How to Search & Get A Job In December

By Perminus Wainaina,

The period between September and December is sluggish for a recruiter. You don’t get as many recruitment requests as the other quarters.

That is why I wasn’t surprised by a survey released last week indicating that Kenyan employers are looking to start hiring in the next three months. Going by this expect an increase in recruitment from January 2015.

The worst hit month in recruitment is December. Apart from having a few working days due to holidays, some companies have at this stage exhausted their budgets and need approval before commencing on recruitment which is a cost.

With the short period, some employers feel that employees will not be productive and even if they come on board they are many distractions. When you factor in the notice period, the earliest new recruit can come on board is January.

Whereas December is generally a slow month, there is increased hiring in some industries. For example due to increased shopping, supermarkets normally hire even if its temporary staff. Other industries hiring at this period include those in travel and hospitality including hotels.

Last year Corporate Staffing Services conducted a stock take exercise for a leading motor vehicle company. During the exercise we hired over 60 staff for a three weeks period. Most of the temporary staff were university students and unemployed fresh graduates.

So, what opportunities are there in December and how can you take advantage?

If you a fresh graduate with no experience or you are jobless it is possible to get a temporary job in December. Start looking for opportunities in some of the aforementioned industries. And you don’t have to target Nakumatt, Naivas, or such like big institutions.

The store down the corner might have an opportunity for you. Look for temporary work in hotels as a waiter, cashier, or other areas that require minimum training. For temporary staff, salaries range from a low of K’sh 500 to a high of K’sh 2,500

For experienced candidates, you need not slow down during this holiday season.

Start by taking stock of your job search process. Determine what has worked for you this year and areas that need improving.

Review your CV and take note of your achievements this year. Profile companies that you’d like to work for in the next year. Being a slow month, December affords you a suitable time to plan for your job search and by extension your career. Don’t be caught up in the festivity and forget your career.

The nature of the holiday season is that you will have a chance to meet new people through company events or socially. Let this work to your advantage. You can establish new contacts and reconnect with old ones.

Remember, over 50% of jobs are never advertised and people come to know them through their networks. Ensure that you are visible and leave a positive memory and people will remember you in the coming New Year.

Lastly, December is a month to give back to those around us. Whether it’s to your company by helping organize that end of year party, or to your community by visiting and helping the less privileged.

Regardless of whether you are working or not, there’s a lot to be grateful for and you can add happiness to another life

Perminus Wainaina is the Head of Recruitment at Corporate Staffing Services Ltd (www.corporatestaffing.co.ke) . He has over ten years experience in banking, finance and HR consultancy field.

To connect with him on LinkedIn, you can access his profile at ke.linkedin.com/in/perminuswainaina

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