If I could start my career all over again, I would begin by asking the experts directly. I would ask them how, when, where and then beg for all their secrets to make sure my resume got to the top of the pile. So, when I thought about writing a career column for Cedi Talk that is what I decided to do. Through a series of articles, we will interview human resource (HR), people and hiring experts in Ghana. The hope is that their insights and experience will bring some clarity to how you look for opportunities and secure a job.
For this post, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to two amazing human resource practitioners in Ghana. The two of them share how through being open and persistent they found their first job. They also share their perspectives on how to approach finding the right opportunities and how to impress an HR manager.
Amma Korantema Ansah is a seasoned HR practitioner with an in-depth knowledge of people management across the entire life cycle of an employee. Her work has been primarily in the financial services sector.
Janet Asomaning is currently the Human Resources Manager at Tonaton and the HR Excellence Lead for Tonaton’s mother company, Saltside. She has over nine years of experience, and before joining an e-commerce company, she worked within the telecom sector.
How did you find your first full-time position?
Amma Ansah (AA): My first full-time job was with a multi-national bank in Ghana…As part of my search, I decided to leverage on my network both in London and in Ghana and backed my search with prayer. I initially applied for a number of jobs including a Graduate programme…but was not successful. Following that, I had a conversation with an acquaintance, who advised that I drop my curriculum vitae at the Standard Chartered Bank corporate office in London and request to talk to an officer there. I dropped off my CV as advised and indicated the countries [I wanted to] work [in], including Ghana. I did not hear from them until after six months when I received an email that my CV had been circulated…I was excited and began preparations for [my interview], which included reading around the area and also doing some mock interviews… I indicated to the employer that I would not be able to come to Ghana for an interview and by God’s grace, they agreed to have a telephone interview with me…So my first full-time job was a real miracle. I was offered a job when no one knew me. So, you see you do not need to be known by someone before you get a job.
Janet Asomaning (JA): Through applications and word of mouth with family and friends.
How do you know you are good at something or a good match for a position?
AA: I think the first step is to have a vision and be self-aware. You need to introspect and get to know yourself, your strengths, your non-strengths, and your values. You also have to reflect on your experience and think through how best you can draw upon your experiences to achieve the expectations of the role…If [the job profile] aligns to your vision and the competencies and skills that you have, then you can be confident that you can make an impact.
JA: Sometimes you might not feel qualified for a position, but you need to take [a] shot. It’s better to learn quickly and get better at it than to stay away and miss out on the opportunity altogether. If you are about 60% [or] upwards [of a] match for the required skills, give it a shot!
I hear a lot of young people saying they cannot find jobs. What advice do you have for young professionals looking for an opportunity in Ghana?
AA: As much as I share the view that the labour market in Ghana is tight, I also believe that there are some excellent opportunities out there for those who do not give up. For young people job hunting, I will advise that they should put together their resumes carefully and honestly. [That they] get help when they need to, to ensure that [their] resume gives them the competitive edge. It is essential that they be able to project their background and experiences as indicated on their resumes.
It is also important to keep an open mind and do not get fixated on particular industries. The mindset, for example, that If it is not a bank, I will not consider it should be a thing of the past. You can gather rich experience [in] whichever industry you find yourself…
If you do not have any work experience at all, you can explore internships…I undertook an unpaid internship at the International Labour Organisation, in Geneva. It…exposed me to the corporate world, particularly on an international platform. It gave me a great understanding and practical experience of Industrial Relations, and this was a good pitch for me during the interviews for my first job in Ghana. Do not underestimate the value of internships.
Do not be too selective. Focus on a decent job that will help lead toward your vision.
JA: It can be pretty stressful finding a job right after University. I went through that for a while so I can understand the frustration. However, there are a lot of opportunities available in Ghana, and one needs to look in the right places [including] Tonaton and connect with the right people.
Most entry-level roles might not be strong in financial rewards so find a support system financially while you build your skills. Being entrepreneurial is a great way to go as well – it’s not all about already established brands. Find a need or problem to solve in Ghana and the reward (money) will follow.
Are their specific places people should be looking? Offline and online? Can you suggest any particular place or tips?
AA: The scope of [your] search for a job must be extensive…Job agencies, specifically those that focus on entry-level roles do provide assistance. Consider the network you build and let them know that you are on the market, ready to work… Attend seminars and programmes that seek to develop or enhance your brand and make you well packaged for business.
JA: The internet makes job search must easier now. Sit in the comfort of your home and search on Tonaton. Tonaton has a good variety of roles from different industries and levels for job seekers.
Some companies also have a careers page, which displays the vacancies available in that organization, for example, Saltside.
Another place is LinkedIn, where you can find pages of the specific company you want to work with and available roles. You can read through the activities of the company [and] get a sense of the company culture.
What are young people doing wrong when looking for opportunities? What should they watch out for?
AA: …Not leveraging on their network. Inadequate preparation when invited for an interview and taking interviews for granted…Inappropriate dressing and outlook. It is essential that young people present themselves appropriately for every occasion.
[Also], I am personally concerned about social media profile pictures. Employers in recent times use social media in recruitment and also to check on prospective employees. What is placed on one’s social media pages often is used to make a first impression.
JA: I won’t necessarily say [that young people] are ‘doing something wrong,’ but I think we need to realign ourselves with the changing times. There’s no need to walk in the sun dropping [off your] CVs for most organisations these days.
Also, [forming] the right associations that can help you hear about specific opportunities when they come up.
Be open to trying new things and ‘genuine’ failure is a good thing, so don’t be afraid of it. It’s better to fail early in the job search process, so you learn quickly as you grow.
Anything else young people should keep in mind?
AA: Finding the right opportunity can be very challenging, but I am optimistic that once you start the search and stay relentless, you will be a winner. Have a vision about what you want to do, search all industries where your vision can be realised and pursue it. Leverage your network, seek counsel, use all platforms of recruitment, [and] be ready to explore [smaller] opportunities, [that] can lead to big things in the future. There is an opportunity for you…back all your efforts with prayer and your story will be different.
JA: The definition of the ‘right opportunity’ is relative to each individual. You can make the opportunity you find the right one for you by being open-minded. Take on the world; don’t be scared!