₦airaland Forum

sholay2011:
@OP...Your head dey dia. Nice writeup.

Mods, frontpage pls.

Thanks.

Did you find the post helpful?

eleko1:
it is better to cry out to the world than die in silence.Why is it that the FG hate the truth?Only yesterday,defence spokeman Chris Olukolade throws decorum to the wind by attacking Oby Ekwesili for calling his attention to massacre in Borno town.Bokos are busy killing our ill equipped Soldiers everyday like ants.They cried out for help,U court Marshal them.If Channels Tv didn't beam the rot in Police college,nothing tangible wud be done(we like to keep suffering and smilling in dis country).The Govt dat neglected/can't equip/pay our soldiers their due but eat billions food in a year/build cenotaph and decorate it with weed called flowers is a total irresponsible govt.WE WANT CHANGE,BUHARI IS THE ANSWER AND SOLUTION.VOTE WISELY

May God bless you for saying the truth.

ROSSIKE:
You are a bastar.d. What and what do you know about Nigerian military kits and uniforms? And training? Worthless animal.

YOUR FATHER IS A BASTAR.D AND YOU ARE A BEAST OF BURDEN.

ehie:
What the present leaders have failed to realise is that things have changed. They cannot cope with the internal war that is happening. Hiding your head in the sand will not do you good this time.justify the billions that have spent in budgets past and present. It's time to change the old guards.its no longer business as usual. What's the benefit of buying mansions in abuja when boko haram will one day come and occupy it. Please wake up.dont sent our poor young solders on suicide missions for humanity sake.ser the difference the Cameroonian solders all kitted up with bullet proof vest and our solders only with helmet.pkeasr enough is enough no life is better than the other. Motivate so that these boys will fight.there would be no refutations if things were done properly.
D

GOD BLESS YOU.

But why is the military feigning ignorance on this? Beside initial issue at the basic training, when last did they issue uniforms and kits to soldiers? Theives they all are.

Mentality and Self-Reflection

The way I see it is: mentally; it’s all in your head. We choose whether or not we want to regret something; we choose to live a life filled with what ifs. We all have done something stupid in our lives — I get it; I really do. But have we not learned something from it? Did it not make us a better person to some degree?

If you answered no, then you haven’t done enough self-reflection. Self-reflection is another topic I could write on forever, as I believe it’s something we as a society have forgotten. The point is that you should never answer no; you shouldn’t want to answer no.

Life is only filled with “what ifs” if you haven’t done any self-reflection — if you haven’t learned anything. Dig back into your personal history, dig up those bones and ask the question “what if?” What can you learn from it?

The point here is that it’s okay to ask “what if” when reflecting upon past scenarios, but we don’t want to create our life around “what ifs.” We don’t want to dwell on the past in a negative manner. We learn from it, move on and make the necessary adjustments so it doesn’t happen again in the future. You need to get all the “what ifs” out of your system; no longer should you be living that life.

From now on, no more “what ifs.”

Applying This to the Job Search

Have you ever wondered, “What if I did apply to that job in Lagos?” or “What if I had a better interview for that job?” or “What if I had only prepared more for that conversation?” If you have, I can tell you that you’re not alone. I deal with clients all the time who ask me questions just like those, and I tell them this story:

A good friend of mine applied for a job out of college that required 5 years of experience in a particular field — and they only had 5 months. Eek! Long story short, they applied anyway and ending up getting the job. Why? They told me they later found out the hiring manager had interviewed over 20+ people, all extremely qualified for the job, but they didn’t have the passion he was looking for. Along came my friend, and the hiring manager said, “I was willing to take a chance on you and train you because of the passion you had for this field and the potential that you showed me.”

Here is your job search tip. If you come across a job posting you really like, but feel you don’t meet all the qualifications for whatever reason, apply anyway. Why are you disqualifying yourself before you even give yourself a chance? If you won’t stand up and fight for yourself, who will? At the end of the day, you don’t know what the hiring manager and/or company is looking for.

So no longer should you be living a life of “what ifs.” Get out there, challenge yourself, put yourself in uncomfortable situations. Next time you feel a “what if” situation come on, stop, reflect and decide what you ultimately want. But whatever you decide, know that you must live with the repercussions; both good and bad.

