Saturday, January 31, 2009

Rolling up your Sleeves


One thing I know for sure is you get more respect and better reviews if you are the type of employee that is willing to roll up your sleeves while other employees are not.
Do not get me wrong; I am not talking about staying 4 more hours at work, neither am I talking about doing something outrageous just to show that you are hard working.
I am talking about:
Having a positive attitude while others are being pessimistic,
Strategizing and knowing which role will boost your credibility to your boss,
Willing to take one for the team,
Taking the time to listen and understand what your boss would like to see happen,
Befriending your boss in a professional manner (he/she is a person and likes to be treated like a person--not an evil beast out to ruin you)

My challenge for you is:
Roll up your sleeves and go beyond the defined role.
Even if you are not currently employed, you can volunteer and get valuable experience that you can use to get employed.
Challenge yourself!

Need assistance finding ways to stand out or roll up your sleeves higher?
get in touch.

Hoseah Njuguna
0734-609-741
empowerkenya@gmail.com

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Reinvent yourself


In my athletic days I remember my coach giving us simple but very important advise.
He was tired of players not thinking first.
He called us in a huddle and picked up a tennis ball. He asked one of the players to throw the tennis ball. The player was asked to do this four times. Every time the player produced the same results. The coach finished the demonstration by asking the player to turn around and then throw with his other hand. Needless to say, the results were very different.
The same thing maybe happening in your career life. You have constrained yourself in unnecessary job sectors. No one said that a pilot can not be a HR manager in a flower farm, or a stockbroker becomes a masseuse.

The only boundaries are the ones that we set ourselves.
I want to challenge you to find a career that really fascinates you. Do your research about that career (possible employers, possible positions, contacts you may know who are in that sector, where to begin if you want to enter that sector, possibility of starting your own company in that sector etc.)
I guarantee you that you will be a much happier person.

What you are going to be tomorrow, you are becoming today


So if you are not happy with the person that you are right now, REINVEST YOURSELF

Need help reinventing yourself?
Do not hesitate to give me a shout


Hoseah Njuguna
empowerkenya@gmail.com
0734-609-741

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Silly Mistakes that you can avoid


I was helping someone with their CV yesterday, and I could not help but wonder if they really deserve to be employed!
There are silly mistakes that a jobseeker should always avoid.
otherwise your CV will end up in the trash bin.

1. Spell your name right
2. Provide contact information that are current
3. Have an objective that shows that you will add value to the organization-(as opposed to make you a better person)
4. Avoid silly spelling mistakes (go through your CV ten times if you have to, also get someone else to look at it)
5. Do not overload the CV with minute-by-minute details about your previous experiences (remember: the recruiter will only spend about 20 seconds on your CV)
6. Do not undersell yourself (if you did it, and it will boost your chances of being called in for an interview, then include it in the CV)
7. References are good but I can assure you not one recruiter will call your reference before they have called you in for an interview---so unless they demand the references, skip them until the interview date.
8. CV format or outline makes a difference; find a format that is easy to read and presentable to the eye.

You CV is your career history; if you can not take the time to correct these mistakes, then you will have a really hard time convincing a recruiter to hire you.

These mistakes indicate a level of irresponsibility and they stick out like a black man in Japan. They distract the recruiter from listening to you, from paying attention to your strong points etc.

Need help or another set of eyes?
Do not hesitate to contact me.

Hoseah Njuguna
0734-609-741
empowerkenya@gmail.com

Monday, January 26, 2009

12 Essential Laws for Becoming Indispensable

This week, I will share with you the important points that I have learnt from my latest book.
The book is called "The twelve essential laws for becoming indispensable." by Dr. Tony Zeiss.
The simple way to take you through the book is to tell you what the twelve laws are and then discuss each law in greater details every day.
1. Having Altitude in your Attitude
2. Being an Effective Communicator
3. Having Strong work ethics
4. Being a teamworker
5. Being a problem solver
6. Being customer focused
7. Being results oriented
8. Getting it together
9. Putting you best foot forward
10. Being an active listener
11. Having the proper academic and technical skills
12. Emphasizing your prior experience

One thing about becoming the "go to" employee or becoming an attractive prospective employee is by learning what employers want from you. You may have a great idea of what you want in life, but if you are seeking employment and you are not concerned about what the employer wants from you, then you will continue to hunt for a job.

