Job Applications: How To Ethically Job-Hunt While Still Employed

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Does your current employment bog you down? Do you feel uninspired and your energy ooze out each time you report to work? It makes sense to look for better alternatives, seeing that the biggest chunk of your life is spent at work. You can still send job applications in search of your desired career path. You, however, need to be careful when looking elsewhere, because in as much as you hate your current engagement, it pays your bills and keeps you relevant in the market. Your chances of getting a job are usually higher when you are employed, because you are in constant contact with the industry. You are also more attractive to another employer when you are already employed. Most companies look for the best talent in the market and such talent is usually engaged elsewhere.

Below are factors you should consider when you consider job hunting while still employed;

Job application-03

  1. Keep it on the down low

You have to keep your job search to yourself. Your colleagues shouldn’t know, and most certainly not your boss. The danger of letting people in on your job-search efforts is that it creates anticipation for you to leave. Your boss may also interpret it as betrayal and disloyalty. Such a situation may backfire in your face when your search efforts don’t bring forth your desired results, and worse still your boss decides to relieve you of your duties. Also, don’t go posting your CV in public job boards. Your supervisor is likely to stumble upon it and begin scrutinizing your activities and demeanor at work.

Job application-01

  1. Update your LinkedIn and Jobsite profiles to 100%

Technology trends have made giant leaps in the recent past and these days employers rely greatly on social platforms to get a feel of potential candidates. An active LinkedIn profile shows qualities in a candidate like seriousness, resilience and flexibility. This said, your other social media profiles should be clear of grime and muck. A compromising photo of you on social media may make a potential employer wonder whether your CV is a complete representation of you. What you post as updates also tells a lot about your character and maturity. Therefore, you need to practice restraint in your interactions.

  1. Keep off your current employer’s equipment

Resist the temptation to update your CV on your office computer. Most companies have a way of tracking your internet usage and sometimes back up all work in temporary servers. You do not want a printed exhibit of your sneaky ways to accompany your dismissal letter when you least expect it. Other than being caught, it is also a sign of disrespect to your current employer. After all, you are still receiving your pay slip promptly at the end of every month. Schedule your job search activities for non-office hours. You sneaking around may also result in you making mistakes in your applications like sending incomplete details, sending to wrong recipients or sending documents riddled with typos.

  1. Maintain status quo

This applies to your work productivity, your dealings with colleagues and your boss, down to even how you dress. Do not think for a moment that people in the office will not notice. If you spend all your energies job hunting, chances are that your current duties will suffer and your boss will definitely be concerned. If you have never won a suit and suddenly you’re waltzing in in stripped suits complete with a tie, eye brows will go to the hairlines, jaws will drop and tongues will wag. These actions will raise suspicions that might not work well in our favor.

  1. Be honest and reasonable with your potential employer

Do not leave projects catching fire because you run off to take interviews. Your potential employer will respect you more when you schedule interviews during non-working hours or during your off days. They know your value, especially if they are ‘poaching’ you, hence they understand that you still have responsibilities you cannot abandon. If they ask whether your current employer is aware of your job search, be honest and respond in the negative, then inform them that you are keeping your job search confidential.

  1. When you get caught?

Do not try to lie or become defensive, especially where there’s evidence. Just let your current employer know that from time to time you like to test the job market, and yet you manage to stay put. You will then hope that they don’t immediately type your dismissal letter.

Job application-02

  1. Maintain professionalism

Even after completing your interviews and signing a contract with the new employer, remember that you had previously signed another contract with your current employer. Give your current employer enough time, as stipulated in your contract and conduct an acceptably complete hand over. Do not leave your colleagues picking broken pieces of your work after you leave. This hurts all chances of relationships with not only your employer, but your former colleagues as well. As much as possible, seek to leave bridges intact.

Pritam Nagrale
Pritam Nagrale is a recruitment blogger from India. His blog SureJob.in provides daily job alerts for government jobs & useful career tips.”
 

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303 COMMENTS

    • Hi Abner,
      We endeavor to be our readers’ career partner.
      Keep it Brightermonday for more encouragement.

