Are you curious about the things you need to know before Job hunting in Nigeria?
Here’s the deal, then:
I’m going to share with you today a methodical approach that you can use to obtain your ideal job, even if you’re trying to find a job in Nigeria.
According to these figures, Nigeria has more than 20.9 million jobless individuals. And it should come as no surprise that the anxiety of not finding employment is one of the biggest issues facing today’s students.
After all, you put in a lot of effort in school to graduate with at least a second-class upper. However, it seems that most government schools make it nearly impossible for students to receive a first-class degree, not because no student merits it, but rather because it is practically standard practice in Nigerian universities to make certain grades difficult to obtain.
These same kids struggle with unemployment after overcoming all of that. The widespread belief that there are no jobs does not imply that there aren’t any jobs at all. Good jobs are still given to some people. For some, we can agree that knowing the right people helped them get there, but in a few cases, we see how people who achieve exceptional results have businesses lining up to hire them.
However, it is clear that they are in the minority; the majority, who are brilliant but may not have reached the pinnacle of their academic achievement, are typically the ones who suffer the most from unemployment.
Admittedly, there are instances where this is the case since these grads have nothing to brag about other than their degree; they lack any experience or skills, not even from voluntary work or internships.
It takes far more to land an executive position than just having a degree to land a white-collar job. So, even if the competition is fierce, this article will show you where you could have missed it and how to fix it so you can land the job of your dreams.
Things you need to know before Job hunting in Nigeria
1. When to begin your job search
Waiting until you are unemployed before looking for a new job is similar to waiting to lose your job before adopting the practice of setting aside a portion of your earnings. It’s just not a smart course of action.
Your job hunt should ideally begin while you are still employed. First of all, if you do receive an offer, you will have the leverage to bargain for a higher wage because your potential employer is aware of your present employment status and can reject your offer if you are uncomfortable with it. Additionally, it spares you the anxiety that comes with sitting at home worrying about how long it will take to find a new job.
We always tell recent graduates that the best time to start looking for a job is right before they graduate.
Engage in conversation with your network of employed colleagues and friends who are already employed. You might be surprised to learn that many Nigerian undergraduates work full-time or part-time jobs while they are enrolled in classes.
Applying for jobs, particularly entry-level positions, is also a good idea during the final few months of the National Youth Service Corps service year. Keep in mind that NYSC is not a profession. Consequently, it will terminate.
2. The types of positions for which to apply
Does it make sense for a recent Theatre Arts graduate to apply for the Head, Internal Audit position at Zenith Bank, where the minimum experience requirement is seven years or more?
The reasons are obvious, and the answer is no. You’re not qualified for that position. Instead, apply for positions where you know you have a probability of at least receiving an interview invitation.
You cannot continue to apply for jobs for which you are unqualified and then be shocked when you are unemployed. For example, we anticipate that one of the first job site categories you would apply for if you were a mass communication graduate from a Nigerian institution would be
3. Build a Strong, Tailored CV and Cover Letter
Your cover letter and resume frequently serve as prospective employers’ initial impressions of you. These documents need to be professional, succinct, and customized in order to stand out in Nigeria’s competitive employment market.
Emphasize your accomplishments and most pertinent skills when writing your resume. For instance, highlight your experience managing client accounts and hitting goals if you’re looking for a sales position. Make sure the keywords in your resume match those in the job description.
If “proficiency in Microsoft Excel” is mentioned in a job posting, put this ability on your resume if appropriate. Additionally, it’s critical to keep your resume brief, ideally no more than two pages. Nigerian recruiters choose a straightforward strategy that emphasizes credentials and achievements.
A strong cover letter can help you stand out even more. Take advantage of this chance to share your story, mentioning the job title and outlining why you are the ideal candidate. When applying for a marketing position, for example, you may talk about campaigns you’ve worked on and their quantifiable results.
Steer clear of frequent blunders, including sending applications with numerous grammatical errors, providing extraneous facts like hobbies, or sending generic resumes. Before submission, always proofread your work.
