Looking For A Job In Africa?

If you are looking for a job in Africa, you should check out Datum Recruiting Services. This is not an endorsement of the company. I had not heard of this company until today so I am simply spreading the word.

Today, their website showed 61 current open jobs with 53 of them in Africa and 8 in India. I hope this is not one of those companies that asks you to pay a fee for them to find you a job or list your resume in their database. If they do, then run before they rip you off. No recruiting company worth their salt charges job seekers a fee for a job search or a job placement. Do your due diligence and find out if they are legit.

If anyone is familiar with this company, please let us know what you think about them. Click here to comment.

Landing the First Job

People always say that the first million is the most difficult to make. This is also true for getting a first job in a new country. Immigrants have to keep certain things in mind when they are looking for a new job. The things to consider are...

What are my transferable skills? 

This is the most obvious thing when rewriting a resume. It is important to find out how the skills you already have translate in your new culture. If you sold insurance in a different country, you could highlight your sales skill without emphasizing the industry especially if the standards are different. 

What is my final destination and what do I need to do to get there? 

If you want to be a lawyer then you want to work on your communication skills. Therefore it would be important to find a job that builds those skills such as waiting tables. If you want to be a nurse then it may make sense to start a career in a hospital setting as a sitter. 

What skills can I acquire quickly?

Is there an affordable course that you can take for a few weeks which will provide stable employment while you are working towards your final goal. 

How do I present myself?

It is important to find out the interview attire for the country you have moved to and more importantly for the company you will be interviewing with. Less is more when it comes to dressing. Find a classic outfit that will be tasteful in various environments. You can change the accessories depending on the industry.  Besides the impression you make with your dress, write down all the things you have going for you and be prepared to discuss them confidently during the interview. Many people have to step out of their comfort zone to sell themselves. Remember you have already taken a big step by crossing the seas/border.  

How to research the company?

You need to know following

• The company's main product
• When it was formed and by whom? 
• What industry it is in? 
• The top officers
• Their revenues and past growth 

How to find the opportunities in my area?

It is important to know the job market climate in your new city. You need to know how people get interviews,  the best places to look and how to network. You also need to know the people in your community that can help you and connect with them. 

If you need to brush up on your computer skills, many staffing agencies offer free classes if you are registered with them. Attend job fairs to polish up on your sales skills and tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. There are many websites that have job listings such as 

• Monster
• Career Builder
• Craigslist
• Linkedin
• Industry specific organizations
• Jobing

The other sources for jobs are the biggest churches in your area. Find out who the coordinator for the jobs ministry is and make a connection. Join organizations in your field to form relationships. Network, network, network!

Happy job hunting in 2011!  We will talk about landing your first job after graduating college in a few weeks.