WHY IS MY APPLICATION GETTING REJECTED? A REFLECTION FROM AMWIK INTERNSHIP INTERVIEWS

Every year, millions of job seekers apply for positions across various industries, hoping to land their dream job. However, not all applicants are successful in securing an interview or job offer.
The unemployment rate in Kenya in the second quarter of 2021 was 10.4%, which means that around 10 out of every 100 Kenyans who are willing and not able to work were unable to find jobs.
Cynthia Mwangi, Head of Radio, Hot 96, spoke in a Twitter space on 2nd Mat 2023 organized by The Association of Media Women in Kenya, AMWIK, and said the quality of an application can disqualify a person.
“One of the common reasons for rejection is the quality of their job application which can pose a significant impact on the hiring decision. Companies evaluate a candidate’s application to determine if they are a good fit for the role, the company culture, and the position’s requirements.” She said.
A job application is typically composed of a resume and a cover letter. These documents showcase the applicant’s qualifications, skills, and experiences. The quality of the application can affect the hiring manager’s impression of the candidate and ultimately determine if they are selected for an interview or not.

Job applications are evaluated by companies throughout the hiring process, starting from the initial screening stage. The timeline depends on the company’s size, industry, and hiring process.

Jane M. Mutinda, M.D Career Management Centre, spoke during the Twitter space and said job applications are submitted to companies through various channels, including job boards, company websites, and referrals.

Job applications get rejected for various reasons, including lack of qualifications, poor presentation, and inadequate communication skills. Companies receive a large volume of applications, and even small mistakes such as typos or grammatical errors can hurt an applicant’s chances of being considered.
Patience Nyange, Executive Director AMWIK, spoke during the Twitter space and said job seekers should focus on creating a high quality job application that highlights their strengths.
“Job seekers should focus on creating a high-quality job application that highlights their strengths and aligns with the company’s values and requirements to improve their chances of success. It is crucial to pay attention to detail, be concise, and communicate effectively in the job application.” She said

In conclusion, job applications play a crucial role in determining whether an applicant is considered for a job or not. The quality of the application, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are critical factors in securing an interview or job offer. Job seekers must focus on creating a high-quality application that showcases their strengths and aligns with the company’s values and requirements.

Article by Priscillah Kaigai, AMWIK Member