George Agak is the author of Nothing Underneath; a collection of poems and prose. His works have appeared in several journals, websites and print including the Avocet: A Journal of Nature Poems, Poetry Breakfast and The Saturday Standard. He is currently working on his second book Slivers of Darkness; a collection of poems themed on depression and identity crisis. When not writing poems, he does copywriting for businesses. Visit his website; www.georgeagak.com
How many CVs have you sent out but never got invited for an interview? Countless?
Well, if my guess is right, your CVs ended up in the shredder. This is where most CVs rot!
You must save your CV from this.
While many job seekers dwell in the basics, employers are now looking for more in a CV. Workplace requirements have evolved with time. For example, employers prefer; team people to lone rangers, innovation to antiquity, and versatility to rehearsed routines— your CV should also evolve.
While summarising your entire work experience into two pages is limiting, rummaging through pages of fluff when you have piles of CVs to scour is stiffly boring— hiring managers don’t have that time. Make it brief, clear, and resourceful.
Only two percent of job applicants get summoned for interviews. That’s how fierce the competition is.
Worse still, the job market is awash with job seekers who are more qualified than you; yet, you can’t coil your tail, throw your arms in the air and settle into the ‘comfort’ of unemployment.
You have your HELB loan to pay, your daily expenses outweigh your income, and the taxman won’t take your excuses for a currency.
You have to get a job; your CV mustn’t meet the shredder!
…Here’s how;
Make It Easy to Read
You might be the most qualified candidate for the position, but if the hiring manager isn’t able to find the relevant information in your CV at first glance, then, your CV will be tossed in the shredder.
You only have one chance to make a lasting first impression;
Choose an appropriate font and use it consistently throughout the CV
Correct all typos, grammar, and punctuations
Use appropriate spacing between paragraphs
List your experiences tactfully; begin with your most recent experiences relevant to the position.
The hiring manager will have hundreds of CVs to go through, make it easier for him to find relevant information on your CV. Surely, if you were the hiring manager you wouldn’t rummage through the fluff to find the best candidate— It is the candidate’s job to be VISIBLE.
Avoid vague terms; Give measurable accomplishments
When writing your CV, it is normal to reach that heart-pouring zenith, where you mention every contribution you made in your past jobs— irrespective of whether they are related to the position or not. This practice will riddle your CV with fluff.
Instead of mentioning all your contributions, pick one or two with measurable accomplishments. Don’t write; “I improved the sales of the company,” instead, let the hiring manager know what you did and how it affected the sales: “Buffalo, the team I led organised Wednesday street coups that improved our team sales by 50%”.
See, the hiring manager wants to know the value you’ll add to the company and not just tasks you have completed in the past.
The question is, can you improve quality, efficiency or productivity? — Your academic qualifications and vast experience won’t land you the job if you can’t demonstrate this.
Clean your social media accounts
Be Clean Online. Be employable
Social media isn’t social anymore. Whatever you post to amuse your friends might—just might— make you unemployable.
Most employers will google your name to know more about you. If you fill your social media accounts with near-naked photos and I-don’t-give- a-damn posts, you know where your CV will end up— shredder.
Keep your social media profiles squeaky clean, or change your visibility settings so that only a few people you trust can view your social media acts.
In conclusion, don’t just write a CV for formality; make it the best representation of your workmanship. That, my friend, is how to save it from the shredder.
MustardSeed participated in the Joint Universities CLC Formation held at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) from February 20 to February 23, 2025.
Joseph Ouma shares career insights with the students during the CLC Joint Formation.
For the first time in its history, the Christian Life Community (C.L.C) incorporated the MustardSeed Program into its formation to address contemporary issues affecting young people beyond the spiritual realm.
During the event, MustardSeed facilitated presentations on CV writing, portfolio development, and digital literacy, equipping university students with essential skills to enhance their career readiness and digital engagement.
These sessions provided practical insights and actionable strategies for students preparing to enter the job market and engage with the digital economy.
The event brought together students from various institutions, including:
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
Kitale National Polytechnic
Koitaleel Samoei University College (Constituent college of UON)
Maseno University
Moi University Eldoret
Rongo University
University of Kabianga
Kenyatta University
Pwani University
University of Eldoret
CLCERS after Campus
The Christian Life Community (C.L.C) is a Catholic organization dedicated to helping its members deepen their faith and live according to the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola. With a presence in nearly 60 countries worldwide, C.L.C fosters community, spirituality, and service through prayer, dialogue, and active engagement in contemporary societal challenges.
