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.

Job Interview Dress Code- Best Job Interview Clothes/Outfit for ladies

Preparing for Job Interviews can be very worrisome. The concern for the proper job interview dressing arises a few days to the interview after spending a lot of time researching and rehearsing the interview in your head. 

It might surprise you that some organizations have pre-determined dress code for job interviews. You should find out from someone in HR for any special job interview outfit expected from ladies.

For the ladies, you have every right to be concerned about your outfit to prevent unnecessary prejudice and avoid canal interest.

Nevertheless, a lady still has to display enough professionalism and dress more conservative to job interviews. Every item on her body (suit, jewelry, head tie, shoes…) should tell the interviewer ‘she can and is ready to work here’.

1. 
   
   Suit: Wear a classic softened shirt on suits. Avoid low-cut blouses or any outfit that might arouse undue interest in men unless you are asking for it (and this would unlikely get you the job).

Your outfit should be ready (well ironed) more than 24 hours before the interview time.

Most importantly, wear outfits of good quality that look good on you. If the job interview lasts more than one day, wear different outfits for each day.

Avoid wearing anything that reflects a particular group, religion, political campaign, school or club.

2. 
   
   Head tie: A pure silk scarf can safely complement your appearance and yet keep you conservative. Use plain color or small polka dots.

3. 
   
   Shoe: Plain shoes are more advisable since they usually appear more professional.

4. 
   
   Belt: Avoid the temptation of trying to match the belt with your outfit. Your belt should rather complement or match your shoes.

5. 
   
   Accessories: Try to keep your necklace, ear rings (small), engagement rings or wedding bands and glasses professional looking. Avoid  using sun glasses or other shading as a complement to your job interview dressing.

6. 
   
   Make Up: The golden rule is to appear natural. All forms of make-up should remain subtle.

7. 
   
   Hygiene: Brush with extra care on your interview day. Avoid any awful smell but also avoid heavy perfume or deodorants. Avoid breath mints but maintain a high oral hygiene.

Remember, getting an interview is a very close step to getting the job. So, do all you can to prepare effectively for interviews. Watch job interview videos, rehearse likely questions and dress professionally.

How to Use your “Graduation Year Book” to Boost your Chances of Getting a Job in Nigeria

Learn how to use your Class Year Book at graduation to strategically position yourself for employment opportunities as soon as you graduate.

In this time of harsh economic climate and gross unemployment among Nigerians, smart graduating students must develop new techniques of getting jobs from the few available positions. 

“Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you to where you want to go, no one else”

Les Brown

Little wonder, some Post Graduate students in Scotland pioneered an additional use for the ‘Graduation Year Book' to create employment opportunities for themselves’.

Many graduating students in Nigerian tertiary institutions spend time, money and effort in producing a year book to preserve memories and keep contacts of everyone in the class only.

However, you need to pay attention to how (in 2009) about 100 Post Graduate students of Project Management at Gordon Brown University, Aberdeen, Scotland produced their Yearbook with an additional capacity to market them to prospective clients.

They devoted a section for each student to sell himself in the same format as in a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and to explain what they can offer.

For many reasons, this is a wonderful innovation:

·       You never can tell whose hands the yearbook would get to.

·       Your classmates would know your other abilities outside of the classroom (not just your hobbies).

·       You now have a CV in motion.

Finally, it is best for you to get yourself ready for life after school through all the means you know. Get the word out that you are available. And then, when companies are running after you, you can choose whichever one you prefer. 

Present your Yearbook professionally and avoid writing trivial things. Remember, you are now in the Working Class.

Tips for First Job Interview - What you should know?

Begin to learn all you can before your first job interview. Take cues from the mistakes and shortcomings of others and follow golden rules to avoid losing a treasure.

The first job interview is where many fresh graduates learn the dos and don’ts of a job interview but they always end up losing this first job. 

“We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing; others judge us by what we have done”

H. W. Long Fellow

You should know that 65% of the decision of your interviewers is formed in the first 4 minutes of your interview.

