Breaking the Barrier: How to Secure a Job Without Connections in Nigeria
Are you searching for a job and don’t have a rich uncle to pave the way? With the high level of competition in the job market, many job seekers believe that having connections is the key to landing a job. However, not everyone has access to influential connections that can open doors to lucrative job opportunities. If you’re one of the many Nigerians looking to secure a job without connections, this guide will provide you with tips and strategies to help you break the barrier and land your dream job. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or an experienced professional, the tips we’ve shared here can increase your chances of getting hired and kick-starting your career.
Nigeria, with a population of over 300 million people, has a large and diverse job market. However, the job market in Nigeria is highly competitive, with a large pool of job seekers vying for limited job openings. It is no secret that connections play a significant role in getting a job in Nigeria, but that does not mean that job seekers without connections cannot find meaningful employment. No, it doesn’t.
While having connections can give job seekers a head start in the hiring process, it is important to note that employers in Nigeria are looking for candidates who have more than just a bachelor’s degree. This means that as a job seeker without connections, you must have certain skills and qualifications that would make you stand out amongst others.
How to get a job without connections
Leverage online job portals Most job seekers do not know certain online job portals where they can easily apply for a job from the comfort of their homes. Websites like Indeed, Jobberman, Jobsora, and the like are online platforms where one can see a vacancy in your field and apply for the job. LinkedIn is also a platform to search for jobs and get hired.
Make use of professional networks
Do you have a LinkedIn or Facebook account? Do you post engaging content that talks about your skills or the job you intend to have? People who use their social media handles to create a brand for themselves are more likely to get jobs than those who are hardly visible on social media.
Volunteering and internships
Although some Nigerians don’t see the need to ‘work without pay’, it is necessary to know that volunteering or interning at an organization in your field would save you from losing a job due to a ‘lack of experience’. For instance, if you want to work as a social media marketer at a top business consulting firm, your degree in journalism and Coursera certificate in social media marketing won’t land you the job if you have never truly sold anything online. You have to build capacity and you do that by gathering knowledge and experience. Volunteering and interning is the best way to do so.
Network!
Attending a business conference might teach you what a four-year degree in business administration didn’t. That’s the beauty of networking. Leave your comfort zone today and go to events where you would meet the big players in your field. Listen to their speeches, ask questions, ask for their business cards, follow them on social media, tell them what you do, and how good you are, and be confident about it. Tell them to recommend you or your services to others. Who knows? You might find your employer in the process.
Be smart about your Resume and Cover Letter Companies are looking for someone who has something spectacular to offer. Don’t go listing all you have to give when you don’t have an idea about what they truly want. Study the company you want to apply to, and the position you’re applying for before you begin writing a resume and cover letter.
I also recommend using AI Tools to create compelling resumes and cover letters. You can check
out the following tools before.
Rezi.
Resumestar.
Mosiacagent.
Kickresume.
Skillroads.
CVVIZ.
Hiration.
Auto Resume
The Interview
Prepping for an interview is crucial to increase your chances of getting the job. It’s important to learn as much as you can about the company, its products/services, and its culture. You should know all this before you send in your resume. This will help you understand the company’s values and goals, and how you can align yourself with them as soon as you present your application to them.
The next thing is to prepare for the interview. Get answers to common interview questions online and prepare your answers in advance. Be sure to highlight your strengths and accomplishments, and be ready to provide specific examples. Practicing a Q&A session with a friend before the interview starts will help you feel more comfortable and confident during the actual interview.
The final tip is to dress professionally for the interview, even if it’s a virtual one. Arrive early or log in early for a virtual interview, and be prepared with any materials you may need. After the interview, send a thank-you note or email to the interviewer to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the job.