It’s okay to make bad decisions! Sometimes it’s the bad decisions where we learn the most; the way to move on from bad decisions is to accept and learn from them. It’s then you will truly flourish and grow into the person you’re meant to be.

Source: http://blog.cvwizards.com.ng/?p=384

I don't blame them. Afterall, they're only delivering what they've been paid for. Sai Buhari!

kennynelcon:
Do every company send regret mail?

NO!

Have you heard this lately in your job search:

“We have decided to move forward with another candidate.”

“Our search has been put on hold.”

“We think you’re a great fit for our company, just not the right one for this position.”

“Let’s keep in touch…”

I know how frustrating the job search can be, and these statements usually take the wind right out of you. Today, we’re going to talk about a few techniques to turn this into something positive — sometimes immediately.

Every Time You Make a Connection in an Interview, Think of It As Building Your Network

All too often, we look at the interview process from a static, linear perspective: submit information, get the interview(s) and either get the job or not. I will grant you that not getting the job is frustrating. But how you handle losing the battle can result in you winning the war.

A huge part of the interview process is establishing rapport — winning hearts and minds. Instead of seeing another door closing when you don’t get the job, look at it as another door opening. You’ve worked hard to make a new connection–professionally, sometimes even personally, bonding with the people in the company where you interviewed.

Shouldn’t you capitalize on it?

Here are some pointers on how to do so:

1. They Know You’re Looking… So Ask for Help Networking

If you’ve just impressed them enough to have multiple interviews, they should give you high marks and gladly refer you — but you have to ask.

2. Keep in Touch

Create a system to reach out to each and every person you talk to throughout your job search. This is no different than a sales campaign. The person who isn’t buying today may be ready to purchase (read: hire) tomorrow.

3. Get to Know the People With Whom You Interview

This personal connection will get your calls, emails and requests answered quicker. Frankly, it’s pretty difficult to get any results networking without making a connection personally.

4. Set Reciprocity in Motion

Find out what you can do for them. Helping someone first is the quickest way to endear yourself to them. This is a super powerful social construct; put it to work for you.

Parting Words

Not getting the offer — particularly after several rounds of interviews — is frustrating, no doubt. But you’ve worked hard to make it this far. In this economy, getting to the first round of interviews is tough enough. So when you do make a connection, treat it like gold. Managed well, these relationships can drive your job search for you.

Do have a wonderful weekend.

Source: http://blog.cvwizards.com.ng/?p=380

lasunray:
FP material...

will give it a trial

My posts don't make front page.

rexibity:
Thanks.

You're welcome.

If you’re trying to get your first entry job, that’s not the time to be timid. Take a hint from SujataSetia, a freelance copywriter who spammed one employer so hard that it ended up landing her the job in her story at LinkedIn entitled "I Spammed her Inbox. She hired me." Why did it work? She never gave up and dared the employer to contact her to give her a mock assignment. The employer did, she aced the sample, and now she has a job. You can use the same techniques she used to get noticed too.

Get Your Name in Front of the Right People

Be the one hired out of many applicants after a flurry of new grad jobs applications have landed in the hiring manager’s inbox by getting noticed first. Spamming can be effective when looking for a fresh graduate job. You can send multiple job applications or requests for information, at different times. Here’s how to get your name noticed when it comes time to apply:

Multiple Resumes - If you sent it and got no reply, send it again. You can send it as many times as you think it takes to get a response.

Use Different Inboxes - You might see one for Human Resources (HR), another for a hiring manager, or a third on their website. You can send it to all three. It might be you don’t fit the job for the hiring manager, but HR still wants to talk to you. Try the chat feature on the website to ask about the status of your application.

Use Social Media - You can use LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to send your resume to people who you think might be able to help you connect with someone who is hiring.

Source: http://blog.cvwizards.com.ng/?p=375

During a thought-provoking TED Talk, psychologist Angela Lee Duckworth said that while intelligence matters, a high IQ is not the greatest predictor of success.

Rather, the key is to have grit, or determination — the willingness to push through even when the odds are against you.

Do YOU Have Grit When…

You apply to 10 jobs and get no response? Can you find the motivation to keep firing off CVs until someone answers?

You send off a job application and want to make sure it was received? Do you ask via email or phone call, and do you refuse to let up until you get a response?

