I am not a human resource professional neither am I a career counsellor but over time I have realized that I am able to help people get to a reasonable stance on their choices when it comes to their career, recruitments and job vacancies or any other professional counsel on business as the case maybe.

This is the reason why I have created this thread and it is my own way of giving back to Nairaland so in the event that you have something bothering you or a situation you are unclear about kindly ask and let me give you some insights into my own way of approaching such circumstances or situations.

A. What question is on your mind?
B. What career advice do you need?
C. What interview difficulty do you face?
D. Which company are you looking to join?
E. What interview question would you like to have an answer too?

Kindly ask and I will respond to you ASAP.

Responses may be delayed due to my personal life schedule as is expected.
If you are not here to ask questions, I would also appreciate if you don't comment except required.

I could benefit from here and could chip in one or two things from time to time based on my experience.
I encourage anyone who has questions/issues they need advice on to open up. You need not use all the advise but it could help you see things from a broader perspective.

GboyegaD:
I could benefit from here and could chip in one or two things from time to time based on my experience.
I encourage anyone who has questions/issues they need advice on to open up. You need not use all the advise but it could help you see things from a broader perspective.

Exactly.
Your experience can/ would be beneficial.

I created this because I often get emails from people seeking help and advice.
I have also received up to like five today so I felt it would be efficient to some extent if we make it open a little bit.

You can check some of my posts not topics on my profile to some of the responses I gave to some inquiries.

The below are some of my write ups:

A. Recruitment Practices in Nigeria: www.nairamode.com/2014/05/general-recruitment-practice-what-you.html?m=1

B. Getting a job, how easy?: www.businessngr..com.es/2014/06/getting-job-in-nigeria-how-easy.html?m=1

C. Writing a resume (Tips): www.businessngr..com.es/2014/06/how-to-write-winning-resume.html?m=1

plessure:
What will u say if they ask u why do u want to change ur job?

First of all try and study to a reasonable extent the reason behind that question.
Read the interviewers countenance and gesture.
Follow through all the questions prior that question and answer with some of the following:

1) The organization is one place you have always wanted to work as it is one of your vision in life to join their team and be a part of the success story both in learning and in contribution to the company's values, mission and vision.

2) You could also say you are looking for a more challenging opportunity where your experience or skills can be well utilized.

3) You could also mention that you are familiar with the culture of the organization and it expressly conform to what kind of person you are, your aspirations and career trajectory.

These responses are something you can work around to suit your own way of communication and they are by no means exhaustive.
I hope it helps.

BeloHorizonte14:
Sir nairamode thank you so very much for the messages. Sir,i just want to ask: how does one apply for a job he has no experience in (and he wishes to build a career life in that line of job)? Thank you sir.

There are three ways you can go about that.

1) You can send an unsolicited application to the company requesting for internship.
Your application will have to be clear-cut and presentable and sound.

2) You can visit the coy and ask an audience with the Human Resource or with the MD. Most private firm grants an audience to people requesting to see them.
Do not look desperate when probably meeting with the secretary. Ask that you will like to develop your career and be a giant in that particular line of work and you will just need a professional counsel from them. It is hard but doable. It's a risk.

When you meet with the HR or MD, speak passionately and intelligently not desperately about how you would like to grow in that line of work as an intern, assistant or as the case may be.

3) You could meet with professionals in your choice field to get "bullet" ways in which you could join such career part.

BeloHorizonte14:
Thank you very much sir. I appreciate your elderly counsel. Sir please forgive my naivty: how does one prepare for a company's job advert that says submit C.V. in person? Thank you sir.

To submit and application in person only means one thing. They do not want to go through the stress of a rigorous recruitment process so they want to judge on the spot your look, your dressing, your mannersim, your confidence, your resume and probably a couple of questions.

Make sure you look presentable, smile and have a well written resume.
Also try and research about the company and the role you are applying for.

Interviews has just five keys to landing them. They are the keys that I use.

1) Be audible
2) Be confident
3) Let all your responses be completely logical and most times be in relation to the position you are applying for.
4) Be very practical
5) Be very very positive.