Mustardseed remains committed to empowering young people by providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate today’s complex world. Through the collaboration with C.L.C, we continue bridging the gap between faith, education, and real-world challenges, ensuring that students are spiritually enriched and practically equipped for their futures.
Today’s job market is quite competitive, and everyone is looking for an edge. But what if I told you that you can boost your career success simply by giving back? It may sound counterintuitive, but volunteering can propel your professional growth in ways you never imagined.
When you volunteer, you make a positive impact on the community and develop valuable skills that can enhance your resume. Whether you’re organizing events, leading a team, or fundraising, volunteering allows you to gain real-world experience in areas that employers value.
Volunteering demonstrates your passion and dedication, showing potential employers you are proactive and community-minded. It also provides networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with professionals in your field and expand your social and professional circles.
In this article, we will explore how volunteering can propel your professional growth. Keep reading!
The power of volunteering in career development
Volunteering is often viewed as a noble act of giving back to the community, but its impact on one’s career development is usually overlooked. However, the truth is that volunteering can be a powerful tool in propelling your professional growth and advancing your career. When you engage in volunteer work, you acquire diverse skills, gain valuable real-world experience, and build a solid professional network – all of which can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
It allows you to step outside of your comfort zone and explore new areas of interest, which can be particularly beneficial if you’re unsure of your career path or looking to make a career change.
It also provides a low-risk environment to experiment with different roles and responsibilities, helping you to identify your strengths, passions, and areas for improvement. This self-discovery process can be instrumental in guiding your career decisions and aligning your professional aspirations with your values.
Moreover, the skills and experiences gained through volunteering are highly transferable to the workplace. Whether it’s project management, communication, problem-solving, or leadership, the skills you develop while volunteering can be directly applied to your professional responsibilities.
How volunteering can enhance your skills and experience
One of the primary benefits of volunteering is the opportunity to develop a diverse range of valuable skills. When you volunteer, you are often tasked with responsibilities that push you out of your comfort zone and challenge you to acquire new capabilities. For instance, if you volunteer to organize a charity event, you may find yourself coordinating with various stakeholders, managing budgets, and overseeing a team of volunteers – all of which require exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
Similarly, volunteering in a role that involves public outreach or community engagement can help you hone your interpersonal skills, empathy, and ability to work with diverse populations. Employers are increasingly seeking these soft skills, which are essential for effective collaboration, problem-solving, and customer service. Highlighting your volunteer experiences and the skills you’ve developed in your job application can differentiate you from other candidates and demonstrate your versatility and adaptability.
Volunteering gives you the opportunity to serve your community while growing your resume
Furthermore, volunteering can provide you with hands-on experience in areas that may be difficult to obtain through traditional employment. For example, if you’re interested in pursuing a career in nonprofit management, volunteering at a local charity organization can give you valuable insights into the inner workings of the sector, giving you an edge in similar work environments.
Building a strong professional network through volunteering
Networking is essential to career development, and volunteering offers a unique opportunity to expand your professional connections. When you volunteer, you interact with diverse individuals, including other volunteers, organization leaders, and community members.
These interactions can lead to valuable introductions, referrals, and potential job opportunities.
Volunteering allows you to tap into the expertise and experiences of your fellow volunteers for better decision-making
Moreover, volunteering can connect you with professionals who share your interests and passions, allowing you to build meaningful relationships and find mentors or sponsors within your desired field. These connections can be particularly valuable when exploring new career paths or seeking guidance on navigating the job market.
Tapping into the expertise and experiences of your fellow volunteers, you can gain valuable insights and advice that can help you make informed decisions about your professional development.
In addition, many volunteer organizations actively promote and support the professional growth of their volunteers. They may offer training programs, networking events, or job placement assistance to help their volunteers enhance their skills and advance their careers. Showcasing your passion and commitment through volunteer work
Volunteering is more than just a resume-building exercise – it’s a powerful way to demonstrate your passion, dedication, and commitment to making a positive impact. When you volunteer, you devote your time and energy to an important cause, which can be a powerful signal to potential employers.
Employers often seek candidates who are not only skilled and experienced but also driven by a sense of purpose and a desire to contribute to the greater good. Highlighting your volunteer work on your resume and in job interviews showcases your values, work ethic, and willingness to go above and beyond the traditional job requirements. This helps you stand out from the crowd and convey to employers that you are a well-rounded individual who is passionate about making a difference.
