Graduates Articles in Uganda
7 Clever Moves To Boost Your Job Search
Looking for a job can be very tasking. It takes a lot of time and energy because it is not something that can be done in a day.
For some, it is as simple as sending in their first application. But for others, the job search takes longer.
In this article, I will give you tips to help you jump start your job search in case it has stalled and how to improve your chances of landing a job.
1. Give Your CV a Makeover
Sometimes not being able to get a job might be because your CV does not really show how qualified you are for the position.
Just having a CV that states your qualifications is not enough; you need to indicate how those qualifications match with what the employer is looking for.
You can even go as far as having your CV reviewed by professions who will help you package your qualifications in an attractive manner.
2. Refresh your interviewing skills
Have you gone for an interview and you think you did well only to never hear from the hiring manager again?
No matter how qualified you are for the position, if your interview skills are lacking you might end up missing out.
Therefore it is important that you improve your interviewing skills in order to boost your chances. If you feel the need to get professional help, then you can even get interview coaching.
3. Build your image online
Having no online presence is just as bad as having a bad online presence. Whether you like it or not, most employers will Google you. What they find will determine whether you are considered for the position or not.
It is important that you ensure you have a good and an active online presence. Get a LinkedIn profile it will help boost your jobs search. If you are a writer, it is important that you have a blog or something similar.
4. Approach Your Search from a Different Angle
We get so many calls from people who have been applying for jobs they feel qualified for but they still don’t get positive results.
The strategy is to change strategies. Instead of applying for jobs in just any industry, pick an industry you are interested in if you have no work experience or if you do have work experience apply for jobs in the industry you have worked in.
For example, if you have been working in the manufacturing industry, it is best to apply for jobs in the same industry as opposed to applying for jobs in the banking industry.
This is because most employers specify that they want candidates who have worked in that particular industry.
5. Networking
How does your network look? Is it full of people working in your industry or not? It is important to remember that networking is an important part of any job search.
As such you should ensure that you have people in your network, who can help you with your job search.
You Might Like Reading Networking 101: Utilizing Internal Networks
6. Don’t get comfortable with the online platform.
The internet has made it easier for one to apply for jobs online without having to walk all over town. This is a good thing however; it is important that you get out in the world and attend events or seminars.
This will not only increase your network but it will also ensure that you are visible to potential employers.
You never know you might just meet someone who might end up connecting you with a job.
7. Review Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter is what the recruiter will see first. What they see will determine whether your CV gets looked at or is thrown out.
This means your cover letter should communicate that you are indeed the best candidate for the position.
Therefore, to prevent your job search from stalling, you should stop sending generic cover letters because they end up hurting your chances of getting a job.
You might want to consider having your Cover letter professionally done to ensure it is well written and can get the employer to look at your CV.
No matter what, it is important to remember that job searching takes time and it is important to stay positive throughout the process. Try some of these tips to revive your job search, you never know your next job might be around the corner.
By Michelle Wanjiku
You Can Teach Yourself to Be More Confident: 7 Ways to Get Started Today
Have you ever noticed that some people seem inherently confident, while others prefer to comfortably fade into the background? You might argue that confidence is all in our upbringing, or even our genetic makeup. But I don’t think it’s that simple or uncontrollable.
I recently read an interview with Tim Cook in the Washington Post. One comment stood out: He said that his skin has become “materially thicker” over time.
Expanding on that point, the Apple CEO noted that, “I think I’m a bit better today about compartmentalizing things and not taking everything so personally.” Even a self-assured CEO recognizes there is always room for improvement.
Successful, forward-thinking people experience the ups and downs of life just like anyone else—but they think differently about themselves and the world around them.
Their unique perspective helps them maintain confidence, even in the face of adversity. But they also adhere to a set of principles—rules, if you will—that help them take on challenges, opportunities, and everyday life situations.
The great news is that anyone can improve their confidence if they’re willing to put forth the effort. Here are seven rules of confident people that you can adopt today:
1. Set a Clear Direction
Confident people know their priorities and set audacious goals for themselves.
Sir Edmund Hillary, the first mountaineer to summit Mount Everest, said, “You don’t have to be a fantastic hero to do certain things—to compete. You can be just an ordinary chap, sufficiently motivated to reach challenging goals.”
Recognize that life passes by quickly, and don’t waste a single day on goals that aren’t meaningful.
2. Invest in Yourself
It’s important to have faith in your own abilities. But you also should invest time and energy into learning so you can continually offer your best.
In his first sales job, Mark Cuban read software manuals so he would feel confident selling the product.
Identify areas where you could improve and shore up your knowledge so that you can handle any situation with composure.
3. Face Your Fears
Being self-assured doesn’t give a person natural immunity to fear. But confident people don’t let fear prevent them from accomplishing goals.
Eleanor Roosevelt pointed to the “real danger” of running away from fear, saying, “If you fail anywhere along the line, it will take away your confidence. You must make yourself succeed every time. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”
4. Don’t Conform
Track and field star Florence Griffith Joyner, who was known for her willingness to be herself, said, “When anyone tells me I can’t do anything, I’m just not listening anymore.”
Stop relying on the approval of others. Instead, dig deep and gather that fortitude from within. Celebrate your individuality and your unique strengths, and tune out the naysayers.
5. Bounce Back Quickly
It takes chutzpah to rebound from tough experiences or even failure.
Stephen King, who has published more than 50 novels and hundreds of short stories, learned about rejection firsthand when his very first novel, Carrie, was turned down 30 times before it was accepted and published. Brian Acton was turned down for an engineering job at Facebook before co-founding WhatsApp (which he then sold to Facebook for $19 billion).
6. Let Insults Slide
Truly confident people look for value in criticism, but let insults roll right off.
Julie Zhuo, Vice President of Product Design at Facebook, learned to ignore good and bad press about the company—instead focusing her attention on the vision and trusting the team. Some people may not want you to succeed and may try to tear you down. Don’t let them.
7. Practice Generosity
Self-assured people spend time thinking of how to make the world better. Bill and Melinda Gates are among those signing the Giving Pledge to give most of their wealth away to philanthropic causes. Having a giving spirit will give you a healthy confidence boost and keep your own troubles in perspective.
Confidence isn’t an inborn trait, and it doesn’t develop overnight. Even if you lack that self-assurance right now, you don’t have to stay that way. You too can become more fearless—if you’re willing to work at it.