The world is tough and people have "nose-lifted" hard-work embracing AFF and get-rich-quick-scheme.
Even hard work is scorned at but what choice do ordinary people like us have than to stay ahead of the game so we can stay ahead of the pack.
Learn what will make you standout and be open to teaching.
Seek knowledge, seek experience, seek information.

@OP sir...honestly you are doing a great job here...I pray you shall be REWARDED bountiful....
Pls how best do you answer these questions in an interview...
1)On a scale of 0-100,rate yourself on integrity
2)What is the trickiest thing you've ever done?
3)Where do you see yourself in the next 5years?
...Thanks in anticipation for your answer...

adeoti01:
@OP sir...honestly you are doing a great job here...I pray you shall be REWARDED bountiful....
Pls how best do you answer these questions in an interview...
1)On a scale of 0-100,rate yourself on integrity
2)What is the trickiest thing you've ever done?
3)Where do you see yourself in the next 5years?
...Thanks in anticipation for your answer...

Thank you for your questions. Here goes:

1. Integrity can only be 100% if there is a minus 0.0000000000000001 in it the. It is no more called integrity. This is my opinion.
If I am asked such a question, I will rate myself 100. I will further tell them that I am the go-to-guy amongst my friends when they seek help, support or wants things done because they know me for my loyalty, consistency, empathy and moral principles which I consider of great worth.

2. If I am asked number two, I may ask them to rephrase the question as it is not clear-cut to me. Most times they will ask in a clearer from.
However, it looks like it means how creative are you?

I'm sorry I am not perfect so I really don't have a answer to your number 2. Perhaps someone (seun) should help. I personally would really appreciate Seuns advice.

3. Where do you see yourself in the next five years is simple. Most employers wants people with vision and purpose in life. What they are simply asking is what is the vision you have for your life and how do you plan to achieve it.

I would say I see myself becoming a principal consultant in my company with the greatest team ever helping people and businesses to solve their problems and challenges and making sure they get to profitability.
I am result oriented and like solving problems and part of the reason why I would love to work here is to learn and develop my skills while working hard to make sure that I am better at what I do here which will prepare me for running my own organization.

You should simply state your vision. Maybe you aspire to be a senior manager in the company or in the next five years you would have published fifty books.

I hope this helps.

Is it necessary to add a cover letter or an introductory note to the mail or just attach the CV to a blank email when a job specification says, "interested candidates should send CV" ?

tolaly:
Is it necessary to add a cover letter or an introductory note to the mail or just attach the CV to a blank email when a job specification says, "interested candidates should send CV" ?

First thing is that you should always follow instructions to the letter.

1) Send your cv with a cover letter whether they specify you to attach or not means you attach a cover letter.
2) Send your cv and attach an application means you should attach an application letter.
3) Send your cv and application means you could either attach or send it in the body of the mail.

However, it is usually safe (apart from cover letter) that whatever application you are sending whether they ask for any application letter or cover letter or just cv that you write a compact details of where you saw the advert as well as an introductory letter of who you are, your qualification, experience and why you are interested in the job in say two paragraphs.

Most times human resources specialist or consultants do not have the time to be opening tons of cvs.

I hope this helps.

NairaMode:


Thank you for your questions. Here goes:

1. Integrity can only be 100% if there is a minus 0.0000000000000001 in it the. It is no more called integrity. This is my opinion.
If I am asked such a question, I will rate myself 100. I will further tell them that I am the go-to-guy amongst my friends when they seek help, support or wants things done because they know me for my loyalty, consistency, empathy and moral principles which I consider of great worth.

2. If I am asked number two, I may ask them to rephrase the question as it is not clear-cut to me. Most times they will ask in a clearer from.
However, it looks like it means how creative are you?

I'm sorry I am not perfect so I really don't have a answer to your number 2. Perhaps someone (seun) should help. I personally would really appreciate Seuns advice.

3. Where do you see yourself in the next five years is simple. Most employers wants people with vision and purpose in life. What they are simply asking is what is the vision you have for your life and how do you plan to achieve it.

I would say I see myself becoming a principal consultant in my company with the greatest team ever helping people and businesses to solve their problems and challenges and making sure they get to profitability.
I am result oriented and like solving problems and part of the reason why I would love to work here is to learn and develop my skills while working hard to make sure that I am better at what I do here which will prepare me for running my own organization.