You sit down to write yet another cover letter? Do you have the discipline to make sure it’s tailored to the particular job — even though all that writing is tedious and a giant pain?

You prepare for a job interview? That means knowing and taking the time to research the company beforehand.

You have no energy, after a draining day of work, to attend a networking event? Do you dig deep and go anyway because you never know who you’ll meet?

You wrap up a networking situation? Grit means you take time to write a thank you note, even if someone only connects you from one person to another

You get passed over for a promotion? Gritty people then work twice as hard, rather than checking out mentally or looking for a new gig.

You realize you lack certain skills? Do you voluntarily teach yourself what you need, even if it won’t result in a raise or bonus?

You hit a low point and life doesn’t seem to be working out? As Duckworth says, all the smarts in the world won’t save you. Your best weapon is a heavy dose of determination.

Happy New Year!

Source: http://blog.cvwizards.com.ng/?p=372

Sorry guys I won't be able to post today's topic as promised. I travelled for Xmas without my laptop. I didn't expect to stay this long. God's willing, later today or tomorrow, we'll publish. Thanks.

Saw this pix on Facebook and I thought it would be fun sharing it here.

Sai Buhari.

Election things.

Sai Buhari

True talk.

Glaxx:
Thank you so much.

You are welcome.

DWJOBScom:
great writeup

Thanks.

Wisegeek01:
Awesome post !!

Thanks.

kayboy4y:
Does it work for Nigerians in Nigeria?

Yes, it does.

Do you see LinkedIn as mainly a place to keep your online CV, or maybe to connect with some professional colleagues and acquaintances you already know from time to time, because you think, There’s such a buzz on LinkedIn, and everyone else I know is on there, so I guess I should be, too?

Or perhaps you feel, It’s too confusing and overwhelming! Where the heck do I start? — causing you to steer clear of it or limit your usage to the bare minimum.

If you do, you’re not alone. In fact, many of LinkedIn’s approximate 300 million users also view LinkedIn from this same perspective. So, is this “good” or “bad”?

Intrinsically, neither. But if your intention is to proactively and strategically steer the career of your dreams, then this viewpoint is extremely limiting to your professional potential and career path as a whole.

Why?

Because LinkedIn:

- Is the world’s largest professional network in existence, with over 300 million members and growing.

- Is the major method of sourcing talent in global recruitment and staffing today.

- Is used by 94% of recruiters.

- Is the most trusted central technological resource globally for connecting you to your current business contacts, as well as to an almost limitless network of professionals.

I could go on, but you get the picture. In other words, in this day and age, LinkedIn is the one piece of your multidimensional career strategy that absolutely can no longer be ignored.

And interestingly, while LinkedIn has grown organically into an unthinkably mammoth and far-reaching phenomenon familiar by name, it still remains a barely-to-modestly understood mystery by the majority of people who use it, most of whom have no idea how to unlock the portal’s huge potential for their career or how to use it to their advantage. And, since you’re here reading this, chances are you are one of them.

And That’s Okay

You see, unless you were personally mentored by a LinkedIn “expert” or you took a formal course or training, it’s a resource one typically learns on their own as they go. And frankly, we’re all busy, so successfully carving out enough time in your busy schedule to sit down and really “master” this technological titan isn’t very realistic.

Professionally speaking, LinkedIn is a limitless goldmine of career potential to you. Yep, you heard me right: 1000%, untapped g-o-l-d-m-i-n-e.

Why? Because, as mentioned above, recruiters and potential employers are looking for candidates like you. And almost all of them (94%) are using LinkedIn to find you.

The list of LinkedIn’s potential capabilities, uses and benefits as a powerful resource and ally to your career runs (very) far and wide. There simply isn’t enough time (or space) to list them all here. So, what follows is my special compilation of the five fastest and most powerful ways you can start taking advantage of LinkedIn starting today.

1. Look for Jobs

Under the “Jobs” tab, you can search for jobs, save your searches and set up job alerts (allowing LinkedIn to do the work for you). You can also search for jobs in LinkedIn Groups, an additional secret source of jobs on LinkedIn.

An alternate way to get wind of information pertaining to potential employment trends, shifts or job openings in your industry before they happen — or before they’re announced formally in Jobs or Groups — is to follow universally recognized thought leaders, industry-specific movers and shakers and companies directly. Just click on the “Follow” button on their public profile page.

