After submitting your application to the Kenya Wildlife Service jobs, one of the first things you should do is confirm that your application has been received. Most recruitment processes will send an automatic email confirmation upon successful submission. Check your email inbox, including the spam or junk folder, for this confirmation. If you do not receive an email within a few hours or by the next business day, it may be prudent to follow up directly with the KWS recruitment office.
In your follow-up email, remain polite and professional. Restate your interest in the position, provide details about your submission, such as the date and the job title you applied for, and inquire if they have received your application. Confirming receipt of your application ensures that it has not been lost or overlooked and demonstrates your proactive attitude.
Research the Organization
Understanding the organization you’re applying to is critical for several reasons. Start by delving into the history, mission, and core values of KWS. Familiarize yourself with their various conservation programs, projects, and initiatives. Knowing these details will help you align your future responses and actions with the organization’s goals and values.
Staying updated on recent news and developments related to KWS can be particularly beneficial. This includes new conservation projects, changes in leadership, partnerships, or any significant achievements or challenges they are facing. Such information can be a talking point during interviews and can help you demonstrate your engagement and genuine interest in the organization.
Revisiting the job description and requirements for the position you applied for is also essential. Make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations associated with the role. This preparation will be invaluable when you are called in for an interview, as you will need to articulate how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for the job.
Prepare for Potential Interviews
Interview preparation is a critical step after submitting your application. Start by researching common interview questions for roles similar to the one you applied for at KWS. Practice answering these questions, focusing on how your skills, experiences, and qualifications align with the job requirements. Emphasize your passion for wildlife conservation and how you can contribute to KWS’s mission.
Behavioral questions are commonly used in interviews to assess how you have handled various situations in the past. To prepare for these, reflect on your previous experiences and use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This method allows you to provide clear and concise responses that showcase your problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Conducting mock interviews with friends, family, or mentors can also be beneficial. This practice can help you refine your responses, improve your confidence, and receive constructive feedback on your performance. Consider recording these mock interviews so you can review your body language and communication style.
Network and Connect
Networking can significantly enhance your job search process and provide you with valuable insights and opportunities. Start by updating your LinkedIn profile to reflect your recent application and career aspirations. Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements in wildlife conservation. Connect with current and former KWS employees, as well as professionals in the wildlife conservation field. Engaging with these connections can provide you with insider information about the organization and potentially lead to job referrals or recommendations.
Joining professional organizations related to wildlife conservation can also expand your network. Attend events, webinars, and conferences organized by these groups to meet and learn from industry experts. These events often provide opportunities to discuss trends, challenges, and innovations in wildlife conservation, enhancing your knowledge and demonstrating your commitment to the field.
Follow KWS on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Engage with their posts by liking, commenting, and sharing relevant content. This not only keeps you informed about the latest developments at KWS but also shows your enthusiasm and support for their work.
Stay Organized
Staying organized throughout the job application process is crucial to ensure you don’t miss any important steps or deadlines. Creating an application tracker is an effective way to manage your job search activities. Use a spreadsheet or a dedicated job search tool to record details such as the date of application, the job title, the contact information of the recruiter, and any follow-up actions you need to take.
Set reminders for important dates, such as application deadlines, follow-up emails, and interview appointments. Keeping track of these details helps you stay on top of your job search and ensures that you don’t miss any critical opportunities.
Maintaining a record of the jobs you have applied for, along with the status of each application, allows you to quickly reference this information when needed. It also helps you identify patterns in your job search, such as which types of roles you are most successful with or areas where you may need to improve your application materials.
Develop Relevant Skills
While waiting to hear back from KWS, consider taking proactive steps to enhance your skills and qualifications. Identifying and addressing any gaps in your knowledge or experience can make you a more competitive candidate. For example, if the job you applied for requires specific technical skills, consider enrolling in relevant courses or workshops to gain those skills.
Online learning platforms offer a wide range of courses in wildlife conservation, environmental science, project management, and other relevant fields. Completing these courses can help you stay updated with the latest developments in the field and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.
Volunteering or participating in internships related to wildlife conservation can also provide valuable hands-on experience. These opportunities allow you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings, develop new skills, and expand your professional network. Additionally, volunteer experiences can enhance your resume and provide you with practical examples to discuss during interviews.
Follow-Up Appropriately
Following up after submitting your application is a critical step in the recruitment process. However, it is essential to strike a balance between being proactive and respectful of the recruiter’s time. Typically, it is appropriate to follow up about one to two weeks after submitting your application if you have not received any communication.
When crafting your follow-up email, keep it concise and professional. Express your continued interest in the position and inquire about the status of your application. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and briefly highlight how your skills and experiences make you a strong fit for the job.
If you receive a response indicating that the recruitment process is still ongoing, express your gratitude for the update and your willingness to provide any additional information or documentation needed. If you do not receive a response, consider waiting another week before sending a second follow-up email.
Stay Positive and Patient
The recruitment process can be lengthy and sometimes stressful, but it is essential to remain positive and patient throughout. Remember that many factors can influence the timeline, including the volume of applications, internal processes, and unforeseen delays. Maintaining a positive attitude will help you stay motivated and focused on your job search.
While waiting to hear back from KWS, continue to explore other job opportunities in wildlife conservation and related fields. Applying to multiple positions increases your chances of success and keeps your job search momentum going. It also helps mitigate the anxiety of waiting for a single response.
Engage in activities that support your well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, and spending time with friends and family. Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial during the job search process, as it helps you stay resilient and prepared for any outcome.
Reflect and Learn
Regardless of the outcome of your application, take time to reflect on the process and identify areas for improvement. If you receive an interview, consider what went well and what could have been better. If you receive feedback from KWS, use it constructively to enhance your future applications and interviews.
If your application is unsuccessful, don’t be discouraged. Use the experience as a learning opportunity. Analyze your application materials, such as your resume and cover letter, to identify areas where you can make improvements. Seek feedback from mentors or career advisors to gain additional perspectives on how to strengthen your candidacy.
Continue to build your knowledge and skills in wildlife conservation. Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in the field. Engaging in continuous learning demonstrates your dedication to the profession and enhances your qualifications for future job opportunities.
Conclusion
Submitting your application to the Kenya Wildlife Service is just the beginning of the journey towards securing a position in wildlife conservation. By confirming receipt of your application, researching the organization, preparing for potential interviews, networking and connecting with professionals, staying organized, developing relevant skills, following up appropriately, staying positive and patient, and reflecting and learning from the experience, you can maximize your chances of success.
Remember that the recruitment process is an opportunity to showcase your passion for wildlife conservation, your skills, and your commitment to KWS’s mission. By taking proactive steps and maintaining a positive attitude, you can navigate the post-submission phase with confidence and increase your likelihood of achieving your career goals with the Kenya Wildlife Service.
