Getting ahead in today';

Job search tipsfor DecemberBY PERMINUS WAINAINA

The period between September and Decemberis sluggish for a recruiter. You don't get as manyrecruitment requests as you do for the otherquarters. That is why I wasn't surprised by arecent survey indicating that Kenyan employersare looking to start hiring in the next threemonths. Going by this, expect an increase inrecruitment from January 2015.

The worst hit month in recruitment isDecember. Apart from having fewer workingdays due to holidays, some companies haveexhausted their budgets and need approvalbefore commencing on recruitment. With theshort period, some employers feel that employeeswill not be productive and, even if they come onboard, there are many distractions. When youfactor in the notice period, the earliest the newrecruit can come on board is January.

Whereas December is generally a slow month,there is increased hiring in some industries. Forexample, due to increased shopping, supermarketsnormally hire, even if on temporary basis. Otherindustries hiring at this period include those intravel and hospitality, including hotels.

Some firms also conduct stock-take exercisesand need an extra pair of hands for this. Last year,Corporate Staffing Services conducted a stock-take exercise for a leading motor vehicle company.We hired over 60 staff for a three-week period.Most of the temporary staff were universitystudents and unemployed fresh graduates.

So, what opportunities are there in Decemberand how can you take advantage of them?

If you are a fresh graduate, or are jobless, itis possible to get a temporary job in December.Look for opportunities in some of the industriesI have mentioned. And you don't have to targetNakumatt, Naivas or such-like big institutions.The store at the comer might have an opportunityfor you. Look for temporary work in hotels asa waiter, cashier, or in other areas that requireminimum training. Salaries range from a low ofShsoo to a high of Shz.SOO a day.

For experienced candidates, you need notslow down during this holiday season. Start bytaking stock of your job search process. Determinewhat has worked for you and the areas that needimproving. Review your CV and take note of yourachievements. Profile companies that you'd like towork for. Being a slow month, December affordsyou a suitable time to plan your job search and,by extension, your career.

The holiday season is such that you will havea chance to meet new people through companyor social events. Let this work to your advantage.You can establish new contacts and reconnectwith old ones. Remember, over 50 per cent ofjobs are never advertised. People come to knowabout them through their networks. Ensure thatyou are visible and leave a positive memory.

Lastly, December is a month to give back tothose around us. Whether it's to your companyby helping organise that end-of-year party, orto your community by visiting and helping theless privileged. Regardless of whether you areworking, there's a lot to be grateful for and youcan add happiness to another life.

The writer is the head of recruitment at CorporateStaffing Services (www.corporatestaffmg.coMe). Hehas 10 years experience in banking, finance andHR consultancy. Access his profile on Linkedln,at ke.linkedin.com/in/perminuswainaina