Omobolanle Adeyemo
11/01/2015
I have often heard people say that jobs are hard to get in
Nigeria. Infact, many people are been forced to go into business because there
are no jobs. Yet, I am also of the opinion that Jobs don't just drop on
people's laps. They are searched for. They are sought after. Truth is there are
many people who can do what you can do, even better. Many people who have
better presentation of skills you have and who are academically more qualified
than you. However, only few really get jobs in Nigeria. Why?
First of all, before anything, get your purpose right.
Where's your calling? What organization(s) would propel you on such course? If
you don't know where you are going, all job offers would appear as great opportunities
to you. The truth is that, you can't work everywhere even if you get all
offers. Many people keep applying everywhere. To me, such people lack purpose.
Concentrate your energy to seeking applications in prospective organization
where it'd be profitable for you in the long run.
Two, once you know what organization fits your skills and
qualifications, usually, they are more than one, reach out to them. Apply
through their application portal. Send a mail. Reach out to somebody who works
there and let them know of your interest in getting a probable offer with them.
Even if you are rejected, truth is, you tried. After your application has been
sent, don't wait for them to call you. Pick up your phone and give them a call.
Until you are told you can't be offered employment, don't give up just yet.
Some organizations have strict application procedures where
you have to go through their application portal and apply, while for some, you
just have to know someone who knows someone to submit your CV. In such cases,
it would not be bad to contact the Management committee themselves and express
your interest in working with them. Let them what skills you've got and how you
fit into their organization. Also important are what they do and how your skills
align with the particular job role. Are you scared of sending a mail to any of
the Management committee? Then you don't need a job yet.
LinkedIn is also a good networking platform to showcase your
skills and particularly reach out to contacts who work where you desire to be.
Ensure your CV and cover letter are rich enough to make them want to give you a
listening ear. Also ensure your LinkedIn account is rich and well presented.
Before anyone would give you a call or send you a message for a probable job
meetup, your profile would speak for you. A HR officer in a Multinational
organization shared how she privately sent a message to a guy whose profile was
so rich. Although he failed the interview for reasons best known to him, that
was an opportunity that presented itself on a platter of gold.
I also remember using my LinkedIn account to get contacts of
those who worked in my dream prospective organization. Infact, I could be very
daring sometimes. I sent a message to the Head of HR who requested that I send
my CV to him. He confirmed my age and location though. I was called for a test
and subsequent interviews. Though I did not eventually accept the offer, I had
choices and it was also an organization I had applied countless times in the
past without even been considered for a test.
Please tell everyone who cares to listen that you need a
job. Many of us are good in hiding our needs. We act like everything is fine.
Remember, if you are too scared or shy to tell somebody you need help, don't be
surprised if everyone seems to show no care. Tell people. Tell people who you
think can help. Walk up to people and introduce yourself. Tell them what you
can do and how your service can be of help to them. Have your CV and covering
letter handy. Follow up on such people. It is never bad to request for help.
Pray for God's favor! Nothing skips protocols like the favor
of God. God's favor makes people go out of their way to help you. It makes you
meet the right people at the right time. It gives you preferential treatment
and allows you get the right information.
Realise that it actually sometimes takes time to get a good
job in this Nigeria wey we dey so, you would agree with me. Don't give up, keep
at it. The most important thing is that you do something different this year.
Don't expect jobs to knock on your door. You've got to be proactive and search
for them!
NB: Please if you have more tips, share. You could also
share how you got your own job.
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