I encourage you to read this and other books that may add value to you.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

10 Principles of Career Reinventing

The Reinvention Institute, Career Reinvention
Pamela Mitchell, CLC, is the CEO and Chief Vision Officer for The Reinvention Institute™. I stumbled upon The Reinvention Institute website and found useful resources for those of you who are thinking about reinventing your career. Check out Mitchell’s free, downloadable paper (click here). She discusses the ten principles that you’ll need to know before you begin reinventing your career. Mitchell also provides knowledge, tools, support and inspiration you need to recreate your career, your business, or your life. Here are links to those tools: classes, seminars, individual coaching, products, newsletters, and website recommendations.

10 Principles of Career Reinvention
Below are the highlights of her paper with my commentary; however, I recommend downloading her paper for more information.

1. Understand that in order to be truly happy, your career must serve your life: Early in our career, we often don’t have many choices in our first jobs like taking a job with a huge banking institution, having to move across the country so you can participate in their leadership program. These are sacrifices we make to get our foot in the door. However, over time, we realize that our careers may not be serving our lives so a change is necessary. For example, some people work as many as 18-hour days and are a parent with one child and another on the way, leaving their spouse to take of the kids. Is this working? Is it sustainable? Is it serving their lives? Doubtful.

2. Release the myths and understand the signifiers you’ve attached to your new career:
Status and money typically drives us. Yes, passion fits in there somewhere; however, sometimes we’re caught up in managing our way up the ladder with all the privileges that should accompany it. At some point, are these things really worth it? Some people would think I was crazy to leave a VP job do my own thing, but it serves my life.

3. Be willing to start before you have an end goal in mind: Sometimes, you know you need a career reinvention. You just have to jump right in rather than wait for the perfect career reinvention plan.

4. Get used to living outside your comfort zone: Meeting new people and creating a new network is hard, especially for those of us are naturally introverts, but selectively extroverts. Let’s face it, some of us aren’t energized by meeting new people or going out of comfort zone.

5. Let go of your old identity:
I’m a VP of Marketing. I’m a Product Manager. I’m a…Titles and our jobs define us. Changing up our identity is scary and hard to do. One helpful tip is to come up with a new elevator speech about your new identity so you can quickly rattle it off when you’re asked what you do. See “4 Steps to a Great Elevator Speech by Dave Lorenzo at Career Intensity” for ideas.

6. Learn to tune in and listen to of yourself first before responding to the world: You will have so many options available to you so the trick is to listen to yourself if it’s good for you. Don’t do something just because it will be impressive to others. Remember, it has to serve you and your life goals.

7. Realize that your ideas will shift, and be open to experimentation: Some of you creative people and you’ll have hundreds of ideas that sound good for your career reinvention. The true test will be which one feels the easiest and “right” to take action on. If you can’t easily take action and you keep walking in circles on the idea, then chances are it’s not a right fit.

8. Be wiling to pursue new contacts: Like I said, meeting new people is hard for some us, but worthwhile, especially if you reinventing yourself. You need access the people that can help you with your new goals.

9. Accept that on some levels you will be starting over: Clean slates are fun, but daunting. However, it won’t be as scary like it was when you first started your previous career. This time, you’ll have your tools and templates. You’ll what your core competencies (what you’re really good at) are. You’ll have your interests. You’ll have your life goals. Add all these things together, chances are this is more information you had than when you first started your old career.

10. Celebrate your successes along the way instead of holding out for the end goal: Define some milestones that you’ll most likely hit along the journey such as “contacted X number of new contacts,” ”brainstormed likely industries or job titles,” or “created a board of friends and former coworkers”. Take the time to celebrate moments like these so you can motivated.