      ^DM

  5. Brighter Monday,
    The advise given is very encouraging however there is something that happens for example at my place of work. The company utilizes our knowledge at their own advantage. When it comes to promotion they get people from outside of which they are either relatives,friends or former colleagues. This really demoralizes workers to an extent of losing hope and sometimes saying it loudly due to bitterness. In such a scenario, what is your advise?

    • Hi Gerald,
      You can decide to look at the whole scenario positively; if they utilize your knowledge, you are also getting the opportunity to practice this knowledge and hence sharpening your skills further.
      Always treat your current employment as training and an opportunity to grow. Give your best and continue expanding your connections in the industry.
      Eventually you will create a strong personal brand that will open doors to better opportunities for you.
      Avoid office politics at all costs because they have a way of finding their way back to you. Remain positiive and let your motivation come from within.

      ^DM

  7. Thank you so much.

    Please do help me on how to answer some common interview questions.

    Thank you in advance

    Evans Koskey

  10. What would you do when one of the interviewing panelists intimidates the interviewee. Esp when the interviewer is outrightly wrong, and you politely disagree or dont buy his thought.

    • Hi Patrick,
      When lines of respect, personal space, or courtesy are crossed during interviews, we advise candidates to maintain their cool at all times and remain respectful.
      State your ideas and opinions in a courteous but firm manner.
      At this time you should be very careful and keen to read your surrounding.
      If interviewers are rude and confrontational during an interview, do you really want to spend the next year or so working for them?
      At the end of the day, only you knows the limits of how much you are willing to take.
      Keep it Brightermonday for more advise and tips on this.

      ^DM

  11. This is very important document as many workers will be be finding better jobs while still employed. Am told some ‘bosses’ come peeping at what you are doing when you walk away from your desk.

    • Hi Rose,
      This is why we advocate that your job search should be away from your current work place.
      It gives one peace of mind and ample time to send a winning CV and Cover letter.

      ^DM

  13. very good article and informative keep it up i always enjoying reading your articles because they have helped me a lot in my career i have achieve and gained a lot through these articles

    • Hi John,
      Thank you for your support this far. We endeavor to be your ideal career partner.
      Keep visiting our Career center for more.

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  14. this has realy tought me alot.I have been doing the same but for me i had been sharing with a friend of mine ignorant of the dangers that layed ahead I .think i wont repeat the same again and thanks alot

    • Hi Steven,
      We are glad to have helped you.
      We will keep posting more enlightening material to guide you, so keep it Brightermonday.

      ^DM

    • Hi Jay,
      We endeavor to give our readers all the advice they need to grow their careers.
      Keep it Brightermonday for more.

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  22. Hi brighter Monday. This is an eye opener, especially on using office computers to apply for jobs and sneaking from duty to attend am interview.
    Thanks for the advice

    • Hello Mbuguah,
      Thank you for reading.
      We appreciate your feedback
      Keep visiting our Career center for more inspiration.

      ^AM

      • A great and serious point noted during the course of interview. I appreciate brightermonday institution for that great advice

        • Hi Loise,

          We appreciate your support.
          Continue reading our articles for more inspiring and insightful advice.

          ^DM

    • Hello Maina,
      Thanks for taking time to read our articles. keep it BrighterMonday for more incisive articles.

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    • Hello Ryan,
      Thank you for your continued support and readership. keep visiting our career center for inspiring articles.

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    • Hello Mary,
      Thank you for taking time to go through our website. Kindly click here to view all the latest job opportunities in your field of interest.
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    • Hello Alex,
      We apologize for any inconvenience, we have reset the alerts for you.
      Please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team if the problem persist.

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    • Thank you for reading Dennis,
      We endeavor to be your preferred career partner.
      Keep it Brightermonday for more edifying advice.

      ^DM

    • Hi Joseph,
      Thank you for reading.
      We wish you the very best in your job search.
      Keep it Brightermonday for more educative tips.

      ^DM

    • Hello Joseph,
      Thanks for the readership and continued support.
      In order to enhance and broaden your job search. kindly click here to view all the freshest job opportunities.

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  39. Hi Brighter Monday,
    I got my last job from you guys , and i didn’t pay you(neither did demand) a single penny. You are part of the bricks that are building this nation and we are very grateful.
    May the good lord reward you abundantly.