4. Leverage Online Job Portals and Networking
In Nigeria, looking for a job is now easier than ever, thanks to the growth of internet platforms. A wide range of industries and skill levels are represented in the ads on well-known websites such as Jobberman, Hot Nigerian Jobs, and LinkedIn Jobs.
However, in Nigeria, networking continues to be one of the best methods for locating employment openings. You may network with recruiters and business executives by going to conferences, webinars, and professional gatherings. LinkedIn is particularly useful for networking, as it lets you create a professional profile and get in touch with possible employers.
Use a professional photo, a thorough job history, and pertinent skills to enhance your LinkedIn profile and get the most out of it. Posting insightful content or sharing your achievements can also help establish credibility. Instead of sending generic messages like “I’d like to connect,” send customized connection requests to recruiters or industry leaders.
5. Look into and investigate potential additional training or educational possibilities
There are several online certificate programs offered by various universities, which will help you improve your resume and value. Don’t think you know everything; don’t miss any possibilities; instead, take advantage of them and keep becoming better every day. Even if there doesn’t seem to be a training opportunity coming your way, you may use the internet to look for potential chances and learn where and how to approach them. Additionally, don’t be scared to pick up tips from those who have gone before you. Another option is to offer to work for free; the great thing about this is that you learn while you’re doing it.
Continuous skill development will greatly increase your employability in Nigeria’s cutthroat work market. Project management certifications (like PMP or PRINCE2), digital marketing certifications (like Google’s free certification), and data analysis certifications (like Excel, Power BI, or Python) are highly sought after.
A variety of courses are available on reasonably priced learning platforms such as Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and ALX Africa to assist you in acquiring these abilities. Developing a portfolio is crucial for tech or creative positions. Showcase your coding projects on sites like GitHub or your design work on Behance.
Here, the adage “Jack of all trades, master of none” is applicable. Knowing how to do a lot of things and even doing them all at once is not always a bad thing, but when it comes to choosing a job, it’s crucial to focus your hobbies into something specific. The issue here is that people do not know what career path to take when they do not yet know what their area of interest is.
You should apply to a firm that can employ your expertise if you have two or three related skills. Don’t be apathetic about this; this concentration will determine the further information you pursue. There’s no need to take certificate classes that won’t advance your profession; you may continue taking courses at random until you find your route, which will better prepare you.
How can you persuade potential employers that you are the ideal person for the job if you lack confidence in your ability to deliver? This is distinct from being conceited yet possessing the required self-assurance. Avoid appearing desperate; be mindful of your demeanor and avoid giving the impression that they are helping you. Since you are providing a service to get compensated and not only coming to receive gifts, there should be a reciprocal sentiment.
Assuming that employers will always post job openings publicly is one error that job seekers make. Some businesses will be recruiting but won’t post an advertisement on any website. Even if they are not hiring right away, your application will be considered first in the event of a job opening, which is why you should follow up; do not become a nuisance, but do check in regularly. If you’re lucky and have a well-written cover letter and resume, you might be invited for an interview. So be clever enough to go above and beyond, even if the company is not now recruiting.
The majority of jobs are corporate, and they require intelligent and competent individuals with a serious mindset. Even if a firm has yet to meet you, seeing your email address like sexydude27uk@gmail.com will give them the wrong idea about you. Your email should ideally include your name and surname for easy feedback.
Also, while looking for work, be careful what you post on social media; do not publish anything that will give you a poor self-image. Companies now go above and beyond to investigate people’s profiles, believing that the information on a person’s profile will provide them with insight into the true person behind the corporate mask. So, always be as courteous as possible.
In conclusion, job hunting in Nigeria is not for the weak. You must be determined and ready to go through the stress. With a proper strategy, planning, and doing the right thing, you will land the job of your dreams.
The goal is to develop yourself always and avoid paying agents, because they will end up eating your hard-earned money. Your hustle will pay, so keep the engine running at all costs.
See you at the top.