Needless to say that I found these 10 principles to be very helpful.
Some of you may be looking for a job in a particular sector while there are plenty of jobs in other sectors. The only thing stopping you from getting into another sector is your mental image of who you are. If you have your mind made up that you are an accountant, then an accountant you shall remain with a job or without; but if you use the knowledge and skills that you have acquired over the years, then you can become anything and get a job in any sector--and still be a proud non-practicing accountant.
So put down your guard and reinvent yourself

Need assistance?
Do not hesitate to ask for it.

Hoseah Njuguna
0734-609-741
empowerkenya@gmail.com

Functional CV

The Functional CV is usually two pages in length and covers your entire career history. Unlike the most common chronological CV it focuses, not on your career history, but on your skills, abilities and expertise. It may not even refer to a specific industry, as the skills detailed are deemed transferable.

It is important that the skills you detail are relevant to the position you are applying for. It is no use highlighting your great accounting experience if the position is in sales. You should highlight your achievements in a sales environment and focus on relevant aspects of that field of work.

A Functional CV format is useful if:
• You lack experience or have gaps in your work history; these can be de-emphasized in a functional CV while your skills and potential are highlighted.
• You have changed jobs frequently and have had a variety of unrelated work experiences.
• You want to promote skills and experience obtained through college or volunteer experience.
• You are changing careers or re-entering the job market, perhaps after taking a career break to be a full time parent.
• Your most recent work experience is not relevant to the job, but past experience is.
• You have been working freelance or in temporary employment.
• You do not want to advertise your age.
A functional CV format is less useful if:
• You have little work experience and thus not much to highlight.
• You have a progressive career history, which reflects promotions, and growth and you want to emphasize that.


What is the layout of a Functional CV?
• The Functional CV starts with a Profile that highlights specific skills, achievements and relevant personal qualities.
• Grouped beneath subheadings, you should then present your range of skills and abilities beginning with the most important. Present the functions as bullet points. Rather than focusing on experience in a particular job, detail your abilities as demonstrated in that job in such a way as to show that they are transferable to the job applied for. As previous employers are not mentioned by name you can include voluntary and unpaid work.
• Following this section is a list of employers and employment dates.
• Qualifications are covered next including professional and academic qualifications.

The Functional CV may conclude with a brief outline of your personal details, hobbies and interests.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

The Functional CV

The Functional CV is usually two pages in length and covers your entire career history. Unlike the most common chronological CV it focuses, not on your career history, but on your skills, abilities and expertise. It may not even refer to a specific industry, as the skills detailed are deemed transferable.
It is important that the skills you detail are relevant to the position you are applying for. It is no use highlighting your great accounting experience if the position is in sales. You should highlight your achievements in a sales environment and focus on relevant aspects of that field of work
A Functional CV format is useful if:
• You lack experience or have gaps in your work history; these can be de-emphasized in a functional CV while your skills and potential are highlighted.
• You have changed jobs frequently and have had a variety of unrelated work experiences.
• You want to promote skills and experience obtained through college or volunteer experience.
• You are changing careers or re-entering the job market, perhaps after taking a career break to be a full time parent.
• Your most recent work experience is not relevant to the job, but past experience is.
• You have been working freelance or in temporary employment.
• You do not want to advertise your age.

A functional CV format is less useful if:
• You have little work experience and thus not much to highlight.
• You have a progressive career history, which reflects promotions, and growth and you want to emphasize that.

What is the layout of a Functional CV?
• The Functional CV starts with a Profile that highlights specific skills, achievements and relevant personal qualities.
• Grouped beneath subheadings, you should then present your range of skills and abilities beginning with the most important. Present the functions as bullet points. Rather than focusing on experience in a particular job, detail your abilities as demonstrated in that job in such a way as to show that they are transferable to the job applied for. As previous employers are not mentioned by name you can include voluntary and unpaid work.
• Following this section is a list of employers and employment dates.
• Qualifications are covered next including professional and academic qualifications.
• The Functional CV may conclude with a brief outline of your personal details, hobbies and interests.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Chronological CV

Yesterday I wrote about Targeted CV, today I will write about a chronological CV.
The chronological CV is named thus as it details your career history most commonly in reverse chronological order with the most recent employment detailed first and working backwards. A complete record of career history is detailed along with a complete education record. It is the most frequently used CV and is usually 2 sides of A4 in length.
Job Titles and company names are emphasized with skills, duties and achievements detailed under each job title. A chronological CV is most useful if you are staying within the same industry and wish to show career progression.

