Common Myths about Employment in Nigeria

The majority of Nigerian graduates desire to get a job immediately after school, even before going for youth service. This is a norm as only a few consider venturing into business and becoming self-employed because everyone believes as a graduate white-collar job is the best. While in school, most students nurture these dreams so hard to the extent that the only thing they think about is graduating with a first-class and work-life afterward.

Once in a while, certain ideas about how this whole thing will play out flash through their minds and the picture look so perfect. However, they fail to realize that exams and research work does not necessarily match up with work experience in reality.

Who said looking for a job or getting one is an easy task? Graduates have misconceptions about the exact way things will turn out. 

As long as you are Nigerian, you must have been wired to believe most things. Still believing in those fairy tales told as a kid? Now is a good time to take a critical look at the Myths once again and know which to believe.  

Good Grades

Having good grades is good, but backing it up with several skills and other certifications is better. With so many experienced professionals looking for the same jobs as you, your CGPA is only one-factor employers will be looking for when considering you for a position. 

Although you may have much full-time work experience as a new graduate, ensure your resume shows you have taken part in activities that demonstrate your strength in teamwork, project planning, and time management. These qualities will serve you well in your first job more than your first class will.

Financial Security

Being a graduate does not in any way guarantee financial freedom. Most graduates who were financially handicapped during their university days usually feel graduation is a relief. If you did not linger in the labor market like others, then count yourself lucky. While this stability may afford you a few luxuries that were out of reach during the university years; proper budgeting and money management are necessary to set you up for a secure financial future.

Continuous Learning 

The day you stop learning is the day your brain stops functioning because learning is a continuous process. In today’s world, continuing education and lifelong learning are the keys to success in the workplace. You may be done with your full-time studies, but there will certainly be many opportunities for you to return to the classroom during your working years. Aside from Doctors, Nurses and Lawyers, there is no guarantee that you will not be posted to a school. So even if you are not learning, you will be teaching in a classroom.

Promise 

Someone promised me a job after graduation; the same way they promised others. After graduation, they no longer pick up their calls. Hoping and relaxing because someone promised you a job is like sleeping on a floor and expect not to have a body pain, you will surely feel the pain when you wake up from your slumber.

CV or Cover Letter

The biggest mistake to make is thinking you don’t need any special CV or cover letter to get a job. The hiring manager doesn’t know you. The only thing that speaks for you is your CV and cover letter. Having a good CV and cover letter puts you in a position of advantage as long as there is no favored candidate among you all.

I Don’t Need any Connection to Land a Job

It is partially true to believe you don’t need a connection to land you a job. But what if you have one? Don’t call it connection, call it Networking.

Information is power, and you need to be everywhere, every time to know when an opportunity spring up. So, staying on your phone and hoping that “God answers your prayer” is when the patient dog eats the fattest bone at old age.

Follow-up

Don’t have the mindset of all I need to do is to apply and wait for an interview. Do a “Follow-up”. After sending out your applications, do well as much as your time allows you to reach out to those firms you submitted your application to.

Acquiring higher qualification 

The number of jobless Master’s degree holders is quite alarming now. Having a Masters in Nigeria now is just like having a WASSCE certificate. A Master’s Degree doesn’t guarantee you a menial job talk more of a corporate job in Nigeria.

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