Kevin Okerio: My job hunting journey on Fuzu

December 6, 2016

2016 might have been a roller coaster for some; twist and turns, ups and downs but for one Kevin Okerio, Fuzu happened to be part of those up moments. We caught up with him and this is what he had to say.

How did you come to develop the love for Information Technology for you to pursue it as a career having studied Web Design?

I got admission at the Technical University of Kenya, to pursue Bachelor of Technology (Civil Engineering Technology). The first week in college is a time most students are confused on what to pursue. An uncle had earlier told me, Business and Technology will be the next forces to reckon with, and I wanted to be part of the revolution. So I changed my course and then developed intense liking for Technology. Every techie will tell you that they died numerous times learning how to code. You are going to write a piece of script and watch it do stuff.

How did you come to learn about Fuzu?

I learnt about Fuzu from the Facebook. I created an account and forgot about it but subscribed for alerts. On a lazy evening, I was going through my mails and came across an email with the Microsoft 4Africa skills advert and I rushed to their website. On applying, I was redirected to Fuzu where I had to build my Fuzu profile.

What stood out about Fuzu from other career platforms that made you sign up to it?

Fuzu has numerous features that stand out. There are tests and great lessons anyone can learn on their website. Their blog and comments sections are heartening. I had problems applying for the much-coveted opportunity and made multiple mistakes finding the right skills, but their Facebook customer support team was very supportive.

What benefits did you seek to gain from Fuzu apart from job search?

A lot. I took a few tests that challenged me rationally. This literally guided me through the kind of profile I wanted to build and career path that I’d take. There is incredible support on how to build a selling CV and cover letter. I am fresh from college and literally it’s on this website that I learned how to build a CV.

Are there particular features within our solution that you find most attractive?

In my first application, I used Instant feedback. I wanted serious feedback on the position I was applying for. That is an incredible feature. I had procedural notifications through mail on the proceedings concerning the particular application and was notified when the employer viewed my CV and what could be next.

Which feature do you use the most apart from the instant feedback?

Premium CV. This is a great feature. You can get a detailed and well organized CV. There is career coaching on the platform, which cannot be underestimated. I have not used the feature but it is worth trying.

What’s your take on hiring in the digital age?

Gone are the days that people moved from office to office with loads of certificates and CVs that don’t even get to the hiring manager’s desk. People should embrace modern technology. With the present-day Job portals like Fuzu that are going to get you a job at the click of a button, things are much easier and cost effective.

How serious should a job seeker take CV writing and selection of skills on the platform?

Your CV and cover letter are everything. This is where you tell the employer who you are and why you are the perfect match. Anyone seeking a job should take those seriously. Everyone should sell out, and make sure that they are the best so that the employer can choose them.

How was the application process and how is life at Microsoft so far?

I saw the opportunity and with a friend, we made the single application all night. Literally studying every letter and word of our CVs and cover letters. Even then, we both knew this was just an application that couldn’t go far. Given the qualifications, we just tried. We didn’t expect any response from anyone but we did and here I am today. There is a lot of learning and growth. Training is intense: Mondays and Tuesdays are entirely set aside for training.

Advice to job seekers?

You are fit for your dream job and you can work in any organization that you want to as long as they have a verified opening, and you meet the minimum requirements. Sharpen your CV and cover letter. Start low and work your way up. Have a realistic salary expectation, and most importantly, do not give up after a few applications. Keep applying until you secure yourself an interview. Research! Research! Research! And don’t shy away from opportunities. You are fit. Above all, pray!

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Comments

RACHEAL | September 06, 2018 12:19

Good message.. Thanks team fuzu..

Samuel | September 04, 2018 12:43

Thanks to the Fuzu team, hopefully my dream job is on the way too.

STEPHEN | September 03, 2018 18:47

Amazingly that's the way out,no give up, step by step to land into our dreams

Dennis | August 04, 2018 09:03

Voila! Encouraging indeed. Thanks Ann plus the entire team for Fuzu platform.

