Sometimes life beats us up into a pulp, with the dead ends, the challenges, the failures, disappointments and the bitterness of hope. We feel the jabs as we are hit over and over again and the frustrations set in. For some people, life is smooth sailing, every corner has another and better opportunity. But for others, life is a battle where the wars they fight never end, and every war has its casualties, both physical and emotional. We live unfinished lives, where what we have attained was not quite what we anticipated, where we settled in life rather than soared. We kept waiting for our time to come, but it never did, day after day. The bitterness of hope is overwhelming because you are always expectant thinking that tomorrow will be better, but tomorrow becomes yesterday and you are still stuck in the same situation. Life then becomes a continuous funk of frustration and near misses led by a disappointment in ourselves, thinking we should have been raised better, we should have known better or done better, taken a different route altogether. The disappointment in ourselves then becomes a disease that eats at us and drains our life. Our life then becomes this wave of negative emotions that takes a hold on us. To overcome this tide of negative emotions, we have to learn to play the hand we have been dealt with, to step aside so that the jabs don’t hit us, to hold on tight to the ones we love and to find another road with less sand to go in our eyes. At the end of the day, we can be stronger, we can get up and fight back, we can hold on longer and still hope for a better tomorrow because when we start to dread tomorrow then we start to stress and obsess about the situation. Even as we get hit, we have to let the wounds heal then go back into the ring because as the jabs hit, you learn to hit back until you are stronger, faster, wiser and more resilient. We hold onto the promise that tomorrow will be a better day. We talk to family, talk to friends, strangers and consult professionals. Slowly by slowly, the bitterness melts away and is replaced by a glimmering light of expectation. We look forward to the promise of tomorrow and hope that we will rise and live to fight on. We all at some point get beaten or get burnt. But all that matters is getting up and rising from the ashes. It’s TRUE we get out dirty, burnt and scarred but the real victory is it the rising. Sometimes life’s lessons are learned the hard away. By not dreading the future, we can always hope for the best and believe against all odds that tomorrow will be a better day. A situation not working out doesn’t mean we break down but we must learn to take a break to recharge. We can change our perception by letting go of past mistakes and not dwelling on all the scars we already have and focusing on the lessons they taught us. Be willing to start over without losing what you have. You can set your resolutions but remember to appreciate what you already have. There is a lot of peace that can be gained from appreciating what is here than hoping for what is missing. Learn to practice gratitude. This will help you focus on the achievements infront of you. Brush off negative vibes. Don’t tolerate negative emotions from people who bring you down. Know how good you are and how great your accomplishments are. This will prevent others from putting you down and taking advantage of you. Written by; Muhawe Evelyn Muhawe Evelyn is a Banker who is passionate about writing and Content Creation.

If you are preparing for an interview and need assistance in answering the question, “Why do you consider yourself the right candidate for this position?” here are some key approaches and responses to consider: Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience “I believe I am the right candidate for this position because I possess a strong set of skills and relevant experience that align perfectly with the job requirements. Throughout my career, I have honed my expertise in [mention key skills relevant to the role], and I have successfully applied these skills in [describe relevant achievements or projects]. My experience in [mention specific industries or projects] has equipped me with valuable insights and problem-solving abilities, which I am eager to bring to this role and contribute to the success of the company.” Showcase Passion and Enthusiasm “I am genuinely passionate about [the industry or field the company operates in], and this role excites me because it allows me to combine my passion with my expertise. I have followed the growth and achievements of [the company name] with great admiration, and I am eager to be a part of the team that drives its success. The prospect of working on [mention specific projects or initiatives] motivates me to give my best and contribute to the company’s continued growth.” Cultural Fit and Team Collaboration “I believe my approach to work and my values align well with the company culture at [the company name]. I am a strong believer in collaboration and teamwork, and I thrive in environments where ideas are shared and innovation is encouraged. My ability to communicate effectively and work well with diverse teams will enable me to integrate seamlessly into the existing team and contribute to a positive work atmosphere.” Adaptability and Learning Mindset “What sets me apart as a candidate is my adaptability and continuous learning mindset. I am not only capable of handling the responsibilities outlined in the job description, but I am also eager to learn and grow in my role. I have a track record of quickly adapting to new challenges and technologies, which I believe will be essential in this dynamic and evolving industry. Moreover, I am committed to staying updated with the latest trends and best practices, which will allow me to bring fresh insights to the team.” Long-term Vision “I see this position as an exciting opportunity to contribute to the company’s long-term vision and growth. I am not only focused on the immediate tasks at hand but also on how my contributions can have a positive impact on the company’s future. I am dedicated to growing alongside the company and taking on increasing responsibilities that align with my strengths and aspirations.” Remember to tailor your response to the specific job requirements and company culture. It’s essential to showcase your unique strengths and how you can add value to the organization. Confidence, enthusiasm, and a genuine interest in the role and company will go a long way in making a positive impression during the interview. Good luck! Its All About Making A Difference Everyday

