The term “job seeker” is very popular amongst Nigerians. From fresh graduates to people already in the labor market, the term is one that is commonly used. With the nation’s unemployment rate at 33.3%, the labor market is full, and the competition for jobs is fierce. Job seekers in Nigeria would have to stand out from the crowd. To achieve this, we’ve put together this article with some strategies to help you land your dream job.
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Research the job market
To stand out, you need to know what you’ll be standing out at, and this is one of the reasons to research the job market. With this research, you can have a detailed understanding of the different industries, employment/ career trends, and skills needed for a particular job. This information can help you tailor your applications and increase your chances of getting a job that aligns with your overall career goal, or it can let you know if you need a total career switch, so you’ll start looking for ways to upskill.
Tips for researching the job market for Job seekers in Nigeria
To research the job market, you need to:
- Use job sites
job sites are popular places to get the latest jobs. Sites like GetaJobng, LinkedIn, and Indeed can assist you in looking for jobs that match your skills, qualifications, and location. Some job sites also provide you with company and salary reviews so you can make informed decisions when applying.
- Network with professionals
It is often said that no man is an island, and in your professional career, this is true. Some jobs won’t make it out to the public; they will be filled based on referrals. Now you have to put yourself in a position to be referred. To connect with professionals in your field, attend events, conferences, and job fairs. Use LinkedIn also to connect with them and join industry-related groups to get updates.
- Go the extra mile:
If you will be attending physical events, you can print copies of your resume and hand them over to people. Make sure to target people who you know can help out. It’s also important that you do a search to know who’ll be coming to these events, read about them, and try to start meaningful conversations.
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Prepare an impressive resume.
The first impression matters, and your resume is the first impression a potential employer has of you even before seeing you. Your resume outlines your experience, education, skills, and achievements. and a well-written resume can single you out of the crowd and increase your chances of being scheduled for an interview.
Tips for creating an impressive resume
To create an impressive resume, you have to;
- Keep it concise and easy to read.
Recruiters receive tons of resumes for each job opening, so it’s essential to make a good first impression. Keep it concise, straight to the point, and easy to read. Use a readable font with a size between 11 and 12, bullets, and line breakers. Also, keep it to a page or two.
- Highlight relevant experience and achievements.
Your experience section should align with the job posting. A job can’t advertise for a project manager, and your resume carries the experience of a content writer. And for each bullet under an experience session, make sure to highlight your achievements and not just the tasks you did. Instead of “led a team of creatives,”,” say, “I led a team of designers, developers, and writers to create a product that raised revenue by 50% in 6 months.”
- Use action words.
Describe your achievements and responsibilities with action words. These words help to convey a sense of energy and accomplishment and make your resume more dynamic.
Examples of action words include “managed,” “created,” “achieved,” “implemented,” and “solved.”
- Tailor the resume to the job description.
Every resume you are going to use to apply for a job should align with the job posting. Study the job posting and highlight the key responsibilities, skills, keywords, and phrases. Use them to inform your resume, as it will show the recruiter you have the experience they need.
3. Ace your interview
The interview is where the employer gets to really evaluate your skills, experience, and personality and see if you’re fit for the job and company culture. This is the chance to show forth your genius and why you are fit for the role; therefore, it is important to be well-prepared and confident when entering an interview.
Tips for acing your interview
- Research the company and the job
Before the interview, it is essential to research the company and the job you are applying for. This will help you understand the company culture, mission, and values, as well as the specific requirements and responsibilities of the position. Now, this is what most Job seekers in Nigeria miss out on. Use this information to tailor your responses during the interview and to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the company.
- Dress appropriately and arrive on time.
Your appearance and punctuality can create a positive or negative first impression on the interviewer. Therefore, it is important to dress appropriately for the job. Arrive at least 10–15 minutes early to the interview location, as being late can create a negative impression.
- Practice common interview questions:
Many interviews follow a similar format and ask similar questions. Therefore, it is beneficial to practice common interview questions beforehand to be well-prepared for the interview. This will help you articulate your experiences, skills, and achievements confidently and concisely. Additionally, practicing with a friend or family member can help you receive feedback and improve your responses.
- Follow up with a thank-you note:
After the interview, it is important to follow up with a thank-you note to express your gratitude for the opportunity and to reiterate your interest in the position. This can help you leave a positive impression on the interviewer and demonstrate your professionalism and enthusiasm for the job.
Landing a dream job for job seekers in Nigeria requires strategic planning and consistent effort. By following the tips outlined in this article, such as networking, improving your skills, and staying up-to-date with industry trends, you can increase your chances of success.