Angel Jones went viral in Kenya on Thursday, May 11, after she complained that she had been unable to land a job for close to a year despite holding a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
While it is normal for someone to go for a long streak without getting a job, Jones’s case was unique in two ways.
First, she is an accomplished academician and a Ph.D. holder boasting expertise and accolades as an educator, author and advocate.
Secondly, she had been making numerous job applications with no one noticing her impeccable credentials.
“I have been applying to jobs for 8 months without a single interview,” she lamented.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Edwin Mwaura, a Human Resource expert, advised Jones and Kenyans who might be in her position, noting that no matter how shiny the credentials were, their curriculum vitae need to stand out.
“While getting a PhD is remarkable and admirable, the first step in getting a job is being shortlisted for an interview.
“This can only happen if your Curriculum Vitae (CV) stands out from other applicants,” he advised.
The HR professional explained that people with lesser academic qualifications may get shortlisted if their CVs catch the eye of the selection panel.
“What she needs is to get services of a professional resume consultant to revamp her CV and make it stand out,” he advised Jones and other job seekers.
The HR expert further revealed that some people fail to get a job because they lack experience.
He advised that it is prudent to always peruse through all the requirements to ensure you are qualified for the advertised job.
A social media user named Eloi Mayenco remarked that he had once been in Jones’s shoes.
“I once made 37 job applications where I thought I was a really good match, but 35 of them rejected me straight away.
“I did not give up and one day I was invited to an interview. I thought they would not hire me, but they did,” he encouraged Jones.