Additionally, if your employer was a familiar household name, it may be wise to highlight that as often they set a precedent for the type of people they employ so the mere mention of their company name may be enough to demonstrate that you are a high caliber candidate.
Most employers prefer the chronological CV format, as it is easy to see who you have worked for and what you did in each particular job. If you do not have many achievements, you can take the emphasis off this fact when using a Chronological CV.

Reasons why a chronological CV may not be the best format include:
  • If you are changing direction and the most recent employer is not relevant to your new chosen career.
  • If your career history shows gaps in your employment due to poor health, unemployment, having children, etc. or that you have changed jobs frequently.
Once again, it is important to know as much as you can about the available position so that you can format your CV accordingly.

If you need help do not hesitate to contact me:
Hoseah Njuguna
0734-609-741
empowerkenya@gmail.com

Sunday, January 18, 2009

CV Styles

The same way you have clothing styles for different functions is the same way that you should have a style for your CV. Unless you have limited options, many of you will not wear the same outfit for church as you would for going farming. Well if you are applying for a finance position in an NPO (non-profit organization), the style of your CV should concentrate on assisting the organization meet its objectives and not profitability. If you are applying for a finance position in a for-profit organization, you better mention profitability or increase in shareholder's capital.

In the next few days, I will be covering the different styles of CV. These styles will only be helpful if you understand the nature of the organization that you are seeking employment; otherwise you will miss the mark.

Targeted CV

This kind of CV is a way to focus your career towards a particular objective, within a specific industry or a specific company. A targeted CV is written in a way that highlights skills, qualifications and experience that match the requirements of the advertised position. Writing a targeted CV is effective when:
  • You know the requirements of a particular position
  • You know which company you will be sending your CV to
  • You are sending your CV in reply to a specific job advertisement
  • You need to compose different CVs each corresponding to a different career objective.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Creating Your Own Position

A famous saying states “Necessity is the mother of innovation." Well if you are a job seeker then you have unfulfilled necessity. This is why you need to be innovative and stop waiting for someone to offer you a job. You need to sell yourself and show that you can think out outside the box. One way to sell yourself is by creating your own position. If you are well educated or have good understanding of your strengths, then you can find a way where no way existed before.

After reading this section, you will be able to:
  • Target a company's needs by creating a position that solves a problem within the company

The Innovative Way

Some innovative job seekers are landing jobs that they are creating themselves. To create a job, you need to find a need within a company and propose to fill that need by demonstrating the benefits of hiring you.
To put together a winning proposal, you need to:
  • do solid company research
  • show the need
  • demonstrate the benefits you can provide
  • convince the employer of your qualifications to do the work

Your proposal letter should be no more than a page or two and should be tailored to individual companies. Be sure to include a persuasive and compelling tone.

General cover letters are used to access the hidden (unadvertised) job market. A general cover letter is sent with a CV to employers who do not have job openings but who might be interested in the knowledge and skills you have to offer.

General cover letters often introduce or broadcast your strengths, knowledge, and abilities to many potential employers through targeted mailings. Regardless of the number of companies targeted, you should always address the letters to the people who are responsible for hiring. That way, the applications have a personalized and crafted quality.

So stop sitting around and waiting for a company to need you; show them that they need you.
If you have a company in mind, then you should learn about them and investigate how you can add value to their current structure. I once proposed a new department for a well-known Kenyan Bank. This Bank has been growing rapidly in Kenya but they have not venture other markets. I proposed to start Diaspora Banking for them. The department would market the bank’s services to Kenyans in the Diaspora. Though I did not get the position, I met with the bank’s managers on a couple of occasions. These meeting were a clear indication that they saw value in my proposal. So go out there and make a position for yourself.

