YOU DIDN'T FOLLOW UP

You didn't follow up: Major trait of an unprepared job seeker...

In the religious circle, a system is created for the growth of a new convert or member. This system is designed to make a convert, or new member committed, dedicated, and consecrated to the newfound faith. Often, the religious leaders of these beliefs go the extra mile in ensuring that the new converts or: members understand what it means to be reborn in their new faith. They make it a point of duty to do the work required. Such "work" entails incessant calls for invitation, prayers, seminars, crusades, and many other activities to keep the person occupied, thereby becoming a strong member. 

With this, the religious leaders do the "work" of initiation while the new convert does the "work" of willingness and commitment. Hence, they both did the "work" together. This scenario here can be likened to the subject of discussion. The connection here is strong and relatable. A job seeker is a religious leader, while the new convert/member is your potential employer or the person ensuring you secure employment with a potential employer/ organization. 

However, getting the job is not dependent on the person doing the "work" either by connection or helping in sending resumes. It would help if you carried out the real "work" here. The person helping you or your potential employer is a means to an end. They can only push through for you in recommendations, referrals, and all. There are a few things a job seeker should work on before approaching anyone for job opportunities: 

1. Don't downplay relationships: relationships are usually tickets to success. In Nigerian parlance, it is called "who you know." These days jobs are hard to find; it is like jobs have gone on strike, yet there is a shortage of human resources in some organizations, but they can't find people to fit in. And those that can fit in are not well connected to link them to their dream jobs. Hence, networking with people becomes key. As such, going out often, especially at events, connects you with people through that. Contact friends either from high school or even university. 

2. Knowledge makes you dare: At this point, you are not complacent with what you've known in the past. You keep evolving in your quest for your dream job through certifications in professional courses and research areas that can catch your potential employer's fantasy and add advantages to what you think your potential employers might need. Also, make google and YouTube your best friends. 

3. Develop your Resume and Cover letter: some resumes are boring and not catching. Use the recent and updated template to work on your resume. Talk about your achievements in your previous work experiences instead of responsibilities, and if you don't have any experience, be persuasive in your words, thereby convincing your prospective employers. 

4. Look forward to your interviews and tests: after you must have worked on your resume, anticipate your interview. Adequately prepare for it, get whatever you need a day before the interview, rehearse your responses, and search for likely questions frequently asked in an interview session.  As for the tests, don't rush them. Don't be in a hurry to answer them. If the time allotted is short, kindly ask for more time to finish it. 

5. Follow up every job lead overtly or covertly: Get people who serve as intermediaries to follow up on your submission. Doing this keeps your name in the mind of the hiring manager. A continuous reminder of you in their heart makes it possible for them to consider you. You can send messages, calls, or anything you think will be acceptable to you and the person involved. 

A serious job seeker will make his search for a good job a top priority until his goal is achieved, while a job seeker lacking seriousness will not do the above and expect a job to fall from heaven. Due diligence and resilience are keys needed for job hunters.

©Boluwatife Oladipo