A highly placed policymaker recently asked graduates from various fields attending a job fair where over one thousand jobs stood to be filled what they needed to make full use of that opportunity.

Well and good, one could readily say. However, when it so happens that the job seekers have similar qualifications and negligible experience while applicants outnumber job offers even by five graduates for one job opening, the rest of that advice just would not work.

There is no way in which preparation, discipline or confidence when engaging with potential employers can uplift even one-third of them as more than three quarters will not be selected, wherein one evokes the logic of patronising advice for youths.

There is even a syntax problem in whatever language when one examines the remarks, as underlining that “a strong opportunity is in front of you. Prepare well, stay focused and believe in your abilities” is meaningful only if and when it is one or two people going to an interview.

In such a scenario, one has to fail an interview in order to fail to be selected, otherwise a good performance would naturally imply that one lands the job on offer.

When it is a mass of graduates for a correspondingly paltry number of job opportunities, that advice would ordinarily hardly work – as the foot would not fit the shoe.

It becomes plain wishful thinking, as it is otherwise a throw of the disc into the dark, with shortlists already prepared since decision makers have their preferences as well.

Evidently, the job fair currently in question is a lasting symbol of friendship and economic cooperation between Tanzania and China, a bridge linking young Tanzanians to employment opportunities and long-term career pathways.

Even if one loses the chance to be selected, just getting prepared for such an interview would be much like doing an exam as it involves the mind in a consuming way.

It is evident that the programme has an impression on the youth, what they see of the world and issues relating to investment or unemployment – not to speak of development priorities, addressing youth enhancing skills, etc.

The youths may thus start learning the difference between piling up on skills development and opening up economic activity for meaningful investment expected to generate wider job growth. Even in and by itself, that would be invaluable experience.