How to hunt for a job
Aug 12, 2007
YOU have completed school and all you want is a job. But where are you going to find one? Few jobs in Uganda are advertised. This means that a job-seeker must use all available means to unravel employment opportunities.
By Anthony Bugembe
YOU have completed school and all you want is a job. But where are you going to find one? Few jobs in Uganda are advertised. This means that a job-seeker must use all available means to unravel employment opportunities.
“Job hunting requires quitting your comfort zone. You need to develop an attitude that awakens your natural visionary potentials. Look for clues everywhere,†says Julius Kateega, a human resource trainer with Competitive Choices.
The following are some avenues through which you can find a job.
Media
Newspapers, radio and television stations constantly carry job opportunities. You must have access to at least one media channel regularly.
Friends and family
Sometimes finding a job requires the right connections. You must have a network of friends and keep in touch with them. Start with family friends and your former schoolmates. These will inform you when there is an opening somewhere. Many jobs are first advertised internally. This means you can only get them if someone in that company tell you.
Volunteering
Most academic institutions have a provision for their students to do internship or industrial training to equip them with practical skills. At the end of the internship, ask if there is a possibility of retaining you. Kateega says doing voluntary or part-time work allows you to develop new skills while establishing contacts. Voluntary work, especially when you are fresh from school, can become salaried employment in case an opening comes up. Keep in touch with the institution where you did the internship.
Read and research
Job-seekers should visit company websites, read annual reports and other resources for employment information. Some websites are devoted to job searching.
Routine searching
Don’t fear to approach potential employers if you have the qualifications. It will not do you any harm to drop there an application letter and Curriculum Vitae. Some agencies have data banks where they keep your details and in case of any opening, they contact you.
Job-searching agencies
There are several agencies like Future Options and Dama Consultants. You can visit and register with them. However, be careful because there are some that want to exploit you. Under normal circumstances, you are not expected to pay money to register.
Conferences, workshops and exhibitions
A number of workshops and seminars are held periodically targeting job-seekers. Look out for and attend them.
Send photos and profiles of new appointments or promotions to business@newvision.co.ug or The Business Editor, New Vision, P.O BOX 9815, Kampala
YOU have completed school and all you want is a job. But where are you going to find one? Few jobs in Uganda are advertised. This means that a job-seeker must use all available means to unravel employment opportunities.
“Job hunting requires quitting your comfort zone. You need to develop an attitude that awakens your natural visionary potentials. Look for clues everywhere,†says Julius Kateega, a human resource trainer with Competitive Choices.
The following are some avenues through which you can find a job.
Media
Newspapers, radio and television stations constantly carry job opportunities. You must have access to at least one media channel regularly.
Friends and family
Sometimes finding a job requires the right connections. You must have a network of friends and keep in touch with them. Start with family friends and your former schoolmates. These will inform you when there is an opening somewhere. Many jobs are first advertised internally. This means you can only get them if someone in that company tell you.
Volunteering
Most academic institutions have a provision for their students to do internship or industrial training to equip them with practical skills. At the end of the internship, ask if there is a possibility of retaining you. Kateega says doing voluntary or part-time work allows you to develop new skills while establishing contacts. Voluntary work, especially when you are fresh from school, can become salaried employment in case an opening comes up. Keep in touch with the institution where you did the internship.
Read and research
Job-seekers should visit company websites, read annual reports and other resources for employment information. Some websites are devoted to job searching.
Routine searching
Don’t fear to approach potential employers if you have the qualifications. It will not do you any harm to drop there an application letter and Curriculum Vitae. Some agencies have data banks where they keep your details and in case of any opening, they contact you.
Job-searching agencies
There are several agencies like Future Options and Dama Consultants. You can visit and register with them. However, be careful because there are some that want to exploit you. Under normal circumstances, you are not expected to pay money to register.
Conferences, workshops and exhibitions
A number of workshops and seminars are held periodically targeting job-seekers. Look out for and attend them.
Send photos and profiles of new appointments or promotions to business@newvision.co.ug or The Business Editor, New Vision, P.O BOX 9815, Kampala