Possible reasons why most graduates are not employed in Kenya

Colleges and universities produce graduates each and every year but a good number end up jobless or having problems to get jobs.

Recently, the media has been reporting several incidences where graduates who even have first-class honors are still unemployed.

Well, some could be termed as bad lack or some could be as a result of mistakes we make. Let’s take a close look at the possible reasons for not being employed as a graduate.

Being choosy and picky

This is a common issue among graduates seeking jobs. A good number of graduates have a tendency of trying to stick to only what they have studied at the university, thus when they are offered jobs that are not related to what they studied, they decline them.

Here are some reasons why the graduates are being choosy;

• Being offered low salaries than they expected
• Being offered different position (one they perceive to be of low cadre)
• Poor company outlook
• Being employed by someone they know, someone of low education level etc.
• Employed by a small company

It is always a matter of starting small then grow with time. These offers might be the key to opening new jobs.

Few contacts/poor networking

Referrals have been some of the reasons for getting a job. Being egocentric would reduce the number of people in your life and make you miss great opportunities.

As a graduate who is really seeking a job, have several contacts and networks. Ensure you get in touch with people in your contact lists as many times as possible. Just put your ego behind and focus on what you want by the end of the day.

You can get contacts through;

• Attending meetings, seminars, and training
• A friend of a friend or family
• Contact lists
• Internet followers
• Visiting websites

Above all, associate with people who can be of help to your life, not just drinking buddies. Ensure you have as many job-links as possible.

Poorly written CVs and Cover letters

A CV is an important document that you should use to create a good impression about yourself. You should use it to express yourself as good as possible.

A poorly written CV is a turnoff to employers. You can consider these when writing a good CV or a cover letter;

• Try to make it as modern and ensure you update it frequently.
• Use moderate fonts and texts.
• Outline important things first and ensure they appear clearly
• Use a courteous language
• Include every relevant skill related to your career

Interview skills

Your CV and cover letter could be well written prompting the employers to call you for an interview, but then you fail because of how you present yourself. You might fail because you didn’t;

• Preparation-Make sure you have a clear idea of where you’re going, how you got to know about the organization, the structure, and other relevant things. This would show that you have an interest in the organization.
• Presentation-It is a cliché but it is still very important. You can be asked questions like ‘can you briefly explain about yourself? or what do you have to bring on the table?” Get ready for such…
• Be relevant, smart (both in and out) and all in all be courteous.

These are obvious things but people really take them lightly, no wonder they are costly.

Not making follow-ups.

When you send your application letters, ensure that they are delivered and you make follow-ups of whether the consideration is ongoing or not. Don’t wait to be called. Make frequent calls and checkups.

You can even visit that organization physically and make yourself known. When you sit down comfortably and wait to be called, you will end up waiting forever. Push yourself!

Neglecting available Options.

What else can you do apart from the career you pursued at the university? Do other jobs that can earn you money. It does not mean that the career you did on the campus is what you are destined to do. People have dropped their careers and gone for their passion and are still referred to as successful. Don’t neglect part-time jobs. Consider these;

• For instance, as a teacher, you can open tuition where you teach before getting a permanent job.
• Online jobs
• Small but profitable business ventures.
• Professional services and alternatives.

Considering other jobs would help you gain experience and make money at the same time.

Giving up fast/losing self-trust

Most of us get so fade up when we are denied or not able to get a job, we think we are overqualified for. Just do this, get up and keep moving. You can kick the doors if you knock and they are not opened up for you!