I can assist you in this pursuit; just get in touch and we will work together towards your dream job.
Hoseah Njuguna
empowerkenya@gmail.com
0734-609-741

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Replace the Negatives with the Positive

Pessimism or Negativity is your worst enemy!
So what if you have been tarmacking for the last one year?
So what if you have been fired from your last three jobs?
So what if you did not like the previous organization?

Many people allow negativity to appear in their application letters, CV, or during the interview.
No recruiter wants to hear how bad the economy is, how bad the job market is, how bad your previous boss was etc.
They are looking to employ someone who is going to add value to the organization- not negativity.

We all have those negative things that we think are important, but try to concentrate on the positive things. First impressions are very important and you should definitely capitalize on those first few seconds to create a positive impression.

I found this video on yahoo...it may take some time to stream, but it is worth watching.
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=11539813&ch=4226713&src=news

Good Luck, and remember empowerkenya can help you better market yourself.

Hoseah Njuguna
0734-609-741
empowerkenya@gmail.com

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Originality or conformity of Application Letter?

It is absolutely necessary to have an effective and winning application letter. Your application letter introduces you to the company. A weak, bland, generic application letter labels you one of the pack – nondescript and ordinary. Boring!

A free sample application letter can do you more harm than good!
Pretty much all free application letter samples are completely worthless!
Why is this?

Lots of people use exactly the same free application letter samples. Even if they were well written (which most are not) this means that employers regularly receive the same application letters. This shows a lack of originality. If you send the same application letter as the employer has received previously you will lose the job.

Remember: The better your application letter the better your chances of securing your dream job.
The best possible application letters are original, personalized, and specifically tailored and optimized for a particular job using the correct job-specific keywords. The best way to do this is to use a professional application letter writer. If you are serious about improving your job prospects we strongly recommend you use one of our professional application letter writing services.

If, on the other hand you wish to use a generic application letter then at the very least you should use one that is well-written and which is not freely available (and widely used) elsewhere. Remember that recruiters/employers have seen most sample application letters before and prefer originality. You should also be aware that most sample application letters are not specific/relevant/optimized enough to help you stand out from the crowd. Most sample application letters are at most 30% relevant to you and your job application - however they really need to be 100% relevant and no sample application letters are.
To make matters worse, I have seen application letters that were not even edited for the particular job; they included details for other positions instead of the one that the applicant was applying for.
Please note therefore that there are problems associated with using sample application letters, and because of this we do not recommend you use them. If you are serious about landing your dream job it is always far better to use a professional resume and application writing service.

Hoseah Njuguna
empowerkenya@gmail.com
0734-609-741

Monday, January 12, 2009

The Ins and Outs within an Experience

When you have an experience, companies look for your "Ins" and "Outs." Ins are the lessons and functions you have learned from the job, whereas Outs are the unique differences you made for that company. Ins are usually summed up by your position title, so in your bullet-points it is more essential to put down your Outs. You are not trying to say, "I am impressive because I had these positions," but rather "I am impressive because WHILE I had these positions, I did this this and that, which no one else who has the same position would have done.

We all know that positions are associated with pride etc, however being president of any organization does not mean that you did anything productive for that organization. What recruiters want to know is what unique contribution you made to that organization and how you can join a new organization and make the same or better contributions. Your experience and contributions sell you better than bragging about positions held.
Concentrate on your “outs” rather than your "Ins".

Diminishing Marginal Image

Ever gone out for pizza or nyama choma after a long period of not having it? The first piece is absolutely wonderful; it melts in your mouth. If someone asked you how many pieces you are going to eat you would most likely exaggerate. While the first piece tastes great; the next piece is also good, but once you get to the fourth-fifth piece the taste or satisfaction is not as great. The pleasure of that pizza diminishes with the number of pieces you have.

The same thing goes for your CV!
Do not get caught up in repetition. This is one way of killing your opportunity to be called in for an interview.

As previously mentioned, a recruiter will spend 20-25 seconds on your CV. If all the recruiter sees is leader...leader...leader or finance...finance...finance; he/she will put your CV in the junk box. No matter how much finance or marketing you know, repeating it 20 times on your CV will not improve your chance of being called in for an interview.

