Why graduates find it difficult to get jobs

Increased competition. There were days when a degree was only accessible to the rich and elite but those are long gone. Universities have become more affordable.
Jenny Epit Okaka, the human resource business partner at KCB, says this means there are more graduates, and therefore, more competition for the limited number of jobs. Also, the era when having a degree alone would get you a job is over. You need something more than just a degree to get you that first job.

Little or no work experience
Many university graduates make the grave mistake of assuming their degree alone will get them a job. It is important for you to have skills that will make you better than other candidates. Instead of wasting time partying, Okaka says you can take up a volunteering or internship opportunity as you look for the job. By the time you get it, you will have the required skills for your dream job.
Always keep in mind that jobs can lead to other jobs. You never know if the job you think is beneath you can lead to the job you want. Always do more than what you are asked to do.

Lack of networking
Many people get jobs through referrals. If somebody has been working for a company for some time, then that employee knows what it takes to succeed, and if that employee knows somebody who can do it, it is an easy fit.
The employer will trust the employee referring the new candidate and the new candidate will most likely get the job. You, therefore, have to be worthy of a referral.
She says: “If you do a bad job, you make them look worse. So have a fine reputation of being a hard worker or someone who learns easily so that people will be willing to refer you. Spend a lot of time networking at college, making many friends.”

You did not prepare your CV
According to Patrick Ngolobe, the head-human resources at Umeme Ltd, your CV and cover letter are the first impression to your employer. You cannot appease them with your presence or your smile because your writing does it all. It is important that you spend some good time to make one and let it be very good. “When describing yourself or your work history, use action words that make a difference. If you do not know how to write a professional CV and cover letter, seek help from someone as well as the internet and have someone professional to do the editing for you,” he advises.

No interview skills
Dressing decently does no harm and may earn you some points. Interviews are no joke but show the interviewer that you are not scared by giving him a firm handshake and smile.
Ngolobe says they will ask the hard hitting questions such as why should we hire you, what do you bring to the table, tell me about yourself, (this throws off a lot of people), what is your greatest weakness.
He advises that a candidate should ensure they have prepared well enough for the interview so that they have answers to almost all questions. “If you cannot answer most of the questions, you will be nervous and fail to control your voice and body movements, says Ngolobe, adding: “have all your answers ready to go when the question is asked. Be prepared to give examples of things you listed on your CV.”

You lack soft skills
Having the skills and knowledge of doing a particular job is very important but employers look for social skills too. It is about positivity, are you a quick learner, can you work with a team, will you integrate well with the other staff? “The employer can choose to give you a job not based on the skills that you possess but for your behavior, demeanour and likeability. So be nice to everyone you see in the office or during the interview because they talk about you after you leave,” he says.

No follow up
If you sent your CV and cover letter to the organization and you have not heard from them, you need to follow up. Send an email or make a phone call to them asking about the progress.
Okaka advises that do not just assume that they do not want you. If you think the job was really a good offer, you cannot just give up that easily. Keep going on.