That’s why, it’s probably good to have attended other interviews (for small jobs) – to learn how to adequately prepare and increase your confidence level - before facing your first job interview questions.

As a fresh graduate in your first job interview, you are advised to:

·  Be more assertive – stand up for yourself, be confident but do not be rude

·  Listen carefully to every instruction and follow them to the letter during interviews

·  Always be prepared for a phone interview

·  Be prepared for aptitude tests

·  Always carry the evidences of your qualifications to job interviews

Golden Rules

·  Always carefully research the job requirements before the day of the interview. Know the various departments and their separate roles

·  What do you want the interviewer to know about you? Talk about your achievements (proudly but not arrogantly) or you character traits (adaptability, tenacity…)

· Spend little or no time talking about your disadvantages or weaknesses. At worst, quickly input how you already overcoming your weakness

Remember to

Show confidence: The interview is no place for shyness. Too much modesty can make you appear introverted or lacking confidence. 

Before the interview, make a list of your accomplishments both personally and professionally; practice talking about them. Have a friend listen to your answers as you practice. This will help prevent you from crossing the line between justifiable pride and boasting. 

Speak clearly & show enthusiasm: Smile and maintain eye contact. Sit forward in your chair. Avoid speaking in a monotone and be positive in your responses. 

Monitor Your Internal System: Be careful in what you eat and drink in the 24 hours before the interview. 

Choose your words carefully: Remember to pause if you need some time to think. Feel free to say “let me take a moment to think about it." This demonstrates that you think before you speak.

One good question you can ask at the end of the interview is “when am I expected to resume duties if successful?”  

Do not forget to say thank you at the end

Answering Job Interview Questions Successfully - Tips and Tricks

You must get in touch with salient information and distinguish yourself from the majority to make it easier for you to get a really hot job in today’s economic climate,

“Take up one thing. Do it. See the end of that thing and before you have seen the end, do not give up”

Vivekananda

First, you must understand the root of job interview questions - their classifications and applications.

Classifications of Job Interview Questions

Job applicants should be familiar with the important areas interviewers are usually interested in. However, the particular areas you would be tested on vary depending on the job you are applying for and the method of the interviewer.

Some of these areas are:

1. Aptitude: Your capacity or potential ability to learn.
2. Psychomotor tests: Your strength, dexterity & coordination
3. Job knowledge Test: Knowledge related to the job you are applying for.
4. Proficiency tests: How well you can do a sample of the job to be done
5. Interest rate: Here, they compare your interest level with that of people that normally succeed at the job
6. Psychological tests: These are attempts to understand your personality
7. Polygraph Test: They record physical changes on your body as you attempt to answer a series of questions

You probably know by now that you must have rehearsed the coming interview over & over in your mind before the D-day to answer job interview questions well. 

You need to get ready-made interview answers in your mind before the interview day for the questions below. 

However, if you are in doubt for your answers for any of the interview questions below, you can try to find out from an employee of the company who is close to you.

Tell me about yourself? What experience do you have in this field? Do you consider yourself successful? What do you know about this organization? What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year? Why do you want to work for this organization? What is your Expected Salary? Are you a team player? How long would you expect to work for us if hired? What is your philosophy towards work? If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Explain how you would be an asset to this organization ?  Or Why should we hire you? Tell me about a contribution you have made ? What is your greatest strength? Why do you think you would do well at this job? What are you looking for in a job? What is more important to you: the money or the work? Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends? Would you be willing to relocate if required? How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience? Do you have any questions for me?

Remember to make all other necessary preparations before the job interview date. A little rumble in your tummy or switch in your mood during the interview can cause huge damage.

How to Develop a Job Search Strategy (Job Hunting)

 

Carefully articulate and write a Job Search Plan and effectively follow it through in order to get a Top Job in today's competitive marketplace.

 

"No matter what you are trying to accomplish, the key to achievement is your ability to break down the task into manageable pieces and knock them off one at a time"

Jim Rohn

 

 

Where can I go & look for a Job?

Traditionally, you are supposed to submit your applications to recruitment agencies; read Newspapers for vacancies and network through your friends and families.

