mediainspired: A HARSH TAKE ON FOREIGN-TRAINED NIGERIANS (my general observations).

1. Most of them are over-rated and not half as good, technical or rugged as the Nigerian-trained graduates.

2. Most of them bamboozle would-be employers with fake UK accents and those employes suffering from inferiority-complex are usually deceived and hire them with a smiling face.

3. Most of them are lazy and think top administrative work or supervisory roles over their Nigerian counterparts is their birthright.

4. They usually don't understand the business terrain in Nigerian and can run down a company quickly when handed the keys than a locally-trained Nigerian who knows his onions would.

5. Most of the training is just a waste. The real training they have is the first degree they got in Nigeria before leaving for overseas.

6. Most of them are hired as square pegs in round holes in Nigeria. No real job experience overseas, but they're quickly hired here becos of the foreign certificates (by would-be employers suffering from inferiority complex).

7. After my close relationship with some of them, one thing is clear to me: NO ONE CAN DAZZLE ME WITH A FOREIGN CERTIFICATE. U WILL NEED TO PROVE UR WORTH LIKE EVERYONE ONE ELSE!

I agree with some of what you said and employers are increasingly seeing this too. There has been a massive change in recruiting foreign-based Nigerians. Many employers will not consider people without experience in Nigeria, except for graduate/early career roles and some technical roles. The more commercial and senior a role is, the more likely an employer will be looking for someone with local experience.

BarryX: We have to define who a foreign trained Nigerian is and who's not. A lot of the so-called ''foreign-trained' left for first degree and subsequent qualifications after their elementary schooling here. So who's a 'locally-trained' Nigerian

As an International Recruiter and in this context, I will define a foreign-trained Nigerian as one with 3 and above years of full time education or 1 year full time education and 2+years full time "proper" work experience. 1 year programmes which many Nigerians travel for, is not usually enough time to have well-rounded experience.

This said, I acknowledge that some people pick on things quickly, so may change their behaviours or reasoning quickly. I have come across people who have lived abroad for 10+years and are worse than locally-trained Nigerians. Interestingly, I have come across people that have never travelled out of the country, but have impeccable manners. It definitely comes down to the individual, but the reality is that the chances of coming across a Nigerian with some or all of these characteristic is way higher than not.

In the world of international recruitment, we see all sorts, but it pains me to say that Nigerians come across as "unreasonably aggressive" - a lot, but I must also add that they are some of the smartest and successful at their careers.

I imagine that there are some Nigeria employers or corporate recruiters here. It would be great to hear directly from you what your worst interview experiences are so applicants can learn from them. A lot of potentially good employees are lost at interview stages because of silly and avoidable interview mistakes. If they can avoid some of these pitfalls, then you stand a better chance of getting some of the very best recruits. Help them help you...

nanya124: its making sense in here.pls @hope49ja is it a bad idea wen one gets to change job like 3 times within a year.is dis likely to give prospective employers a bad impression of me.

Definitely. One job change is enough to raise suspicion, however, if there is a good expanation, then it tends to be overlooked. Two is really pushing it. Many companies will not consider these sort of candidates and you will need to have a very good and convincing explanation. Three is a complete no no, except they are short term contracts.

Nayimi: Hello- Do u recruit for any company? If yes can u give out ur email- so one can forward his/her CV. Tnks

Thank you for your query, unfortunately I am unable to post my contact details on a public forum as I recruit in a slightly different way to other agencies. I target and contact professionals with the right skills and experience and let them know how to apply. This way, I am able to manage candidates expectation and process applications that are relevant to specific roles. I will post jobs on this forum as and when they come through.

Thanks.

brighter: Please what is the best answer for these questions and what do employers aim at when asking them;
1) What nature of business do your parents or what's the nature of your parents career?
2) How many are you in your family and what's your position?
3) Tell us what your siblings do for living?
4) How many times have you been involved in an accident (especially work place or road accident?
5) Who do you know in this organisation?
6) How many rich men who can afford N100 million naira deposit do you know (was asked this in a bank interview)?
i'll appreciate your answer.

