Published: February 2017

The Memoir of a Job Seeker – Part One

“How far BabT, are you set for the Lagos trip” queried Johnson. “Lagos…” I mused, “What is happening in Lagos?” He clarified, “You are one of those shortlisted for a job test with Ariosh”. Ariosh is a Lagos based Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) Company that has a yearly tradition of testing and interviewing the top 10 final year undergraduates from the Faculty of Engineering, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; specifically from Mechanical, Electrical and Civil Engineering Departments. It is said that one of the founders is an alumnus of University of Ilorin.

The job test notice was within a short period, the list was pasted on a Thursday and the test scheduled for Saturday. I reached out to one of my course mate who was selected for the test. “Hi Greg, don’t you think we should all set out for Lagos in the same bus?” Greg one of the analytical minds my class boasts of, responded frankly, “BabT, what if there is an accident? I weigh issues from two sides, the positive and the negative” he continued, “let us find our way to Lagos individually”. Still desiring to travel with at least one of my course mates, I approached Clement who confirmed that he sets out for his trips first thing in the morning when the road was less busy, his preference was at variance with my traveling philosophy – all that matters when I travel is safe arrival, the time of arrival is of less importance.

Later that evening, I bought a “my clear bag”, prepared and printed my CV and packed my bag. I looked forward to the Lagos trip and hoped that my Industrial Training experience with International Energy Services Ltd (IESL) will give me an edge. My Industrial Training experience got me hungry for the corporate world. I was counting days to become a graduate. The Ariosh prospect was a welcomed development. Here is what my Industrial Training looked like.

INDUSTRIAL TRAINING
INTERNATIONAL ENERGY SERVICES LTD – IESL (June 2008 – Dec 2008)

On my first day at IESL branch office at Plot 1661 Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, I was dressed in a white T-shirt and blue baggy jean. While waiting at the reception to complete the required formalities, I watched smartly dressed men and women use the exit. My T-shirt, Afro hair and Baggy jean which were ‘acceptable’ norm within the campus stood me out. This development saw me overhaul my wardrobe.

IESL offered me a firsthand work experience. The resumption time was 7am; all employees are expected to be punctual irrespective of their residential location. I lived in Lekki, getting to work early was not a challenge, motorcycles (Okada) were not out of bound at the time.

Before reporting to the Mechanical Department of IESL, I was selected to attend a 2 weeks training on Caesar II Software for pipe stress analysis. The training held at IESL Headquarters at No. 94 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. During the training, I had free breakfast and lunch and was paid training allowance. It came to me as a big deal, being fed and paid to attend training. If this is what being an employee is about, what was I still doing as an undergraduate?

Upon completion of the training, I was assigned a workstation and got on well with the mechanical department team. Being a multidisciplinary engineering company, I had a good experience of the interrelationship between the engineering disciplines – Process, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Instrumentation. I learnt to use AutoCAD Software for drafting, how to calculate duct sizes for HVAC installations on a rig and how to interpret engineering drawings.

On a personal note, I began learning Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), it signaled the beginning to my web development background, The Mechanical engineering lead ones mistook me for a ‘Yahoo-Yahoo’ protégé given the time I spent on the computer and the undivided attention I committed to it.

I learnt that the company was owned by Dr. Fawibe, an economist who favoured training his staff not minding the possibility of them leaving the company for another one offering higher pay. Read more about my Industrial Training experience on my eduportal – www..com

TOWER ALUMINIUM

My second Industrial training experience was with Tower Aluminium, a foremost aluminium products company in Nigeria and West Africa. A family friend introduced me to his friend who gave me a note to the Human Resource Manager. On my visit to the Human Resource Manager, she handed me a plain A4 paper and requested me to write an application letter. I completed the application in no time, her face lightened as she read the application. I could sense she was impressed. Looking away from the application she said, “Are you aware we do not pay allowance to Industrial trainee students?” I hid my disappointment behind a faint smile and replied, “Yes ma”. She continued “You can resume at our Oregun factory next week”.

On my first day at Tower Aluminium Oregun factory, I reported to the Human Resource Manager who introduced me to the Head of Operations. My experience at Tower Aluminium was a contrast to IESL. The factory is a large building with about 5 offices – the head of operations, Human resource Manager, the medical officer, the Quality Control office and Store. The main building was an open space with machines, production lines and factory workers stationed at various points along the production line. There is a mechanical workshop where worn out equipment parts are machined and repaired.

