How to Get a Good Job in Nigeria (Even If You Don’t Have Connection)

Getting a good job in Nigeria has become extremely competitive. Today, even bank jobs require an insider to ensure a CV is paid attention to. For those who have tried but do not seem to have anybody to help them out, we shall look at a way you can create job connections for your CV.

First, learn to avoid negative people, negative thoughts and negative expressions

Get negative thinking off your mind. This is the major hindrance to getting a good job in Nigeria. The truth that you should believe is that, there are lots of good jobs for whoever searches adequately.

When others say, there is no job, just whisper in your heart,

“There are still good jobs waiting somewhere. They can only be competitive and I can beat the competition”

Graduate Salaries for Nigeria

Get an idea of the graduate salaries of prospective jobs to get your interest and arm you better for interviews in Nigeria.

The pay packages for new graduates in Nigeria vary from industry to industry. However, salaries form one strong indicator of where you would like to pitch your tent in the search for good employment.

Below is an estimate of graduate salaries for a couple of industries.

Cadbury	N70,000 – N 80, 000
PZ Nigeria Plc	N65, 000 – N75, 000
Nestle	N80, 000 – N100, 000
Stock Broking Firms	N50, 000 – N100, 000
Oil & Gas	N150, 000 – N400, 000
Telecommunications	N100, 000 – N150, 000
Banking	N60, 000 – N100, 000
Real Estate	N70, 000 – N100, 000
NIMASA	N35, 000
Livestock (Veterinary Dr.s)	N 30, 000 – N 60, 000
Professional Services	N100,000 – N 150, 000
AVIATION
NCAA	N80, 000 – N100, 000
FAAN	N50, 000 – N80, 000
SAHCOL	N50, 000 – N80, 000
AIB	N50, 000 – N80, 000
NAMA	N50, 000 – N80, 000

Though the ranges specified below may have slight variations, they would serve as an invaluable guide for a new graduate to determine the worth of his degree. 

Experienced individuals already know that their salaries depend on the relevance or value of their experience to the available job.

Generally, it is often advised that you should go for the job you love or where you can develop skills that would be useful later in life. 


So, while considering the salaries, consider other opportunities.


I'd like you to think of Job environment, Job security, transferable skills, network opportunities and fringe benefits before rushing for the carrot.

Statistics Graduates -Ten (10) Job Search mistakes of New graduate

New graduates today including statistics graduates make horrible mistakes that cause them to stay at home for a very long time before finally accepting just any job offer. You should try to avoid these common errors.

1. 
   
   
   Don't rely solely on the internet.
   
   Though many big companies now pitch a tent for internet users to apply for jobs, making job application processing easier and quicker for them, internet job offers still remain among the lowest offered jobs from statistics. Contrarily, networking still stands out as the most potent tool of job search for new graduates.
   
2. 
   
   
   Don't appear unprofessional
   
   Companies today have evolved higher standards for scrutinizing job applicants. An unprofessional perception created by a good candidate is sure a big negative on his or her side. Statistics graduates are expected to display high knowledge of their subject area.
   
3. 
   
   
   Don't take your job interview unserious
   
   Commonly, fresh graduates take job interviews quite unserious. This is a grave job search mistake for new graduates including statistics graduates. Many of these candidates end up spending too much time at home eventually.
   
4. 
   
   
   Don't use a generic resume
   
   A customized resume is important to display a high level of interest in the job. Most recruiters just see right through that this is just another desperate job seeker who knows little or nothing about their company when the same resume is used for different companies. Take time to study the advert and company's website before working on your resume and sending it over.
   
5. 
   
   
   Don't fail to follow up
   
   Most fresh graduates forget that it takes adequate follow-up to get a high paying job. It's not enough to send out resumes and expect a phone call, text message or email. Serious statistics graduates must hustle for great job.
   
6. 
   
   
   Don't be passive
   
   Many proactive and aggressive job seekers are out there to compete with you. To beat the competition, you must get proactive and develop powerful set of strategies.
   
7. 
   
