This week sees the release of over 50,000 graduates from Kenyan universities, adding to the pool of unemployed graduates awaiting job opportunities. Sadly, the job market presents a bleak picture. Economic challenges have led to more layoffs than hires, creating an imbalance between the surplus of graduates and the limited job availability.

Most graduates face the hurdle of being inadequately skilled for the demands of the job market. Moreover, clichéd job applications inundated with common phrases fail to impress potential employers. Simply put, applying to numerous random jobs without a focused strategy doesn’t yield success. Entry-level positions are available but require a strategic approach to secure them.

The Current Job Market

The current economic landscape reflects a distressing scenario where layoffs outnumber job placements. The job market is fiercely competitive, with an excess supply of graduates and insufficient job opportunities. Many graduates find themselves unprepared for real-world demands due to the educational curriculum’s mismatch with industry requirements.

Challenges Faced by Graduates

Unskilled graduates are facing significant hurdles in securing employment. Applications filled with generic phrases like “I work well under pressure” fail to differentiate candidates in a saturated job market. Relying on sheer luck or applying haphazardly is a recipe for frustration and disappointment.

Common Job Application Pitfalls

Graduates often commit common mistakes during job applications. Repeatedly using clichéd phrases and adopting a scattershot approach in job applications diminishes the chances of landing a desired job. Applicants need to adopt a more strategic and targeted approach to stand out.

Strategies for Successful Job Hunting

1. Corporate Graduate Trainee Program

These programs are highly competitive and mostly reserved for candidates with exceptional academic records. However, making the cut requires a stellar academic background and excelling in assessments and interviews.

2. Hiring into SMEs

SMEs seek individuals with either a single high-value skill or a diverse set of skills. Flexibility and problem-solving capabilities are highly valued in SMEs. Leveraging referrals and showcasing problem-solving abilities significantly increases job prospects for SMEs.

3. Freelancing Opportunities

Freelancing offers avenues for monetizing specific skills like writing, graphic design, and social media management. Building client trust and credibility is pivotal to transitioning freelancing into a sustainable business.

Importance of High-Value Skills

The emphasis lies on acquiring skills that hold significant value in the job market. Possessing high-value skills or a blend of complementary skills increases employability and career prospects.

Developing Valuable Skills Post-Graduation

Post-graduation, it’s imperative to invest time in refining skills. Continuous learning and honing expertise in sought-after areas significantly bolster job prospects.

Conclusion

Securing a job in 2024 for graduates demands a strategic approach and a focus on developing high-value skills. The job market’s competitiveness requires graduates to stand out by adopting tailored strategies rather than relying on conventional and generalized approaches.