“Madam, thank you for your time. We shall get back to you,” these are the words the interviewer said as they shook your hand. It is the tenth time this month that you are shaking some potential employers’ hands, and unfortunately, six of those handshakes led nowhere, while the other four were frauds who milked money from you.
You’ve volunteered, interned, and done odd jobs far from what you’ve studied, and still, the hope sparks to life every time you are called for an interview for a job you applied for. The beauty about this struggle is that you have so much potential; otherwise, six different employers wouldn’t be calling you in for job interviews.
Girl, the urge to give up is so strong; the silent tears you’ve cried are weighing on you. Thoughts of not being able to measure up to the standards of the job market, thoughts of being underqualified, thoughts of being overqualified… all these thoughts are taking over.
To make matters worse, some job offers come with conditions, conditions attached to sexual exploitation or even bribery.
Despite these aches, there is still a way to ensure that you stand out from the crowd as a female job seeker in Uganda.
#1. Branding Yourself
How do you present yourself? I know that on most days, you probably cannot afford to look ‘dapper’ because you don’t have the money to do so, or you simply don’t feel like it. But, as you step out, keep in mind that you might just meet your next employer. First impressions count.
Your presentation goes beyond your outward appearance; it also extends to what your mind looks like. Can you hold a conversation? What kind of conversations can you sustain, gossip, global warming, or politics?
Define how you want to be perceived through deliberate amassing of knowledge, such as reading more books and surrounding yourself with the right people who will support the brand you are looking to establish for yourself. Personal branding helps showcase your expertise and set you apart from others in the same field.
Leverage your social platforms to present your personal brand to the targeted recruiters and industry professionals. LinkedIn is a good platform to do exactly this.
#2. Leverage Networks
Sign up for skills-building training. During lunch breaks, talk about yourself, your passions, and qualifications with key people you meet there. Be intentional about creating and building a strong network of individuals. 70% of jobs are not advertised, so attend industry events, seminars, luncheons, debates, training sessions, conventions…you name it. Staying ‘locked-in’ ensures that you are aware of the kind of conversations people are having, and that you are up to date on what’s trending.
Leverage your social media networks as well, profile yourself strategically on LinkedIn, ensure your X is a representation of your true self and verify that nothing you’ve posted on Instagram will embarrass you. Everything you put out to the public should be shrouded with dignity and should make you proud.
On the other hand, networking can come at a cost. I attended a training where a friend and I were learning from the brilliant minds in the room. We had two male trainers whom I kept a respectful distance from, but engaged with them freely. On the day of departure, we gathered contacts, and we somehow found ourselves dodging the two until one of them asked if we wanted his number as well. Not to seem partial, we got both their numbers.
Fast forward, a month later, my friend and I had similar stories to share about these men. Initially, when one of them asked to meet for coffee, I sensed it may not be a professional meeting, so I dodged it. Note that it is not a crime to meet an individual for coffee, but when you’ve noticed the red flags (overly flirty and thirsty texts), stay away.
Unlike me, my friend agreed to meet this gentleman. Like me, my friend was desperate for work, so she thought this man wanted to meet her to discuss an opportunity. He had no opportunity to discuss with her, just more flirtations and conversation that carried no weight.
As you network, keep your eyes open for such foxes, cunning and exploitative. Remember that exploitation is not limited to gender. In the search for a job, you get to a point where you become desperate, and these foxes can smell desperation from miles away.
Set your boundaries while networking, and do not let your desperation govern you. Yes, you need a job, but you should not compromise your individual standards for the sake of employment.
#3. Be Confident
Confidence includes being able to boldly speak for yourself without fear or hesitation. It also means being able to stand for what you believe in, often referred to as being assertive. Be confident enough to say no clearly and firmly when something that doesn’t align with your beliefs has been presented before you. For example, you’re in the middle of an interview with the manager, and he compliments your appearance. You brush this off as him being courteous. Then he goes ahead to touch something slight that is easily missed; your hand, your arm or your back when you get up to leave. You are uncomfortable, but you haven’t said a word about the discomfort his touch causes you.
Often, these are telltale signs that this manager has the potential to cross professional boundaries. To make matters worse, he asks for your phone number to keep you posted on the decision they’ve made regarding your employment (very unprofessional). In his texts, he gives you false confidence and even asks to meet you to help ‘prepare you for the job.’
Some men will be outright flirtatious, while others will be subtle, but the signs will always show. When you see these signs, be sure to articulate your discomfort the minute you feel uncomfortable.
While it is unprofessional to casually text a potential employee, there might be a real purpose behind the message. So gauge and see whether the other party keeps it professional
Confidence is key in the interviewing room; it determines everything. Confidence will allow you to negotiate for the pay you deserve, and politely say no and walk out of the room when you notice you are being taken advantage of, or when lines are being crossed.
#4. Learning
As the saying goes, learning never ends. Applying for those short 3-month courses, gaining a handful of certificates here and there in areas you are passionate about, automatically sets you apart. For example, if you have a bachelor’s in hospitality, it would boost your portfolio if you topped it up with a certificate in digital marketing. It is important to note that the extra qualifications you acquire should be relevant as much as they are in line with your passion. The zeal to learn is reflected in those numerous qualifications, letting your potential employer know that you are open to correction and knowledge. The numerous qualifications also set you apart from the rest; an additional skill is an added advantage when being considered for a job.
Learning also includes volunteering. It’s very common to shy away from volunteering because of the ‘not-paid’ tag attached to it. It is honestly hard to spend on transportation and food as you work for a company that offers no stipends to its volunteers. However, I urge you to look at volunteering as an investment. The skills, knowledge and experience gained are unmatched compared to someone with higher qualifications than you, yet zero experience. When you can, do not hesitate to volunteer.
Most importantly, learn how to measure your worth. Once you know how much you are worth, no employer will shut you down with ‘unfortunately, we can only afford to pay you…’
Learning also happens after every rejection email. Use every rejection to analyse yourself, re-strategise, and move forward stronger. Remember that rejection is part of life and should be embraced, not feared.
#5. Go In With Your Head
It may seem to make sense to apply to any and every job at the start; however, you need to be intentional with what kind of job you want. This ensures that even if you are desperate, you have a clear vision. This vision ensures that all actions are aligned towards landing a job at the company you aspire to join. You cannot be all over the place; even as you volunteer, it should be in line with your career path. Going in with your head means that you know what you want and will take the necessary steps to achieve it, or at least something close to it.
The job hunt can be rough for females, mainly because the system is patriarchal. Without the necessary knowledge and empowerment, you may find yourself trapped in a job that pays you less than you deserve or in a job whose environment is extremely hostile. One of the ways you can escape this is by staying true to your vision and having clearly defined lines that should not be crossed. For instance, a female seeking employment in a male-dominated field like engineering will need thick skin and must prove their worth daily. The stakes are higher, but your will to survive and thrive should be higher.
