One of the major problems with the typical Nigerian job seeker is being ill-equipped and prepared for the job search. The truth is that most Nigerian graduates adopt weak job search techniques and hence why in addition to being unemployable find it hard to secure jobs – in any case jobs are scarce.

But to make it easier to find employment any serious Nigerian job seeker should keep the following at the back of his/her mind;

An online Profile

In this day and age failure to have an online presence whether through social media (facebook, twitter, linkedin) or even owning a blog of your own can add some enormous amount of leverage, giving your potential employer an idea of just how productive or otherwise you are – it wouldn’t make sense to refer them to mischievous online activities. A professional online profile enables you to build a reputation online that could sell you even during a job interview.

Effective Contact list

A list of contacts made up of other serious job seekers, recruitment agencies, HR personnel in various companies, active members of professional organizations or even online communities of professionals on linkedin or facebook is an excellent way to boost your job search as many of these contacts have access to information about vacant positions. They could be your next referral for your dream job.

Additional Soft Skills

Many Nigerian job seekers have few soft skills. By soft skills we mean skills not directly connected with your job but which makes it easier to get on with colleagues and clients. Skills like excellent written and spoken skills, interpersonal skills, analytical skills, problem solving and so on. These soft skills happen to be a huge advantage in the job search but many Nigerian job seekers miss out on it.

Bankable work experience

The catch 22 which many Nigerian job seekers face is this – you are not likely to be employed if you have no work experience but how would you get the work experience in the first place if you’re not employed? The solution is to volunteer (work for free with relevant agencies or companies) or participate in internship programmes that will enable you acquire both skills and work experience.

Business cards

Believe it or not a business card is a respectable asset to possess as a job seeker. It not only shows you’re professional but indicates readiness to take up responsibility plus it’s an excellent branding tool. All these qualities are desirable and serious employers who note this wouldn’t mind giving you a chance to prove yourself.

http://the-nigerian..com/2013/12/5-things-every-serious-nigerian-job.html

6. Recommendation letter

Advantage: when you have this, the other 5 aforementioned becomes practically useless.

I quite agree with the idea of taking up a volunteer position. Some have stayed jobless for over 3 yrs. If they had handled a volunteer role for 2 years, it would be a CV booster and would help reduce gaps in employment history.

Really nice esp point 4. Most dont get it that experience is truly the best teacher. Start somewhere but think big. A big dog was once a puppy..

kk

You need God! See, without God your connections are nothing! Infact without God, your certificates and qualifications are valueless!

Business cards

Believe it or not a business card is a respectable asset to possess as a job seeker. It not only shows you’re professional but indicates readiness to take up responsibility plus it’s an excellent branding tool. All these qualities are desirable and serious employers who note this wouldn’t mind giving you a chance to prove yourself

/

Nigerian job-seeker with a business card? I don't know about this.

\
An online Profile

In this day and age failure to have an online presence whether through social media (facebook, twitter, linkedin) or even owning a blog of your own can add some enormous amount of leverage, giving your potential employer an idea of just how productive or otherwise you are – it wouldn’t make sense to refer them to mischievous online activities. A professional online profile enables you to build a reputation online that could sell you even during a job interview.

/
Online "professional" profile you mean? Some of the postings on fb walls can actually be hindrances.
Cave ne sedes

\

I agree on dis.

ok..
P.s: chk my signature

A professionally-written CV is an indispensable tool for job seekers.

God Bless the OP. Like if you say Amen.

ok..
p.s: chk my signature

Good piece, no.4 sound pretty ok. I have wasted good 6 months without job.I WISH I KNOW!

wrong, all u nid is connection

I agree with you on all the points made. Lets also add CONNECTION: For someone (esp Nigerian) to get a job easily, he/she has to be highly CONNECTED. FACT!

Connection and that's all

If you have a job just thank GOD and forget all about this writeup.

Your unemployed, you dont have a business, what is ur business card for? you write ur name on the care and hand it to people to call u for fun?

when you have a recommendation letter from an influencial person whats he need of ur business card and facebook profile?

The only reasonanle think I see here is some experience.

ednut1: wrong, all u nid is connection

So true.

gud

Acidosis: 6. Recommendation letter

Advantage: when you have this, the other 5 aforementioned becomes practically useless.

Not so relevant. As a matter of fact, a friend with recommendation letter from no less personality than Alhaji Lateef Jakande (former governor of Lagos state) came to my then office and asked to see the CEO. Of course, she can also see the PA to the CEO. Her letter was received by the CEO. I doubt the letter wasn't dropped in the bin after she turned back, or at best filed with many other useless letters she receives on daily basis for the CEO, who is too busy striking deals to attend to petty matters like someone looking for job.

As for business cards, well, there is nothing wrong in being different, being a maverick, pulling some unique stunts, like the 'EMPLOYADAM.COM' guy, but I'm not sure Nigerian employers are moved by such.

na house d connection go come meet you! who has noticed dat u c diff names of companies you never believed existed on people's profile on fb, all just need do is google it, social media i so support it, but make d person no start to dey post rubbish o

Acidosis: 6. Recommendation letter

Advantage: when you have this, the other 5 aforementioned becomes practically useless.

Most relevant on the list. We just employed 13 Graduates all on recommendations.

Forget all those stuff, all you need in LIFE is CONNECTION, either from God or Man...

Red_Card: I agree with you on all the points made. Lets also add CONNECTION: For someone (esp Nigerian) to get a job easily, he/she has to be highly CONNECTED. FACT!

I guess that could be grouped under "effective contact list"

click to read How to get a job or possibly increase your chance of getting a job in Nigeria

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

Very correct @Op, but most people only believe on referrals at the expense of their potentials, Job seekers need to know their potentials to the type of job they need cos it really goes a long way.

Thankxx

Jarus:

Not so relevant. As a matter of fact, a friend with recommendation letter from no less personality than Alhaji Lateef Jakande (former governor of Lagos state) came to my then office and asked to see the CEO. Of course, she can also see the PA to the CEO. Her letter was received by the CEO. I doubt the letter wasn't dropped in the bin after she turned back, or at best filed with many other useless letters she receives on daily basis for the CEO, who is too busy striking deals to attend to petty matters like someone looking for job.

What is this dumbo saying?

that volunteer thing really works yet many take it for granted

May God help us all.