How to Use LinkedIn Effectively for Your Job Search

LinkedIn being the 17th most popular site in Kenya (according to Alexa.com) is more popular than any local job sites in terms of ranking. Brighter Monday comes in at number 22 followed by Corporate Staffing's Career Point Kenya at number 33 and other four job sites that don’t rank that well. It is encouraging to see many Kenyan professionals utilizing these platforms.

According to LinkedIn, there are more than 800,000 Kenyans registered on this Professional network. However, registering is one thing, utilizing its potential effectively is another thing altogether.

As we know, recruiters and employers are constantly hunting for the best candidate to fill a specific position in their organization or the best candidate to present to the client. In this case they have no choice but to come to where these professionals are and LinkedIn happens to be the right place.

Candidates are often judged by how they present themselves online. There is the type that always posts motivational messages and quotes on life, religion or even politics. The type that is always following celebrities and known personalities.

But how about engaging that Human Resource manager, employee or employer from an organization  you are interested in? Instead of following Richard Branson, Aliko Dangote and Bill Gates connect with individuals who can add value to your career.

How to Job Hunt Via LinkedIn

I don’t know why you signed for LinkedIn but I have these two guesses. You could have joined LinkedIn to search for that dream job or to network for your business. If you have other reasons other than these two, then this may not be the right post. If you are looking for a job then why don’t you have a better profile?
Start by uploading a professional photo. What would come out as a good LinkedIn profile photo? Look at ease, look confident and smile. Remove any distraction behind or next to you (that means nothing else in the shot; no kids, no friends, no wife, no hubby, no pets etc). If you can afford one, get a professional passport photo taken.

Brand Yourself.
If your top skill is capital management, describe your capital management proficiency in your summary as well as in multiple work experience descriptions. Don’t be a jack of all trades.

Have a detailed job description.
Where you currently work, your start date and what you do. Update your profile frequently by adding new employments and achievements in your past places of work. Spend some little time on your profile once in awhile as it’s the only avenue recruiters get to know you. Make good that first impressions!
When contacting a recruiter or any other person that you think can be of help, your approach really matters. Bombarding a recruiter's inbox with messages asking for a placement is not going to give you that job. Apart from being unprofessional, this act will only portray you as someone not serious enough. Why not start by engaging him in a personal chat, get to know this person and their organization. Ask about their recruitment process. Do they accept unsolicited CVs? If yes, why not email him/her your CV indicating clearly the kind of job you are interested in. Make the conversation personal as opposed. Don’t just inbox with the message, "please find my CV" or "I am looking for job ABC."

Lastly, engage!
For you to be recognized online, start by posting helpful articles and links about your profession. Don’t do the motivational quotes that every average Dick and Harry is doing. Always post content that will add value to your connections and bring out your knowledge and interest in your field. And if someone sends a message to your inbox , be courteous and reply.
It would be worthwhile joining the numerous professional groups in your field and contributing. A professional group will help you advance your knowledge and skills as members share their experiences. By posting in the group you establish credibility and grow your influence.

LinkedIn is such a wonderful employment tool and as more Kenyan employers and recruiters are turning to this valuable tool to source for candidates, you can count on LinkedIn to offer you that dream job.  Online savvy professionals are now using LinkedIn to grow their networks for jobs and to develop their career. Don’t be left behind.

4 Job Hunting Tips While You Are Employed

There comes a time when your current job is no longer appealing to you either because the salary is in adequate, or the schedule is just too crazy for you. Whatever the reason, job hunting while you are still employed is acceptable.
In fact, it is advisable to conduct a job search while you are still employed because it makes you sell better than when you are jobless.
Are you at that point in your career where you feel like you should change jobs? What is the right and wrong way to do it?
The following are tips on how to actively job search while you are still employed but avoid creating bad blood between you and your current employer.

How To Job search While Still Employed

1.Keep it Secret
If you want to keep your current job, it is wise to keep your job search a secret. Some companies have a policy to fire employees who are actively job seeking. Do not compromise the job that you have on another that is still uncertain.

2. Do not use company resources to job search
Being ambitious is one thing, but using company resources when job hunting is outright reckless. You may want to save on the money to go to a cyber cafe, but honestly, stop being cheap.
Job search on your own time away from the office and using your own resources. Be a smart job seeker.
While networking on professional social sites like LinkedIn, it is advisable to use your personal contact details not company contacts. Emails or phone calls made to the company are more likely to sell betray your intentions and may cost you your job.

3. Schedule interviews wisely
Whether you lie you are going to a doctor’s appointment or a meeting with a client,  interview scheduling should be done wisely. Always be cautious and ensure that the real purpose of your absence is not discovered by your employer. This could cost you your current job.
If you are used casual wears to work and then suddenly show up in in the morning in a suit, chances are that you will raise suspicion. Dress normally to work and make use of the washrooms to change for the interview.