    • Hi Mutabaruka,
      We are delighted to have been of assistance in your job search.
      Thank you for believing in us and sharing your experience.
      We endeavor to be your ideal career partner.
      We hope we can contact you in case we need a testimonial?
      Thanks again.

      ^DM

    • Hi James,
      That is very true.
      Respect is a virtue we should all practice.
      Your current employer was once a desired potential employer who gave you the chance to showcase your skills. They chose you from a list of applicants.
      Keep reading our articles for more inspiration James.

      ^DM

  42. Thanks a lot for the ethical balance you bring through the article. The balance can sometimes be tricky. When it is not achieved, anxiety creeps in and productivity is affected.
    Keep up the good work.

    • Hi Amon,

      We are glad to be of assistance.
      Keep reading our articles for all the career advise you need.

      ^DM

        • Hi Nancy,
          Thank You for subscribing to our postings.
          We aspire to provide latest and relevant information in regards to career development and advise on the same.
          Keep it Brightermonday for more.

          ^Dm

    • Hello Elizabeth,
      We are glad that you liked our article, keep visiting our career center for more enriching articles.

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  47. Nice one….Thank you for a piece of advice. And is it advisable to put your current employer as part of your referees?

    • Hi Catherine,
      This is entirely dependent on your current relationship with them. Referees are people who have interacted with you on a professional level and can attest to your skills, professionalism, qualifications and work ethic.That said, your referees should be objective enough to help your interviewer understand you better. If your current employer has mentioned that it is okay to put them as referees, go ahead. If you feel that they might jeopardize your job search, do not list them as referees.
      You should also inform every individual that you list as a referee so that they are aware that they might be receiving calls or emails asking about you. Referees acting surprised and shocked after being asked about you is not a good show to your potential employer.

      ^DM

  50. A very informative article, it helps one remain professional even when the previous employer matters no more,
    Thank you.

  52. stunning discoveries, the exact mistakes i have been making like using current employers equipment,applications and interviews during working hours. thanks a lot i’ will change this.

    • Hello Isaiah,
      We appreciate your feedback.
      Continue reading our articles for more inspiring and insightful advice.

      ^AM

    • Hello Luke,
      Thank you for taking time to go through our articles. Kindly encourage your friends to visit our career center.

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  58. HI,AM GRATEFUL FOR ALL YOUR ADVERTS THOUGH HAVE NOT YET SECURED A GREENER PASTURE I TRUST IT WILL BE SOON. THANKS FOR SUCH A POWERFUL ADVICE.

    • Hello David,
      Thank you for taking time to go through our articles.
      Stay tuned for more incisive articles.

      ^AM

  61. I been trying to get a job through brightermonday without success. How do I succeed in a job through you people.

    • Hello Michael,
      Thanks for sharing your feedback.
      We noticed three things which if implemented will improve your employer response.
      First of all please update your profile up to a range of 98% to 100 % profile completeness.
      Secondly, it would be prudent if you could delete all the resumes on your account then upload an updated resume to your account.
      Finally, please subscribe to our job alerts and apply for jobs as soon as you get the alert on your email inbox.
      Hopefully, these simple yet effective measure would go along way in improving your user experience on our job site.
      Please feel free to get back to us for more assistance.

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  62. Good tips..for my case I have been keenly following you to try acquire a job in Electrical eng. field,technician or air condition tech.,but I have not succeeded yet. how can u help me pls. thanks

    • Hello Alex,
      Thanks for your inquiry.
      We managed to reset your job alert subscription thus kindly log into your account and create a new alert subscription so that you can resume getting your regular alerts.
      Click here to view the job alerts link.

      Please feel free to get back to us for more assistance .

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    • Hello Esther,
      BrighterMonday offers services that facilitate applications for employment. BrighterMonday’s sole purpose is to provide a platform for both jobseekers and employers who can advertise and apply for jobs. All jobs on our website are advertised by our employers and must be applied online using the “APPLY ONLINE”, thus we are Kenyan’s number one job site.
      To get started click here to sign up.

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  66. Much thanks for your unmatched tips.I am a mile advanced in my career because through these,i have

    learnt to accommodate every type of personalities i come across in this field of work.

    • Thank You Wycliffe for reading.
      We endeavor to be your preferred career partner.
      Keep it Brightermonday for more inspiration.