I imagine you were interviewing for a sales/marketing role. The best answers are honest answers as these are straight forward questions. They were trying to figure out:
1) If you will be a risky employee. If you are the 1st child in a family of 8 children and your parents are petty traders and none of your siblings have a well-paying job, they may assume that you are more likely to be your family's main provider and may be more prone to committing fraudulent offences. Although I do not necessarily agree with this sort of analysis.
2) The road accident question is probably to test how responsible you are.
3) The who do you know question is also to test your proneness to fraud. If you know the person in charge of the vault, the accountant, two cashiers and the western union lady, then you may be perceived with some suspicion. Again, this is really wrong.
4) The millionaire question is self explanatory, the more you know, the better the chances of meeting your target.

These are really weird interview questions as none of them are competency-based.

I hope this helps.

veriland:
Thanks for ds answers u ve given so far, I stil ve some to ask
1) Do recruiters honour or accept cv sent via phone. D reason am asking ds is because I ve not gotten a respond or reply from all d CVs I ve sent tru phone or am I making mistake common dt u mite knw of somewhere.
2) wen a cv sent via phone is opened by a recuiter using a system, will it still b well arranged considering d fact dt d screen of a phone is smaller than dt of a pc or system

Some phone technologies are as good as PCs and tablets so to a large extent it is okay, however, not all websites or databases work well with phone applications, so to be on the safe side, I always say people should apply with a computer - especially for a role they are interested in.

The reason why you have not been responded to may not have anything to do with your application method, there could be other factors, such as unsuitability, too many applications etc.

I hope this helps...

Ehimax: I used to have a small bizness(very small) its unregistered, can I add it in my CV as one of my working experience cos its embarrassing when interviewers tell me I don't have any working experience

Only if it was successful and you gained relevant experience when you had it, otherwise there is no point. Sometimes, less is more...

I hope it helps.

veriland:
I ve some question to ask.(1) wen u are asked to send ur applications and cv to an email,do they mean cover letter or application leta and ur cv??(2) wat are d basic difference btw a cover letter and appliation leta,is cover leta writtten like a forml leta?(3) how can I send a cv in pdf file.tanx

Application letter is the same as cover letter, see some examples in the link below
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverlettersamples/a/coverlettsample.htm

You need a pdf software to covert your MS Word CV to pdf if you do not have a new type of computer. You can easily save an MS Word document as a pdf document with many new computers.

ahabdullahi: hello, I HAVE BACHELOR DEGREE IN LIBRARY SCIENCE WITH 9 YEARS TEACHING EXPRGENCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOL. RECENTLY I OBTAINED POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN BANKING AND FINANCE INTENDING TO SECURE BANKING JOB. PLS, FROM WHERE WILL I START THE JOB SEARCH NOW ? AND IN WHICH OTHER AREAS THIS PGD CERT. WILL HELP ME SECURE BETTER JOB. THANKS.

An early career banking position will best suit you and you can work your way up if your teaching role is not directly related to banking. If it is, then you have a good chance with a role slightly higher than a graduate role. I must however be honest with you, it may be quite challenging initially as companies tend to look for people with some sort of experience. However, the good news about banking is that career growth tend to be more merit based, than number of years, so if you are good at your job, you may grow quickly.

All the best!

ratchy: Pls can sm1 submit his/her CV witout a company recruiting?

Sure, you can apply speculatively, but be sure to specify the sort of role you are looking for.

saladhor: @OP This one is on the lighter side but I'd be interested to know what are your thoughts on taking a bottle of water to an interview.

It depends on the person and company. I wouldn't suggest you do as many companies will offer you a drink anyway. While many people may be okay with it, some traditional interviewers may see it as rude, so avoid. If however, you have a medical condition or can't avoid it, apologise as you step into your interview room. You can say something like this.I have a little headache and I find that water helps me a lot, I hope you do not mind me bringing this bottle to the interview. Again, my suggestion is to avoid taking it, instead ask for a cup politely.

