By Prof. Katende.M. Suleyman Hadji,PhD-Professor of Tourism studies at YCI.
On 24th February 2024, Young Christian Institute of YMCA will produce more graduates to join the already big number of job seekers produced by other Institutions and Universities. What is worrying parents and the graduates now is lack of connections to the potential employers. The parents have the perception that jobs are advertised when they are already offered to the well-connected candidates. But the solution to lack of connections and discrimination is getting organized with your papers and yourself before the interviews.
The late President Idi Amin advised African boxers of his time who were being discriminated by the whites to knock out their opponents. It worked and boxers like Ayub Kalule became world boxing champions. Likewise, if you put all your papers in order and prepare yourself well you will definitely pass the interview. Most job applicants fail interviews because of being disorganized with their papers and themselves. The preparation for job interview should start immediately after your graduation day.
The common mistake job seekers make is failing to collect their certificates from institutions of learning. Many applicants mistake pass slips and transcripts to be the certificates. Pass slips and transcripts are provisional results pending issuance of your certificates. When you attach them without the certificates you cannot be shortlisted. Your academic documents have to be certified by the relevant institutions. Some areas of study like teaching, nursing, engineering, accounting, nursing and midwifery require candidates to register with the relevant mother associations. Applicants will not be considered for employment unless they are registered.
After organizing your documents, look out for job advertisements. For your information most government jobs are normally advertised on Mondays in New Vision. You must read the advertisement very carefully and special attention should be paid to the column of qualifications, duties and responsibilities. As regards to qualifications you should not attach or mention more than the stated qualifications. You will be disqualified on the basis of being over qualified. However, if they state minimum qualification or added advantage you can state and attach all your certificates to earn extra points. In today’s competitive job market, endeavour to acquire additional or post graduate qualifications in fields like computer, language and guiding and counselling.
I advise lady applicants not to under declare their dates of birth. For most government jobs the minimum age requirement is 25 years. If you under declare or write the wrong date of birth the computer system will disqualify you at the initial sorting out stage. As regards your job application, it is not advisable to post an application. When you hand deliver it, you have a chance of seeing the place and meeting the people you will be working with if you are offered the job. Not only that but you may request the receiver of your application to open and advise if you have attached all the requirements for the job. You are also likely to know the fate of your application there and then.
If you are invited to the interview, it means you have passed the first part of the screening process. Your CV must have demonstrated that you have relevant experience for the job. The next stage is likely to be a face-to-face interview, and this is when it is crucially important to plan, prepare and organize for the interview to make sure you are successful. Nothing is worse than looking back on the interview for the dream job you did not get and wishing you had been more prepared. Preparation for an interview is a must-do and can be the difference between success and failure. Good preparation boosts your confidence and gives you an insight into the organization you intend to work for. Take a copy of your application form, cover letter or CV and the original job specification so you can read over everything when travelling to the interview.
Before your interview, make sure you spend some time looking at the company’s website. The interviewer will expect you to know about their business, and it shows your genuine interest in their company. The worst practice to a job interview is arriving late and it can immediately make the interviewer disqualify you for the position. You should aim to arrive at least twenty minutes before the start of your interview. As well as looking professional, it will give you the opportunity to slightly relax once you arrive. All interviews should be attended in formal business attire. Remember to dress comfortably and keep your appearance smart and uncluttered. For men, make sure you are clean shaven and well groomed. For ladies, I advise tying back long hair and keeping make-up and accessories discreet. At interviews, do not offer yourself the seat, sit upright, speak and behave well during the exercise. Do not forget to double check if your phone is switched off. It is obvious that you should not drink alcohol before a job interview. The interviewers may smell it on you and it can affect your judgment. If you need to eat before the interview, then avoid anything smelly and chew some mints before you go in. If you take my advice, you have minimized discrimination and chances are that the job will be offered to you. Good luck.