I walked round the factory with my Samsung Camera phone recording and observing the pot and Kettle manufacturing processes. The factory workers were diligent in their work and spoke in hush tone. They mistook my identity as an inspector who was taking note of their performance. It was a huge relief when they found out that I was an Industrial Trainee.

The Mechanical Workshop was integral to the production process, fabrication of machine parts were carried out at the workshop. The head of the Workshop never liked me; a development attributable to the Human Resource Manager oversight of not introducing me to the Mechanical Workshop team. He took the omission as a slight to his office and made me suffer for an offence I did not commit. This cost me valuable experience. He related with me like a foreigner, my attempts to win him over were futile.

His Assistant, Baba Ibeji (Father of Twins) as he was popularly called, liked me. He lectured me on workshop practices and introduced the workshop tools, their names, sizes and functions. He taught me how to use a pipe wrench for threading. During a practical session, I broke a pipe wrench; the incidence marked an end to my practicals at the Mechanical Workshop.

I met and became friends with Abiodun, a fair complexioned, slim and hardworking factory worker, our discussion revealed that he was studying Economics at the University of Lagos and used the monies gotten from the factory to sponsor his education. He worked on the punching machine, used to punch holes on pots at the point where the handles are riveted.

One word that stood out at the factory was SAFETY. I recall reading a notice on the factory wall that outlined compensation for operators who lose their fingers to the Press Machine. Throughout my Industrial Training period, I observed the Press Machine from a distance. No amount was worth my body part. I heard accounts of operators who lost their thumbs to absent-mindedness while operating the press machine.

Having had two contrasting work experience with International Energy Services Ltd and Tower Aluminium, I was eager to join the world of work, my dream was to work with an Engineering firm like International Energy Services Ltd.

LAGOS TRIP

I left Ilorin for Lagos around 1pm; coincidentally I traveled in the same bus with Greg. He had an Engineering Math text as companion. He tried to get me to join him in studying, “BabT, what is the velocity of…” I declined with tact, “Abeg leave me joor. I am not in the mood to task my brain for the velocity a plane traveled. Why should an oil serving firm ask such question?” He continued with his studies.

I was ‘entertained’ during the journey by supposedly love birds whose relationship went sour during the trip. At a point, the guy forcefully seized the girl’s phone and flung it out of the Bus. Both of them tore at each other, the driver had to pull over to calm their nerves.

I arrived Ojota, Lagos by 6pm and made for Bode Thomas where I passed the Night….

To be continued in March 2017

Published: 2017

Note: The the names in the story are not realnames, except for the author.

INTRODUCING THE MEMOIR OF A JOB SEEKER

Sitting before the interview panel, Tobi glanced at the faces behind the oval conference table. He counted 7 faces. While trying to recall all the interview rules he practiced the night before, he wondered why seven people had to interview him for a graduate trainee position. More so, he was an undergraduate in his final year.

“Can we meet you?” requested the lead interviewer. Tobi began his response, “My name is Tobi, I am the last child of my family, and I am from Kabba in Kogi State. I like bread and beans with passion, I love burnt beans too…” his confidence began to melt when he read the faces of his interviewers, some struggling to keep a ‘serious’ look, others trying to conceal their amusement. It was his first interview. He will later find out that, “Can we meet you”, is an opportunity to market oneself.

I have worked with 3 organisations; Hyperlink Technologies Ltd, Globacom Nigeria (as Contract Staff) and Japaul Oil and Maritime Services Plc. In the course of my job search, I garnered firsthand interview experience which I’d now share with you. I’d be sharing the highs and lows, the fun, frustration and high spirit that characterize job search.

The Memoir of a Job Seeker series is meant to enlighten, inform, entertain and prepare you for the interviews you will attend in the near and distant future. The accounts are a mix of real life experience, research and fiction.

After submitting several job applications and not being invited for interviews, many applicants begin to worry. Some wonder if they are under a spell or a victim of bad luck. These job seekers lose sleep and weight in an attempt to figure out why they are not always lucky.