4.Keep your work and job search separate.
Job searching is time consuming and tedious. Do not let your work be affected by using company time to work on job applications. This could affect the quality of your work and could divert unnecessary attention towards you.
Perform your job responsibilities fully and only when you leave work, you can start on the job search. The two should not be done hand in hand.

Finding a Secure Offshore Banking Account

While it can be difficult to search for an offshore financial institution, it is equally challenging to locate an offshore company that guarantees discretion and confidentiality. Ensuring that banking transactions are secure and confidential are the most important goals of an offshore banking company.

Favorable Territories

Some offshore companies within popular jurisdictions are subject to extreme laws that permit country officials to change government policies because of tax-related pressures. Countries such as Switzerland and Panama are two that often change their laws frequently because of such pressures. On the other hand, jurisdictions such as the Cayman Islands or the Channel Islands have more favorable tax laws that not only permit institutions to provide confidentiality as an offshore banking solution, but also provide more liberal tax incentives for offshore clients.

Asset Protection

Offshore companies gradually continue to offer more options to allow customers to perform traditional banking activities such as wire transfers and online banking regardless of modifications to banking privacy laws. Although such laws can change without notice or consideration to the offshore consumer, finding and choosing the best offshore banking company that prides itself on maintaining privacy for its clients will far outweigh the impact of countries that modify their laws frequently.

Trust Options

Another offshore banking solution for clients is the offshore trust company. This type of banking product fulfills additional demands of clients who want complete privacy as they perform daily banking and trust transactions. For example, offshore companies are able to accept client deposits without having to reveal individual identities to third parties.

Benefits

Opening an offshore account with the help of an offshore company will give you greater peace of mind and a refuge for your wealth in a private, secure place. Offshore companies offer a variety of short- and long-term options, depending upon the goals of their clients. Clients have the option of investing in tax-free stocks, commodities, and/or interest-bearing term deposits.

Offshore companies that offer asset management services and help to protect their clients’ wealth from litigation and questionable trust administrators provide the best incentives for future clients who want to see their assets grow without the heavy tax burden of some countries.

The most important thing to consider in searching and selecting the best offshore banking company is the policy against criminal actions and subsequent convictions. Most reputable offshore companies have a policy of non-tolerance for clients who are convicted of tax-related crimes within their home countries.

3 Ways To Overcome The Job Search Misery

In the job search process, you will either be constantly frustrated for not getting to the interview stage or face rejections over and over. If you allow these frustrations to take control, stress start kicking in and then you start moving gradually to depression.
At this point you are in a state of misery and might be leaning towards giving up, but don’t allow yourself to accept defeat. You can refuse to be frustrated and instead choose to maintain confidence. You can kick the job search blues away if you will yourself to.

Here are 3 ways you can overcome challenges in your job search.

1. Avoid Isolation
The potential for feeling isolated and alone is the greatest roadblock any job-seeker can face. Getting out and about as much as possible is critical to your success. Since networking is the most direct route to your next position, you should be meeting people at every opportunity.
Try being active in professional associations and groups relevant to your line of work, Volunteer in a related field or try joining a job search group (these can be online, either in Linked In, Facebook or WhatsApp) where you can engage with other people in your situation.

2. Practice Proactive Stress Reduction

Plan ahead and determine the best methods you can use to make yourself feel better and relax after a tough day. Some of the methods that can work would be to identify close friends you can go to talk to or confide your frustrations to.
Another way to reduce stress is to complete a project where you will see a tangible result such as cleaning out a drawer, or rearranging your closet.
Also, if you can afford to take some time away, perhaps a weekend or a bit longer, do so during your search. Adding some real distance both emotionally and physically to an issue can provide renewed focus and energy. It will also improve your overall attitude.
3. Set Yourself Up for Success
If your skills aren’t current and competitive, it is difficult to feel good about your viability as a candidate. To be successful, you will need to sell yourself with confidence to potential employers. So, if you can afford it try taking a class to improve your qualification and skills.
The job search process is never easy, at least not for most, so try as much as you can to remain confident and energetic. You never know when it is your time.

How to Survive on a Low Income in Kenya Today

 Most households in Kenya today are finding it hard to survive on the peanuts they earn to the end of each month. With inflation ensuring that the prices of goods and services, in Kenya, are increasing at a rate faster than your pay cheque, it is easy to see why this has become an overwhelming problem for so many people.

This can be especially true for low and middle income families (what majority of Kenyans consider middle class is actually the upper lower class), who are already feeling stretched to the limit and have very little or no resources left after footing their basic bills.