I hope this helps.

blaze007: Am enjoyn diz. My questin is, wat abt if its a new company nd u probably 1st set of stafs nd dey askng 4 hw much 2 pay, hw wil 1 ansa diz since u dnt ve any idea? Tanx

It doesn't matter how big, small new old a company or role is. There is always a similar role and company size you can draw on to decide. It amazing what you can find online. Just research...

Good luck!

IfionuVal: Nice job done here,Pls what should be the format of my Cover letter if I'm asked to send it with my C.V.? should it be like d usual formal letter? i.e having sender's address,date, receiver's addr.,salutation,title,signature and the rest?

There is no right or wrong way to write a cover letter. Check the link below to review some examples.

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverlettersamples/a/coverlettsample.htm

Ima':
Nice thread OP, please I would like to know if job seekers that hold degrees obtained online( local universities/ international universities) are considered during the selection process. My concen is are online degrees recognized or accepted?

Also with the discrimination between HND and Bsc holders in nigeria, what is your advice to an HND holder who has the opportunity of going for any one of he following: Bsc, Pgd or Masters degree. Which of these should he go for?
Thanks.

I suggest you do not stress your degree is online on your CV. It is not necessary. What is important is that you have a relevant degree. However, if asked, be honest.

With regards to a further degree, ultimately, the decision lies with you, but keep it in mind that many companies that have an issue with it will still have an issue even with an MSc. Trust me, I have seen it happen over and over again. It is really unfortunate as many HND graduate are better than BSc holders.

I hope this helps...

kreal: pls wat is likely answer to interview question like'why did u want to work with our company'

There is no one right answer, however and try to avoid cliches. Before you apply for a role, think of why you are applying for it. Is it because you are interested in building a related career, is it project-based and is there room for you to develop specific skills.

In Nigeria, a lot of people apply for any role for only financial reasons, which I understand. However, you still need to be convincing that you are motivated and willing to commit. The first step is to reflect on the role and the skills it requires and you will be developing in the course of your day to day activities. The exposure the role will give you is also something you can stress on. Does the role require you to travel internationally, does it require you to work with people from other departments, superiors or subordinates... You will definitely be gaining international knowledge, managerial skills or the opportunity to learn from industry experts... The more you know about the role and company, the more you are able to answer.

rhymz: To tell you the trith, I hardly send my CV together with a cover letter unless it was stated on the job placement. And when I write my cover letters I try so much not to sound cliché cos I have noticed most people send thesame cover letters to different job placements. Your best bet when writing a cover letter is to sound as natural as possible, emphasize on your skills and strength as it relates to the job you applied for. Don't repeat information you already have on the CV instead explore them. Be short and precise, use simple english and a good mix of long and short sentences. The major thing in cover letters is; emphasize your strength and skills as it relates to the job. If you can't write it, find somebody who can, don't force youtself to write it only to sound unintelligent.
Another, on your CV, if you know you did not graduate with a 2.1 CGPA, don't emphasize on it, just write second class honours, or second class division, don't go and start putting 2nd class lower division, you will only limit your chances of being given the opportunity to be heard for interviews, tests and so on. . . It will be better they know about your CGPA after the opportunity of an impressive interview or exam score than before it.

I agree. However, while I feel cover letters are appropriate sometimes, they are not all the time. If the application requires it, send with a summary of your skills and experience that relates to the role, focusing on why you are right for it, but always end in such a way that the recruiter will want to learn more... Do not be tempted to write too much. It should never be more than one page. 1/2 to 3/4 of a page is ideal.

All the best!

lukmonolakunmi: @ op, pls i wld want 2 av a sample each of a cover letter n a resume., av tried viewin dem on my fone but cld'nt. Pls help out thanks...