If you fit the description above, be assured that nothing is wrong with your personality. Your seeming lack of luck maybe as a result of salient factors, these factors will be addressed in the course of this series.

The Memoir of a job Seeker will be published monthly from February 2017

(2017) I attempted to write a series story of my Job search experience with the aim of guiding young graduates seeking employment... I ended up writing only an introduction and one Episode.... Let me share with you, you may find it interesting....

Vasgas:

Appswheel has point out some major points. make sure you work on it.
I will just add a little.

1. Formatting
Your CV is not well structure.

2. Mail
use professional mail that has your name and surname such like Emmanueladams1@gmail

3.Career objective
it's your biggest selling point and one of the places a recruiter will read before deciding to continue or drop it in a trash bin.
yours is dry.

4. Education
Name of institution, year of graduation with degree earned is okay.
no need for institution address.

5.Hobbies are not that important unless stated otherwise and if you must put it please remove all those watching movie's, playing games, singing.

6. Experience
work on it.


Finally, I usually tell my clients that your CV and cover letter will either close or open doors for you.
it your first point of contact with your potential employer.


my token.

Wow. This is more than a token.. Welldone. We should connect beyond NL.

What do you do?

Dont be gullible. Get productive with your time... People who wander on the internet majorly fall for these traps

If you are a young graduate seeking employment or want to make the best of the sit at home period... get on this thread https://www.nairaland.com/5758091/covid-19-these-industries-recruiting/2#87849866

If you are an experienced professional willing to guide the younger ones, get on the thread too

If you are a young graduate seeking employment or want to make the best of the sit at home period... get on this thread https://www.nairaland.com/5758091/covid-19-these-industries-recruiting/2#87849866

If you are an experienced professional willing to guide the younger ones, get on the thread too

emmyzy19:
Thanks I really appreciate

Thank you too!

Individuals and organisations that provide CV review services at moderate price (N500-N1000), pls get in here.

Share samples of your works.

I know that a lot of young graduates need help with their CV review.

Poorly written and formatted CV is the reason why a lot of individuals are not being shortlisted for interviews or job test (private recruiters).

[quote author=emmyzy19 post=87848006][/quote]

Emmanuel Adams CV Review
Overall Score: 4/10

General Comment:
Your CV needs to be properly formatted.

Advice: If you do not have the skill, get a CV review service provider that can
help to format your CV. You will find individuals and organisations willing to do
so at a decent price, between N500-N1000. I can recommend a few.

Comments
-Adams should start with Capital letter (Heading)
-The spacing between your Name and the Phone number is too much
PHONE, Capitalize only the first Letter, 'Phone'.

-Your Career Objective is fuzzy.. Consider "I seek to work with an organisation
that would utilize my skills, reward hardwork and committment. I am resourceful,
innovative and seek to commit these attributes to the achievement of organisational goals

Work Experience
Atiku Abubakar Government......
-No need to Italicize your Employers name
-Capitalize 'S' in School
-Consider adding Achievement(s) under responsibilities

E.g Achievements
-itemize the things you have achieved in your role..
-Complete the teaching syllabus in line with school Curriculum
-Grade and record students assessment in time

Pauma Engineering Consultant
Capitalize "S" and "T" Side Technician.. do you mean to write Site/Field Technician?
-Add details of the major projects you have worked on, include details of what you did and
add achievements.

Education
No need for Italicize, you need to format the Education section properly.

Professional Societies should be on one line....

Thank you for the courage of sharing your CV in public space. I wish you the best in your endeavours

futuregovernor:
That guy is a scammer. be careful

Whom do you refer to as a Scammer? Are you sure you are commenting on the right thread? and that you are not drunk?

Vasgas:


Cover letters allows you to sell yourself to an employer, making him see what he stand to gain should he employ you.
I usually encourage Job seekers to send there CV along with a cover letter unless otherwise stated by the recruiting firm.
A CV without a cover letter is a naked CV.

" Summary "

Vasgas, its great to have you here.

I trust you are keeping safe. #StaySafe #StayatHome

Recruiters will sometimes request applicant to submit a Cover letter with their CV.

What is a Cover Letter?

Wikipedia definition, "A cover letter, covering letter, motivation letter, motivational letter or a letter of motivation is a letter of introduction attached to or accompanying another document such as a résumé or a curriculum vitae".

