Hiring tips from an HR Professional

Tell us a bit about yourself. How did your career in HR begin?
My journey into HR wasn’t a straight path; I studied International Relations, Public Policy, and Gender Studies, later adding a Master’s in Gender and Transformation. When I returned to Kenya after studying abroad, I struggled to network and find a job. I eventually took a front desk role at Swissport, despite being overqualified, and that’s where I found my footing in HR I naturally took on HR tasks. My manager noticed, and that kickstarted my HR journey in 2019. I worked there for around four years before enrolling in a Master’s in HR Management, I’m now at SokoFresh, where I lean heavily into HR and also mentor young job seekers.

What does SokoFresh do?
SokoFresh is an agri-tech company working at the intersection of agriculture and technology. We partner with smallholder farmers, buy their produce directly at fair market prices, and sell to premium and export markets, cutting out the middleman. We also help reduce post-harvest losses with solar-powered cold storage solutions that farmers can rent or buy. This tech increases shelf life and boosts incomes.

You took a front desk job despite your academic background. What advice do you have for young job seekers based on this?
Don’t wait passively for your “dream job,” start somewhere and prove yourself. That front desk job led me to HR because I was willing to step up and learn. Take whatever opportunity comes your way, especially in today’s tough job market. Entering any organisation gives you access to various departments: someone might notice your potential and redirect you to a role aligned with your qualifications.

What should someone just graduating and eyeing the green sector focus on?
Your career doesn’t start after graduation, it starts while you’re still in school. Attend career days, represent your school, and pursue attachments or internships, even if unpaid. These early experiences matter. For graduates, your CV and LinkedIn must be strong and tailored to each job. Don’t use one generic CV for all applications. Highlight soft skills like teachability and willingness to learn; that’s what we look for when hiring entry-level talent.

You mentioned LinkedIn. Do recruiters also check other social media profiles?
It depends on the industry and company culture. Some roles, especially in sensitive sectors, require discretion, while others, like agri-tech, embrace social media for outreach and storytelling. Always read the job description, research the company, and don’t hesitate to ask during interviews about social media expectations. It’s okay to be a content creator, but understand the boundaries.

Let’s say someone didn’t follow your earlier advice. They’ve now graduated and are either unemployed at home or hustling with side gigs. Who would you hire?
I’d hire the hustler. That person is actively gaining skills, sales, communication, and networking through their side hustle. It shows initiative and resilience. Sitting idle, even with good intentions, doesn’t build skills or experience. Engagement in any form, business, volunteer work, or community service, keeps your mind sharp and shows recruiters you’re proactive.

As we wrap up, what’s your general advice for young people trying to enter the job market?

Upcoming events in the climate industry

Calling all climate enthusiasts! Whether you're looking to grow your network or gain fresh insights, these upcoming events offer the perfect chance to connect, learn, and stay ahead in the climate space:

• Hybrid | Climate Forum | GHACOF 70 (Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum) | 19–20 May 2025 | Theme: Climate Services for Closing the Early Warning Gap Together

• Zimbabwe | Environmental Convention | Ramsar COP15 (Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands) | 23–31 July 2025 | Focus: Wetland conservation and sustainable use

• Rwanda | Agroforestry Congress | 6th World Congress on Agroforestry | 20–24 October 2025 | Theme: Agroforestry for People, Planet and Profit