Leveraging volunteer experience in job applications and interviews
Volunteer experiences can provide you with unique talking points and anecdotes that can be used to showcase your problem-solving abilities, teamwork skills, and adaptability during job interviews.
For example, if you’ve volunteered as a fundraiser for a local nonprofit, you can highlight your ability to set and achieve goals, your skills in persuasive communication, and your experience in managing budgets and resources. These skills are directly applicable to many professional roles, and by drawing the connection between your volunteer work and the job requirements, you can make a compelling case for why you are the ideal candidate.
Sharing specific examples of how you’ve applied your skills and knowledge in a volunteer context demonstrates to the interviewer that you have the practical experience and the mindset to succeed in the role.
Volunteering as a way to explore new industries and career paths
Volunteering can be invaluable when you’re unsure of your career path or looking to make a career change. By engaging in volunteer work, you can explore new industries, test out different roles, and better understand your interests and strengths.
For instance, if you’re considering a career in the nonprofit sector, volunteering with a local charity organization can provide you with firsthand experience in the field, allowing you to assess whether it aligns with your values and career aspirations. Similarly, if you’re interested in environmental sustainability, you could volunteer with a conservation group to gain hands-on experience.
These volunteer experiences can help you make more informed decisions about your career path, as you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the day-to-day realities of the industry or role. The skills and knowledge you acquire through volunteering can be directly applicable to your future career, making the transition to a new field or role much smoother.
How to find volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and goals
Volunteering is good, but you have to find opportunities that align with your interests and goals if you’re to reap meaningful rewards. You want to make your volunteering engagements strategic to your career growth.
Start by reflecting on your passions, values, and the types of work that you find fulfilling. Do you have a particular cause or social issue that you care deeply about? Are you interested in developing your leadership skills or gaining experience in a specific industry? Ask yourself these critical questions to find opportunities that align with your values and professional goals.
Don’t just jump on any volunteer opportunity you find. That’s not how to grow professionally. Evaluate every opportunity, and only commit when you feel the skills and experiences you’ll gain while volunteering will be worthwhile.
How to balance volunteering with work and personal commitments
While the benefits of volunteering for career development are clear, balancing volunteer work with your existing professional and personal obligations can be challenging. Finding a sustainable approach that allows you to reap the rewards of volunteering without sacrificing your overall well-being is essential.
Start small and gradually increase your volunteer involvement as you become more comfortable with the time commitment. Begin by dedicating a few hours per week or month to a volunteer role, and then assess your ability to take on additional responsibilities as your schedule allows. It’s also important to be upfront with your volunteer organization about your availability and limitations, ensuring that your contributions are manageable and do not lead to burnout.
Also, align your volunteer work with your existing skills and interests, as this can make the time commitment feel more natural and rewarding. For example, if you’re passionate about writing, you could volunteer to create content for a nonprofit’s website or newsletter. Integrating your volunteer work with your personal and professional pursuits creates a more holistic and sustainable approach to career development.
Conclusion
In today’s competitive job market, volunteering helps you acquire valuable skills, build a robust professional network, and demonstrate your passion and commitment to potential employers. Whether you’re looking to explore new career paths, enhance your existing skillset, or simply positively impact your community, volunteering offers a unique and rewarding path to professional growth. Find volunteer opportunities that align with your skills and values and treat them like you would a real job. You’ll be surprised how well these opportunities prepare you for the workplace.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the art of job interview preparation to help you ace your next interview.
Preparing for a job interview isn’t just about dressing smart and rehearsing your answers—it’s about understanding the company and the role, and being able to showcase your abilities with spontaneity. The better you know your role and the company, the higher your chances of getting the job.
With our expert tips and strategies, you will learn how to research the company, anticipate interview questions, craft compelling answers, and confidently present yourself. Let’s dive in!
Why you should prepare for a job interview
Preparing for a job interview is crucial for landing the role you desire. It demonstrates your seriousness, commitment, and attention to detail—all qualities that employers highly value.
When you invest time and effort into preparing for an interview, you show that you’re interested in the opportunity and position yourself as a proactive, organized candidate eager to excel.
Proper preparation makes all the difference in how you perform during the interview.
It allows you to anticipate and thoughtfully respond to questions rather than feeling flustered or caught off guard. When you research the company and the role, you’re better equipped to articulate how your skills and experiences align with the employer’s needs. This level of preparedness can help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your suitability for the position.
