Perminus Wainaina from Corporate Staffing Services Kenya- Kenya's leading recruitment agency shares tips on how to job search effectively in December. job search tips include how to network and becoming visible.

1. Getting ahead in today';
Job search tips
for December
BY PERMINUS WAINAINA
The period between September and December
is sluggish for a recruiter. You don't get as many
recruitment requests as you do for the other
quarters. That is why I wasn't surprised by a
recent survey indicating that Kenyan employers
are looking to start hiring in the next three
months. Going by this, expect an increase in
recruitment from January 2015.
The worst hit month in recruitment is
December. Apart from having fewer working
days due to holidays, some companies have
exhausted their budgets and need approval
before commencing on recruitment. With the
short period, some employers feel that employees
will not be productive and, even if they come on
board, there are many distractions. When you
factor in the notice period, the earliest the new
recruit can come on board is January.
Whereas December is generally a slow month,
there is increased hiring in some industries. For
example, due to increased shopping, supermarkets
normally hire, even if on temporary basis. Other
industries hiring at this period include those in
travel and hospitality, including hotels.
Some firms also conduct stock-take exercises
and need an extra pair of hands for this. Last year,
Corporate Staffing Services conducted a stock-take
exercise for a leading motor vehicle company.
We hired over 60 staff for a three-week period.
Most of the temporary staff were university
students and unemployed fresh graduates.
So, what opportunities are there in December
and how can you take advantage of them?
If you are a fresh graduate, or are jobless, it
is possible to get a temporary job in December.
Look for opportunities in some of the industries
I have mentioned. And you don't have to target
Nakumatt, Naivas or such-like big institutions.
The store at the comer might have an opportunity
for you. Look for temporary work in hotels as
a waiter, cashier, or in other areas that require
minimum training. Salaries range from a low of
Shsoo to a high of Shz.SOO a day.
For experienced candidates, you need not
slow down during this holiday season. Start by
taking stock of your job search process. Determine
what has worked for you and the areas that need
improving. Review your CV and take note of your
achievements. Profile companies that you'd like to
work for. Being a slow month, December affords
you a suitable time to plan your job search and,
by extension, your career.
The holiday season is such that you will have
a chance to meet new people through company
or social events. Let this work to your advantage.
You can establish new contacts and reconnect
with old ones. Remember, over 50 per cent of
jobs are never advertised. People come to know
about them through their networks. Ensure that
you are visible and leave a positive memory.
Lastly, December is a month to give back to
those around us. Whether it's to your company
by helping organise that end-of-year party, or
to your community by visiting and helping the
less privileged. Regardless of whether you are
working, there's a lot to be grateful for and you
can add happiness to another life.
The writer is the head of recruitment at Corporate
Staffing Services (www.corporatestaffmg.coMe). He
has 10 years experience in banking, finance and
HR consultancy. Access his profile on Linkedln,
at ke.linkedin.com/in/perminuswainaina