As you may be aware, unemployment rates in East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan) are very high, data indicating 30-40%. Searching for jobs in such an economy is by no means easy. Below are some of the ways you could use to finally nail that elusive job you have been looking for.
Network with friends, relatives or teachers is often the first and best think you could to. Relating with people gives you an opportunity to get information on which jobs are available, which firms are recruiting and where to get information.
For students almost graduating, your dean or lecturers are the best people to start with. Lecturers and deans of students may be in touch with a number of former students who are employed in various organizations, some of whom are in influential positions. Ask them about how you can enter the occupation of your choice. If you have some friends who have recently been employed at a local firm, ask them if there are any openings at the firm. You could also check the alumni office. Some alumni are generous enough to send information to their former colleges. Indeed, some firms opt to recruit graduates of certain colleges.
One of the best ways to find a job quickly is to go to regional websites such as www.eajoblist.com. On these websites you could build online profiles, upload resumes, set alerts for jobs that meet certain criteria, and you can search for jobs based on your city and state. It is advisable that you search for the most recently posted jobs. This will give you more time to gather all the relevant documentation and apply for them in good time.
You could also visit your local labour office. Most of these offices have recruitment offices where local firms send their advertisements for vacant positions available. Depending on where you are, these offices may have career counselors. You can tell the officer what type of work you are searching for and what your work history and educational background is. Make sure to take your resume with you for the counselor to see and make necessary changes if the counselor sees any mistakes.
Check also with recruitment centers. These often have a commercial motive and may charge you for registering with them, for every job interview you are called to through their service, or by selling data to recruiting companies. If the recruitment center conducts on-site job interviews for local firms, prepare yourself by getting as much information about the companies beforehand. Make sure to have your outfit ready the night before any interview.