₦airaland Forum

Good day Nairalanders.!!

I had an interview today that sparked an interesting conversation about career growth and employee retention.

The Senior HR Manager questioned why I hadn't stayed longer with my previous employers. Looking at my career journey, I spent 2 years with my first company, 1 year with my second, and I'm currently 9 months into my present role. All three positions have been directly related to the role I was being interviewed for, giving me over 3 years of relevant experience, while the job requirement specified 1–2+ years of experience.

The concern raised was that the company is looking for someone who has demonstrated longer tenure with previous employers and is likely to remain with them for many years.

While I understand that perspective, I couldn't help but reflect on the realities of the Nigerian job market. Many professionals make career moves when opportunities arise that offer better compensation, improved benefits, greater responsibilities, career advancement, or the chance to develop new skills. Such transitions are often driven by growth and ambition rather than a lack of commitment.

In my view, tenure is important, but so are the results delivered, the experience gained, and the value created in every role. A professional's impact should not be measured solely by the length of time spent in an organization, but also by the contributions made during that period.

For hiring managers and HR professionals, especially those recruiting in Nigeria, how much weight should be given to length of service versus career progression, skills acquired, and proven performance?

Gentlesoul2021:
Good day Nairalanders.!!

I had an interview today that sparked an interesting conversation about career growth and employee retention.

The Senior HR Manager questioned why I hadn't stayed longer with my previous employers. Looking at my career journey, I spent 2 years with my first company, 1 year with my second, and I'm currently 9 months into my present role. All three positions have been directly related to the role I was being interviewed for, giving me over 3 years of relevant experience, while the job requirement specified 1–2+ years of experience.

The concern raised was that the company is looking for someone who has demonstrated longer tenure with previous employers and is likely to remain with them for many years.

While I understand that perspective, I couldn't help but reflect on the realities of the Nigerian job market. Many professionals make career moves when opportunities arise that offer better compensation, improved benefits, greater responsibilities, career advancement, or the chance to develop new skills. Such transitions are often driven by growth and ambition rather than a lack of commitment.

In my view, tenure is important, but so are the results delivered, the experience gained, and the value created in every role. A professional's impact should not be measured solely by the length of time spent in an organization, but also by the contributions made during that period.

For hiring managers and HR professionals, especially those recruiting in Nigeria, how much weight should be given to length of service versus career progression, skills acquired, and proven performance?

Cc
lalasticlala,Mynd44,OAM4J,Nlfpmod,Dominiqu

Mods 🙏 can u pls push to front page for a wider POV

In Nigeria today, pay is what should determine how long you will stay in a company. You can't be paying me 200k and I'll get an offer of 500k and expect me to remain. Of course I'll resign and leave.

I'm surprised your HR interviewer found an issue with that. If he sees a foreign role as an HR to earn in Euros or dollar, won't he resign from that company and rush there?

I dislike hypocrites.

Which state are you? I'm moved to help you

Gentlesoul2021:
Good day Nairalanders.!!

I had an interview today that sparked an interesting conversation about career growth and employee retention.

The Senior HR Manager questioned why I hadn't stayed longer with my previous employers. Looking at my career journey, I spent 2 years with my first company, 1 year with my second, and I'm currently 9 months into my present role. All three positions have been directly related to the role I was being interviewed for, giving me over 3 years of relevant experience, while the job requirement specified 1–2+ years of experience.

The concern raised was that the company is looking for someone who has demonstrated longer tenure with previous employers and is likely to remain with them for many years.

While I understand that perspective, I couldn't help but reflect on the realities of the Nigerian job market. Many professionals make career moves when opportunities arise that offer better compensation, improved benefits, greater responsibilities, career advancement, or the chance to develop new skills. Such transitions are often driven by growth and ambition rather than a lack of commitment.

In my view, tenure is important, but so are the results delivered, the experience gained, and the value created in every role. A professional's impact should not be measured solely by the length of time spent in an organization, but also by the contributions made during that period.

