Jackson Owago's Blog

 Why Spelling Mistakes Matter in a Resume “It was a great resume, until they spelled their own job title wrong.” Sound familiar? As hiring managers, we’ve all encountered candidates who seem strong on paper, but minor errors can raise significant concerns. Few things can undermine a first impression faster than a typo on a resume. The Problem A resume remains a crucial tool in the hiring process. They serve not only as summaries but also as indicators. When a candidate submits a resume with spelling mistakes, it indicates carelessness rather than ability. That one typo might seem harmless to the candidate, but to the person making the hire, it often reads as: “Will this person be this careless with my clients? My reports? My brand?” What Spelling Errors Really Say Here’s why a small mistake can have a big impact: - It questions attention to detail. If you’re applying for a job, the least you can do is spell your own job title correctly. - It breaks the flow. A misspelled word snaps...

Do Startups Prefer Specialized Skills or a Strong Work Ethic and Willingness to Learn? You’ve seen the job ad before. “We need a self-starter with five years of experience in a fast-paced environment. Must know Python, manage their own projects, thrive under pressure, and be a team player.” It sounds like every other startup job post, right? But when you sit across from a candidate who may not tick all the boxes but lights up when talking about learning new things, what do you do? This is the hiring dilemma that almost every startup faces. Do we go for candidates with deep technical skills, or do we bet on someone eager, adaptable, and ready to grow? Skills vs. Mindset — What Are We Really Hiring For? Let’s be clear. Specialized skills matter. If you’re building software, launching a new product, or managing investor funds, you need people who know what they’re doing. But in startups, job descriptions are living documents. Roles evolve. Priorities shift. Today’s growth hacker may need ...

Hiring on a Budget? Here’s What Actually Works “We can’t compete with the big guys on salary. How are we supposed to hire anyone great?” A founder said this to me last week, and I nodded. It’s something I’ve heard from startups, nonprofits, and even mid-sized companies. And it’s a real concern. The Problem Let’s face it, money talks. But not every company has the budget to pay top-tier salaries, especially in today’s competitive talent market. That doesn’t mean you’re out of the game. It simply means you need to think a little creatively. What You Can Do Instead Here are a few things that don’t cost a fortune but do catch candidates’ attention: Showcase Purpose Today’s candidates want to work somewhere meaningful. If your company is solving a real problem or making life better in some way, talk about it. Ensure your purpose is clearly communicated on your website, in your job ads, and during interviews. Be Flexible (Really Flexible) Flexibility is the new currency. Can people work remo...

Why is having the best talent in your organization the best thing?  Recruitment stands as the cornerstone of any organization's success, a pivotal gateway to unlocking exceptional talent that propels businesses forward.  In Human Resources (HR) management, the art of recruitment isn't just about filling positions; it's about finding the right minds that shape and elevate organizational excellence. Strategic Talent Acquisition Recruitment transcends merely sourcing candidates; it's a strategic endeavour. Effective talent acquisition involves understanding the company's ethos, its culture, and the specific skill sets required. Tailoring recruitment strategies to align with organizational goals ensures not just hiring employees but also integrating future assets. Embracing Technology for Efficiency In this digital age, leveraging cutting-edge technology amplifies recruitment efficiency. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), AI-driven analytics, and automated screening proc...