You should simply state your vision. Maybe you aspire to be a senior manager in the company or in the next five years you would have published fifty books.

I hope this helps.

Wao Ooº°˚˚°o ...
You're indeed great...
Thanks for your highlights....
God bless you Sir

adeoti01:



Wao Ooº°˚˚°o ...
You're indeed great...
Thanks for your highlights....
God bless you Sir

You are welcome.

NairaMode:


You are welcome.

If one wants to send a cover letter by email, must someone include his contact details and that of d employer just like d format of a traditional application letter?

jadajada:
If one wants to send a cover letter by email, must someone include his contact details and that of d employer just like d format of a traditional application letter?

Cover letter usually comes with it's own instructions from the employer.
Traditionally however, it is usually in the format of an application letter.
What simply separates cover letter from a typical application letter is that it is a practical description of the skills you possess and how it matches the job description.
It will also include what you can do, have done and how you intend to inculcate it into the new job.
Know also that it is not an essay as you must get to the point as succinctly as possible.

Tanks. But, most time d employer usually request 4 cover letter and cv witout instruction, that's why i want to know if it's necessary to include d contact details of employer and my own

NairaMode:


Cover letter usually comes with it's own instructions from the employer.
Traditionally however, it is usually in the format of an application letter.
What simply separates cover letter from a typical application letter is that it is a practical description of the skills you possess and how it matches the job description.
It will also include what you can do, have done and how you intend to inculcate it into the new job.
Know also that it is not an essay as you must get to the point as succinctly as possible.

Really appreciate your good works. Honestly, i have been following these procedures before now yet the job isnt coming..i have made up my mind to do some voluntary jobs or maybe intership. Even without pay just for the experience. I need ur advice on this. Is it possible? Do you knw of any firm that will give me this opportunity.

rayval:
Really appreciate your good works. Honestly, i have been following these procedures before now yet the job isnt coming..i have made up my mind to do some voluntary jobs or maybe intership. Even without pay just for the experience. I need ur advice on this. Is it possible? Do you knw of any firm that will give me this opportunity.

I personally cannot advice someone to work for free.
Its like selling yourself cheap and I havent heard of any testimony where you approach an organization to work for free and they agree.

I personally will not even consider the person. This is because you will look cheap, not intelligent, creative and that such a person has no value and therefore wouldnt add value to my business.

I would personally prefer a blue collar job than to work for free but yes I can work for cheap but not for free.

Therefore my advice is that you seek for internship in an organization of choice. It is usually better if you have the chance to write it i.e hardcopy with your cv and address it to the MD and take it to the company.

Specify why you want the internship and the importance of that role to you and how you intend to learn and also add value. There is no company that wouldnt appreciate such idea and they would usually also pay you stipends for the role. Stipends here depends on the structure of the organization.

I hope this helps?. Get back for more inquiries.

Good Day Guys.
How is the future looking like?.

NairaMode:
Good Day Guys.
How is the future looking like?.

Good morning Nairamode. Please do u consider Kaymu Nigeria a place I can start up a career with as an accountant. Also, I will like you to tell me how much they pay fresh graduate working with their finance department. Thanks.

mayor4utd:


Good morning Nairamode. Please do u consider Kaymu Nigeria a place I can start up a career with as an accountant. Also, I will like you to tell me how much they pay fresh graduate working with their finance department. Thanks.

If you are interested in the ecommerce industry it is not bad at all.
It will also help your personal development as you will be dealing with large accounts internal and external.
Kaymu pays their accounts department well. They have non negotiable salary structure for different cadres.
Pay cannot be compared to the big 4s but it is not bad at all. Say around 80 sha.
Good luck.

ATOB:


If you are interested in the ecommerce industry it is not bad at all.
It will also help your personal development as you will be dealing with large accounts internal and external.
Kaymu pays their accounts department well. They have non negotiable salary structure for different cadres.
Pay cannot be compared to the big 4s but it is not bad at all. Say around 80 sha.
Good luck.

Thanks so much.... Really appreciates.