The most frustrating thing that can happen to any responsible Nigerian job seeker is staying idle, especially after graduating from the university or other tertiary education institution. It’s no news that there’s this pressure that comes with receiving the National Youth Service Corps certificate without a job offer in tow. You have applied to several jobs with only rejection mails to show for it and are about to give up.
It’s frustrating and that’s why I have come up with 9 tips for the Nigerian job seeker:
It's no news that there’s this pressure that comes with receiving the National Youth Service Corps certificate without a job offer in tow. Click To Tweet- Avoid fears: Many times, the Nigerian job seeker impulse reaction to a continual lack of employment is fear. Well, I want you to know that God knows about your situation, that you might be worried and afraid. This is why He reminds you to “fear not”. Like the Psalmist, put your trust in God (Psalm 56:3). There’s peace in knowing that God is in control of your life, and indeed He is in control. Getting you a job is surely a thing not too big for Him to do. Don’t be afraid!
- Avoid Comparisons: When it comes to gaining employment, you must understand that every man has a different process. God will have you trust Him as He takes you through different phases of life. Comparison blinds us from seeing His plans for our lives. The waiting period/uncertain period are times that prepare us opportunities. That your friend got a job before you does not mean your life is over. Don’t worry, you will get yours soon.
- Volunteer/Intern: While seeking for a job, you can volunteer or do an internship. Internships and/or volunteering help you to stay skilled. Give your best while doing them even when you are getting little or no income. Some of these internships have ended up in good paying jobs.
- Skill up: Many Nigerian organizations mirror a statement I once heard “No experience, no job. No job, no experience.” We cannot tell them “I’ve never worked before” but we can tell them about online courses we’ve taken, professional exams we’ve written, and internship we’ve undergone.
- Start a small business: I have heard many young Nigerians say business is not for them. While this may be the honest truth but what if there is nothing to do and you need to make a living. After seeking for jobs without getting one, what if business is the only thing you do pending the time you get a job? Think about it.
- Ensure your motives are for a career, not just money: Have you noticed that it’s easier to talk about a job you love? In my opinion, we can better prepare ourselves for an interview when we go for a career path of interest. When there is a strong reason (like purpose, for example) connected to the job you are seeking , you are better prepared it.
- Don’t limit yourself to job applications: Apply for scholarships, fellowships, training and other opportunities that tally with the career you are interested in.
- Pray: Prayer gives us with supernatural leadings. Prayer can lead you supernaturally to your dream job. It also strengthen you to trust God in the waiting. There are people who don’t know what career path to go for even when they have spent a fortune training for one in school. They can pray for leading.
- Rest: God delights in giving His children rest and this is one of the reasons why fear, comparison, haste, anger and the likes can never be God’s way of leading. He leads us with His love and tenderness. Dear Nigerian job seeker, Rest in your His love as you search for a job. He will come through.
Have you been in these shoes before? Do you have any other tips for the Nigerian job seeker? Do comment below.
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Written by: Goodness Godwin-Usoro