2. Get Found By Recruiters and Employers

In order to be found by recruiters and employers, you need to first be visible to them. In turn, ensuring the completeness of your name, profile, contact/security settings, and using the right the right keywords makes all the difference for potential employers being able to successfully notice you and, most importantly, be able to easily reach you.

Profile: Set your public profile so it is visible (I recommend “to everyone”). You can do this under “Settings,” “Edit Your Public Profile” and then “Profile Content.” Why? If recruiters can’t find you, trust me, they will move on quickly to the next candidate they can find. Time is money to them.

Contact/Security Settings: “Contact Info” is where you can input your website(s), Twitter address, email, phone, and address. If you have a website, blog, Twitter account, Pinterest, etc., be sure to add them in here. You want people to view as vast a representation of you and your specialized knowledge/expertise as possible.

Keywords: The right keywords can make or break your profile effectiveness, visibility and irresistibility to potential employers. Keywords are those words and phrases that are relevant to your role, your industry and your desired role or industry. That’s why you absolutely must use and scatter them throughout your profile as a whole; the more relevant keywords throughout your profile, the more apt employers will be find you via the LinkedIn search engines.

3. Use It As a Research Tool

Preparing for Interviews: Once you’ve asked for your interview agenda ahead of time (hint!), use LinkedIn to look up your interviewers (and their current colleagues) to learn about them personally as well as professionally.

What career paths have they all taken to date (are there similarities or trends). What schools did they go to (do you have an alma mater in common)? What are their interests and hobbies? All of these give you a better sense of your interviewers as people and allow you to more easily and confidently build a friendly, dynamic rapport and connection as soon as you walk in the door — and first impressions are everything.

As an added bonus, post-interview, you can send connection requests to your interviewers to stay connected and build your network further, even if you don’t get the job.

Asking for a Promotion: If you have your eye on a better job or promotion, search for your desired job title on LinkedIn to view the profiles of people who currently have that position. This gives you a good idea what qualifications, skills and experience you need to reach that level, either at your current company or at another company you’re targeting.

4. Expand Your Network and Connections

Look at your existing Linked connections to find new people who would be valuable to add to your network, for either your current or future career endeavors. Perhaps one of them knows that recruiter who can help you get your foot in the door with a job application or interview, or they can make an introduction to someone else in your industry on your behalf (adding instant credibility).

Like mentioned above, don’t forget to continue to build your connections after any interview; send connection requests to your interviewers to stay in touch and build out your network further. You never know: you might not get that job, but if you made a positive impression on an interviewer and you make the effort to stay in touch afterwards, you’ll already be on their radar when it comes time for them to staff a similar role again.

5. Build Your Credibility and Personal Brand
Join and Post in Groups: LinkedIn is full of groups for almost every profession and skill set. LinkedIn groups (over 1.8 million and counting) are an excellent way to meet others in your industry/niche, get expert advice, stay up to date with industry news and share your own knowledge and experience, building your professional credibility and image as an expert in your specialty field.

You can search groups (use the search box in the upper right-hand corner of your screen) or browse the directory to find groups that are a good fit for your field, expertise and/or location. You can be a member of up to 50 groups at any one time.

Get Recommendations: Ask current and former colleagues to write a personal recommendation on your behalf of their experience working with you — your unique skills and qualifications, abilities, accomplishments, etc. — which in turn appears on your profile. This is a powerful and effective way to instantly build your credibility and reputation; written recommendations in black and white are true indications of another professional “going to bat” for you and backing up the claims you make in your profile.

It’s the combination of the quantity and quality of your activity in groups — coupled with the completeness and attractiveness of your profile, recommendations, connections and more — which together create the personal brand you impart upon the professional world at large.

Presto!

That Wasn’t So Bad, Was It?

In fact, it was pretty fast, furious and functional!
I encourage you to go forth in applying the five strategies above to build your familiarity with and confidence in using LinkedIn to its full potential to your career development, one step at a time.

Join us again next Monday when we’ll be sharing the post, “THE SURPRISING TRAIT THAT SETS SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE APART (IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK)”

Merry Christmas in advance.

