Skilful guidance for young adults and job-seeking graduates

As a certified COMENSA coach, I am ardently committed to empowering young adults and job-seeking graduates. My coaching equips them to navigate life's transitions and realise their untapped potential. Through skilful guidance, I bridge the gap between their present circumstances and their aspirational destinations.

Navigating the job-seeking journey is fraught with challenges, particularly aligning with employer expectations. This endeavour commences well before submitting job applications.



Primarily, the resume serves as a conduit to secure a job interview, necessitating meticulous preparation. It should artfully spotlight skills, strengths, and professional experiences. The resume's paramount significance is underscored by its pivotal role as the employer's initial impression of a candidate. Crafting a tailored, distinctive resume is imperative to capturing attention and projecting a compelling image.



When embarking on job applications, several considerations come to the fore:

- Diligently adhere to job listing instructions, including completing application forms.

- Construct a flawless cover letter, devoid of errors, that concisely communicates relevant content and the desired position.

- Tailor the cover letter using the job profile as a compass.

- Foster a favourable online presence, recognising that prospective employers may scrutinise social media profiles for insights into candidates' conduct.



The interview phase, encompassing pre-, during-, and post-interview stages, merits astute preparation:

- Interviews constitute a pivotal juncture in the job pursuit, demanding skilful self-presentation.

- Immersing oneself in research about the company, encompassing press releases, annual reports, and website exploration, amplifies interview efficacy.

- Practicing interview scenarios is invaluable; seeking guidance from a career coach or domain expert augments readiness.

- Initial impressions carry weight, underscoring the importance of a polished appearance that resonates positively with interview panellists.

- Prudence prevails in minimising excessive adornments such as jewellery, makeup, and cologne.

- Timely arrival, approximately 15 minutes ahead of face-to-face interviews, ensures readiness. -- Virtual interviews necessitate thorough device checks and setup.

- Subsequent to the interview, proactive follow-up on the interview's outcome is a courteous and strategic step.



Consequently, most job seekers fail to make the cut due to a lack of proper preparation. Being invited to an interview means you meet the minimum requirement. Therefore, prepare sufficiently to prove to your potential employer that you are indeed the candidate that they need.



About Albert Khevare

Albert Khevare is an HR business partner who is passionate about employee development and performance. He has a wealth of experience in the human capital environment that stretches over 15 years. He holds various qualifications in the field of Human Resources and Development from different Universities. He has been fortunate to work in various industries, such as the Airline, Railway, and Oil & Gas industries, respectively. He is currently responsible for employee learning and development at the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia.



In his current role, he ensures that employees have the required skills and knowledge to effectively perform their respective duties. This is done by conducting skills audits and analyses to ensure that the skills gaps that exist between the employees and their duties are closed through various learning interventions.

Employees are always encouraged to learn, share and apply new skills and knowledge whenever possible to enhance their individual and organisational performance.