3 Ways You Are Sabotaging Your Job Interview Chances

You have a professional CV, well-done Cover Letter and a new job opening you really want to apply for. But when you remember the numerous job applications that have been met by silence, you fidget. You are no longer sure about submitting your application. You have a feeling it will meet a similar fate to those you sent earlier.

So you begin to question the recruitment process in Kenya. Especially in those organisations you submitted your job applications.

Why don’t they ever pick me? You ask yourself. I am suitably qualified, but these recruiters won’t call me for the job interview, why are they so unfair? Do I really need to bribe them to get a job? Why is it that you have to pay a recruiter to get a job in Kenya?

If this sounds like you, know you are asking the wrong questions.

The truth is, you don’t really need connections, to pay recruiters or bribe your way into a job. In fact, you don’t need to worry about the recruitment process in Kenya at all.

All you need to worry about is your skills, qualifications and how you apply for the job. Why? These are what will get you through to the job interview. And don’t just say, “But I have the requirements. I can prove them to you”. Instead, let your job application speak for itself.

To help you out, we will highlight 3 ways you are sabotaging your chances for a job interview and what to do differently.

READ ALSO >>> I Get Interviews But No Job Offers, What Could Be the Problem?

Ways You’re Sabotaging Your Chances for a Job Interview

1. You Believe You Are Qualified for a Job, But Your CV Tells a Different Story

We have said it before, and we will say it again, your CV is the most important bit of any job application. While it may be professionally done, it may not communicate the key skills required for the job.

For instance; when applying for a job that is specific to religion, this should be very clear on your CV. If all a recruiter can see in your personal details is your Age and Language spoken, they may pass you over for someone who customized their professional CV to include the religion bit.

So as you can see, sometimes your education and work experience is not really enough. You need to match the most important skills & requirements for the job. If a job is looking for someone who speaks French, don’t expect recruiters to call you and ask. No. Include it on your CV.

2. You are a Firm Believer of Popular Myths

If you still believe that you need connections or to bribe employers to get a job in Kenya, your job search process will never get any easier. These two myths (yes, that’s what I’m calling them), are excuses for the mistakes and laziness of most job seekers. Sorry for being blunt, but it’s true.

I’ll give you an example. The other day a job seeker wrote an email about how she was called for a job interview and all she could think was; “They will ask for bribe money in the end, so why don’t we just finish this interview?” With this kind of mind-set, there is no way you can pass the interview.

The reality is, when serious employers advertise for open positions, they are in need of an additional set of hands to perform the tasks. They don’t need your money. If they did, they would not pay you a salary every end month. Just think about it.

And about needing connections, today we have platforms like LinkedIn where you can establish a connection with a total stranger. So, what is stopping you?

READ ALSO >>> 5 Common Interview Questions Often Answered Incorrectly

3. You are Still Making Mistakes When Sending Out the Application

Most people today are in a rush to do things and making job applications is no different. You see a new posting for a job, and your next move is to copy the email address provided and send your CV. Others believe that it’s okay to send the CV to anyone at the company as long as you have their email address. What happened to following instructions?

Every job opening will always have directions on how to submit an application in order to be considered. Some positions will provide an email address and subject line to use, others will provide a link to a recruitment portal, and others will require you to fill in a certain form.

Read the instructions provided and apply accordingly. Anything, on the contrary will reduce your chances of getting a job interview.

What are you struggling with in your job search or interviews? Let us know in the comments, and we will do our best to reply.