Also, when you’re well prepared for an interview, your confidence soars, and you navigate the interview process with poise and self-assurance. When you feel well-prepared, you’re less likely to experience anxiety or nervousness, which can often hinder your ability to communicate effectively.
Understand the interview process
The interview process can vary greatly depending on the company, the role, and the specific hiring practices. However, there are some common stages that you expect to encounter during most interviews.
Stage 1: The initial screening interview: Often conducted over the phone or through a video call, the initial screening interviewis typically the first step.
Through this interview, the employer assesses your qualifications, your interest in the role, and your communication skills. At this stage, you’ll give an overview of your background and relevant experience.
Stage 2: In-person interview: After the initial screening, you may be invited to a more in-depth, in-person interview. This is where the real evaluation begins. The employer will likely ask a series of behavioral and situational questions to gain a deeper understanding of your skills, problem-solving abilities, and fit for the role. Provide specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your capabilities.
In some cases, you may be asked to participate in a skills assessment or a technical interview where you’ll be evaluated on your practical abilities related to the job requirements. This could involve a coding challenge, a presentation, or a case study.
Approach these assessments with a positive attitude and showcase your expertise.
Stage 3: Senior-level panel: The final stage of the interview process may involve meeting with senior-level executives or a panel of interviewers. This is an opportunity for the employer to assess your leadership potential, strategic thinking, and ability to navigate complex situations.
Articulate your long-term career goals and how this role aligns with your professional aspirations.
When you understand the different stages of the interview process and prepare for each, you navigate the interview with ease.
Most employers employ this interview process
How to research the company and the role
You’ll need to conduct thorough company research to align your application with their values. Gain a deep understanding of the company, the role, and the industry so you can tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the opportunity.
Start by reviewing the company’s website. Pay attention to its mission, values, products or services, and any recent news or achievements. This information will help you understand the company’s culture, priorities, and the challenges they may be facing. Explore the company’s social media presence, press releases, and any industry publications that mention them to get a well-rounded perspective on the organization.
Next, delve into the specific role you’re applying for.
Analyze the job description, taking note of the required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities. This will help you identify the key competencies the employer is seeking and allow you to highlight how your background aligns with their needs.
Research industry trends, market competitors, and any relevant regulations or technologies that may impact the role.
Leverage your professional network and connections to gather additional insights about the company and the role. Reach out to current or former employees, industry peers, or even the hiring manager directly to gain a more nuanced understanding of the organization’s culture, the day-to-day responsibilities of the role, and any unique challenges or opportunities you may encounter.
Crafting compelling answers to common interview questions
While you won’t know the specific questions the interviewer has for you, you can anticipate and prepare for common interview questions. There are common questions you expect in interviews, and they’re a good place to solidify your preparations. Craft well-thought-out responses to showcase your qualifications, relevant experiences, and your suitability for the role.
Start by compiling a list of the most commonly asked interview questions, such as “Tell me about yourself,” “Why are you interested in this role?” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Develop a clear and concise response for each question, focusing on how your background, skills, and experiences align with the employer’s needs.
When crafting your answers, structure your responses using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. This approach allows you to provide specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills. This article by The Muse goes deeper into how you can use the STAR method to ace your interview.
Check it out.
When you highlight the context, the actions you took, and the positive outcomes, you’ll paint a convincing picture of your qualifications.
Start with the common questions but don’t stop there. Address any gaps in your CV. If you have a career transition, a gap in employment, or any other potential red flags, be proactive in addressing them. Craft a narrative that explains the situation, emphasizes your growth and learning, and ultimately showcases your suitability for the role.
Tailor your responses to the specific job and company you’re interviewing for. Avoid generic, one-size-fits-all answers. Instead, customize your responses to align with the organization’s culture and job needs. This level of personalization gives you an edge as your answers are more authentic and aligns with each prospective employer’s values.
Practice mock interviews
It’s easy to wake up and face the panel, but practicing mock interviews can help you live the moment before it arrives. Practice mock interviews to spot the gaps in your application and address them. If you want to speak with spontaneity, mock interviews will take you a long way.
Simulate the interview experience to identify areas for improvement, build your confidence, and refine your responses. If you’ve got a partner who can guide you through the questions, great. Use their presence to monitor your tone, body language, and flow of responses.
You’ll probably be alone, so stand before a mirror, go through the mock questions, and give yourself honest feedback. This feedback will help you identify areas where you may need to improve, such as your ability to think fast, your communication skills, or your overall confidence.
