By: Jackson Kapilya
Three years ago, in January, I received an unexpected email from a Human Resources professional in Botswana.
They had an opening for a Health and Safety Advisor role and wanted to know if I would be interested.
At that time, my priorities were different. I had three important exams to write and a scholarship that required me to remain in Zambia. I wasn’t actively looking for a job, so the conversation went no further.
But one thing kept me thinking—how did they find me, and what made them confident that I was the right fit?
It turns out that the hiring manager had interviewed me years before when he worked for another company. They initially offered me a role, but due to some differences in perspective, we didn’t move forward.
Yet, three years ago, without ever meeting me in person again, he recommended me for another opportunity. This is the power of credibility.
People often assume job referrals are just about connections, but there’s something deeper—your name must carry value. It must be associated with expertise, reliability, and a track record of excellence.
When a need arises for a particular skill, the right people will bring up your name—not because you asked them to, but because your work speaks for itself.
Think of Joseph in the Bible—the cupbearer mentioned him to Pharaoh when the moment was right. Why? Because his skills were undeniable.
Yes, networking matters. But above all, make sure that when your name is mentioned, it stands for something remarkable.
Build yourself. Grow in excellence. And in the right season, your name may be spoken in rooms you’ve never entered.
Wishing you a great week ahead.
Jackson Kapilya is the Health and Safety Adviser at First Quantum Minerals. The views expressed herein are his own.
