This will land you an invite. The other process of test, series of interviews, etc, you'll also need to be well prepared.
I challenge you today, go and make a difference. Get that dream job. Don't reduce your expectations.
Shalom!
Personally for me I don't believe there are no jobs. The challenge most time is how to get the available jobs. The truth is that people get new jobs everyday. People are promoted everyday and the posts they leave behind are still vacant. Businesses are being registered on a daily basis (na spirits dem employ?).
After establishing the fact that there are jobs, the next thing is to have a plan and a definite strategy. You must understand that the conventional way of getting a job will not work for everybody. Your chances in the conventional ways are limited because of the population of people looking for the same thing you're looking for. Some even have better qualifications than you. That's why you need to strategize!
How to plan and strategize
The economy is divided into sectors/industries, these industries are sub-divided into firms. What you studied might not be found in every firm (unlike accounting or IT). So you have to identify the firms that need your skills. Get the details of these firms, their names, location, what they do etc. This information will guide your approach. Prepare a good CV and cover letter. Don't wait for them to ask you for your CV. Don't send soft copy only. These companies receive thousands of CV online daily. Go to the company physically.
Don't just give your CV and Covet Letter to the gatemen/security, not the receptionist not even the HR (in some cases). Try and get it to a top management staff, or a P.A to the MD. You can get to meet a top person who works there on LinkedIn.
The idea is to get their attention at all cost. This will land you an invite. The other process of test, series of interviews, etc, you'll also need to be well prepared.
I challenge you today, go and make a difference. Get that dream job. Don't reduce your expectations.
Shalom!
Well said sir and I pray that after reading this people should be willing and bold enough to take the necessary steps.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteGetting a Job When You Don't Have the Exact Qualifications - Miriam Salpeter
ReplyDelete"Job descriptions seem to get longer each year. One frustrating thing for job seekers is that these lengthy requirements make it nearly impossible to demonstrate a perfect match. Debra Feldman, an executive talent agent known as JobWhiz, says, "Traditional job searching methods such as submitting résumés online, responding to advertisements, filing an application or blasting résumés to recruiters do not reliably generate responses from employers, even for those who satisfy advertised position requirements."
Feldman acknowledges how much of a challenge it is for those who do not match stated expectations for jobs to land opportunities. However, it would be a mistake to give up hope. She says: "For this group, the best approach is to focus on a go-to market strategy emphasizing one-on-one direct networking."
Feldman further explains: "Connecting with individuals, developing trust and having a mutually beneficial relationship is the key to getting traction and increasing job search momentum. The most effective network contacts to obtain a potential position are the hiring decision maker or someone the hiring authority knows and whose recommendation they will trust."
How can you successfully overcome the problem of not being perfectly qualified to land a job? Avoid online application routes and "Network Purposefully." Keep these tips from the JobWhiz in mind to overcome roadblocks:
1. Avoid online job applications and anything smacking of a mass approach. Instead, work to create meaningful contacts in targeted niches. Feldman says the most effective networking is characterized by connecting with a hiring decision maker who can appreciate your potential. You'll need to create a message that will resonate with their expectations, pique their interest, cultivate their trust and simultaneously demonstrate your exceptional talents, background and abilities. If that sounds like a challenge, it can be. Your goal is to focus on the employer's needs. "Show how you can do the job better than all competitors," Feldman explains. "Politely follow up after the initial connection to stay on the hiring authority's radar screen as their single best prospect with the most serious interest."
2. Seek direct contacts. Scheduling an appointment with the hiring authority must be top priority. The hiring authority must be motivated to set time aside to meet you. To encourage their participation, it's the candidate's job to show the hiring authority what's in it for them. Be sure your request is not needy, disorganized, overly persistent or selfish in any way. Make an effort to be 100 percent reliable, likable, trustworthy and credible. You have already proven through your initial inquiry or via an introduction from a mutual connection that you have something of value to offer. Keep in mind that your goal is to make sure the hiring authority knows what is in it for them. Curiosity works in the candidate's favor. Your presentation of credentials should include quantifiable data (e.g. savings or improvements), success stories, showing how your knowledge, skills, talents and experience applies to them and their needs.
3. Come recommended. Keep in mind, when a candidate comes recommended by a mutual contact, that job seeker already has one foot in the door to earning the hiring decision maker's ear, trust and admiration. The likelihood of the meeting happening and going well is even stronger. People prefer to relate to a friend of a friend over a stranger. Focus on establishing and growing connections to people (affiliated with functions, industries, etc.,) Do not count human resources as a source of leads contact unless your career is HR-related."
Miriam Salpeter is a job search and social media consultant, career coach, author, speaker, resume writer, and owner of Keppie Careers.