Source: http://news.bounce.ng/Content/still-jobless-years-after-graduation-heres-why-youre-unemployable-20170720

It's not news that the Nigerian education system takes a lot of flack for this - with the ill-equipped schools, out-dated syllabuses and unmotivated lecturers who embark on endless strike actions.

But more often than not, the graduates themselves, are usually their own worst problem.

Stories abound of graduates who can't spell, let alone compose a cover letter. As big of a problem as this is, there are still several other seemingly less obvious problems responsible for the ridiculous amount of unemployable graduates we have in Nigeria.

Let's run through them.

1. You feel entitled: So you've graduated from school, possibly with good grades, done your youth service and then expect to get a job just like that. Dear one, it doesn't always work like that. Nobody owes you anything, not even your parents or family members.

The moment you start to think someone somewhere owes you something, you begin to limit yourself.

Put your documents together, learn new skills if necessary to improve your chances and then get out there. Rather than wait or rely on promises from friends/family, aim to reach out to as many people/organisations as you can each day. With the right CV/cover letter and skills, you'll land something soon enough.

2. Lack of initiative: Remember the lady who got a job after holding a sign with her credentials on 3rd mainland bridge last year? Now, that's initiative. As a follow-up to point one above, many Nigerian graduates seriously lack initiative. How does this manifest, you may ask? It's as basic as not researching a place before you go for an interview there. Or even being completely unaware of opportunities that could be around you.

Is there a neighbour or someone in your place of worship who is in a line of work that you're looking for? Then why not approach them and offer your service as a way to break the ice. Pitch your skills to them and offer to do some work for free as a way to test things.

Employers ultimately want people who can add value to their organisation, and if you can prove this, then you're halfway through the door.

Many times, opportunities will not come your way. You'll have to get up and go look for them. Other times you'll need to force your way through. So it's not enough to have a degree (even a solid one), and expect good things to come your way. Be proactive.

3. Education doesn't end in school: Some of the most significant things you'll learn will be outside of a school. Life will teach you lessons, learn from your mistakes and from others. But more importantly, equip yourself with skills that can improve your marketability.

It's 2017, there's the internet. Use it for something asides social media. Go online, research on trends relating to your field, and equip yourself with relevant skills and knowledge.

4. You're inarticulate and have zero presentation skills: This is one of the biggest reasons why Nigerian graduates are unemployable.

Many can barely speak, or write correct English. How then do you expect to get hired? If spoken English is not your problem, then can you present yourself confidently in an interview? Can you sustain an intelligent conversation?

As a job seeker, it's important to clearly communicate your capabilities in a manner that will inspire confidence in whomever is considering hiring you.

Nice one