Congratulations on getting scheduled for an interview! It’s a significant opportunity to showcase your skills and experiences to potential employers. To ensure you make the most of this chance, here are some steps to follow before, during, and after the interview: Research the Company Take the time to research the company thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, products, services, and any recent developments. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses during the interview and demonstrate your genuine interest in the organization. Review the Job Description Familiarize yourself with the job description and requirements. Identify the key skills and qualifications they are seeking so that you can emphasize your relevant experiences during the interview. Prepare Answers to Common Questions Practice answering common interview questions. These may include questions about your strengths, weaknesses, previous experiences, and how you handle challenges. Rehearsing your responses will boost your confidence during the actual interview. Dress Professionally Choose appropriate attire for the interview. Dressing professionally shows that you take the opportunity seriously and respect the company’s culture. Be Punctual Plan your route and transportation in advance to ensure you arrive at the interview location on time. Punctuality is crucial and leaves a positive impression. Bring Necessary Documents Carry extra copies of your resume, cover letter, references, and any other documents the employer might have requested. Keep them organized in a folder for easy access. Be Confident and Courteous During the interview, greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile. Maintain eye contact, listen attentively, and respond confidently to their questions. Ask Questions Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This demonstrates your interest in the position and company. Inquire about the company culture, team dynamics, and any specific responsibilities. Follow Up After the interview, send a thank-you email or note to the interviewer within 24 hours. Express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position. This small gesture can make a positive impact. Stay Positive Remember that interviews are also an opportunity for you to assess if the company and role align with your career goals and values. Stay positive throughout the process, and don’t be discouraged if you face rejection. Each interview is a valuable learning experience. Reflect and Improve Whether you receive a job offer or not, take some time to reflect on the interview. Identify areas where you did well and areas where you can improve. Use this feedback to enhance your future interview performance. Most importantly, be yourself and stay confident in your abilities. The interview is your chance to shine and demonstrate why you are the right fit for the role. Good luck with your interview!

While I understand that receiving feedback about why recruiters may be rejecting you can be disheartening, it’s important to approach it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Here are five potential reasons why recruiters may be rejecting you: Your Qualifications Don’t Match the Position Recruiters typically seek candidates whose qualifications closely align with the requirements of the position. If your skills, education, or experience are not a strong match, recruiters may choose other candidates who possess a better fit. Your Resume Needs Improvement Your resume is often the first impression recruiters have of you. If it lacks clarity, or conciseness, or fails to effectively highlight your accomplishments and skills, recruiters may perceive it as subpar. Enhancing your resume with a clear structure, relevant keywords, and quantifiable achievements can increase your chances of being considered for interviews. Limited Online Presence In today’s digital age, having a limited online presence can be a disadvantage. Recruiters often research candidates online to gain additional insights and assess their professional image. If you have a limited or unprofessional online presence, it may raise concerns for recruiters. Maintaining a strong online presence, including an updated LinkedIn profile and engaging in relevant online communities, can help showcase your expertise and professionalism. Inadequate Interview Preparations Even with a strong resume, poor interview performance can hinder your chances of progressing in the hiring process. Inadequate interview skills may include being unprepared, lacking confidence, failing to articulate your experiences effectively, or not asking thoughtful questions. Practicing mock interviews and seeking feedback can help you improve your interview skills. Limited Networking Skills Networking plays a crucial role in the job search process. Building professional relationships and connections within your industry can lead to valuable opportunities. If your networking skills are lacking, you may miss out on potential job leads or referrals. Enhancing your networking abilities through attending industry events, reaching out to professionals, and utilizing online platforms like LinkedIn can help expand your network. Remember, understanding these potential shortcomings provides an opportunity for self-improvement. By addressing these areas and continuously developing your skills and qualifications, you can enhance your chances of success in the job market.