When you apply for a Job by email, even when you are not requested to submit a Cover Letter, ensure to submit one, it will make your application standout.

You can attach the Cover Letter as a document (If you requested to do so), other times, you can make the content of the Cover Letter the body of your mail.

See below Samples. I do not expect you to copy the samples, use it as a guide instead.

See below opportunity for individuals who are interested in Data Science.

They are offering a Free training till April 15th.

Data Scientists and Analysts are in hot demand and well paid.

Visit the web address shown in the attached image

Good day everyone. Today is another day! I hope you made the best of yesterday and ready to make the best of today!

As I earlier advised, do not spend your day following Coronavirus news.... you should know the basic info by now - wash your hands regularly, practice safe distance, use your hand sanitizer, stay at home..... these info has not changed. At the end of the pandemic, what will be the positives for you. For me, I have alot of official work to do from home....

Today, we will talk about Cover Letters.

What is a Cover Letter? Have you written one before? How is it different from an Application Letter?

benedictuyi:

Electrical engineering graduate. Freelance Web developer and blogger

Noted. Share a list of your web portfolio jobs with me. I will reach out to you via WhatsApp tomorrow.

Given your background in Electrical Engineering, consider learning Mobile App Development, you can start with Android. I can link you with a mentor.

Hamstrong001:
@Appswheel.... I am a graduate of Accounting from a reputable institution.

I have worked in various organisation as an accountant, account executive and administrative manager.

I believe my wealth of experience will be a great benefit to any organisation.

I will appreciate if you can help out.

Thanks.

Ok. Pls, Install Q and A App on Playstore, it is the best way for you to know about such opportunities.

I like your 'pitch'.

Geophilip:
Bsc Geophysics
2.1
Microsoft word Expert
Microsoft Excel Expert
Microsoft Access Expert
Microsoft Outlook Intermediate
Corel Draw Expert
Customer service
Marketing
Plumbing
Mathematics
Logistics

thanks
I really need a job, someone should help me

When you get the chance, you need to put in your best effort or learn how to...

See below example of how to introduce yourself/sell yourself...

I am Appswheel

Appswheel is a business development professional with over 7 years’ experience across Oil and Maritime, Retail and ICT consultancy industries.

I am well experienced in copywriting, website development and digital marketing. Currently, I am a Proposal Engineer with an indigenous EPC company that provide services to the oil & gas, power industries.

I combine business development with creative writing, critical thinking and innovative skills to develop promotional campaigns for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).

I am committed to lifelong learning and look forward to creating cutting-edge solutions and services for organisations and individuals around the world.

I am happy to be on this thread.

The services I can provide:

1. Digital Marketing consulting. I can assist you to set up an effective Digital Marketing Team for your business. This includes providing Digital Marketing strategies that will help expand your reach, increase patronage for your product and services.

2. SEO Implementation. Guide you to optimize Search Engine for your website and online platforms.

3. Provide Digital Marketing training to you and your staff.

4. Provide training to your staff on how to package winning proposals for the oil & gas industry.

5. Create website and Mobile App for your business.

6. Refer competent individuals to fill Digital Marketing, Graphics Designing, Engineering related roles within your organization.

7. Amplify your Job Ads to reach Millions of Nigerians.

Introducing Q and A App

I co-own Q and A App, an Android App for sourcing and distributing Career, Educational, Business and Entrepreneurship content in pdf, video and audio formats. The materials can be free or paid.

For publishers, a key advantage of using the App is the protection it offers; paid materials are accessed on the App and cannot be redistributed. Screenshots are not allowed on the App.

A key advantage to users of the App is that all materials on the App are reliable and can be accessed offline.

The content categories on the App includes:

- O'level (WAEC, JAMB, NECO, NABTEB, JUPEB, JAMB...)
- Professional Exams (NSE, CIPM, CIS, ICAN, PMP, ACCA, CIMA etc)
- Job Test Prep Materials (PwC, Deloitte, Banks, KPMG, INEC, NSCDC, NIS etc)
- Entrepreneurship/Business/Digital Marketing
-Post Graduate and Undergraduate materials
-Foreign Exams

We are open to collaborations.

