10 tips and tricks for jobseekers in Nigeria; where unemployment is a massive problem.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), on 8th May, 2013, puts the current rate of unemployment in Nigeria at 23.9 per cent with youth unemployment rate over 50%; figures so alarming and worrisome, yet, discarded by most Nigerians as false, and not reflecting the real situation. The general belief is that the figures are in reality far worse.
Other than the generally believed reason of unavailability of jobs due to lack of adequate infrastructures to support industries, among others, for the frightening dimension at which unemployment keeps growing in Nigeria, the prevalent lack of the knowledge of jobseeking tactics among Nigerians is a major cause. To this effect is a form of orientation towards the Nigerian jobseeking class necessary.
Even with the problems of unemployment haunting the nation, a lot of Nigerians still find very good jobs with ease and without having the ‘long-leg’ advantage to their sides, while others spend years in the labour market, jumping from one job to another with different funny strategies, without experiencing the slightest success.
The former set must have done some things differently.
Here are Ten (10) things jobseekers in Nigeria should do in order to tackle this ugly situation of unemployment;
Deciding on what s/he really wants to do: Figure out what exactly you want to do. Start by outlining your interests, skills, qualifications, and every other thing that defines your personality, and then draw a list of related fields. Pin down an industry that you’d be happy to work in.
Starting the process early enough: The great mistake Nigerians make is waiting till after graduating from the higher institutions before beginning the hunt for jobs. Jobseeking process should normally begin from freshman year. Many already secure jobs while doing summer internship in their choice company.
Polishing resume writing/drafting skills: Having good drafting skills is essential when it comes to creating your resume or CV. This can easily be learnt. A resume/CV is not a ‘one-fits-all’ document, unlike the usual practice among job-seeking Nigerians. Always tweak your CV to suit every prospective job.
You must not be self-centered in your draft; focus more on your employer. Your ‘Objectives’ section should readily show how you can contribute to the development of the prospective employer company, instead of what you want.
Gaining experience & expertise: Instead of the usual habit of Nigerian jobseekers of sitting home all day and expecting a call for interview, while watching TV or wasting time on social media, jobseekers should find something positive doing on the side while chasing their dream jobs. Employers/recruiters tend to favour candidates with any kind of useful experience over inexperienced others. Engage in less-fulfilling jobs or do some pro-bono or volunteer work, if you have to, just to gain more experience. Expertise also comes through practice and reading deeply on your field.
Attend seminars, conferences, and online webinars, read blogs in your field, ask questions from thought leaders, etc. Start a blog if you can.
Self-development: This is almost similar to the last point, but not limited to the field you wish to work in. Work on yourself generally; read widely and learn a lot of things. Improve your manners; your dress sense and eating ethics, etc. Remember first impression matters a lot.
Be current with the latest trends in politics, entertainment, and other fields, not ignoring past events. You can never tell what your interview would be like.
You should also hone your interview skills to perfection. Read a lot on interviews and look out for practical experience. Know what to do and what to say.
Establishing a good online presence: Optimize your online profiles – or blog(s) – to be strategically placed for job opportunities. Profiles should be kept professional and clean, with interests and contact info conspicuous.
Many employers check on unsuspecting job applicants’ online profiles. Keep your craziness out of your social media accounts and use your real names.
Researching on prospective companies: Jobseekers should search and read everything on the company they are applying to; the company website, brochure, news clippings about the company, and should also track social media information on the company and its officers. Having a great deal of knowledge of the company and its activities will give you an edge over fellow applicants, and it might impress someone up there.
More reliance on personal connections than on advertisement: It cannot be denied that personal connection has great influence in employment process in Nigeria. Connection is simply having an influential link with an organization. Look for someone who knows somebody that can help, where possible. And where there’s no influential link, create one! Walk up to the organization before hand and get to know the members.
Exert more strength on offers with personal connections than those on general listings.
Deference to authority: Accord your interviewers the highest degree of respect in the course of your application for the job. You should always end an interview with an expression of gratitude for the interviewer's time, and you may politely ask about the next step in the process
Applying for the right jobs: Do not allow desperation or frustration influence your sense of judgment and discernment. Apply only for the jobs you are qualified for, and do not compromise. It is understandable that this is not easy to abide with in a country like Nigeria, where we’ve seen PhD holders apply for driving positions, but I assure you that the sacrifices and determination will pay off someday.
Even in the face of favouritism and nepotism, characteristics most identified with Nigeria, which are also the major banes of Nigeria’s employment process, a jobseeker in Nigeria will get any job of her dreams if this list can be followed religiously.
It all boils down to one thing; make yourself the right person for the right job!-entrepreneur
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