Dear Kenyan Job Seekers - can we talk about your applications? Because I’m deeply disturbed. We put out a call for an internship position a few weeks ago, including on #IkoKaziKe. Good news - we got LOADS of applications. For a small company 61 interested applicants was positive. 
Then we started going through them 😖. Let’s just say I’m shocked at the number of young Kenyans under the impression that they have seriously applied for a job from some of the applications we got. If you are a job hunter, take a moment to read my reflection as an employer.
Before sending an application *READ* the entire job description not just key words. We were offering a creative writing internship not a one in finance, IT, sales or food and nutrition. An accountant who wants to write can apply, but one looking to upskill in ICT? That isn’t us!
Spray and pray is not a strategy. Sending the same one application saying that you are detail oriented (but clearly not) and a go-getter that brings (unarticulated) value to my esteemed org does not impress. There are 20 applications saying the same thing, and telling me nothing.
You are online - you sent an email. So PLEASE take the time to go to a potential employers website, Twitter feed or Insta page and learn about it. Maybe it’s not the right fit for you. That will save you loads of time of sending out another application. Be targeted.
#IdentityTheft is a thing! We now have copies of degree certificates, transcripts since high school, recommendations & more 😱. PLEASE do not EVER send/share your documents unless asked. No HR officer will ask for them before shortlisting and if you must send, stamp COPY on it.
INSTRUCTIONS aren’t a suggestion. If the advert indicates a writeup, example of past work etc. is required don’t bother sending in an application without it.Why? Because there are others who did send it, so we review those. Non-compliance is the easiest cut for a reviewer to make
Cover letters/emails. Yes it’s a thing. Attaching your application to an email with no subject or one line, doesn’t suggest the level of excellence employers are looking for. If that’s how you show up for you ...what confidence do I have that it will change once in our company?😖
Si kwa ubaya but your hobbies, marital status and date of birth unless explicitly requested in the job ad aren’t needed. Tell me about your skills, the secret sauce that is you. If applying for a writing position - saying I love to write & not having evidence makes me wonder 🤔
So let’s talk about the ones who made it to final review. They fulfilled ALL the asks of the ad. Some sent links to blogs, others had creatively crafted CV’s, others understood that when we said we abhor typos, they took the time to send in grammatically correct applications.
We read everything they had to sent in including blog posts, online essays and their interpretation of a Paukwa story and we interviewed six candidates. We could tell those who had read our stories, because our DNA popped up, but in their individual voice.
All were young Kenyans from the same pool. The difference? They took the time to send in a convincing, well articulated, application that showed us their individuality and that we believe reflected what they would bring if they joined @paukwa
Post recruitment we were left with a problem. While we were looking for one intern, two of the final three held such promise based on their individual skills and learning objectives. That we couldn’t choose. They had each shown that they brought something unique.
Previous experience wasn’t a requirement (after all it’s an internship) but one of our finalists had shown leadership in a university club and that intrigued us. In fact they graduated last week. Opportunities to show who you are exist - even if it’s not in employment.
As we wondered how we could offer them a leg up on their journeys we discussed internally and ended up taking them both. Excellence is recognized. The moral? #IkoKazi but are you bringing your best effort as you look for your next opportunity? All the best in your job hunt.
