What can help you get the perfect job? Is it possible?

The Internet has become the primary source for large companies hiring new employees and for many jobseekers alike. According to a recent online survey, at least 30% of Kenyans are looking for jobs on the internet (the right place). This is though not a good percentage because in countries like UK almost 100% of job seekers are on the net. In the census results that were released last year, only 3.5 million Kenyans have access to the internet out of 40 million. This is disturbing because the most effective way to get a job these days is through the internet but today we will not be talking about just getting any job but a perfect job.
Sometime last year we wrote an article on ‘good jobs: bad jobs’ where we gave a comparison of various jobs. The problem we have in Kenya these days or among job seekers and our workforce is lack of belief. Just take time to think or imagine, if someone gave you a CEO’s job today, will you perform? If you believe you can’t, then this article is not for you. Many of those people in corporate offices these days are easily satisfied with a salary of Kshs. 100,000 or a figure there about. If you tell them to take risks and go for bigger jobs or even business, the fear of job security crops up. If you are among those people who are always hanging on job security, this article is not for you. Just imagine if you are working for one of our leading telecom company that we all know is in the process of restructuring. Where is job security? A job can come to an end the same way you found it. Papppp!!!
The world of job hunting is like in business, the more you get the more you should yearn for. If you put the employer’s feeling ahead of yours, you are lost. Remember employment profits go to the shareholders who are human beings like you, so when asking for a bigger salary, you are right. If you get a better paying job, go for it. Tell you this, life is short and not a rehearsal. Just imagine if you rewound yesterday, what will you do different. Always put yourself first. Anyway today, I want us to go through ways in which you can get a good job.
Our advice for job seekers: Find the right employment search-firm (“head-hunter”). That’s not easy; don’t pick the first one you find. Register with more than one. A good one will expect exclusivity; before you sign anything, make sure there is a time limit, and define the conditions for doing your own search.If you’re unemployed, it’s time to really consider what you’d really like to do. Don’t look for a similar job in a similar company. If you’re an engineer, maybe this is a good time to get into sales or marketing, or start a different job in a totally different type of company. Find something you like to do.
Here are a few steps that can help you in landing the right job for you:
1.   Looking for a full-time job (40-hour week). Don’t feel unemployed. Develop a good attitude about your own value.
2.   Determine where (location) you want to live and work. Search for suitable employers in that area; slowly expand the area to easy commuting distance. Don’t miss a nearby great company.
3.   Study the employer. Look at the web site for specific openings, and then study the company’s products, markets, sales channels, financial track record, and corporate culture. Get the names of key individuals. Do you know someone who already works there? Talk with them first.
4.   Measure yourself against their needs. Don’t stretch your resume just to get an interview; if you don’t fit, you may be wasting your time. Don’t look just for pay. Look for things like employee ownership and performance incentives. Look for a position that suits your plan for yourself.
5.   Don’t mail your resume to Human Resources or to a title. Find an individual’s name and first call that person to introduce yourself. See if you can get started with some e-mail questions.
6.   Discuss your specific knowledge of the company and its needs (gleaned from the Internet) plus your specific fit for the job.
7.   Mail, fax, or e-mail your one-page resume directly to that person. Few people will read two or three pages until the interview.
8.   When you visit, don’t just be interviewed. Ask specific questions about the company, the products, markets, and growth plans. Ask people you’re talking with about themselves. Ask to be shown around, take interest in the people, the culture, and the facilities.
9.   Payment. When asked what you’d like to be paid, don’t act greedy or anxious. Don’t give that lame old response, “This is what I make now.” Ask what the position pays? What are the prospects for advancement?
10.        Don’t agree to anything at the interview. Ask for a formal offer, and suggest you’ll think about it. And think about it. Is this a company you can be excited about? Is this a job where you can spend the next 10 years? Don’t accept the first offer that comes along. Respect your own value. Ideally, you should choose between two or three offers. Don’t go to the highest bidder. Pick the company you can be happy with in the long term that values you the most.

This may be more applicable to those who are already in the job market. Especially if you work in an auditing firm, these are the best ways of getting a job. Be careful to go step by step and do not show that you are desperate. If you already work in a job where most of your clients are other organizations, then you have an advantage. Create relationships and links among your clients but be careful to be casual.

Anyway, we at HCC wish you all the best in your job search.