Three months, that was the time frame within which I was sure I would get a job. So after the fifth month without a job, depression naturally crept in. My name is Nenergy and this is my story.

I graduated from the University of Uyo with a degree in marketing and was posted to serve in Gombe State under the National Youth Service scheme. Service year ended in October, 2011 and despite the reality of job scarcity I was so sure a job will be in my grasp in just three months. Why was I so certain? Well for one, I was well armed with knowledge and skills I got from attending career seminars and employability workshops like the Microsoft Employability Programme organized by LEAP Africa. I was also certain that my enthusiasm and can-do attitude will work the magic. Yes, knowledge, skills, enthusiasm and a can-do attitude did work some magic, but one essential element was missing – I did not understand the Nigerian job market.

My job search started in January 2012, but the fuel subsidy crisis made that January a NO-VACANCY period in Nigeria. February came and went and so did March, and April, yet not even an invitation for aptitude test. Something was clearly wrong. Were my applications all going to the recycle bin or shredder? Depression set in, my enthusiasm waned, my savings dried up, and I began having disagreements with my parents. I found solace in relating with other job-seekers. We would gather to share information and recruitment stories and discuss the way forward. The movie “The Company Men” was also an inspiration. The movie plot is based on the lives of working class men who lost their jobs due to redundancy. Life was tough and depression set in, but they did not give up. They got their lives back because they had faith, courage and enthusiasm.

With renewed zest, I began to study trends in the Nigerian job market and also focused on personal development. I reset my goals, improve my computing skills, re-crafted my CV, extended my searchlight, pounded the streets more and things began to look up. The aptitude tests invites began to trickle in, and then came the interviews. I got my fair share of rejections, even turned down two job offers and in September 2012 after an aptitude test, a minor car accident, a computer based test and two interviews, I got a job (my first BIG job). Not just any job, but a job that matches my skill, abilities and career objective.

Today, the story can be told of how a young Nigerian found a thrilling and fulfilling job after almost 9 months of protracted search. The long wait was not easy, but it was worth it because it birthed THE JOB SEEKERS’ CREED™. I did it, and so will you. See you at the top!

wow! Very inspiring.! Ur write up ignited the '' yes I can spirit''in me.... .i'm very sure you're still going places pal, God bles u.........

9 months is not a very long time for a job hunt. Yes some are lucky to get employment letters months before they are through with NYSC but to be frank majority are not. I learnt that you cannot be termed an unemployed graduate unless you've spent two full years in the labour market! Anything short of that means you only passed through a job seeking phase.

Btw I really cant wait to get an autographed copy of the book and i hope you didnt put this smiley face on the cover!!!

cool stuff!

Congrats bro. I really thank God for you. I pray I also will be here soonest to share my job offer testimony. The Nigerian labour market is really a tough one but with the right attitude and God's favour, we will surely overcome.

ecolime: Congrats bro. I really thank God for you. I pray I also will be here soonest to share my job offer testimony. The Nigerian labour market is really a tough one but with the right attitude and God's favour, we will surely overcome.

Yes! Try ur best but rely On God's favour!

ecolime: Congrats bro. I really thank God for you. I pray I also will be here soonest to share my job offer testimony. The Nigerian labour market is really a tough one but with the right attitude and God's favour, we will surely overcome.

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nice story line

Henrick007: AM off to Johannesburg General Hospital. My neighbour's kid has just swallowed an 8 gigabytes memory card. At first it choked him but he is ok now. Trouble is that he is busy singing all the songs in the card, we are worried of what is gonna happen when he gets to the videos section!

lol, when it comes to mojo vids, he be like " hmmm ahhhh hmmm ahhhh, dnt stop baby, give it to me, hmm ahhh" wahala dey for NL. @op thanking God for ur life

Very inspiring write up
One word: Doggedness!
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Afterall success required dogged determination
Good to know it paid off at the end .

Congrat Bros, I'm happy 4 u. Nice write up

I neva chop. I dey kom 2 xray ur memoir

good one, we will soon get their

Dis can also help.

I can't believe myself. Front page tin

ok.

brb

Pretyangel25: I can't believe myself. Front page tin

See u! U no get job. Lolz

Soo hapi for you bros...I wish you promotions in your work place...could u tell us where u got ur current job if you don't mind?

Very timely piece for me! Can't wait for my own testimony and of course i promise to share it on NL! congrats op!

I'd share this story for those who need an inspiration

Tinkybabe: Really inspiring post.I'm happy for you.
And your quote,it's deep.Thanks for sharing

I'm glad someone noticed the inspiring quote. I love it!

Congrats @OP.

nice concept but i feel its too premature for front page

Let it get a critical mass then it goes back

#asuugetslonger

This has given me "a coming soon jobseeker " a renewed HOPE

Nice one

The sad truth is no job in Nigeria.

40million people unemployed. That is like the entire population of Ghana, Togo, Benin republic combine not being employed.

Am not offering employment but click this lick to read about how to increase your chance of employment

https://www.nairaland.com/1329105/how-get-job-possibly-increase

I'll soon share my own testimony too. My God is faithful. Its well!

Good one op

@ OP: That's cool. Your name too An inspiring story.