Additionally however, you should submit online applications.

In networking (which is estimated to provide up to 65% of available jobs), there are 4 different levels of job search:

• 
  
  
  My friends or families
  
• 
  
  
  The friend/family of my friend/family that I know
  
• 
  
  
  The friend/family of my friend/family that I don't know
  
• 
  
  
  The people introduced to me by friends/family that I don't know
  

You must have scaled these 4 categories before you can actually say you are a serious job seeker.

How can I Get Experience?

A lot of opportunities to get experience actually exist if you recognize and harness them.

1. 
   
   
   You can apply to organizations to work as an intern. An intern is normally paid less than a staff but experience cannot be bought.
   
2. 
   
   
   Work as a volunteer in an organization. Nobody would refuse a volunteer worker unless you appear unreliable.
   
3. 
   
   
   Handle projects within organizations, clubs, or association. You can always refer back to them.
   

Developing a Job Search Plan

How serious are you about getting a Top Job? Then, you have to put pen to paper and develop a job search plan. Below is an example of one.

Download a plain page for your personal use – Job Search Plan (WORD) (PDF)

MONTH	GOALS	TASKS TO COMPLETE	APPROXIMATE TIME TO COMPLETE THE TASKS	DUE DATE OR COMPLETION DATE
JANUARY Week 1	Finalize CV Get at least 3 professionals to commend it	Determine the type of CV to write Get CV templates	One week	July 9, 2010
Week 2	Write a general cover letter Get at least 4 references	Check Newspaper for the expected description of an ideal candidate for this job type Contact prospective references	5 days	July 14, 2010
Week 3

 

In closing, remember that following your strategy to the end is what gets the job.

You would likely get the job earlier than you anticipate. But then, the day you get the job, your search for job is over. So, do all you can to get a Top Job now.

Job Interview Responses - Top 11 Don’ts

Determine to be liked in the interview and then carefully execute your strategies like a captain leading his troops to the war front to attain real success at your job interview.

“Success is a progression of small steps, one building on another eventually creating monumental momentum”

Being liked during a job interview is a very important strategy to gather enough points/ scores and get a job earlier than those with more expertise or professional knowledge than you.You must develop excellent interview responses and avoid bad responses.

Interviewers are also human. They respond to their emotional urge in liking you when you display certain qualities, chief of which are trust and high confidence level when responding to interview questions.

More importantly, you should not goof during your job interview by exhibiting any of these traits:

1.    Don’t smile too much: During a job interview, it can be misinterpreted for a sign of nervousness or lack of confidence. However, you should smile when there is an occasion for it but not sheepishly.

2.    Don’t ask petty questions: In job interviews, it is important that you display professionalism and deep interest in the job itself. Asking questions about ‘lunch time’, ‘coffee breaks’… can create an unserious person perception.

3.    Don’t sweat: Wearing too much clothing to job interviews can make you sweat unusually coupled with the tension of the interview itself. Any trickle of sweat, especially in an aerated place, can be seen as weakness or nervousness.

4.    Don’t say too much ‘NO’: Avoid hesitating or saying ‘no’. You are expected to show eagerness to take on new tasks and projects. 

5.    Don’t use humor wrongly: As much as a little giggle might help lighten up your mood, you should be aware of the level of sensitivity of your interviewers before you say anything funny.

6.    Don’t lie: Once you lose their trust, you’ve lost the job. Moreover, you should begin to appreciate your own qualities, skills, talents and abilities – that way, you‘d only need to promote yourself without lying in your job interview responses.

7.    Don’t talk too little: Talk too little – they’d think you don’t know much ! So, as much as you are not expected to drift away into irrelevant information about the job, you should exhibit high knowledge of your industry or the company. 

Your first task is to be very knowledgeable about the industry and the second is about the company.

8.    Don’t say “Em … you know what I mean”

9.    Don’t use “Right! ….”

10.  Don’t use slangs

11.  Don’t say “As in ….like…”

In summary, be your real self when responding to job interviews questions. If your real self is not good enough, then go and develop yourself.