If possible, record your mock interviews and review the footage afterwards.
Mind your body language during your interactions with the interviewer
Master non-verbal communication and body language
While the content of your responses is crucial, your nonverbal communication and body language significantly impact your interview performance. Master these subtle yet essential elements, and you’ll convey confidence, engagement, and professionalism.
Pay attention to your posture. Stand or sit tall with your shoulders back. Project an air of ease and self-assurance. Avoid slouching, fidgeting, or crossing your arms; these can be perceived as signs of nervousness or disengagement.
Maintain steady, direct eye contact with the interviewer throughout the conversation. This demonstrates your focus, interest, and trustworthiness. However, do not stare. Staring can come across as intense or uncomfortable.
Engage in active listening by nodding your head, leaning slightly forward, and offering occasional verbal cues like “I see” or “That’s interesting.” This shows the interviewer that you are actively engaged and interested in what they’re saying.
Use natural, expressive hand gestures to emphasize your points and add visual interest to your responses. Avoid excessive or distracting hand movements, as these can be distracting.
Instead, keep your gestures purposeful and in sync with your verbal communication.
Pay attention to your facial expressions, ensuring that they align with the tone and content of your responses. A warm, genuine smile can convey your enthusiasm and approachability, while a thoughtful, focused expression can demonstrate your engagement and problem-solving abilities.
Dress for success
A big part of preparing for the interview is identifying what you’ll wear. Your choice of attire matters big time; remember what they say about first impressions? You never get a chance to do it twice!
Dress appropriately for the interview.
It shows you respect the organization and its culture and will be a good fit.
Start by researching the company’s dress code and culture. If the organization has a formal, corporate environment, a well-fitted suit in a neutral color like navy, gray, or black is often the safest choice. Opt for a collared shirt, a tie, and polished shoes.
If the company has a more casual or creative culture, you can adjust your attire accordingly, while still maintaining a polished appearance.
Regardless of the dress code, ensure that your clothes are clean, well-fitted, and free of any stains, wrinkles, or distracting accessories.
Keep an eye on the small details, such as polished shoes, neatly trimmed nails, and minimal jewelry. The goal is to present a confident and competent image that aligns with the employer’s expectations.
Following up after the interview
The interview process doesn’t end when you walk out the door—following up with the employer after the interview helps to maintain a positive relationship and demonstrate your continued interest in the role.
Within 24 hours of the interview, send a thank-you email to the interviewer. Express your gratitude for their time and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. Personalize the email by referencing specific aspects of the conversation or the company that resonated with you.
If you have any additional information or materials that you promised to provide during the interview, be sure to follow through promptly. This could include references, work samples, or any other relevant documents. Prompt follow-through on your commitments reinforces your reliability and professionalism.
Also, if you have not heard back from the employer within the timeline they provided, follow up politely to inquire about the status of the hiring decision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the key to interview success lies in thorough preparation and the ability to present yourself as a confident, competent, and enthusiastic candidate.
Research the company, anticipate common interview questions, and practice your responses until they feel natural and authentic. You have one shot at a first impression, so don’t just load yourself with content for the interviews; look good and smell nice, too. It’s the little details that matter in the end!
We’re glad to have hosted Reuben Oruaru for our Soft Skills training session last Sunday. If you’re clueless about soft skills, I checked Investopedia, and it had this definition: Soft skills are character traits and interpersonal skills that characterize a person’s ability to interact effectively with others.
I think it serves the purpose; definition.
But our guest speakers scratch deeper beneath the surface, and Reuben’s insights and real-life anecdotes served as a lesson on soft skills and how they make us better equipped for today’s workplace.
He didn’t stick to workplace and professional mobility but also explored how these soft skills make us better human beings.
I found his insights eye-opening and incredibly relevant in today’s digital age, and this is my attempt at sharing the key lessons from the session.
Reuben Oruaru introducing the Soft Skills Training session
Disrupt Yourself or Be Disrupted
Reuben started the session with a thought-provoking question: “Do you know that robots are getting smarter?”
He emphasized the urgency of adapting to the pace of digital change. It’s a disruptive time to be alive, and thus you either “Disrupt yourself or be disrupted” as he quoted a book he’d read.
The class, chilled and anticipatory, propped their seats and took notes. The session, having begun a few minutes later than scheduled, was finally taking off with an energetic speaker, an attentive audience, and lessons on soft skills and life.