Remember, the recruiter is trying to get to know you in those few seconds
Maximize your chances by highlighting how well-rounded you are while at the same time enforcing your expertise of the particular job that they are recruiting for.
The law of diminishing marginal returns simply say that the first sight, experience, etc is more effective/satisfying than the fifth or sixth.
Take time to sell yourself to the recruiter by concentrating on the 11 things that I noted in my previous blog.

Do you know what you want to say but you are finding it hard to put it down? Do not hesitate to call me for assistance.

Hoseah Njuguna
empowerkenya@gmail.com
0734-609-741

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Expounding on what recruiters look for in your CV

What many recruiters look for in the CV:

(1) can lead

Leadership is very important in an organization; it is one key component that sets people apart. leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal. Recruiters are seeking future organizational heads so if one can lead then they may have the capacity to grow into a future role within the organization.

(2) can work in a team

Just like the body has many parts, and the many parts must work together; the same goes for an organization. Teamwork is “a joint action by a group of people, in which each person subordinates his or her individual interests and opinions to the unity and efficiency of the group." An organization can only be successful if all the team members are playing their role. Organizations would rather hire less competent team players than hire a highly competent individual who will not work well with others.

(3) can think analytically

Thinking analytically is important for any organization. Organizations need to assess their consequences of every decision that is being made. Analytical thinking starts from the lowest level employee to the CEO; they must all thinking critically and analytically about each action and decision.

(4) can come up with innovation solutions

Innovation is the future of any organization. Any organization (irrespective of the sector) needs innovation in order to stay competitive. Innovation can be defined as “thinking out of the box”. Innovation may be coming up with a new product, finding a faster or simpler way of doing the old task, cost-cutting measures etc.

(5) is organized

Being organized means “functioning within a formal structure, as in the coordination and direction of activities.” Companies are also called organizations because they have to work within a given structure or organized way. A new employee needs to organize oneself to be able to work within the company’s organization structure.

(6) can communicate with clients.

Communication with clients is very important; it plays a huge role in getting new clients and retaining the old. The organization may have the best products or services but if they are not able to properly communicate to the clients, then their products or services can go unutilized. An organization therefore needs good communicators to effectively communicate to the clients any information that may add value to the organization.

(7) is good at some technical skill

A successful organization knows the power of synergy. Synergy is “the interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual.” Each employee needs to have some unique skill that helps the organization perform better. It is very important for job seekers to have at least one technical skills which will make them valuable to the organization.

(8) assists others

To do your prescribed role well does not necessarily guarantee organization success. In order to be successful as a person and as an organization; one needs to assist others. As discussed above “combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual. An employee should think of the greater goal than the individualistic goals.

(9) possesses strong academic abilities

I maintain that academic ability is important, but not as important as the willingness to learn. I have worked with many people who take great pride in their degrees and distinctions, but all this “book knowledge” does not translate into better workers. A willing worker will work well with others and learn new skills every day.

(10) tries to create the most value

This is one of the most important components that you should include in your CV, though it is difficult to define. Adding or creating value is relative to each organization, however there are certain things that are common in all organization such as: maximizing productivity with the time given, empowering others, being innovative, going beyond the job definition etc.

(11) knows how to do research.

Research is “The process of gathering information for the purpose of initiating, modifying or terminating a particular business activity.” This activity goes hand-in-hand with being innovative and creating value for the organization. You can not add value or suggest innovative ways of doing things without research.

So now you know what most applicants are looking for in your CV. Does your CV communicate all these things? If not, then you are underselling yourself and you need to get working on that CV. If you need assistance do not hesitate to ask me.

Hoseah Njuguna
empowerkenya@gmail.com
0734-609-741

Friday, January 9, 2009

how to build an image through the CV

Here's what many recruiters look for in the CV:

The applicant

(1) can lead
(2) can work in a team
(3) can think analytically
(4) can come up with innovation solutions
(5) is organized
(6) can communicate with clients
(7) is good at some technical skill
(8) assists others
(9) possesses strong academic abilities
(10) tries to create the most value
(11) knows how to do research.