For hiring managers and HR professionals, especially those recruiting in Nigeria, how much weight should be given to length of service versus career progression, skills acquired, and proven performance?

That's how Nig HR thinks, in abroad they don't see it as a flaw especially if you can get recommendation letter from your past employers

If I can't afford the service of where I work, then I quit cos it's slavery.

I can't work in a school I can't afford to put my child or I work in an hotel I can't afford a night lodge or work in a restaurant I can't afford a plate of food.

Beware of modern day slave raiders employers and don't waste ur time.

Sonofgod1990:
Which state are you? I'm moved to help you

Let's form our own political party.

Chop I Chop Party (CICP)

Find running mate so that we go contest.

When you have a long post, pls just post a summary. No time! Even CNN dey get summary if you no get time to read everything.

Well, they raised a good point.

I also won't employ you because it seems you lack loyalty. You are likely to spend jus5 6 months if employed. Don't you notice you spend less time with each subsequent company?. First company 2 years, second company 1 year, third company 9 months, fourth company 6 months.

Na joke o.

But on a serious note, most companies prefer someone who will help grow the company and this takes time

oyeb15:
If I can't afford the service of where I work, then I quit cos it's slavery.

I can't work in a school I can't afford to put my child or I work in an hotel I can't afford a night lodge or work in a restaurant I can't afford a plate of food.

Beware of modern day slave raiders employers and don't waste ur time.

I don't get you. There are 5star hotels that pay some of their workers over 300k per month with accommodation. Does that mean, you can't work there? Because, with this salary, you no fit lodge there.

Checkwell:
When you have a long post, pls just post a summary. No time! Even CNN dey get summary if you no get time to read everything.

Try Google word reader it help

Like I don't read I ask Google to do that and it will play all the news in minute for me

Hezzyluv:
I don't get you. There are 5star hotels that pay some of their workers over 300k per month with accommodation.

Some pays 100k to 150k ,and their rooms start from 250k.

A whole month salary can't afford a night lodge.

Did you tell them all this, or did you keep quiet and then decide to fill our ears with your opinion? I sabi una way for offline discourse — silent as church mice.

Gentlesoul2021:
Good day Nairalanders.!!

I had an interview today that sparked an interesting conversation about career growth and employee retention.

The Senior HR Manager questioned why I hadn't stayed longer with my previous employers. Looking at my career journey, I spent 2 years with my first company, 1 year with my second, and I'm currently 9 months into my present role. All three positions have been directly related to the role I was being interviewed for, giving me over 3 years of relevant experience, while the job requirement specified 1–2+ years of experience.

The concern raised was that the company is looking for someone who has demonstrated longer tenure with previous employers and is likely to remain with them for many years.

While I understand that perspective, I couldn't help but reflect on the realities of the Nigerian job market. Many professionals make career moves when opportunities arise that offer better compensation, improved benefits, greater responsibilities, career advancement, or the chance to develop new skills. Such transitions are often driven by growth and ambition rather than a lack of commitment.

In my view, tenure is important, but so are the results delivered, the experience gained, and the value created in every role. A professional's impact should not be measured solely by the length of time spent in an organization, but also by the contributions made during that period.

For hiring managers and HR professionals, especially those recruiting in Nigeria, how much weight should be given to length of service versus career progression, skills acquired, and proven performance?

oyeb15:
Some pays 100k to 150k ,and their rooms start from 250k.

A whole month salary can't afford a night lodge.

It depends sha. I have a friend that works in Sharaton and his take home pay is 260k. I know of secondary school that pays teachers over 300k. That one no mean, the teachers can afford to enroll their children there and the pay no bad.

Hezzyluv:
It depends sha. I have a friend that works in Sharaton and his take home pay is 260k. I know of secondary school that pays teachers over 300k. That one no mean, the teachers can afford to enroll their children there and the pay no bad.

300k ? Private school teacher? It's no possible

Your keep your loyalty with yourself, period !

Gentlesoul2021:
Good day Nairalanders.!!