      ^AM

    • Hello Antony,
      Thank you for taking time to go through our article. keep visiting our career center for more informative articles.

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  68. Good advice to both the employed and those still in job search. Personally, your site has been of great help to me.

  70. Great hints team brighter monday. It is unethical and irresponsible to bite the hand whilst it feeds you. It is also unfair to bite after you have had enough and decided to move on. Let us show gratitude on all stages of our careers.

    • Hi Movince,

      We agree. It is important to maintain respect for both current and prospective employers.
      Thank you for reading.

      ^DM

  71. You have saved my soul, this is exactly what I needed especially this time that I almost quit my current job.
    Thank you for sharing this.

    • Hi Rotich,

      We are glad to provide timely information for our readers like you.
      Keep it Brightermonday for more tips, advice and career guidance.
      We wish you the very best in your next step.

      ^DM

    • Hello Paulyn,
      kindly click here and create job alert subscription so that you can get all the latest job opportunities that match with you talents.

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  74. This is exactly what you additionally deserve to do, as part of career guidance. Timely information for in my strategy of job hunting. I never miss your updates, may be one day I will land my dream job.

    • Hi Mwegombi,
      Thank you for your continued support.
      We aspire to provide more timely and relevant career information for our readers to provide guidance and tips.
      Keep applying and keep sharpening your skills, your dream job will find you when you least expect it.
      We wish you all the best in your job search.

      ^Dm

    • Hello Janet,
      Thank you for taking time to go through our articles. For to get started, create a job seeker account by clicking on the link below.
      https://www.brightermonday.co.ke/
      -> Once logged in to your account, please update your profile by clicking on “My Career Profile” (a complete profile should have a 99% profile completeness percentage)
      -> Ensure that you upload a fresh C.V. on your profile so that employers can get a chance of viewing it.
      -> Create job alerts by clicking on the circled icon at the top right corner of the page. Select the ‘My job alerts’ option from the menu that appears on your screen.
      And apply for job opportunities that match with your talents.

      ^AM

  77. Hi brightermonday,
    I always follow up on your inspirational discussions which i also find very informative and interesting. Keep doing the good work.
    I also wish to ask for consideration for opportunities in employment particularly in logistics since i have a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in procurement and supply chain management or in administration because of my diploma in Human Resource Management.
    My email is calebwanda@yahoo.com. I will appreciate a link up.

    • Hello Caleb,
      Thank you very much for your unwavering support, we appreciate readership.
      Kindly click here to view all the latest job opportunities in your field of interest.

      ^AM

  79. Thanks for your wonderful lessons .infact they have became strong foundation in my career job Hunting and the same too to many colleagues ,may good lord bless you people .

    • Hi Dickson,
      We appreciate your continued support.
      We aspire to be our readers’ career partner by not only matching their talent with employers, but also providing relevant career information in the market for their success.
      Keep it Brightermonday and encourage more of your friends to come drink from the rich fountain of knowledge 🙂

      ^DM

  80. Hi team,

    Am happy and confident, this article has sharpened my skills on how to articulate matters relating to employers and the job market. Am grateful
    Rgrds

    • Hi Francis,

      We are glad to have been of assistance.
      We endeavor to continue sharpening your skills, so keep it Brightermonday.

      ^Dm

    • Hello Geoffrey,
      Thanks for sharing your feedback.
      We noticed three things which if implemented will improve your employer response.
      First of all please update your profile up to a range of 98% to 100 % profile completeness.
      Secondly, it would be prudent if you could delete all the resumes on your account then upload an updated resume to your account.
      Finally, please subscribe to our job alerts and apply for jobs as soon as you get the alert on your email inbox.
      Hopefully, these simple yet effective measure would go along way in improving your user experience on our job site.
      Please feel free to get back to us for more assistance.

      ^AM

  82. Reason why I keep it brightermonday. Am a professional driver working but looking for greener pastures. Link me please.

    • Hi Raphael,
      We indeed appreciate your continued support.
      We aspire to bring to our readers all the career information they need to grow their careers to the next level.
      You can get better prospective jobs from our site. And if you want to change your career, we will give you tips on that.

      ^DM

    • Hi Zak,
      Thanks for reading.
      Keep it Brightermonday, your preferred career partner, for more inspiration.