There are loads online. Just google.

van909: Thanks guys for answering my question I'm really grateful. Pls I have another question to ask.
There's is an international public health firm in abuja dat are recruiting and candidates were told to "STATE BOLDLY @ THE TOP OF THE RESUME SALARY EXPECTAION" how can I no the salary expectaion I googled the organisation but couldn't get a clue about their pay. Should I write my current salary cos they said that "SALARY WILL BE COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE AND SALARY HISTORY.
Pls I need advice cos I like to work with them. Thanks

Research on what similar organisations pay for similar roles and use that as the basis to determine a figure. If you still can't find anything and running out of time, state your current package and that you are open to discussing a higher package at a later time if shortlisted. This will buy you enough time to do more research. To be honest with you, the remuneration package for many roles can be found online, you just need to research more for some roles.

Good luck!

gbokukueba:

I agree with you absolutely i work in HR and see how people shortchange themselves when it comes to the minimum they can go for in terms of salarirs they keep dribbling the interviewer and emphasizing on how the job is the best thing to happen since slice bread... Know your worth, understand industry average and determine your minimum...

I totally agree with the last part of the statement... It is always important to know your lower limit for any role you apply for and work your way upwards...

ify4king: @op, I was invited 4 an interview wit a reputable firm for a position I never applied for, though I hv applied 4 several positions in dat same coy but for this position they re inviting me, I didnt apply 4 it, wat should I do?

The reason you were invited is because companies keep your details when you apply for a role. Even if you are not successful, they keep it on file and contact you when a suitable role comes up. The 1st thing you should ask yourself is it you are interested in the role. If you are, ask for more information eg job description, why the role has become vacant, why they shortlisted you. The more you know, the more you are able to determine if the role is right for you and prepare adequately for it.

All the best!

Kingspin: Helo;
I want to know how an internship job seeker can try to convince his interviewer that he/she can do the job especially when the interviewee lackt the experience which most time is a challenge.How do we go about it both in oral and writing.Thank U.

An internship or any sort of experience is always valuable. The value increases the more it is related to the role you are applying for. Ensure you familiarise yourself with the job description and what the company does, then reflect on the skills you gained during your internship as well as other skills. Next, connect them and stress the skills that you think are relevant to the role. Top it up with examples - clearly describing what you did, how, why and the result.

Good luck!

emveepee: Thank you OP for this topic. My question is, What are the possible questions an interviewer may ask during an interview for a banking job? Anxiously waiting for an answer on this.

This one is impossible to answer as there are a million and one banking job and each require a different set of skills. If you are a little more specific, I may be able to help. Thanks.

goldenboi: @OP pls how serious do recruitment firms take the issue of years of experience?

Keep up the good work.

Very serious. If they ask for it, then they want to know as it is part of the screening process...

Thanks.

pash4naija:

Thanks for starting this thread. I'm sort of passionate about recruitment so I'd love to contribute and learn as well...

Please continue, the more, the merrier...

rhymz: Don't ever try going through that line of being more Keen on the Job than the Salary, I tried it with the present company I am working for and I am regretting it, walahi. Most Nigerian employers even the once from foreign firm ask you this question to know if you understand the enormity of the Job you want, the moment you play too nice, they take it as you probably do not have the required experience or skills and need the job to get, next thing is to pay you what they think you should get and not neccessarily what is fair. I was asked thesame thing and I kept on talking about how I was more interested in gaining practical experience through the Job than what is fair as Salary. i ended up getting almost half of what my coleagues are presently getting. Effort to negotiate it has been very difficult and I suspect the HRM purposely does not make himself available once he knows I am the one waiting to see him; it is either he gives you another time to see him or claims to be in a meeting.
The best thing to do is to know the industry standard payment for your position and tell them, you will want to be paid based on that, if they ask to know whether you know the industry standard, you tell them. Act like you know your worth. Dont go there telling them you want to work while de-emphasizing the payment. Me presently sef, I want to leave the job and prolly explore banking jobs. . .they pay more and the job is not so physically tasking on like my present job. So use your head o.

