Only one out of every ten graduates in Ghana will find a job in their first year after graduation, and it could take up to 10 years for some graduates to find stable jobs in Ghana. The reasons for the high rate of unemployment in Ghana are numerous but this post will not go into that, rather, I will seek to share with you 8 things you can do if you have been trying unsuccessfully to find a job in the last two to five years. Searching for a job in Ghana can be quite challenging, sometimes it feels as if the application letters do not get to the employers, or that the employers don’t read the letters at all. If you have been actively searching or hunting for a job for the last two to five years, here are some things you should try to increase your chances of getting employed.
Volunteer
If you cannot find a job, volunteer! This might sound counter-intuitive, even absurd to some people, but one of the best things you can do if you cannot find a job is to work for free or to volunteer. It is difficult to find a job, but many companies are willing to accept volunteers because it is free labour. Volunteering is especially important for fresh graduates who may not have the required experience for skill-based jobs. Volunteering also helps to cover-up for time lost whilst you are still looking for a job paying job.
Learn some new skills
The job market is driven by knowledge and skills. If you are having trouble finding a job, chances are that you have some deficits in these two areas. You may want to re-school and or re-skill to make yourself more valuable in the marketplace. I struggled to find a decent job after my first degree, but my chances improved after I studied for a second degree. However, you do not necessarily have to go back to school to acquire knowledge and skills. You can learn tons of stuff online through massive open online courses (MOOCs).
Consider diverting to an industry with more employment opportunities
If you cannot find a job in your current field of training or practice after several years of searching, you may want to look another way. The job market is dynamic, and truth be told some industries such as education, medicine and entertainment have proven to be more resilient in the face of social and technological changes. Be bold and make a switch to another industry if you must. It might be difficult but know that you will be more valuable in the job market if you have multiple, even diverse skills.
Take a break from active job hunting
Taking a break can help you change your mindset and redirect your energy. The truth is that after a while, we all get tired of doing the same thing, especially if you are not getting results. Take a break from the active job search and throw yourself into something you’ve always wanted to do. It could be travelling to visit a friend or a relative for a few days, helping a friend or family work on a project. Just do something that you consider fun and a bit challenging to take your mind off the job search for a while. Later when you get back into it, you will be more energized, focused and who knows, you may land the job of your dreams.
Start your own business
You have been searching for a job for years now, maybe that’s a sign that you should work for yourself! Holding a job is nothing more than contributing to making someone else’s dream come true so they can pay you for your time. If you cannot find a job start your enterprise or business. Do not be afraid to start small, some of the huge companies you see in Ghana today started as one woman or one-man businesses. You have been searching for too long, it is time to start your side hustle and make it big.
Review your resume
Many job applicants fail to regularly update and spruce up their resumes. Your resume must always be up to date and in style. Some people still have their date of birth, sex, hometown and other trivial personal details on their resumes. Recruiters are no longer interested in these details; they want to know your experiences and how you can fit into the role. It is common to also find grammatical errors format inconsistencies on peoples’ resumes, that is unacceptable! If you have been trying to find a job for years, I suggest you show your resume to a friend or relative whose opinion can be trusted and let them scrutinize the document before you email it to the next recruiter.
Seek help in your network
There are two common ways of getting a job, you either apply for an advertised position or you are recommended by someone. I have had the benefit of both and believe me when I say your chances are greatly enhanced if you walk in with a recommendation. However, you will have to be noticed to be recommended. So, join a social club or network, stay in touch with your alumni group and make new friends. Seeking for help does not mean everyone in your network must know you need a job, occasionally check on friends who appear willing to help, let them know what you can do and that you are willing to make a move to a new job should you get the opportunity.
Freshen up your social media presence
Social media plays a major role in how you are perceived. Some employers and recruiters will check out your social media before they contact you for an interview. It is therefore crucial that your social media is regularly updated and is consistent with your image. If your social media is full of explicit and objectionable content, you may come across to the employer as someone unprofessional. Besides, some friends on social media are either potential employers or they can link you up with employers so do not take your online presence for granted. Freshen up your social media presence to make it look professional.
There is no sure-fire strategy for finding a job in Ghana but you can improve your chances by trying these eight (8) if you have not done so already. Let me know what you make of my list of things to do when you can't find a job, perhaps you can add your tips in the comments section.
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