The techniques
for finding Jobs in Ghana have changed over the decades. The old days of
finding a job right out of school and sticking with it until retirement are
certainly in the past.
In Ghana today, people have become more adept at
locating new job opportunities. But some of the more traditional tactics have
started to fade in popularity; no longer are people looking solely at the
newspaper want-ads to find their dream jobs. Job seekers are becoming more
creative and utilizing new strategies in moving their careers forward.
Networking
It is said
that the majority of job vacancies are never advertised, often referred to as
the “hidden job market.” To land these jobs, seekers will need to find a way to
get a foot in the door. Networking can go a long way in locating job opportunities;
even if no one you know directly has knowledge of a job opening, there’s a
chance they know someone who does.
Networking
can be done both in person and online. You can join professional associations,
attend events for graduates of your school or aim to connect with professionals
who work in your field. Various online tools also exist, such as Linked-In,
which allow you to network with other professionals and learn out about
possible job openings.
Referrals
Referrals
also come from individuals you know, however, this method may get you an
invitation to apply for a position without actually searching for a new a job.
Some employers offer incentives to their employees for referring a successful
candidate to their company.
This
creates a win-win situation for everyone. You get a new job, and your contact
gets a finder’s fee for attracting a top-notch employee.
Job Boards and
Career Websites
Traditionally,
Job boards were boards posting vacancies and employment opportunities. Though
some of these boards may still exist in a literal sense, many job boards have
moved toward a virtual format. You can also use job search engines on the
internet or the vast number of career-related websites that post job openings,
such as Jobberman Ghana Website
Job Fairs
Job fairs
such as the Jobberman Career Workshop are typically targeted toward specific
industries, though some job or recruitment fairs are more generalized. These
workshops will usually come with a list of the organizations that will be
present. Investigate companies that interest you, bring a number of resumes and
be ready to sell yourself.
Consider
any conversations with recruiters as mini interviews that can set you apart
from other applicants. Some organizations may even offer on-site interviews to
candidates that match their requirements.
Company Websites
If you
already have your dream employer in mind, why not go directly to the career
section of their website? If you watch for openings on their site, there’s a
chance you’ll find just the opportunity that you've been waiting for.
If you’re
really set on working for a specific company it may take some time to find just
the opportunity that fits your skill set. But if you've got the luxury of time,
this might be the optimal method for finding your dream job.
Cold Calling
If you
don’t see any job listings posted for a company you’re particularly interested
in, you might consider making a cold call. You can use the telephone or email
to contact individuals within an organization by finding their contact details on
the company website or by inquiring with a receptionist. Contact individuals
directly to find out if they foresee any upcoming vacancies, and be sure to
attach a copy of your resume to any emails you send. You can also ask for
information about types of jobs, or what kind of skills or qualities the
organization looks for in a candidate. Keep in mind that this kind of contact
may not always be well received, but there is always a chance it’ll give you
the inside track on upcoming vacancies.
Head Hunters and Recruitment Agencies
If you’re
looking for some professional help in your job search, head hunters and
recruitment agencies can definitely lend a hand. There are a number of
organizations that hire through recruitment agencies because it helps to streamline
the lengthy process of locating and interviewing candidates. Head hunters
locate individuals to fill a specific vacancy within an organization or find a
position for a job seeker who has hired their services.
Temping or Internships
Sometimes
temporary employment can lead to permanent positions. If you’re without work,
finding a temporary position with a great company is a great way to get a foot
in the door, or provide you with useful business contacts to call upon in the
future. Internships are a great choice for students who are just graduating
from the University and many schools’ job placement services can connect
students with opportunities.
The Bottom Line
In the
modern job market, finding the very best job opportunities often requires a
combination of methods. Always keep in mind that there are a variety of methods
available for finding job opportunities, all with their own strengths and
weaknesses, so shy away from expediting these techniques and chasing your dream
job.
