Costly Mistakes Locking Out Kenyans on International Jobs

With the country’s job market shrinking, most Kenyans have started exploring other options abroad.

The push to find jobs outside the country has also been escalated by recent deals struck by President William Ruto.

On Sunday, November 19, the Head of State said his administration aims to send 3,000 to 5,000 Kenyans abroad weekly as part of efforts to address the high rate of unemployment in the country.

"I have agreed with Bore (Labour CS Florence Bore) that we will sign bilateral labour agreements so that we export labour from Kenya. We want to export 3,000 to 5,000 Kenyans every week so that they can go and work abroad to sustain their livelihood and also bring us money," President Ruto said.

Some of the international jobs quoted by President Ruto pay close to Ksh200,000 per month.

This has compelled Kenyans to explore the international job market. However, in the process, they end up making simple mistakes.

Attaching Wrong Documents

With everyone rushing to be among the first one to submit their job applications, they end up attaching the wrong documents.

For example, instead of a curriculum vitae others end up submitting a resume. Although there is a small difference between the two, most international companies disqualify such applications.

It is advisable to go through the instructions and submit the correct documents in every step.

Incomplete Submissions

Some applicants miss out on great international opportunities for submitting their applications without filling all the required fields.

Since international jobs involve travelling to foreign countries, most companies do a proper history check to before validating an application.

Criminal records, financial records and academic records play a critical role in making the applications.

Applying without fully responding to all fields as stipulated amounts to direct disqualification.

Wrong Format

Most international organizations advise Kenyans to apply jobs using specific formats. Some have online portals where applicants are given instructions.

Some require the applications to be submitted through their online portal while other demand the mailing of original documents.

In the process, they restrict applicants to use only PDF or any other agreed format.

However, failing to follow the instructions ends up costing Kenyans international jobs.

Failing of language tests and other assessment tests also results to disqualification.

Even though the skills needed for a particular job may be similar in another country, the certification needed may be completely different. Do some research.

Make sure you look into whether your current license will allow you to work in that new environment. If not, don’t get discouraged. You may find that you simply need to be evaluated or that you need to take a certain qualifying exam.

Moreover, before applying be realistic and do thorough research on what others have experienced in this particular job market.

Take into account the average cost of living in the country and compare it to your estimated compensation.