PULISI | August 02, 2018 17:22

Noted thanks Ann

Faith | July 24, 2018 04:06

Lots of thanks to Fuzu ,they have motivated me to keep going ,I believe I'll get my job too soon ..thanks Ann

PHILIP | July 11, 2018 13:20

Thank a lot FUZU for a wonderful work . What normally annoy me is the issue of technical know who; because of corruption most job are not got on merit even if you meet the requirements unless some body talk for you or you pay money yet you may not have it

Susan | June 15, 2018 06:24

I had already given up with job searching until i met fuzu. Thanks alot Ann, I will get my job soon.

Akora | June 13, 2018 19:50

Every day of my life is a dream beyond reality but FUZU is at it's upper hand making it a reality. Joining FUZU is the wisest decision one can ever make.

Ogwere | June 08, 2018 17:24

Amazing, am their now let's start the search for dream job

Mohamed | April 17, 2018 15:33

And very true that you find the job

Mohamed | April 17, 2018 15:30

Ann! For.UA information I have never bin given such morale in my life BT now I have learnt a lot from you and.team fuzu congratulations and may God bless u all.

Fuzu | April 18, 2018 06:23

We are glad to have inspired you.Thank you Mohamed!

AGNES | April 02, 2018 23:10

Wow..this inspiring I feel encouraged to push even more and be resilient .Thanks to Fuzu

Ranous | March 22, 2018 20:14

Amazing one,,

William | March 05, 2018 13:46

amaizing

Benard | February 16, 2018 23:14

noted

Benard | February 16, 2018 23:13

taken

ochai | January 30, 2018 17:50

Fantastic my brother

Daniel | January 13, 2018 12:23

Great to hear from you, I have gotten to learn a lot from your experience. Thanks and wish you all the best in your endeavors.

Sarah | January 13, 2018 04:31

That is an inspiring story, I have been on fuzu for quite some time but I must say I haven't given it my all, this has made me change my thinking and I am going to Make good of fuzu to job hunting

Tubenawe | December 17, 2017 12:33

m blessed to here from that, wish you the best

Tallbert | July 17, 2017 08:29

I have reviewed my CV and Cover letter. I keep waiting for that special call. Hope it comes sooner.

lonis | March 09, 2017 07:34

Iam so interested with fuzu job hunting and hoping for my turn to come

teresiah | January 14, 2017 13:07

I have learnt alot in fuzu.

Kevin | January 12, 2017 07:02

Thank you. I wish you all the best of luck!

james | January 08, 2017 16:31

is it realy true that they can find job?

Caleb Juma | December 07, 2016 13:16

Encouraging! I have never taken Fuzu seriously even though I remain jobless since the year 2014. Am working on my Fuzu profile now and I must also testify like Kevin. I need your support Fuzu Team. May our loving Lord bless your worthy course..!

Robert | December 07, 2016 11:40

Great inspiring story Kevin, wishing you all the best in your career prospects. Anyone searching for a job should understand that it takes a resilient person to succeed in securing the interview, let alone the job. Always ask yourself why you; what value you bring to the Employers organization; why should the Employer hire you and not one of the other applicants? If you can answer these questions conclusively in your application, the Hiring Manager/s are sure to give you a chance to sell yourself at the Interview which is the first step in the process. The other lesson here is, being meticulous. Please proof read through every detail of the application (cover letter, CV) before sending it out. Anyone looking for a Job needs to understand that, recruiters can tell a lot about you, by looking at how you articulate yourself- from poor grammar to spelling errors and or vise versa.

Brenda | December 07, 2016 05:10

Awesome!This is such an encouragement and to learn that you work for one of my dream companies, congratulations to you and team Fuzu. I am also looking forward to my next job opportunity from the Fuzu portal. I will be back here to tell my story too. As for Kevin, always remember your attitude determines your altitude and the higher you go the cooler it becomes. Keep the right attitude you have and lets meet at the TOP!