Getting A Job In Nigeria, How Easy

Nigeria, with a consistent increase in the unemployment rate in recent times, has taken second place in the list of problems the country faces, apart from corruption. Statistics show that over 50% of Nigerian youths are unemployed, while a significant percentage are even underemployed. This rate rose from 23% in 2011 to 29.5% in 2013 and continues to climb.

This phenomenon is so pervasive that many employers now exploit the unfortunate situation to take advantage of graduates seeking jobs. From being underpaid to being subjected to unfair labor practices, including arbitrary firings, tax issues, pay cuts, and condescension, graduates searching for employment face numerous challenges.

Despite all this, many youths are willing to work for no pay or accept jobs that are considered "undesirable" just to make ends meet. It is indeed unfortunate.

... And that is a brief overview of the current situation in Nigeria. However, despite these challenges, there are still youths who are creative, smart, humble, and possess networking skills that can propel them toward their dreams and goals. Here are a few success stories:

1. Kunle was a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who vowed not to spend a day at home after his service. Immediately upon discharge, he secured a job as a security officer at a financial institution (humility). He crafted a winning CV and, with strong spoken English skills, began distributing his resume to customers (creativity). Within two weeks, Kunle received job offers from four multinational corporations (network building).

2. Femi, a close friend of mine, got a job at a small company that only covered his transportation costs. Despite this, he maintained a positive attitude and was friendly and respectful to everyone in the organization, including his bosses. Fortunately, one of his bosses got a job at an oil company, and within three days, Femi was offered a position as an analyst at the new company, working under the same boss (attitude).

3. Ola had been job hunting for over a year without success. One day, he received a text inviting him for an interview the following day, hours away from his state. The text came at 7:00 p.m., and the interview was scheduled for 10:00 a.m. the next day. Ola took a risk, traveled for the interview, and started work on the same day (risk-taking).

These stories illustrate that while securing a job is challenging, there are principles that can guide us in achieving our goals. Even if you don't currently possess these qualities, they can be developed.

In life, you need to be:

a) Humble
b) Creative
c) Have the right attitude
d) Build networks
e) Be a risk-taker (Meet with CEOs and speak with them directly)
f) Find something to do, just anything
g) Take charge and seek help if needed, such as therapy

This write-up is not a comprehensive solution to finding a job easily in Nigeria or anywhere else, but rather a wake-up call for youths to take control of their situation and circumstances.

Bless you, and feel free to drop comments or share if you find this useful.