Many graduates think that if you want to get a job in Nairobi, it’s through connections. But it’s not always the case—you can actually get job without any connections.
Assuming that you are completely new in the city but you want to get a job, these are the tricks to employ:
APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP
Since jobs are scarce, internship will be the ideal options. Companies will be comfortable to offer you an internship because they aren’t going to pay you. While pursuing your internship, perfect your work to impress your bosses. In case a vacancy arises, you will be given the first priority.
Nowadays most companies don’t advertise for jobs, they employ those already working for them, they also do internal advertisement.
During internship, you may also get connections even outside the company, which will be essential for your job search.
VOLUNTEER
Offer yourself to volunteer for NGOs, private companies and government institutions. When you volunteer for a company, they don’t incur costs—it’s easy for them to give you a chance other than asking for a job directly. During the period you are with the company, an opportunity may arise.
BLIND APPLICATIONS
When I was a job seeker 14 years ago, my first job was through blind application. I used to go to the cyber to get email addresses for HR for different companies, then apply for employment. One of the companies invited me for an interview. I was recruited.
LEARN IMPORTANT AND UNIQUE SKILL
There are skills which are rare, which do not require connections. If you pursue Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery, Plumbing, Nursing, Pharmacy, Smartphone repair and Mechanical engineering or electrical engineering, you will get a job without connections. These skills are marketable.
START WORKING ONLINE
Become a content creator, learn skills like photography, web design, graphic design and academic writing. While you are looking for a job, continue working online to earn money. YouTube is a good platform for making money online.
Don’t wait to be employed by someone, look for something to do.
There are also many small businesses to do in Nairobi to make money. Start a grocery for Ksh 20,000 only, start hawking, start selling mitumba clothes.
DO REMOTE JOBS
The world is changing; people can get jobs online. There are a number of sites which provide remote jobs. Software developers, academic writers, data analysts. Sign up for remote jobs and get employed without connections.
STAND OUT FROM THE REST
Make sure in college you score first class, then pursue a professional course like CFA r Actuarial Professional certification. Pursue Masters and PhD from top universities in UK, USA, Australia or Canada. This way you will stand out and companies will need your services.
APPLY FOR UNDERRATED JOBS
There are jobs which are underrated in Nairobi like Morgue attendant, toilet cleaning, security officer, boda boda rider or driver, bank sales executives, and insurance financial advisors. At least you will have somewhere to start from.
