THINGS TO DO WHILE WAITING FOR A JOB Six Things to Do While Waiting For A Job in Nigeria
The rate of unemployment is increasing by the day,
to capture the attention of your future employers
therefore; you have to do things differently to
distinguish yourself from the crowd. As a young
school leaver/ job seeker in Nigeria, there are
several things you can do to boost your skills,
maximize your strengths and prepare yourself
adequately for the job market.
Here are a couple of tips that have worked for others
over time:
Invest in yourself by attending relevant courses and
trainings: Lots of people say that trainings and
courses in Nigeria are expensive but a quick search
on Google or just taking time out to nake enquiries
in some training instuites will show you free courses
and trainings within your neighborhood that are
geared towards making you more “employable”,
helping you acquire more skills and giving you an
edge over other job seekers.
Volunteer or do a free internship: While waiting to
land the dream job, strategic volunteering increases
your chances at getting employed. Unemployed
Journalist? Volunteer to a local media house. You
can also offer pro bono services to NGO’s to ensure
that your skills are up-to-date.
Network and Optimize your Circle of influence: If you
have worked before, this is the time to pull out your
diary and get in touch with ex-clients, ex- partners,
internship supervisors and ex-colleagues and spread
the word about your search for a job.
As a young school leaver however, you can speak to
your friends and those within your social circle;
church groups, gyms, online forums, e.t.c. You will
be surprised that someone may just have the
perfect job for you.
Also attend events sponsored by your alumni, go to
lectures and relevant events organized for your
industry. These events are perfect for meeting
future employers and also exchanging ideas with
people of like-mind.
Freelance: In this age of the internet, you can stay
home and earn a living. So how about offering your
skills on some freelance websites? Freelancing will
increase your experience, skill, resume, income and
self-confidence.
Build an online presence: How about using the
online platforms like Facebook and Blogs to talk
about your passion?
LinkedIn is also a great platform for networking,
meeting future employers of labor and decision
makers. So create a profile there, include important
keywords you want to be seen for, include your
portfolio/skill set/education, then connect and
engage human resource personnel and decision
makers in organizations you want to work for.
Take Care of yourself: Job-hunting can be tiring and
draining as long hours are put into searching and
applying for suitable positions; it’s advisable that
you take some time out and focus on what you love
doing. Be it singing, dancing, going to see a new
movie, or just hanging out with supportive friends.
Exercising it also a good way of ensuring that you
stay healthy, positive and determined.
Entrepreneurship: You can also be your own BOSS
by going into business whether small scale or big
depending on your capital,by this you dont have to
answer to anyone. Develop Your Ideas For Services
That Will Be Desperately Needed In The Future.
N.B. And most importantly na Baba God sure
pass,so pray for connection, trust him and wait on
him till his favor shines through you.
And I believe God will favor us and provide Jobs for
each and everyone one of us this year IJN.
Dont lose hope, believe...