You see the difference?

truffle:
hi appswheel,im also looking to leave the organisation where i am now,i currently work in an health organisation as an HMO officer though i did not study any health related course,i also have experience in sales and marketing.my qualifications are as follows

B.sc sociology (university of ibadan)

m.sc industrial sociology (university of lagos)

although i have always loved HR but i never got an opportunity in that field,i still dont mind venturing into HR if i get the opportunity.pls reach out if u can help.thanks a lot and GOD BLESS. #STAYSAFE.

Hi Truffle.

As you lookout for an opportunity to get another job. Ensure to keep your current job and give your best while you are with your current employers.

As it stands, you are in position to seek roles for Sales and Marketing Jobs, Create separate versions of your CV tailored to Sales and Marketing and HR respectively. Prepare a Cover Letter for them as well.

Pls check your CV for Typos... and Ensure you capitalize the letters that should be in Caps.. Like University of Lagos, MSc. Industrial Sociology etc

Zanga1:

Hi Appswheel, great thread you have here.

I'm in search of very good opportunities

My skills and 'experience'

B.sc Geography Education (2upper)
I have basic computer skills
I can also do copywriting.
I am a fast learner.

I'm thinking my skills and experience are quite limited
Thought of going for masters but it doesn't look like it's feasible at this very moment... (Due toFunds, etc)

Aside Teaching, I would be glad if you can point me in a direction where this skills can be utilised.
I rcently concluded NYSC. Located in North Central Nigeria also.

If there's any skill you think I can add to the ones I currently have, I'll like to know.

Welldone.

In addition to copy writing, I advice you learn Digital Marketing and Search Engine Optimization. Also learn to Administer a Wordpress Site.

You can learn this by yourself online or enroll for an online training that will cost a modest fee.

The goodnews is that you can acquire these skills in less than one month.

Meanwhile, your copy writing skills, why dont you put it to use, Identify a product/service and sell it.

Kooldon:
B.Sc ( Medical Biochemistry)
I need job in

Medical/Pharmaceutical
NGOs
Pharmacies
Sales Rep

Skills:
1. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
2. Basic Knowledge of Linux Operating System
3. Proficiency in parameters reading
4. Proven leadership skills in managing, developing and motivating team

Willing to relocate any time immediately.

Ok. Can you share your CV here for us to review. Blank out information you dont want the public to see. I will be overwhelmed if I have to ask everyone to send their CVs privately. I have about 10 I am yet to review already.

I hope you have install Q and A App from Playstore. Job Opportunities are shared on the App.

From the information you shared above, you know what you want. By Gods grace you will get a job soon.

Vasgas:

Willing to contribute also

Thank you. Grab a Sit. Read through the thread and share your thought.

Share your experience with us.

DAvidVictoriA:



I desire to work in an organization where I can utilize my administrative and human relation skills to solve problems; both human and material, thereby meeting the needs of the organization at large, also striving to improve and learn new ways of administration for greater productivity.

I want to be an expert in Human resource management, given the opportunity I will take professional courses such as CIPM, SHRM etc also I will take an Msc in Human resource management or employee relations, this will make me a better fit.


Recently I took an online certification course in Human Resource management with International Business Management Institute, Berlin Germany.

Beautiful. Pls send me a PM

If you have a career or entrepreneurship related question, pls ask.

Experienced people reading this thread, pls share advice, we want to learn.

Let's make the best of this stay at home period.

GraceSmile1:



Please is there an app you can recommend for touch-typing skills?
Thanks

It's better learnt on a PC. I learnt with Mavis Beacon. I also signed up for a typing training on www.alison.com but Mavis Beacon typing tutor will do

Instead of dropping a comment to say you need a job, why don't you tell us about your skills, experience and the type of opportunities you are seeking?

There are millions of people seeking limited jobs, if you position and differentiate yourself from the crowd... You'd land your dream job

emmyzy19:
I seriously need a job o before hunger kill my siblings. I have HND electrical .

Share your CV here. Let's review. Getting a job starts with the skills you have and how you position and package.

This Covid-19 Isolation period, make sure it counts for you. Learn a skill, acquire knowledge.

If you look at my CV, you will find that I have a touch Typing skill of 70WPM (I learnt to touch type during my 200L in the university), I did not have a laptop!