   
   Don't misuse the internet
   
   Believe it or not, today's recruiters take their time to check your profile on social networking sites. These include your type of friends/networks, your posts and forums. When you really get serious about job search, get to your pages and remove irresponsible connections. Moreover, 'linked' is a very good networking site many new graduates overlook.
   
8. 
   
   
   Don't set your expectations too high
   
   The first year of a new graduate should be aimed at acquiring requisite skills, developing competence and learning. Setting your expectations too high can deprive you of these privileges and make you spend unnecessarily too long time looking for a huge income as a fresh graduate.
   
9. 
   
   
   Don't neglect your network
   
   No matter how little your network is, harnessing the network of your networks can really take you father than you envision and get you a great job when you least expect. As statistics graduates, take statistics of your network and get to work.
   

Finally, set your heart on God who alone can grant your heart desires in the midst of the great recession. Keep hope alive and keep trying, you never can tell how soon the great job will find you. Also, get prepared and do your best.

How to Ace a Job Interview-Seven (7) Effective Job Interview Techniques

Acing job interviews in today’s highly competitive economy has taken a subtle twist. Companies are beginning to employ more thorough recruitment techniques.

At the same time, job interview candidates have learnt to get into the psychology of the interviewer in order to ace their job interviews. Your impression  on the interviewer should begin from the arrival time.

Seven (7) Effective Job Interview Techniques

1. 
   
   Arrive 30 minutes earlier: Try to arrive at the interview venue about 30 minutes earlier. Remain calm even when the interviewers are behind schedule. Keep a professional demeanor throughout your waiting time. An easy way out is to read a book during this period – avoid any book that may portray lack of seriousness. This is an effective technique to demonstrate professionalism.

2. 
   
   Impress the interviewer: First, determine to make the interviewer like you. Make him comfortable with you and your personality. Yet, you must demonstrate that you meet the requirement for the job”

3. 
   
   Knock the door and get a reply before entering into the room: This is just for the sake of courtesy. Your interviewers would only be willing to pass candidates with courtesy.

4. 
   
   Walk steadily and tall as you enter the room to demonstrate personal confidence as you make your way in.

5. 
   
   Wait until the interviewer offers you a seat before you grab a chair. The polite way to ask if necessary is “where would you want me to sit?”

Avoid crossing your legs or exposing the under of your shoe.

6. 
   
   Greet with eye contact plus a warm smile: Look him or her in the eyes but not rudely.

Keep your head up and maintain good eye contact throughout the conversation. Keep catching their eyes when you are responding. This is an extremely effective job interview technique. 

7. 
   
   Get ready to shake hands (but ensure the interviewer takes the lead. Match the pressure extended by the interviewer but don’t overdo it. Use one hand and shake vertically, smile and lean forward.

In conclusion, concentrate on demonstrating confidence and competence for the job. Display a high level of confidence in yourself (not arrogance) and determine your worth (the least salary you can take) before the interview. This would help you avoid being clumsy and finally ace the job interview.

How to write effective Job Interview ‘Thank You letters’ after Job interview – The Basic Rules

Job interview ‘Thank You Letters’ are now known as a powerful tool to help many interview candidates secure a job even after unsuccessful job interviews. 

This is an extraordinary psychology tool that can sky rocket the interest of the interviewer in you and evoke a special consideration for you. Even when all positions are filled up, 'thank you letters' can sometimes make recruiters go out of their way to create a position for you or link you with another manager.

So, put aside the thinking that a ‘thank you letter’ is just for courtesy sake. It is actually a means to connect with your employer.

It re –emphasizes your interest in the job and can dramatically improve your chances of being employed.

Here’s a simple format to guide you in writing a effective ‘thank you’ letters:

Paragraph 1 - Thank the interviewer for the opportunity for the interview.

Paragraph 2 - Sell yourself by reminding the hiring manager of your qualifications (in a way of introducing yourself in the thank you letter). Here, you can add key information you forgot tell the interviewers during the interview.

Paragraph 3 - Express your deep interest in the job. Explain your eagerness to actually add real value. You can ease any reservations the interviewer might have expressed during the interview.

Finally, make sure you sound personal and sincere. Avoid the temptation of getting one letter for all your interviews. 

Look for tips on answering interview questions.