How to Land Graduate Trainee Jobs in Kenya: Tips and Strategies

Congratulations on your graduation! Your years of hard work have paid off, placing you at the peak of one mountain with your degree in hand. Yet, you’re also at the foot of the “corporate world mountain,” facing a highly competitive job market entry process.  At any given moment, thousands of fresh graduates like you are vying for positions in the corporate world.  Therefore, you must stand out to employers to secure graduate trainee jobs in Kenya.  

This guide will equip you with the practical skills you need to navigate your entry into the corporate world.  It offers tips to differentiate yourself from other graduates seeking graduate trainee jobs in Kenya. Most importantly, these strategies will help you overcome the graduate job market’s challenges and set you on the path to realizing your career goals.

Strategy 1: Prepare to Apply for Graduate Trainee Jobs in Kenya

Answer the Question “What?” And “Where?”

Before applying for graduate trainee jobs in Kenya, you should determine what position (s) you want to apply for and focus your efforts. In a highly competitive job market, graduates must focus their job-hunting efforts on specific roles. Deciding what position aligns with your skills and experiences will enable you to tailor your application for the specific role. Such a targeted and strategic approach to securing graduate trainee jobs in Kenya makes you stand out as a strong candidate to employers, increasing your chances of success.

In addition to identifying specific positions, consider where you want to work. Some questions to ask yourself include: What is the company’s culture? Does the company have a graduate trainee program? Will the opportunity offer career-advancing skills? Target companies that offer graduate internships and programs to increase your chances of landing graduate trainee jobs in Kenya. These organizations provide opportunities for you to gain practical experience and important skills to help you launch your career.

Attend Career Days and Expos

Career days and expos allow graduates unique opportunities to meet and network with potential employers and recruiters. Review upcoming career events and attend the most relevant to your industry. Examples of resources that could help you keep up with ongoing and upcoming career expos in your region are the Nairobi International Education and Careers Fair and 10times.

Use Your Network to Find Graduate Trainee Opportunities  

Did you know that 80% of hired job candidates learn about the job opportunities they apply for from their networks? So, before applying for graduate trainee jobs willy-nilly, consider contacting your network and getting specific referrals. Ask your university professors for job references and inform professionals in your field about your job search. Furthermore, you can leverage LinkedIn online networks by indicating that you’re open to work. “Your network is your net worth.” 

Strategy 2: Tailor Your CV, Cover Letter, and LinkedIn Profile for the Job You Want

Dos and Don’ts When Writing Your CV

Did you know that, on average, an HR manager only looks at a CV for less than 5 seconds before deeming it “useful” or “trash.” Therefore, you must tailor your CV correctly to give yourself a chance for consideration for graduate trainee jobs in Kenya.

Dos: 

1. Use the latest CV format
2. Use an ATS-friendly CV format
3. Write an original CV for each job
4. List relevant internships and volunteer work when writing the experience section if you have no work experience.
5. Send the CV as a PDF copy 

Don’t: Mention your grades; Overcomplicate your CV format.

Writing A Winning Cover Letter

Statistics reveal that more than 80% of employers prefer candidates who submit cover letters alongside their CVs. Hence, you must write a cover letter when applying for graduate trainee jobs in Kenya to increase your chances of securing the desired opportunity. 

When writing your cover letter, include an introduction section, body, and closing paragraphs, focusing on quality rather than quantity. Keep your cover letter concise and professional, and ensure it shares your goals and value proposition with your potential employer. 

Setting Up Your  LinkedIn Profile 

Your LinkedIn profile is as important as your CV and cover letter when applying for graduate trainee jobs in Kenya. If you don’t have one, it might be time to create one! A LinkedIn profile is a crucial career investment that allows potential employers to understand your brand.

When setting up your LinkedIn profile, create an optimized LinkedIn profile with a custom URL, and use action verbs and keywords in your summary. Also, refrain from following unrelated pages or publishing unprofessional content.

Highlight Your Employability Skills

When creating your CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile, highlight your employability skills. Grades are not among the top skills employers seek in the current job market. Instead, recruiters look for candidates who exhibit resilience, passion for the business, communication, and problem-solving skills. These highly sought-after abilities are employability skills you should emphasize in your job application documents to heighten your chances of landing graduate trainee jobs in Kenya.

Strategy 3: Things to Consider When Submitting Your Application (s)

Apply Early

Submit your application for the graduate trainee opportunity you are interested in within the first four weeks of the job posting. Early applications increase your chances of securing graduate trainee jobs in Kenya.

Be Organized

Use an Excel spreadsheet or similar tools to keep up with available openings and deadlines. During the graduate trainee job application process, such organisational skills will help you maximize the opportunities you apply for, increasing your chances of landing a role that interests you.  

Avoid Weekend Applications

Send your job applications during weekdays, especially between Monday and Wednesday. Applying for graduate trainee jobs early in the week increases your chances of advancing in the recruitment process.   

Strategy 4: Prepare for the Interview Process

Do Your Research

When invited for a graduate trainee job interview, research the company before the interview date. Learn about the organization’s values, services/products, mission, and history. Similarly, read recently published reports and press releases about the company to understand its recent activities and plans. Such preparation ensures you can demonstrate your interest in working with the organization during the interview, increasing your chances of securing graduate trainee jobs in Kenya.

Think Like the Interviewer

Putting yourself in the interviewer’s shoes is equally important when preparing for the interview process. It entails anticipating the questions a recruiter will likely ask you during the interview. Consider this part of the process the “revision phase” that ensures you have all the necessary information at your fingertips during the interview. You can use online video sources or platforms like Google Interview Warm-up as resources to help you practice your responses. Similarly, you can practice and familiarize yourself with the verbal, situational judgment, and numerical skills interviewers may likely test as part of the interview preparation process. After all, preparation is the key to success.

Prepare for Video/Online Interviews

Video interviews are increasingly common in today’s job market. If you are invited for a video interview, remember that how you present yourself will determine whether you get the job. During the interview, express enthusiasm, avoid distractions, dress appropriately, maintain eye contact, be mindful of your body language, and give structured responses to increase your chances of landing graduate trainee jobs in Kenya. Moreover, refresh your digital literacy skills with video conferencing tools and software to mitigate unnecessary technical difficulties during the interview.

Parting Shot

Starting your professional journey as a fresh graduate can be challenging. However, using the strategies and tips outlined in this article, you can make a great impression on potential employers and increase your chances of landing graduate trainee jobs in Kenya. 

Moreover, your first graduate role doesn’t have to be your ideal role. Don’t overlook opportunities that can offer you valuable support and experience for your long-term career goals. You can achieve your early career goals with hard work and persistence. Remember, the habit of persistence is the habit of victory!

All the best with your applications!