Don’t let a boring elevator pitch stand in the way of you getting your dream job. We’ve created the perfect elevator pitch examples to help you prep. No matter the industry, this one question always comes up - “Tell me about yourself.” it seems like an easy question, right? Well, I can tell you it isn’t. The first time I came across this question, I was doing an introductory interview for an internship at a law firm. I remember it like yesterday because that cringy memory is living rent-free in my head. From sweating profusely to forgetting my name. You name it. Any nightmare you ever had before an interview was me, in a nutshell. Being able to introduce yourself professionally to someone is a skill that not many people know. You can use an elevator pitch in an interview, networking event, or a friendly gathering. In the following paragraphs, I want to show you some secret tips, tricks, and examples of how you can wow your audience with a perfect elevator pitch. Before we begin… What is an elevator pitch? An elevator pitch is an opportunity to share a summary of yourself and the services and products you are offering. Some people call it an elevator speech. However, what makes this introduction unique is the opportunity it gives you. You have the chance to make a long-term connection with your listeners. How to write the perfect elevator pitch For your pitch to attain perfection, it should focus on the most relevant and recent details. No one wants to get a history lesson about yourself and your business during a lively networking forum. To come up with the best elevator pitch, you have to understand the five components of a good elevator pitch. 5 important components of a good elevator pitch1. Introduce yourself A good pitch starts with an introduction so your audience knows who you are. To make your elevator pitch feel more natural, make it personal. Additionally, body language plays a big part when making your elevator pitch. Therefore, you might want to practice in front of your family and friends or a mirror. Look into more personalized and light-hearted greetings to break the ice and connect from the beginning. 2. Highlight a problem All solutions start with a problem. Hit the ground running by highlighting the problem your skills, business or product fixes. When you start with the problem, it gives your elevator pitch a theme for the remaining part of your elevator pitch. Think outside the box when explaining a problem. Try using a visual, relating it to current affairs, or using more examples. 3. Present a solution Now that you have their attention, reel them in with your solution. Let your audience know how you will help. Since this is the most important part of the pitch, you have to have your facts right, or else your elevator pitch will not have any value. You can also personalize your pitch to fit the audience. If you are pitching yourself, focus on your skills and their value to your audience. 4. Propose your value Seal the deal by letting your audience know why your solution is better than everyone else’s. The first step is to know your competitors and do a competitive analysis. What do you offer that your competitor doesn’t? What makes you stand out from the rest? If you’re unable to find a clear differentiator, try using interface and communication capabilities or explain how your solution is original. 5. Finish with a call to action Finish up by creating some engagement with your audience. Do this through welcoming questions or giving compliments. When done, you can exchange contact details. Don’t forget to carry your business profile or cards. 4 examples of a perfect elevator pitch Now that you know the components of a perfect elevator pitch, here are a couple of examples to get your creative juices flowing: Written elevator pitch The best part about a written elevator pitch is you will have enough time to make it creative, poetic, and thought-provoking. You will have to memorize it. “Hello, my name is Durant. I’m honoured to meet you. You work for Hilton Hotel, right? I’ve heard that you are looking for project management assistance. In my experience, all businesses need help coordinating communications and the workload. I mean, work can be stressful without a system. Thus, I’ve created software that allows your fellow employees to organize their communications and projects in one place. Have you ever thought about automating your projects?” Have a story Do you have customer testimonials? If not, you can use a personal story to paint a picture of how good your product or business is. Telling a story is the best way to communicate your elevator pitch if your topic or theme is difficult to explain. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we found out our customer, Winnie was struggling with adjusting her business into a fully remote workplace. Her deadlines were overdue, and her clients were not happy. However, guess what? When we stepped in, her business got 36% of its time back within the first month. If you would want to try us, here is my business card. Call me when you are ready.” Job Interview Whether you're attending a career symposium or an interview, you have to know how to sell yourself. When you hear, “Tell me about yourself,” it should be all systems go. When making this elevator pitch, highlight your skills, experience, and notable achievements. “My name is Anita Roosevelt, I'm an SEO specialist at Frankfurt Inc. My career path started as a joke when I was embracing the idea of working from home, and it slowly grew into a passion. I can now happily say that I am proud of myself for taking the leap and making a difference in my industry. My passion and goals are why I would like to take the next career steps with someone who has similar values. I know my skills are top-tier because I have proven my potential through my most notable project, the 'We are family' Koka Kola campaign." Networking setup Networking is the best place to debut your elevator pitch and make long-term business connections. The pitch should be compelling enough to reel in and connect with someone on a virtual networking platform. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, and my name is Killian Femi of Femistar Global. We have collaborated with teams across the continent and are looking to boost our productivity and collaborations abroad. If you ever need assistance with time-saving project management, reach out. Here’s my business card and company profile.” Conclusion What’s a perfect elevator pitch? It’s a pitch that gets attention. Making people interested in what you have to say is not as easy as it sounds. Most people get anxious during the first few seconds and ruin the whole pitch. However, not you because you have practised and come up with the best elevator pitch for your business or career. With the tips and examples above, you will make the best first impression. As much as it sounds nerve-wracking, the examples above will help you develop a personalized speech and seal the deal. Your pitch could be the start of a new opportunity, so draft, review, re-read, practice, and deliver. All the best! Written by; Lilian Nerima Musonge Nerima Musonge is a Lawyer who is passionate about Content Creation and Copywriting.

Life is a remarkable journey filled with twists, turns, and defining moments that shape our paths and destinies. As we navigate through this intricate tapestry, three elements stand out as crucial factors in determining our success, happiness, and fulfillment: Time, Opportunities with People, and Personal Identity. These three pillars are intricately intertwined, forming the foundation on which we can build a thriving and meaningful career. Let’s explore how embracing these elements can lead us to unlock our true potential and make the most of our professional and personal lives. The Gift of Time: Time is a precious and finite resource that we are granted from the moment we are born. It flows ceaselessly, never pausing for anyone. In the context of life and career, understanding the value of time is paramount. Embrace the present moment, for it is all we truly have. Procrastination and wasted opportunities are the enemies of progress. Use your time wisely by setting clear goals and priorities. Invest in activities that align with your passions and ambitions, for it is in those pursuits that you will find genuine fulfillment. Learn from the past, but don’t dwell on regrets; channel your energy toward shaping a future that aligns with your aspirations. Embracing Opportunities with People The relationships we cultivate throughout our lives play a pivotal role in our journey to success and self-discovery. Each encounter, whether with mentors, colleagues, or friends, presents an opportunity for growth. Embrace these connections with an open heart and mind, for we can truly flourish through collaboration and support. Surround yourself with positive and inspiring individuals who encourage you to chase your dreams and challenge you to become the best version of yourself. Building a strong network of like-minded people fosters an environment of mutual growth and propels you forward in your career. Remember that success is not a solitary endeavor. It is the collective effort of those who believe in us and the power of shared aspirations. Cherish the relationships you build along the way, for they are the cornerstones of your professional and personal development. Unveiling Your Personal Identity Your personal identity forms the essence of who you are and what you stand for. Embrace your uniqueness and recognize that your individuality is your greatest asset. Cultivate self-awareness and understand your strengths, weaknesses, values, and passions. As you discover your personal identity, let it guide your career choices. Pursue paths that resonate with your true self, even if they might seem unconventional or challenging. When you align your career with your authentic identity, work becomes more than just a means of earning a living; it becomes a fulfilling expression of your purpose. Life and career are intricately intertwined, and by embracing the gifts of Time, Opportunities with People, and Personal Identity, we can unlock our true potential and positively impact the world. Cherish every moment, seize opportunities with enthusiasm, and stay true to your authentic self. Your journey will be unique, and obstacles will arise, but remember that your resilience and passion will be the driving force that propels you forward. As you navigate this magnificent journey, remember that you have the power to shape your destiny and create a career that is not only successful but also deeply meaningful. Embrace the lessons of time, the richness of relationships, and the beauty of your individuality, and let them guide you toward a future filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment. Your journey has just begun, and the possibilities that lie ahead are boundless. Embrace the adventure with open arms and a courageous heart!