If you can clearly communicate these qualifications, then you will have a good chance of being called in for an interview.

In the next post, I will expound on these qualifications.

Have a great weekend.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Craft of building your CV

Building your CV is a craft
Your CV is a craft in which, you present your educational qualifications and experiences. It is a craft of convincing the recruiter that you can create unique value for the company and that you are a very likable person. Everything that you put in your CV must create unique value. If a sentence does not create unique value, take it out. If a word does not create unique value, take it out.
Basic Principals
There are two things that most recruiters are looking for:
a) Can you create unique value for the company?
Your CV must show that you can create unique value for the company. Why should they hire you, as opposed to the numerous other applications? What value do you bring to the company that no one else can?
b)Are you likable?
Even if you were the most brilliant person in the world and the most qualified person for the job, if whenever people see your face they get angry, you wont get a job offer. Some individuals can create a lot of value for a company him/herself, but lowers the ability to create value for everyone else, and companies dont want these people. Especially at the entry levels, companies hire for culture and attitude more than brilliance.

ALWAYS REMEMBER THESE TWO THINGS DURING INFO SESSIONS, INTERVIEWS, AND EVERYTHING ELSE DURING RECRUITING.

Valuable Real Estate: you are one page.
CVs must be succinct and effective, and should be limited to one page (if you dont have more than five years of experience). Besides good networking (which you should do), you are just a name to the recruiters, and you have one page to communicate to them that you have what they want. Every section, sentence, and even every word must create unique value. If it does not, you should remove it.
20 Seconds to Establish a connection.
Depending on company and industry, a recruiter will only spend about 15-20 seconds to view you CV, if not less (I used to spend 5-10 seconds) It is important to make it "feel" good and impressive. As a result, you want to put your most impressive achievements first instead of trying to explain the mundane tasks you did for each experience.

Tomorrow, I will cover "how to build an image through the CV"

empowerkenya@gmail.com
0734-609-741

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Optimizing you CV

After editing over a hundred CVs, I realized that most people’s CV is only at around 10-15% capacity. I have seen people who have been working on their resumes for hours and it barely reaches 50% capacity. As a result, I feel it is important for me to cover the issue of CV Optimization. The CV is very important because it is your ticket to be even considered by a company. It doesn’t matter how strong your skills are, if you cannot sell yourself through your “brochure,” you won’t get inquiries, and you will never get the job.
Tomorrow, I will cover how to optimize your CV.

For one-on-one call me immediately
0734-609-741
Guaranteed better CV in 48hrs.

A new beginning

Thank you for taking some time to browse my blog.
My name is Hoseah Njuguna. I am a career advancement adviser. My mission is to empower you get that dream job (or simply get employed). I will assist you with your CV, Application Letter, Researching the prospective position and employer, maximizing interview opportunity, do's and dont's during an interview and follow up.
  • I guarantee you a new or improve CV in 48hrs.
  • I guarantee you better knowledge of how to research jobs, apply for jobs and prepare for interview.
  • I guarantee you better knowledge of self (how you are seen by the interviewer)
  • I guarantee you better results: (more responses from employers, better knowledge of prospective employer, better negotiation skills, more confidence during interview session)

Job competition is stiff; we have many qualified people and few jobs. Many Kenyans have education qualification, however many are not able to sell themselves to the prospective employer. Selling yourself well will set you apart from competition.

So why should you come to me for assistance?
Well, I have a wide range of experience both as an employee and an employer. I have held more than 10 different jobs and I have interviewed more than 500 people. I have worked for small start-ups and multi-billion dollar companies. I know what employers are looking for and I can share my knowledge one-on-one.
Wayne Gretsky - a famous hockey player once said: " you will always miss 100% of the shots that you do not take." If you are sending out the same CV or presenting yourself the same way during interviews and it has not worked; then its time to try something new! I am personally committed to better your chances of getting employed.






Get in touch and lets get you that job that you have been eying for a long time.
Hoseah
Email: empowerkenya@gmail.com
Phone: 0734-609-741