Source: http://blog.cvwizards.com.ng/?p=368

Visit www.cvwizards.com.ng/download to get a FREE copy of the ebook, "Landing Your Dream Job". It's a very powerful ebook with step-by-step instruction to help you secure a job in a very competitive environment. The book is valued at N2,000 but you're getting it absolutely FREE.

It's a known fact that corruption is the biggest threat to National development. And as we all know, corruption has thrived under this administration than any other government since our independence in 1960. I never said GEJ is corrupt, but he has done absolutely nothing to curb it. And that's not the kind of leadership Nigeria needs at this point in time. Our choice in 2015 will either make or mar our future as a country. Let's look beyond the N1,000 notes and bags of rice and choose a visionary leader for our country. Then and only then will Nigeria return to the path of greatness. May God help us.

cutiereborn:
@poster
Very helpful indeed, Thanks!

You are welcome.

Samyj247:
Keep it up OP. Please I would like to ask you are question, do you mind droping ur email?

You can reach me through the email address on our website or alternatively, use the Nairaland PM.

Don't let a lack of work experience put you off applying for a role where otherwise you meet most of the requirements. Instead, make the most of your other qualities: your skills, attitude, potential and enthusiasm.

Identify what qualifies you for the role

It isn't only paid experience that counts. Voluntary or community involvement, work placements, coursework, personal projects and extracurricular activities can all be highlighted to show your suitability. Think from the employer's perspective – decide on the most interesting factors, where you have used relevant skills, and then make these prominent on your CV.

For instance, this graduate CV highlights education and training, including achievements and endorsements, while this CV demonstrates how to emphasize project work above less relevant work experience. Breaking down each project into target, result and learned competencies shows relevant skills and achievements in context.

Make yourself irresistible to an employer

One of the hardest things to do convincingly on a CV is to convey desirable personality traits. Just writing that you are enthusiastic or motivated without giving supporting details isn't enough. Instead, demonstrate with relevant examples.

Starting something from scratch and overcoming hurdles can show resourcefulness and determination. You can use examples like this to illustrate other characteristics such as an ability to get on with others, or organizational and communication skills.

Holding down a job to help family finances or pay your way through college can reveal humility and a strong work ethic: "Consistent work record: held variety of part-time roles since the age of 16 to contribute to educational costs." Learning about a role or sector through online communities, upskilling through tutorials or conducting your own projects all show enthusiasm – it could fit into the education, training or skills section of your CV.

Graduate employers like applicants who can demonstrate these personality traits, as well as attributes such as numeracy and commercial awareness, which you could show through retail, marketing or sales work.

Quantify achievements where possible (how much money saved, percentage of time reduced, etc) and mention instances where you were promoted, rehired, or given greater responsibility.

Speak the same language

This is especially the case for career changers, but all applicants should aim to use language that an employer would expect to see from an ideal candidate. Include keywords throughout your CV, in job titles, skills, and in how you describe your work experience. In this example, the course modules (international finance, risk management, etc) are keywords in their own right, and are included in the skills section, titled "specialized knowledge".

Experiment with layout

You don't need to always use a strict chronological work history format or have the same section order. Put the most important information first – relevant project work can come before less relevant employment, while voluntary projects bridging your move into a new career could come before current, paid work.

You can be flexible with layout and include additional sections for work that is less relevant, or earlier in your career. You can also put your education before your work experience, or extract relevant course work and place that prominently.

Don't be tempted to flesh out a CV with long, rambling paragraphs and irrelevant details to compensate for a lack of work experience. Instead, write clearly and concisely, and focus on making it easy for your reader to find key information.

Consider putting a summary of stand-out points at the beginning of your CV. Put your name and contact details at the top of the page, then use the job title itself as a heading. Under this, summarize key details such as years' experience in a particular skill, project experience or summer placements at that company, or a short branding statement highlighting your strengths and attributes. A couple of lines in note or bullet-point format (rather than entire sentences) can work well. Include a brief cover letter explaining your reasons for applying, and interest in the company.

Our next post will be by next week Monday. Catch you then.

Source: http://blog.cvwizards.com.ng/?p=364

Visit www.cvwizards.com.ng/download to get a FREE copy of the ebook, "Landing Your Dream Job". It's a very powerful ebook with step-by-step instruction to help you secure a job in a very competitive environment. The book is valued at N2,000 but you're getting it absolutely FREE.

mumumugu:
I hve all these,yet no Job

Possessing these skills does not automatically guarantees you a job, but not having them may deny you job opportunities. Just exercise a little patience. Your time will come soon.