“If a robot can succeed without a certificate, so can you. In fact, since you’ve got a certificate, you can do better than a robot.” He opined, setting the premise for the training that would see us seated for almost two hours taking notes and contributing to the conversation.
This is the digital age—the Fourth Industrial Revolution—where many tasks we perform can now be handled by machines.
“And we have so many machines, we call them robots. And as a country, we have so many robots. While this reality can be scary, it also presents an opportunity.”
“It’s scary in the sense that all of us are going through school, and we all just want to be productive, but then so much work has been reduced to the work of machines.”
“Where will we get the jobs if the robots are taking them? And do you know the robots are smarter or do a better job than humans?” He asked the attentive audience.
An attentive audience as the session progressed.
Soft Skills for Personal and Professional Growth
In a world where machines can do everything, it helps to humanize everything we do. Having these soft skills is a huge step toward actualizing this. Reuben highlighted key soft skills that are essential for staying relevant in the digital age:
Digital Literacy: This goes beyond just using apps on your phone.“Can you use the apps on your phone to make a living? Are you just a consumer, or can you navigate the digital landscape to your advantage?”
Reuben asked.
He stressed the importance of understanding digital tools and platforms for productivity and professional advancement.
Data Literacy: He also taught how our online activities generate data that companies use to target us with relevant content.
“If I’m a football fan and I follow a lot of football on IG and other social media, then I will get more football ads. If I like shopping for clothes, the things that’ll be pushed to my page will be related to clothes.” He explained how algorithms work.
“Data is the new currency,” he noted, urging the audience to take a keen interest in data literacy, as data informs everything in today’s world.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Critical thinking and problem-solving is a powerful combination that improves our communities. When you can think critically and act right in time of need, you become useful in solving problems.
“If there’s a fire here, can you think critically about using the fire extinguisher?” He challenged the graduates to see problems as opportunities and to develop solutions creatively.
Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence: Dealing with people requires emotional intelligence. We’re communal beings, and we need to work with others.
Most jobs require team effort and collaboration, and you’ll need self-awareness and emotional intelligence to fit in teams and contribute to the greater good. Understand your emotions and those of others for fruitful collaborations.
Creativity: “Creativity is all about turning imaginative ideas into realities,” Reuben explained. He encouraged the graduates to think beyond the status quo and use creativity as a tool to thrive in the present and conquer the future.
Collaboration: The work environment has changed significantly, especially after COVID-19. “Can you work from your bedroom and be disciplined enough to work without returning to bed?” Reuben asked. Flexibility must be backed by responsibility.
Today, organizations don’t care where you work from as long as you can meet your job goals. Now, companies outsource expertise a little easier than in the past as employees can work more flexibly today, but to fit in this new work routine, you need to work better as a team player.
Time Management: Time is a scarce resource. “Spend the first hour of your day meditating,” he advised. “Visualize how your day is going to be.”
I checked online and found this advice shared by great world leaders and high achievers. Here’s what Steve Jobs said about meditation:
“If you just sit and observe, you will see how restless your mind is. If you try to calm it, it only makes it worse, but over time it does calm, and when it does, there’s room to hear more subtle things — that’s when your intuition starts to blossom and you start to see things more clearly and be in the present more. Your mind just slows down, and you see a tremendous expanse in the moment. You see so much more than you could see before.”
Still, you don’t have to adopt the same morning routines. You can have a morning ritual that sets you up for success. Noting what you need to do for the day is a good place to start. Make a to-do list and follow it through.
Apportion time accordingly. You can break your tasks into manageable chunks and apportion time for each procedure. That way, you can map out your entire day, then work through it.
Curiosity and Continuous Learning: The illiterate of the twenty-first century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.
Find a mentor or just someone you look up to and then emulate their journey. People who have done incredible things have many lessons they’ve picked along the way.
Learn from them.
You can pick the lessons from the information they share publicly with their followers, but you can go further to benefit from them.
Follow them on LinkedIn. Read about them; their education, the nature of their work, and their daily routines (if you can get to it). The closer you zoom into what they do, the easier you can learn from their experiences.
Do you read autobiographies? Leaders leave a trail to their success as stories told in autobiographies. If your mentor has one, get your hands on it and learn something.
Whatever you do, stay curious. That’s how you get new information.
Resilience: Reuben highlighted the importance of resilience in navigating life’s challenges. He observed that most young people have been brought up in a world where things are handed to them easily.
