How I Got My First Job From Random Job Applications

As university students, many times we wait until we have graduated to start looking for job opportunities. No one really prepares us for what the job market is made of and as such we do not apply until after graduation.

I spoke to Jane who was able to secure a job right after graduation, from the applications she made while still in school. This is what she had to say:

Where was your first job and how did you get it?

It was during my last semester at school that I started sending out random job applications. These applications were not based on advertised job vacancies – it was all random. I would think of a company, look it up and see whether I would be a perfect fit for the organization.

Immediately after graduation, I got a call from Brand Kenya, inviting me to start working. I worked here for a week before being called by yet another company I had randomly applied to, CARE International.

I took this as a good opportunity to gain more work experience and earn a little more money.

What was the interview process like?

It is at CARE International that I had my first ever interview. I met a 3-panel bench of interviewers and to be honest, I was very scared. The questions they asked were not the theoretical kind – the common interview questions and answers. These were case interviews.

I managed to pass the interview and was hired together with one other person on a contract basis for six months. The length of the contract in the organization varied depending on the length of the project you were handling.

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What exactly did your job entail?

At CARE, I was hired as a project assistant. I was supporting the project officer and field manager.

The role was all about training the youth on communication and other issues such as handling money. We would go to schools and universities, just to train. I also performed admin duties and everything regarding project management.

How long did you work for the company and what was the working environment like?

I worked there for 6 months.

The work environment was very good, it was relaxed and even though the job itself was demanding, working there was not stressful. We also worked as a family. There were health days too where doctors would come and just check on your physical well-being as an employee.

What lessons did you learn?

I was able to learn and build on my communication skills. Being able to train students gave me the exposure and ultimately the experience in knowing how to communicate.

The most important thing I learned was the importance of networking. After the end of my contract, I was jobless for a while and the projects I got such as working as a research assistant was because of the people I knew. They have really helped me move up the career ladder.

Any advice to job seekers?

Do not sit and wait to see a job advert. Look up for opportunities and apply.

Network. The people you get to know could be the ones who push you to greater places.

QUICK READ >>> How I Got A Job in Kenya: 4 Steps I Used To Find & Land My “First Real” Job