Every year, Nigerian tertiary institutions produce graduates that add to the number of people who are looking to enter the workforce and land their dream jobs. But for many, this is usually a daunting task as they find it difficult to land a job they want, or at least, a job they’re happy doing.
In Nigeria, people talk about how difficult it is to get jobs without connection or experience, especially if you’re a fresh graduate. It is important to note that to get a job, you’ll be competing with hundreds, and sometimes, thousands of other people. So, to stay ahead, you have to do things that position you as a good fit for whatever role you’re applying to.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to land your dream job in Nigeria in 2024.
How to Land Your Dream Job in Nigeria
If you want to land a job in Nigeria, there are some processes you must follow. To become employed, then you must become employable, and there are 3 major stages you will pass through to make this a reality.
Stage 1: Putting it all together.
Stage 2: Hunting.
Stage 3: Getting hired.
STAGE 1
Putting it all together: This is the first stage of your job-hunting process. It is also arguably the most crucial part of the process because it sets the stage for you to land your dream job by preparing you for the necessary things that are required to get it. Let’s dive straight into what you need to get done at this stage.
Research your dream company: If you want to land your dream job, then you must know what type of job it is, the industry, what is required, and the necessary certifications you need to qualify for it. A good way to do this is to find out what your passion is or what you enjoy doing. It can also be a skill you already have that you can offer as a service. Once you’re clear on what type of job you want to land and in what industry, then you can move to the next stage.
Hone your skill: After researching your dream company and industry, the next thing is to know what is required of you to get employed. You can check popular job sites to see the requirements that are common for people in your industry. Then develop those skills, if you don’t already have them. If you do, you can sharpen them to get yourself ready whenever there’s an opportunity to showcase those skills.
Craft a compelling CV: Most jobs will require you to submit a compelling CV to show your background, work experience, and skills. Ensure that your CV is optimized to beat the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), so your CV won’t get flagged off. Some jobs also require you to send your portfolio containing previous work samples. So, this is the stage where you compile your best work that you can use whenever it is required.
STAGE 2
Hunting: This is the second stage of your job search process, and it involves looking for the role that fits your profile, certificate, or skills. This is not just about searching for a job, there are some things you should put in place to make it easier to land your desired role. Here are some tips that can boost your chances during your job search.
Apply early: As stated earlier, you’ll be competing with a lot of people for some jobs. Most of whom are equally or even more qualified for the role. But how you communicate your value to your potential employers is what matters and applying early can up your chances of getting hired for a job.
Network: Don’t underestimate how useful your network can be. When job hunting, you can inform friends, family, or other people in your industry who are already in the workforce. You can also attend events and seminars to meet new people and connect with like minds who can help you during your job search.
Check online job boards: There are many online job sites like Jobmag, indeed, Jobberman, etc, where you can go to check for job postings of your choice. You can filter the job postings based on your industry and location, to get one that suits your preferences.
STAGE 3
Getting hired: This is the part where you get called for an interview, or get accepted to work in the company of your choice. Everything we’ve explained in this article is meant to lead up to this point. After researching your preferred company or industry, and you’ve sent applications based on your preferences, then the work doesn’t stop there. Here’s what you should do while waiting for feedback.
Prepare for an interview: For most companies, you’ll likely get called for an interview when they accept your application. While waiting to be accepted, one way to prepare yourself for the job is to check for common interview questions and how to answer them. This will give you the confidence to answer questions and communicate your value during the interview.
Check other companies: There’s no 100% guarantee that you’ll be accepted into every company you apply to. So, it’s wise to have other options that you can apply to. This will also give you the luxury to pick when two or more of your applications get accepted.
Reach out to reiterate your interest: When you send a job application and you don’t receive a reply for some time, you can send a message to the company to remind them of your application and reiterate your interest in the role. This will show them your commitment and willingness to take up the role.
Conclusion
If you want to land your dream job, there are steps and processes that'll make your search easier, as we’ve discussed in this article. Follow them, and you’ll have a higher chance of landing your dream job in no time.
