10 Job Hunting Tips for Nigerians

Job hunting has become a job in itself as there’s high competition for the available ones hence making job search an arduous task. However, with the right approach you can land your dream job.

Are you a fresh graduate? Are you seeking a career change? Here are 10 job hunting tips for Nigerians which will yield good success and possibly get you a job.

1. Identify your career goals

For a newcomer who is just entering the labour market or workforce, it’s important you know your career goals. This will give you clarity concerning your job hunt. Have a clear and practical goal, devise a means to reach it and identify what qualifies you for that career path.

2. Plan ahead

Plan and organise your job search activities. Do findings on the available opportunities in your field. Set aside time to research vacancies, update and submit résumés, applications and cover letters.

3. Develop a professional brand online

In today’s digitalised world, most companies hunt for employees online via professional networking sites like LinkedIn. In respect to that, it’s advised you build your online profile so as to make yourself visible to employers. Set up a LinkedIn profile with links to your CV,  a short video bio, examples of your work, and images of hobbies or interests.

4. Research companies

Have you seen a job listing that interest you? Ensure you conduct research on the hiring companies before applying. This will give you information about the company culture, work environment, benefits and salary range, products and services etc. Your research will help you in your interview peradventure you get invited for one.

5. Networking

The best way to find the right job is by building meaningful relationships. Networking is indispensable to your job hunt. You can land a job through your contacts. If you build an effective network, you can get inside information on jobs and careers. Interact with people and form connections both online and offline.

Attend job fairs, career events and seminars. You can also network on professional sites like LinkedIn. In this world of social media, networking has been made a lot easier as you can take advantage of the different social media platforms to create networks and search for jobs.

6. Update your CV and Cover letter

Your CV is a personal marketing document which sell you to your prospective employers. As you’re actively seeking employment, It’s expedient you update your CV and cover letter from time to time. If need be, you can contact a professional to help proofread and review your resume.

Never forget to include your latest relevant, valuable skills, experiences and qualities as this convinces your employer that you’re someone who is concerned about personal development.

Also, ensure that all the information on your CV are genuine and accurate; this helps to build trust. Research different tips for writing a killer resume that your employer can’t resist. In addition, tailor your CV to suit different company, industry and job.

7. Utilise job search resources

Check online job sites regularly for latest openings and vacancies. Use job search engines to find openings on company websites, professional associations and more.

You can even sign up for daily or weekly job alerts by email. Another job search option you should consider is reaching companies or hiring managers in person.

8. Prepare for interviews

Passing a job interview goes beyond luck. You need to be fully prepared. Before going for the interview, you need to prepare and practice so you don’t perform badly. Research and practice common interview questions.

Ask a friend or professional contact to conduct a practice interview for you. Adequate preparation will build confidence in you thus enabling you do well in your interview.

9. Follow up after interviews

Most applicants don’t do follow up after their interviews. As a smart applicant, you should inculcate the habit of following up. On completion of a job interview, make sure you send a thank-you note to the hiring manager.

If you don’t get a feedback after a week of the interview, follow up with a phone call or an email; when doing so, show your excitement and interest in the job. Continue searching for and applying to jobs that interest you while you await their response.

10. Build your skills

Job experience is a criterion that employers look out for. For a job seeker, it’s advised you consider doing an internship or volunteering with a preferred organization while applying for jobs. Use these opportunities to hone and harness your skills. Consider taking online courses or attending workshops to build skills or learn certain practices relevant to your field.

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