I had an interview today that sparked an interesting conversation about career growth and employee retention.

The Senior HR Manager questioned why I hadn't stayed longer with my previous employers. Looking at my career journey, I spent 2 years with my first company, 1 year with my second, and I'm currently 9 months into my present role. All three positions have been directly related to the role I was being interviewed for, giving me over 3 years of relevant experience, while the job requirement specified 1–2+ years of experience.

The concern raised was that the company is looking for someone who has demonstrated longer tenure with previous employers and is likely to remain with them for many years.

While I understand that perspective, I couldn't help but reflect on the realities of the Nigerian job market. Many professionals make career moves when opportunities arise that offer better compensation, improved benefits, greater responsibilities, career advancement, or the chance to develop new skills. Such transitions are often driven by growth and ambition rather than a lack of commitment.

In my view, tenure is important, but so are the results delivered, the experience gained, and the value created in every role. A professional's impact should not be measured solely by the length of time spent in an organization, but also by the contributions made during that period.

For hiring managers and HR professionals, especially those recruiting in Nigeria, how much weight should be given to length of service versus career progression, skills acquired, and proven performance?

Money is not necessarily the reason to change job, you need a job that is stable and layoff proof and where you can grow, as you grow with the company, more money comes.

Remember, as you change job, you lose your seniority and your vested retirement income, you have lost four years due to job changes, that four years in your first job would have taken you far financially.

oyeb15:
300k ? Private school teacher? It's no possible

Ask questions on premium college, elite college Lekki, British international school, American international school, even Deeper Life College and lot more.

Some even pay more then 500k

How do you mean that he lost four years

Perewenkle1:
Money is not necessarily the reason to change job, you need a job that is stable and layoff proof and where you can grow, as you grow with the company, more money comes.

Remember, as you change job, you lose your seniority and your vested retirement income, you have lost four years due to job changes, that four years in your first job would have taken you far financially.

Gbadugbakun:
In Nigeria today, pay is what should determine how long you will stay in a company. You can't be paying me 200k and I'll get an offer of 500k and expect me to remain. Of course I'll resign and leave.

I'm surprised your HR interviewer found an issue with that. If he sees a foreign role as an HR to earn in Euros or dollar, won't he resign from that company and rush there?

I dislike hypocrites.

Dey speak grammar, they'll rather employ someone who has stayed longer in a place than someone who sees money and leaves.

Let me put it this way, as Nigerians, we love people who stay years working for us but we ourselves are not ready or patient enough to work for long in a place, leave hypocrisy out of this.

Gentlesoul2021:
Good day Nairalanders.!!

I had an interview today that sparked an interesting conversation about career growth and employee retention.

The Senior HR Manager questioned why I hadn't stayed longer with my previous employers. Looking at my career journey, I spent 2 years with my first company, 1 year with my second, and I'm currently 9 months into my present role. All three positions have been directly related to the role I was being interviewed for, giving me over 3 years of relevant experience, while the job requirement specified 1–2+ years of experience.

The concern raised was that the company is looking for someone who has demonstrated longer tenure with previous employers and is likely to remain with them for many years.

While I understand that perspective, I couldn't help but reflect on the realities of the Nigerian job market. Many professionals make career moves when opportunities arise that offer better compensation, improved benefits, greater responsibilities, career advancement, or the chance to develop new skills. Such transitions are often driven by growth and ambition rather than a lack of commitment.

In my view, tenure is important, but so are the results delivered, the experience gained, and the value created in every role. A professional's impact should not be measured solely by the length of time spent in an organization, but also by the contributions made during that period.

For hiring managers and HR professionals, especially those recruiting in Nigeria, how much weight should be given to length of service versus career progression, skills acquired, and proven performance?

These Nigerian HR Managers dont really know what they are doing. You cant ask someone that kind of question when there are thousands of good questions to ask. You dont expect someone to remain under your employment when the salary you offer him is below his experience and expect him to remain under your employment. It's an individual decision whether or not to remain under an employer for more years or less and shouldn't be a subject of discussion during an interview. HR managers should do better. In my years of experience as a HR manager I never asked anyone that because it doesn't make sense. There should be room for progression and growth.