Most of us walk around carrying the world on our shoulders. We feel like we owe so many debts and so much is owed to us. Even as we get up everyday with new hopes and dreams, we are still stuck in yesterday. As much as we say thank you for all the people who give us hope, and sorry for all those we have wronged, we feel it is never enough, that we should have done more. Whether it is the officer who found us lying down on the ground after a mugging, the brave student who informed us that our child was being bullied, the teacher who mentored us and inspired confidence in us, we never feel like we have done enough to reward these incredible people or that those who have wronged us have been punished enough. A person’s debt to God and others is so great that it can never be paid back. We are granted so many pardons and so many priceless favors as we go through life that we are always indebted in some way. We feel like a simple show of gratitude is not enough and we too are not deserving of a second chance. Therefore, we should learn to grant favor to those who wrong us, the same way we have been given second chances because without the symbiosis of both, we tend to build resentment and guilt which trap us in a prison, tortured by all manners of inner emotional conflicts. The building of these conflicts that we tend not to let go make us debt collectors. Dr. David Belgum says that 75% of people in hospitals with physical illnesses have sicknesses rooted in emotional causes and their physical symptoms and breakdowns may be their involuntary confessions of guilt. Doctors report that so many mothers whose infants are diagnosed with fatal illnesses or whose children die tragic deaths always blame themselves. Telling them it was not their fault, that there is nothing they could have done doesn’t make the situation better. They remain tormented by guilt and anxiety because they feel like they failed their children. This is evidenced by the marriages that end in divorce after the death of a child when one partner blames the other for not being careful and taking care of their child. We also tend to be our own worst enemies, we don’t forgive ourselves for all the errors we make, which makes us angry, not realizing that without fully forgiving ourselves we cannot offer the same grace to others who ask for it and in some cases deserve it. People get married expecting the spouse to make them whole, to heal them of all their internal conflict. Larry Crabe a psychologist compares the statement above to a tick on a dog. He says that the tick isn’t really interested in a good life for the dog; he’s simply taking all the time. This is the tragedy with most marriages, where both partners are takers and the marriage is like two ticks and no dog, two collectors and nothing to collect. The process of getting rid of all the guilt is not easy but there is always room for make that first step. We have to learn forgiveness, love, acceptance and grace. ‘Forgiveness is not always easy, at times, it feels more painful than the wounds we suffered, to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness.’ Marianne Williamson Forgiveness is all about letting go, finding peace and moving on. Forgiveness is a personal choice, an individual chooses a particular way in which they find closure but whichever way is chosen, make sure it works for you because you are living that situation all on your own. Tap into your inner Grace, which basically is the capacity to tolerate, accommodate or forgive people. Grace usually remains in our heads but doesn’t reside in our gut level feelings or in our relationships. We accept that bad things happen, talk to friends, share your story with people and turn the negative incident into a positive lesson. The more we talk about some incidents, the better we feel as we realize that people do care and they are willing to comfort and help. Find a way to release all the built up emotions; play a sport, write your feelings down, talk to a counselor, pray about your problem. To some people, prayer is spiritual cleansing, giving them hope that a higher power is in control. Prayer also gives us positive energy. Therefore, as we go through life, we have to find courage to let go of all struggles by gathering our inner strength from all the challenges that have made us stronger and building on that to be better. We should wake up everyday and choose the best path, one that involves forgiveness, acceptance, kindness, grace and happiness. Written by; Muhawe Evelyn Muhawe Evelyn is a Banker who is passionate about writing and Content Creation.