Fabdedon:
Noted.. Thanks plenty!!

You're welcome!

Most job-seekers wish they could unlock the secret formula to winning the hearts and minds of employers. What, they wonder, is that unique combination of skills and values that make employers salivate with excitement?

Every employer is looking for a specific set of skills from job-seekers that match the skills necessary to perform a particular job. But beyond these job-specific technical skills, certain skills are nearly universally sought by employers. The good news is that most job-seekers possess these skills to some extent. The better news is that job-seekers with weaknesses in these areas can improve their skills through training, professional development, or obtaining coaching/mentoring from someone who understands these skills.

The best news is that once you understand the skills and characteristics that most employer seek, you can tailor your job-search communication — your resume, cover letter, and interview language — to showcase how well your background aligns with common employer requirements.

Numerous studies have identified these critical employability skills, sometimes referred to as “soft skills.” We’ve distilled the skills from these many studies into this list of skills most frequently mentioned. We’ve also included sample verbiage describing each skill; job-seekers can adapt this verbiage to their own resumes, cover letters, and interview talking points.

So, what are these critical employability skills that employers demand of job-seekers?

1. Communications Skills (listening, verbal, written). By far, the one skill mentioned most often by employers is the ability to listen, write, and speak effectively. Successful communication is critical in business.

2. Analytical/Research Skills. Deals with your ability to assess a situation, seek multiple perspectives, gather more information if necessary, and identify key issues that need to be addressed.

3. Computer/Technical Literacy. Almost all jobs now require some basic understanding of computer hardware and software, especially word processing, spreadsheets, and email.

4. Interpersonal Abilities. The ability to relate to your co-workers, inspire others to participate, and mitigate conflict with co-workers is essential given the amount of time spent at work each day.

5. Leadership/Management Skills. While there is some debate about whether leadership is something people are born with, these skills deal with your ability to take charge and manage your co-workers.

6. Planning/Organizing. Deals with your ability to design, plan, organize, and implement projects and tasks within an allotted timeframe. Also involves goal-setting.

7. Problem-Solving/Reasoning/Creativity. Involves the ability to find solutions to problems using your creativity, reasoning, and past experiences along with the available information and resources.

8. Teamwork. Because so many jobs involve working in one or more work-groups, you must have the ability to work with others in a professional manner while attempting to achieve a common goal.

9. Honesty/Integrity/Morality. Employers probably respect personal integrity more than any other value, especially in light of the many recent corporate scandals.

10. Adaptability/Flexibility. Deals with openness to new ideas and concepts, to working independently or as part of a team, and to carrying out multiple tasks or projects.

11. Dedication/Hard-Working/Work Ethic/Tenacity. Employers seek job-seekers who love what they do and will keep at it until they solve the problem and get the job done.

12. Professionalism. Deals with acting in a responsible and fair manner in all your personal and work activities, which is seen as a sign of maturity and self-confidence; avoid being petty.

13. Self-Confidence. Look at it this way: if you don’t believe in yourself, in your unique mix of skills, education, and abilities, why should a prospective employer? Be confident in yourself and what you can offer employers.

14. Self-Motivated/Ability to Work With Little or No Supervision. While teamwork is always mentioned as an important skill, so is the ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.

15. Willingness to Learn. No matter what your age, no matter how much experience you have, you should always be willing to learn a new skill or technique. Jobs are constantly changing and evolving, and you must show an openness to grow and learn with that change.

Final Thoughts on Employability Skills and Values

Employability skills and personal values are the critical tools and traits you need to succeed in the workplace — and they are all elements that you can learn, cultivate, develop, and maintain over your lifetime. Once you have identified the sought-after skills and values and assessed the degree to which you possess, them remember to document them and market them (in your resume, cover letter, and interview answers) for job-search success.

Source: http://blog.cvwizards.com.ng/?p=357

Visit www.cvwizards.com.ng/download to get a FREE copy of the ebook, "Landing Your Dream Job". It's a very powerful ebook with step-by-step instruction to help you secure a job in a very competitive environment. The book is valued at N2,000 but you're getting it absolutely FREE.