Navigating the job market in Kenya can be a challenging experience. We all know the hustle of sending CVs via email, waiting in cyber cafes for responses, or even walking into offices in the Industrial Area hoping for a chance. In this digital age, LinkedIn has become a critical platform for networking and landing opportunities. Unfortunately, many of us are making fundamental errors when asking for referrals. Here's what NOT to do and how you can avoid these pitfalls.
The Boilerplate Message: A Big No-No
First off, sending a generic message is the quickest way to get ignored. Imagine receiving a bulk message that lacks any personal touch—you're likely to dismiss it. The same happens when you send copy-paste requests on LinkedIn.
- Pitfall: Sending the same message to multiple contacts without personalization.
- What to Avoid: Avoid starting with "Dear Sir/Madam" or a simple "Hi", followed by a template message.
- Better Approach: Take the time to personalize your message. Mention how you came across their profile and why you're interested in connecting.
The TMI Approach: Keep It Brief
We get it; you're enthusiastic about your prospects, but oversharing can be off-putting.
- Pitfall: Writing long paragraphs about your entire career journey, including where you interned during your HELB-funded university days.
- What to Avoid: Avoid sending your entire CV in the first message.
- Better Approach: Keep it concise. Highlight a key achievement or a shared interest that relates to the job or company.
The Impersonal Ask: You Need Some Rapport
Striking up a conversation without building any prior relationship is like walking up to a stranger and asking for a job on Moi Avenue.
- Pitfall: Directly asking for a referral without any prior interaction or rapport.
- What to Avoid: Avoid jumping straight to, "Can you refer me?" without prior engagement.
- Better Approach: Engage with their content first. Comment on their posts or articles they've shared and gradually build a professional relationship.
The Desperate Plea: Maintain Professionalism
It's understandable to feel the pressure, especially when HELB loans loom or you're transitioning from internships in Kenya to full-time roles. However, desperation can come across negatively.
- Pitfall: Exaggerating your situation or using emotional pleas to coax a referral.
- What to Avoid: Avoid phrases like "I really need this" or "You're my only hope".
- Better Approach: Maintain a professional demeanor. Focus on your qualifications and what you bring to the table.
The M-Pesa Mention: Keep It Clean
While M-Pesa is a widely used transaction platform here, mentioning or implying monetary exchanges for referrals can be unethical.
- Pitfall: Offering incentives for referrals.
- What to Avoid: Avoid any mention of "I'll buy you lunch via M-Pesa" or similar offers.
- Better Approach: Let your skills and achievements speak for themselves. Referrals should be based on merit, not transactions.
The Job Title Drop: Specificity Matters
Vague requests can lead to missed opportunities, especially in sectors booming in Kenya such as tech and finance.
- Pitfall: Asking for "any position available".
- What to Avoid: Avoid non-specific asks that don't match your CV writing tips.
- Better Approach: Specify the role or department you're interested in, whether it's at Safaricom, Equity Bank, or through platforms like BrighterMonday.
Building your professional network is an art that requires patience, tact, and a personal touch. By avoiding these common mistakes, you're setting yourself up for success in the competitive landscape of online jobs in Kenya. Be authentic, be specific, and let your professional demeanor shine through every interaction. Happy networking!