In my experience, companies will always offer you a package slightly less than your value as they always assume people will negotiate. It is unfortunate they offered you way less than your colleagues, but there are many factors that may result in that apart from negotiation. Many companies have specific remuneration structure for specific positions. It is usually a range and they can offer anyone in that position anything within that range. A lot will depend on how good you sounded during your interview, how they value your expertise and to a smaller extent, how you are able to negotiate.

careytommy: what's the best cv, resume and cover letter format for an unemployed physical science graduate?
what are my chances of employment being that i'm 30 and finished my nysc 2years ago?
what do i do since i've misplaced my nysc discharge cert?

Unfortunately, there is no one-type of CV or cover letter as each needs to be tailoured to each role you apply to.

All the best!

goodsegs: Hello,
i am currently working as a permanent staff with an IT firm.But i got a juicy offer with a third party company to an Oil company.is a contract position that will be renewed after every one year.Now,my fear is that,what if the contract is not renewed at the end of the first year? It may put me under alot of pressure.I am yet to accept the offer as i told them to give me one week to decide.Now,someone advised i ask them to make me a 2 years contract offer on a goal.I am yet to relay this to the firm,but how do you think is best to negotiate this deal? the offer is good and i do not want it to sly.Kindly advise.

I strongly recommend you negotiate a 2yr renewable contract even if you get a little cut. Trust me, one year goes really fast and it is not usually long enough to have a huge impact, so chances are that if they are looking to retrench staff you will be on the list before long-serving staff. I know it is tempting, but thinking long term and having some stability is ultimately better...

Goodluck!

van909: Thks OPS for dis thread. pls i have 2 question 2 ask
1 "tell us abt ur self" do i have to talk abt my personal data or talk abt me in general.
2"i went for an interview and was asked to analyze all about analytical skills. Pls throw more light on these cos we learn every day thanks

About you, especially as it relates to the role and company. Focus on your skills and experience that is relevant to the role you are interviewing for and the company as well. Do not go into too much detail as you will have enough time to do so.

All the best!

rhymz: Don't ever try going through that line of being more Keen on the Job than the Salary, I tried it with the present company I am working for and I am regretting it, walahi. Most Nigerian employers even the once from foreign firm ask you this question to know if you understand the enormity of the Job you want, the moment you play too nice, they take it as you probably do not have the required experience or skills and need the job to get, next thing is to pay you what they think you should get and not neccessarily what is fair. I was asked thesame thing and I kept on talking about how I was more interested in gaining practical experience through the Job than what is fair as Salary. i ended up getting almost half of what my coleagues are presently getting. Effort to negotiate it has been very difficult and I suspect the HRM purposely does not make himself available once he knows I am the one waiting to see him; it is either he gives you another time to see him or claims to be in a meeting.
The best thing to do is to know the industry standard payment for your position and tell them, you will want to be paid based on that, if they ask to know whether you know the industry standard, you tell them. Act like you know your worth. Dont go there telling them you want to work while de-emphasizing the payment. Me presently sef, I want to leave the job and prolly explore banking jobs. . .they pay more and the job is not so physically tasking on like my present job. So use your head o.

I beg to disagree with you. Trust me, I recruit for multinationals and large regional companies across Africa, not just Nigeria and across graduate to MD level. I strongly recommend that you avoid discussing remuneration package during the 1st interview as it takes the shine off your experience or skills. Once you are called for another interview or assessment, then you can, but only if asked. I also strongly recommend for you to do a research and always answer with a range, not a specific figure (eg N5M - N7M). Remember that no two packages are exactly the same. Company A with N5M per year plus medical insurance, 20 leave days children education is not the same as Company B with N4.5M, medical insurance, education, pension contribution, 28 leave days and company car + driver. So it is always important to have a feel of the full benefits before negotiating.

Good luck all!!!

jerryben12:

Hope you don't mind me assisting with additional information on your thread? Recruiting and job placement is my passion. I have always had very good success rates when I prep candidates for job interviews.

Of course, the whole idea is to share knowledge and I may not be here all the time. The more, the merrier... PM me privately. Love to engage with recruiters or people interested in recruitment.