All is not lost, however, as there are some basic ways that every 'hustler' can save money on their day-to-day expenditure. Below is a look at the top money saving tips perfect for anyone, more so the low-income earner

1.  Save on Transport: Transport is a recurring expense which consumes a significant portion of a Kenyan income. Therefore, it is only wise to save that 10 or 20 bob, per trip. Always look for ways to save on transport expenses. Be it walking the short distances, using public transport instead of driving, or waking up early and staying late in the office to avoid the rush hour peak fares, saving on transport is a must for a Kenyan hustler.
2. Change Your Bank Account. If you have been operating a bank account which charges account keeping fees or that which requires you to have a minimum balance on your account, then it is prudent you change to a more pocket friendly bank. The Kshs. 200 account maintenance fee might seem small but its effect on your money is significantly huge, especially when you don't have enough income to sustain it.
3. Saving on Meals: You don't have to take your breakfast in a hotel if you can easily wake up early and make it yourself. A cup of tea in Nairobi in 2015 is ksh. 50 or more. Whereas this may be tastier and ready made, a cup of tea would cost you ksh. 15 bob or less if you made it yourself. You can carry your lunch to work instead of buying lunch in the cafeteria for over 200 shillings.
4. Save on TV: Until recently, television was not considered a recurring expenditure to the Kenyan low income earner. However, with the enforcement of the digital migration directive, Kenyans have found themselves paying something little to watch TV. But to save on TV, it may require that you eliminate your Pay TV services and opt for a free to Air TV instead. The cost of a free to air set top box might be slightly higher than the pay TV ones but the overall cost of a pay TV (even if it is kshs. 150 per month) is tenfold more.
5. Shopping: You don't want to spend the 1,000 shillings daily on grocery if you hardly have enough cash to feed to span a month. Shop for sales items at the grocery store and strive to purchase items in bulk, to get the cheaper per unit price.
6. Movies and books are sometimes considered a luxury, but if you have to, rent a movie instead of heading out to the movie theater where tickets are fairly expenses. Some information contained in the the books can be accessed inexpensively through the internet or by renting instead of buying a book.
7. Saving on Cell phone credit: If you have a cell phone plan already, you may opt for the monthly post paid service, if your calling is intense or reduce extensively on the number of unnecessary calls you make. SMS plan and Whatsapp comes handy here.
8. Eat outs and Dinners: Limit the number of times you eat out each month and choose to eat at home instead. When you do eat out, be sure to ask for water instead of more expensive drinks, and skip dessert at the end of your meal.
9. Save on Electricity: Lower your electricity bills, by using energy saver bulbs and appliances and turning off your lights and TV when you are not in the room, and unplugging your appliances at the outlet when not in use.
10. Sometimes it is good to avoid big stores: Sell and buy items at a local kiosk or smaller stores when buying clothes, household furnishings and miscellaneous goods. The supermarkets are cheap outlets for basic commodities like Unga. However, when buying furniture, and clothes, you don't want to compete with guys who hold the notion that expensive is stylish.
11. Health and Fitness: Instead of paying that monthly subscription at the gym, you can start a walking club with some of your friends, or purchase some yoga training videos that you can do at home. Keeping yourself healthy is fundamental both to your current and future savings. Watch what you eat and keep exercising. The good news is: healthy food are inexpensive.
12. Buy Generic: Brand names are always expensive. Therefore it makes sense to purchase generic-named medications, cleaners and groceries in place of the "original" ones. Cautions: do not try this trick on electronics, the cost will double.

Combining these twelve money savings tips can help a low income earner spend less on the everyday items they purchase and survive to end month with zero debt and/or extra cash for savings. While not all of the tips may be applicable to your household, just doing five of them on a regular basis can help you save a lot of money over the course of just a few weeks.  You should always be on the lookout for ways to save money, no matter how much you earn.

Four Strategies To Find & Apply For Unadvertised Jobs

Contrary to the belief held by a majority of job hunters, the majority of jobs in the market are not advertised. This means that most of these job seekers miss out on jobs since they mainly depend on the newspaper, recruitment agencies and job listing sites.
Due to high cost of advertisement, most middle and small size companies don not advertise their job vacancy.
 Here is how to get and apply for that position you want but can't find that advertisement introducing its availability:

1. Target Search and Research.
First and foremost, it is important that you know your career goals and objectives. You just have to know what you want in a job. After that identify the company that you think you need to work with. Keep your options opened when it comes to the companies you would like to work with.
You can do this by creating a list of target companies, prioritized by what’s most important to you such as: size of the company, specific geographic area, type of product / services, industry, profit or nonprofit organization, reputation/company culture, and so on.

2. Networking.
With a most of Kenyan jobs going unadvertised, it is vital that you constantly network and keep all your old contacts. This can be done through their employees, companies they work in partnership with among others.
Through this, you will be kept in the know on any available positions that need to be filled and will even be recommended to through the contacts you made.

3. Attend Trade Fairs and Conferences.
The only way to meet a majority of employers and future bosses is through trade fairs. Information about these fairs are always in the press and the companies’ websites.
The fairs are not only limited to trade, but also career fairs that are mostly conducted in universities and attract potential employers and companies.

4. Follow-Ups.
When applying for a job position that has not been advertised for, it is up to you to follow-up with the employers on the progress of your application.
You can do this through occasional phone calls or via email. However, this should be done after a week or so.
Remember that since this position was not advertised, your application and CV should be tailored for that particular position and company.