Have you ever bought a shirt or dress or even undergarment that is tagged “free size” and ended up looking like you made all the wrong choices in life? That’s exactly what it’s like to take the job search advice every “expert” online is throwing at you. Tiktok and Instagram videos say one thing but the reality in Nigeria says, “keep playing”.
Global advice, regardless of the topic, doesn’t always fit the local market and the job search space isn’t left out. By now, you must have heard some job search advice on the internet and tried them but if they have worked, you wouldn’t be reading this blog, now would you?
Table of Contents
Global Job Search Advice That Does Work In Nigeria
Apply to 100 Jobs A Day
“Job hunting is a game of numbers!” How many times have you heard this? Numerous people have put up posts on X, Linkedin and Instagram that it’s best to apply to many jobs daily to ensure you land one in a shorter time`. If you have been doing that, you have been burning yourself out.
How many jobs will you find daily that match your industry, role, years of experience and location? If you follow this global advice, it’s like shooting randomly or walking around with a blindfold. It does not work because the world of work is becoming more and more niche.Roles are more specific now and a one-size-fits all never fits all.
What works in Nigeria?
Use targeted Job Alerts to focus on roles aligned with your path.
Jobberman job alerts will send you jobs you actually want, can do, in your preferred location, years of expertise and only WHEN you want. That way, you can apply faster to relevant job openings.
Let Your CV Speak For You
While your CV is a major touchpoint for recruiters when hiring, it is not the only thing that determines whether you get the job or not. Your social media profiles, your Jobberman and Linkedin profiles are touchpoints that companies check to know how well you’ll fit into their company. A CV can be false but your profiles show certain soft skills.
More importantly, in Nigeria, the reality is that networking is more important than a list of skills and competencies on your CV. When you know major stakeholders in your industry, it’s easier to land jobs by referral.
So, as a job seeker in Nigeria, attend events, meet people and connect with them on social media. Show up on those platforms to stay top of mind. That is the Nigerian reality.
Be Confident in Interviews and The Rest is History
Confidence is important, no doubt. However, if speaking confidently gets candidates in the door faster on the global scene, it is merely a positive indicator in Nigeria. Recruiters will dig deeper than your soft skills. They want proof that you can actually do the work.
Instead of just being confident, be convincing. As we like to say in Nigeria, show workings. Have a portfolio that details past work and the results you achieved. In Nigeria, numbers matter a lot. Impress with confidence and proof.
Start by setting up your Jobberman Profile and show your portfolio there.
Complete Your Jobberman Profile
Conclusion
Global trends are compelling. There are so many “tips and tricks” from experts and non-experts on how to land a job. But, for optimum results, it’s better to adapt your job search to your local market. Take advice that only works in Nigeria.
Network better, meet and connect with relevant people and be genuinely interested in what they do. Showcase your skills, journey and personality through your professional profiles.
Most importantly, tailor your job search to your interests, skills, years of experience and location. Apply early enough. How? Job Alerts. Set it up and enjoy peace and progress simultaneously. No full inbox with “useless” listings.