Would you want to work with a company who lay workers off after three years so they can hire fresh graduates and pay them less?

The HR saw your resume and still decided to call you for an interview, that’s because they want you to explain why you are looking for a fourth job in five years.

Saying you will leave if you get a better offer is one of the wrongest thing you can say to an interviewer, you could leave a job because you have a set of new skills that has outgrown the role, or the company is small and does not have a role you can be promoted to etc.

When a company hires, the hr goes through 100s of resumes, interviews 10s of people, they train you, you get familiar with their clients, you make mistakes that may sometimes cost money, your team starts getting used to you, then you quit in six months and they have to start this process over again.

Unless in a toxic workplace situation, you should be giving your job at least 2.5 - 3 years. I won’t hire anyone who’s seeking a 4th job in 4 years as well.

In my CV I do remove some companies where I didn't spend up to few years thereby making my CV more matured and cool.

Including every nook and cranny of places one worked will make the CV clumsy and messy. Include jobs experience that will give you edge over what roles you're looking for.

No employer will like to employ someone that changes job like he/she changes pants

Lesson learned from the interview.

RISQUE:
These Nigerian HR Managers dont really know what they are doing. You cant ask someone that kind of question when there are thousands of good questions to ask. You dont expect someone to remain under your employment when the salary you offer him is below his experience and expect him to remain under your employment. It's an individual decision whether or not to remain under an employer for more years or less and shouldn't be a subject of discussion during an interview. HR managers should do better. In my years of experience as a HR manager I never asked anyone that because it doesn't make sense. There should be room for progression and growth.

Thank you for this input, she wasn't a Nigerian thou so I was Just wondering what do they expect, are we not to pursue greater opportunity than the current one we are in.... She clearly doesn't know the reality in Nigeria that there are jobs paying peanut and one would move if an higher opportunity show up or if the workplace is toxic and unbearable....

Gbadugbakun:
In Nigeria today, pay is what should determine how long you will stay in a company. You can't be paying me 200k and I'll get an offer of 500k and expect me to remain. Of course I'll resign and leave.

I'm surprised your HR interviewer found an issue with that. If he sees a foreign role as an HR to earn in Euros or dollar, won't he resign from that company and rush there?

I dislike hypocrites.

She's isn't a Nigerian but despite my career history I couldn't believe I would be napped with this reality. I was with company 1 with 2 years, company 2 with 1 yr Nd currently on 9 months at my present role. Have I not maintain stability enough. She failed to look at the angle of layoff, resignation from toxic workplace etc...

Sonofgod1990:
Which state are you? I'm moved to help you

Kwara State. Thank you so much 🙏

femi4:
That's how Nig HR thinks, in abroad they don't see it as a flaw especially if you can get recommendation letter from your past employers

She isn't a Nigerian so I was wondering why she criticisey CV from that angle...

oyeb15:
If I can't afford the service of where I work, then I quit cos it's slavery.

I can't work in a school I can't afford to put my child or I work in an hotel I can't afford a night lodge or work in a restaurant I can't afford a plate of food.

Beware of modern day slave raiders employers and don't waste ur time.

Thank you for this. I was just wondering are we to stay at our present role slaving rather than grab an opportunity with a higher payslip...

obainojazz:
Well, they raised a good point.

I can understand where she's driving at.

netmillionaires:
I also won't employ you because it seems you lack loyalty. You are likely to spend jus5 6 months if employed. Don't you notice you spend less time with each subsequent company?. First company 2 years, second company 1 year, third company 9 months, fourth company 6 months.

Na joke o.

But on a serious note, most companies prefer someone who will help grow the company and this takes time

Lol I get you...
But
Do you now say an employee can stay in one place and not take on new opportunities better than their present role just so to maintain loyalty. Even in the face of workplace toxicity do u still recommend an employee should stay while his/her mental health deteriorate....