They don’t know how to put up with pressure, and so they can give up on their goals much faster. You need resilience to navigate through life’s challenges and thrive.
He encouraged the learners to continue working towards their goals, despite the challenges and failures they may encounter along the way.
Empathy: Recognize and appreciate the feelings of others. When you show empathy, you become important to others and are recognized as a resourceful member of the community.
Empathy is what allows us to recognize people’s needs and rise up to help them as needs may dictate.
Discipline and Initiative: Discipline makes a man. You need discipline if you’re intentional about making a worthwhile impact in the world. It’s what keeps you doing the right thing even when you’ve got excuses not to. While everyone can start something, it’s only those with discipline who finish the projects they begin.
Also, be someone who takes initiative. Can you take the lead and offer guidance when the need arises? Do not be someone who only waits to be led, take charge and lead your team to success.
Values That Get You Ahead in Your Professional Journey
Reuben concluded the session by emphasizing some core values that gets you ahead in your professional journey. Combine these values with soft skills above to create a better reality for yourself and the world.
Integrity: Being truthful and transparent in all dealings.
Accountability: Taking responsibility for your choices and actions.
Respect: Valuing different perspectives and treating everyone with dignity.
Reuben’s insights were a powerful reminder of the importance of developing soft skills to stay relevant and successful in today’s world. As MustardSeed, we’re grateful he found time to come and share these lessons with us.
Which one of these soft skills has impacted your life the most? Let me know in the comments. Cheers!
Remote work has become increasingly popular after COVID-19. The pandemic forced companies to create alternative ways to keep the work going during the lockdowns. Looking back, remote work is the silver lining in the dark clouds of that period.
Today, many professionals prefer the flexibility of remote work to working from the office. With remote work, you get the job done from anywhere, spend time with your loved ones, and enjoy the mental reprieve of avoiding commuting every morning. If you are interested in remote work opportunities in Kenya, explore these three sites.
Oh, and when I say, remote work in Kenya, I mean the platforms available to Kenyans, not necessarily owned by Kenyans.
1. We Work Remotely
I have this as no.1 for a reason. We Work Remotely vets the employers on this site thoroughly to ensure the jobs are legit and worth your time. To weed out scams, employers must pay $299 to list their jobs on the site.
Employers pay handsomely to post remote jobs on this platform.
From coders, creative designers, and customer service champs to marketing managers, there’s something for everyone. Their range is broad!
Navigating the site is a breeze too, you can sift through listings by category and by using specific keywords in the search bar to narrow down your search specifics real quick!
2. Workingnomads.com
This platform simplifies your job search. It offers a range of remote opportunities in various industries—from software development to graphic design, marketing, and customer support.
They’ve streamlined the process, ensuring that each job listing is genuine and of high quality. Plus, they provide multiple payment methods like direct bank transfers and paypal.
3. Remote.co
Remote. co is also a great platform to find remote work. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. You can look for any role; be it design, social media management, data entry, and even healthcare roles. This platform will connect you with reputable companies that offer flexible work.
I love their clean interface.
What sets Remote.co apart is its commitment to authenticity and quality. Each job listing undergoes a rigorous vetting process to ensure you’re only presented with legitimate remote jobs from trusted employers.
Tips for optimising your remote job search
Searching for remote job opportunities can be tough when you don’t know how to do the search right. Here are tips to help you optimize your remote job search:
Identify your niche: Find your unique skill set and focus on positions that align with your expertise. This will help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of finding remote work that matches your skills and interests.
Polish your online presence: Update your online profiles and showcase your skills and experience. Employers often search for candidates online, so having a strong online presence can make a positive impression.
Customize your applications: Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job application. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the specific remote job position you’re applying for. Don’t send generic CVs.
Remote work vs. freelance work sites
Most people looking for remote work get surprised when they get the jobs and it feels like it takes more of their time that they apportioned, and it comes as a surprise. They think remote jobs are freelance-like; comes with freedom and few touchpoints.
This’s true to some degree, but a freelancer’s more independent. Most companies offering remote work treat you as their employee. You don’t get the autonomy of a freelancer. You’ll be working according to company hours, and this’s essential for their goals as it improves collaborations. On the light side, you get employee benefits, like health insurance, on-job training, and equipment support.
While as a freelancer you’re trading your craft as a business, remote work isn’t your business, and so your work is strictly informed by company timelines.
Get the difference? I thought you should know.
This’s why I haven’t listed popular freelance sites like Fiverr or Upwork here.