      ^DM

    • Hi Roselyne,

      Thank you for reading.
      We wish you all the best in your interviews.
      Continue visiting our Career Center for more guidance and tips.

      ^DM

    • Hello Stephen,
      We indeed appreciate your continued support.
      We aspire to bring to our readers all the career information they need to grow their careers to the next level.

      ^AM

  92. Thanks for the valuable tips and information on career search and growth,am grateful the tips will help me grow and explore the vast career path and world as i go in-search for better Working environment.

    • Hello Timothy,
      Thank you for taking time to go through our article.
      Keep visiting our career center for enlightening articles.

      ^AM

  93. thanks currently an at the most poorly paying job, but recently I tried to hunt a new job unfortunately the boss knew it, very nice advice since I had a big crisis with her

    • Hi Karani,
      There is nothing wrong with looking to better your life and experience, but you should not do it at the expense of your current position.
      Remember to be wise, fair and courteous all through.
      We wish you all the best in your job-search.

      ^DM

  95. i lyk how yo inspire pple in the outside market..by doin tht yo wll keep your relationship wth both bosses safe n clear…i realy appreciate your work though currently am havin a very low level job which gives me headache…hop to find one soon as am lookin fr 1…if theres any vaccance in your place…pls contact me thr….0702954706..

    hugz.

    • Hello Emmanuel,
      Thank you for your continued support.
      We aspire to provide more timely and relevant career information for our readers to provide guidance and tips.
      Keep applying and keep sharpening your skills, your dream job will find you when you least expect it.
      You also log into our website: https://www.brightermonday.co.ke/search/result?q= and search for job opportunities that much with your talents.

      ^AM

  96. Hi Team,

    For sure this is what we need, in the job market there are alot of challenges but how to handle them is an issue especially at this point in the article. Thank you for your contiued support and help.

  97. i really appreciate u people.Have been longing to find such information bt u have it as im now looking for a job.Thankyou for the educative site.

    • Hello Margaret,
      We are glad to provide timely information for our readers like you.
      Keep it BrighterMonday for more tips, advice and career guidance.

      ^AM

    • Hello Robert,
      Thank you for taking time to go through our article.
      Stay tuned for more informative articles.

      ^AM

  100. It makes alot of sense and as I am currently not employed and looking for a job, I will surely put that into practice once I get a job.

    • Hello Alex,
      Thank for taking time to go through articles, we appreciate your continued support.
      To get all the latest jobs in field of profession, kindly click here.

      ^AM

  102. This is why I keep it Brighter Monday. You enlighten us with vast information and knowledge that very few can afford to ignore. Indeed this is a small world and it’s good to do unto others what you would like being done to you. Quite informative and keep up the good work.

    • Hello Macharia,
      Thank you for your continued support.
      We do appreciate your readership, continue visiting our career center for edifying articles.

      ^AM

    • Hello Zedekiah,
      We are glad to be of help to you. keep visiting our site for more informative articles.

      ^AM

    • Hello Faith,
      Thank you for taking time to go through our article. We value and appreciate your feedback.

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    • Hi David,
      Do not worry. This is a learning curve and you have now learnt how to be better.
      You will apply the wise recommendations next time.
      Keep it Brightermonday for more practical tips.

      ^DM

  106. This is great knowledge, people have landed in mistakes because of simple mistakes but I believe that with such a platform, there is light at the end of the tunnel

    • Hello Darious,
      Thanks for the feedback. Keep visiting our career center for more inspiring articles.

      ^AM

  109. Hi!Thanks a lot for this touching article.Am already employed but still searching for greener pastures. For sure I have gained a lot i really appreciate your informative article.

    • Hello Miriam,
      Thank you for taking time to go through our articles.
      Stay tuned for more incisive articles.

      ^AM

  112. now yet not emplyeed but i need your support to get a job at tanzania coz am stay tanzania in order i can practice 2

  113. Thanks so much for that info.I am now enlightened.No wonder I have been fighting with my previous bosses.

  115. thankz a lot, this has prepared me in to avoid unnecessary character and to remain a life in a job time.

    • Hello Philip,
      We are glad to provide timely information for our readers like you.
      Keep it BrighterMonday for more tips, advice and career guidance.

      ^AM

    • Hello Anthony,
      Thank you for writing to us. The longevity of a CV depends on once work experience, if you a fresh graduate from a University or College your CV should be more that two (2) pages. On the hand if your five or more than five years of working experience your CV should be around five (5) pages.

      ^AM

  117. this is very educative to me.I have seen people mess with their current jobs in the name of looking for greener pasture,only for them to come back and beg again for reunion

    • Hello Biko,
      Thank you for sharing with us and for taking time to go through our article.
      We do appreciate your continued support and readership.

      ^AM

      • i have a problem with uploading my cv in my account. each time am told i cant upload moere than 5 mb yet my cv is less tyhan that i
        have tried uploading it in my laptop several time
        s and i am not the only one. please kindly advice us on wat to do

        • Hello Milka,
          When uploading your CV, always ensure you have logged into your account. Then click on ‘Upload CV’ tab, browse and attach your CV, which will be automatically saved on our database. Make sure you attach your updated CV each time you apply for a job.
          If it fails kindly forward us the error message so that we assist you further.

          ^AM

  119. Thank you so much,this is an eye opener.
    I have been using the office equipment to do job searches,how can i go about it and leave no trace of my searches? please advice.
    Thank you.

    • Hi Faruq,
      Its a good thing you realized your mistake and are ready to move on without repeating it.
      However, we are not in a position to help with the clearing of history, but we can advise that you avoid it in future. Had your boss known of your job-search, they would have probably confronted you. So take that as a good sign and avoid repeating the mistake in future.

      ^DM

    • Hello Hellen,
      Thank for taking time to go through our article.
      Keep visit our career center for more enlightening articles.

      ^AM

    • Hello Alex,
      Thank you for the feedback, we do appreciate your readership.
      Click here to view all the latest job opportunities in field of interest.

      ^AM

    • Hi Emma,
      We are very sorry in regards to your current predicament.
      You now need to rise up and begin to actively look for employment. Start by editing your CV to reflect all the skills and experience you have gained. Create an account with Brightermonday and subscribe for alerts that are relevant to the career you wish to pursue.
      Update your profile to over 97% to make you more visible to potential employers and begin sending out applications. Do not get discouraged even if it takes a while. keep applying and keep improving your skills.

      ^DM

  123. Thank you for your information, most of the things highlighted above are things people take for granted, especially telling your colleagues.

    Thank you again

    • Hello lyne,
      Thank you for the feedback and for taking time to go through our article.
      Keep visiting our career center for incisive articles.

      ^AM

  124. Thanks alot coz i almost messed! What about using my current Boss’ adress while writing a cover letter? Thanks

    • Hi Godson,

      Please use an alternative address when applying for a job. This is because your prospective employer may decide to contact you and they may send documents to your current employer’s address. That might not work very well for you.

      ^DM

  126. Thank you for dressing to us such important things which we were not aware of esp using the employer’s address.

    • Hello Ester,
      Thank you for the feedback.
      keep visiting our career center for more informative articles.

      ^AM

  128. Thank you guys so much i have really learned a lot from your article i hope to get more from you and please advice me on how to get my dream job of being a Front Office Receptionist /Cashier

    • Hi Ali,
      We appreciate your support and reading.
      For you to get the dream job you desire, ask yourself the following questions;

      Do you have the right qualifications?
      Do you have any experience?
      Are your interpersonal skills good? ( are you a people-person)
      Are you organized and ready to learn?

      If the answers are in the affirmative, start looking for this jobs and spruce up your CV and write a customized cover letter.

      ^DM

    • Hello Betty,
      Thank you for taking time to go through our article.
      We appreciate your readership, keep visit our career center for edifying article.

      ^AM

    • Hi Gideon,
      We are happy for your feedback and engagement in reading our articles. Keep visiting us for more updates.

      ^TM

    • Thank you Justine, we really do appreciate your support in readership and writing to us. Keep it brighter monday for more informative articles.

      ^TM

    • Hello Martha,
      Thank you very much for writing to us. We do appreciate your continued support. Continue to visit our career page for more edifying articles.

      ^TM

    • Hi Omochokoro,

      We are glad that our services are of positive impact to you. Keep it BrighterMonday for more informative articles. ^AN

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