In conclusion, remote work offer you flexibility and convenience. And Kenyans are reaping huge on these platforms, and you too can! Set yourself up; your payment details, your social profiles, and spruce up your CV. There are opportunities for you beyond the borders.
Communication is a foundational skill that everyone needs to excel in to get things done.
Before you get into the intricacies of corporate communications, think of communication as a tool that enables us, as humans, to accomplish everyday tasks and coexist in our communities.
It’s thus a foundational skill that everyone needs to finesse to expedite the pace of creation and enhance human relations.
We were privileged to have Selestine Njoga, a seasoned communication professional, walk us through Communication Skills Training with the graduates at St. Aloysius.
Being the speaker of the day, Selestine took charge of the class and administered unforgettable communication hacks, having begun the session by thwarting the belief that there are good communicators and those who are not any good at all.
“Communication is a skill, and anyone can learn it”. She assured the graduates.
She then established the need to communicate effectively within our communities.
She says, you shouldn’t miss an opportunity because you didn’t package yourself well. And how you communicate is a huge part of the package.
In this write-up, I’ll go over, albeit briefly, some of the areas she touched on that I feel the graduates should come back to.
Note: This’s not an attempt to summarize her entire session; just a few points I wrote down as the session progressed. To get everything from our speakers, attend our bi-weekly meetings.
The art of public speaking
Exploring the art of public speaking, she emphasized the need to be confident enough to speak your mind without fear of judgement.
“When you’re before the audience, you’re the boss!” She said, urging the graduates to walk heads high when called upon to speak.
An attentive class as Selestine goes over the do’s and don’ts of Public Speaking.
She proceeded to outline practical tips for delivering impactful speeches. These include;
Preparation: Be prepared. Do your research about the subject, about the event you’ll be speaking at. The more prepared you’re, the better you’ll talk; preparedness enriches your talk but also allows your to connect better with the audience and boosts your chance of overall success.
Practice: You have to practice your talk before your big day. “It’s better to stammer before the mirror rather than stammering before the panel”. She notes.
Confidence: Marcus Garvey is known for his repatriation efforts, but I remember him for the most profound quote on confidence. He said, without confidence, you’re twice defeated in life, and I agree. Selestine too spoke against timidity.
Have content in the subject matter: Always know your stuff. Learn, do your research and be as equipped as you can in your subject matter. It’s amazing how confident you become when you know you have the right content in whatever you’re speaking about
Eye contact: Maintain eye contact. They say the eyes are the windows of the soul, and it’s true. Every good communicator maintains eye contact as it invites the audience to your speech. It shows you’re a confident, open person to converse with and trust.
Pause to refine your thoughts: Instead of using fillers like ‘so’, ‘um’, ‘ah,’ just pause and gather your thoughts. It’s better than using ‘filled pauses’ that make you seem unprepared and clueless about the subject.
Here’s a detailed article by Lauren Sergy on how to quit using the filled pauses in your speech.
Active listening
Active listening involves listening to what’s being said without judgement or interruption. You can make notes as the speaker speaks but don’t interrupt. You can also come back later to affirm the content from the speaker by asking relevant questions.
Active listening is an essential communication skill that enhances employability and improves one’s quality of relationships beyond the workplace. A husband who knows how to listen actively can lead his family effectively.
Active listening makes you an excellent communicator and a better human being.
In conclusion, communication goes beyond conveying information—it’s about building bridges, fostering understanding, and forging meaningful connections. Effective communication is a cornerstone of success, and thus a skill worth investing time and effort to develop.
As Mustardseed, we extend our gratitude to Selestine Njoga for her invaluable contributions to our graduates’ journey toward mastering the art of communication.
On April 5th, MustardSeed conducted an introductory Safeguarding Training session at Don Bosco, Karen. The training brought together members of MustardSeed alongside teachers and support staff from St. Aloysious. The session emphasized the importance of creating safe environments for all individuals, particularly vulnerable populations such as children.
The trainers delved into various aspects of safeguarding, including identifying signs of abuse, implementing effective reporting procedures, and fostering a culture of vigilance and accountability within educational and community settings.
Through interactive discussions, the participants gained valuable insights and skills to recognize, respond to, and prevent instances of harm or neglect of vulnerable populations within communities.
As MustardSeed, our commitment to safeguarding extends beyond compliance with regulations. We’re dedicated to nurturing environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and protected. We strive to create an environment where learners feel empowered and resourceful in their communities.
