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9 Important Reasons Why Graduates Find it Difficult to Find Jobs

Posted on Thu 15th Mar, 2012 - hotnigerianjobs.com --- (44 comments)


Here is a breakdown on why fresh and experienced graduates in Nigeria find it difficult getting jobs.

1.)  Increased competition.

The days when a degree was only accessible to the rich and elite are over. Universities have become more affordable and a lot of pressure has been put on students to attend college in order to find a good job. The result?

Record number of college applications across the nation, resulting in more college graduates, and thus,
more competition for the limited number of jobs available on the market. I can also safely assume that every person reading this knows at least one person in their social circle who has graduated and is still having difficulty getting a job.

The secondary effect of this is that the days when having a degree alone would get you a job are over. The “prestige” that comes with having a degree has now become diluted with the rampant number of students graduating. You now need something more than just a degree to get you that first job out of college. (more on that later).

2.) Little or no work experience.
 Many college graduates make the grave mistake of assuming that their degree alone will qualify them for a job. They spend their college years just getting by, partying, and essentially, wasting their time. Because there’s more competition, college graduates are now a dime a dozen. What’s going to separate one college graduate with a degree from the next and the next and the next?

The result is they get stuck in a catch 22 position. They have no job experience, yet all the jobs out there require it if you want to apply. So they can’t get a job because they have no experience and in order to get a job, they need a job for work experience, but they can’t get a job without work experience and the cycle viciously continues.

One way to get out of this cycle is to not pass up on jobs that you may think are beneath you. Swallow your pride and take those jobs or intern for free at a company you would like to work at. You’ve got to start somewhere, and if you didn’t take the time to gather decent work experience during your college years, this is the price you may have to pay.

Always keep in mind that jobs can lead to other jobs. You never know if the job you think is beneath you can lead to the job you want. There’s always room to move up in the company. Always do more than what you are asked to do. That is one of the keys to moving on up Plus, by actually having that job, it can provide valuable work experience and knowledge, as well as the much needed dough.

3.) Lack of networking
Many people get jobs through referrals. Statistics show the majority of people get their jobs this way. The reason why word of mouth is so effective is because it cuts through all the worry of whether or not this person can do the job.

If somebody has been working for a company for some time, then that employee knows what it takes to succeed, and if that employee knows somebody who can do it, it’s an easy fit. The employer will trust the employee referring the new candidate and the new candidate will most likely get the job.

There’s just one catch though. You have to be “worthy” of being referred. Remember that the reputation of the person referring you is one the line. If you do a bad job, you make them look worse. So have a fine reputation of being a hard worker, someone who learns easily, etc. so people will be happy to refer you. Spend a lot of time networking at college. Make a ton of friends, get in touch with people etc. Don’t underestimate the power of networking and word of mouth.

4.)  No preparation on the CV and cover letter.
Your CV and cover letter act as your first impression. You can’t charm them with your presence or your smile. Your writing does it all for you. So spend some time to make it look and sound good. When describing yourself or your work history, use action words. It makes a big difference. Go to google and type in “CV action words” and you should get a ton of sites which you can use as a reference when crafting your CV.

I had a friend who volunteered to look over my cover letter when I told him I was applying for jobs during my senior year. He made some good suggestions and I implemented them and it sure made the cover letter look a whole lot better. His suggestions helped enormously in me getting call backs.

I suggest you get some professional editing done as well. It’s worth the investment. Think of all the money you can earn by just investing a very small portion of it to professional editing.

5.) No interview skills
So you’ve got past the CV stage and now you’re at the interview. Think it’s a breeze? Think again.

They WILL ask the hard hitting questions. Why should we hire you? What do you bring to the table? Tell me about yourself (that throws off a lot of people) What’s your greatest weakness (obviously reframe this question when you answer), etc. There are a ton of resources online you can tap into in order to prepare. Use our trusty friend Google.

You must prepare. Have all your answers ready to go when the question is asked. Be prepared to give examples of things you’ve listed on your CV.

When you meet the interviewer, don’t give the limp fish handshake or the bone crushing one. Give a firm handshake and smile. Show your friendly side. We are all human.

Wear the suit, tie and jacket. It’s never wrong to overdress. Even when I applied for a part time position while in college, I went to the interview wearing a suit and later found out I was the only applicant to do so and yes, I did get the job.

When they ask: Do you have any questions?, make sure you do! Always ask questions. This shows you’re interested in the job. Ask what kind of skills/qualities are needed to succeed in the job. Ask what a day in the life of the job is, etc.,

This is also your opportunity to flip the tables on them.

6.) No weapon x
You’ve got to have an edge. Something that’ll make you stand out from the rest. Be different. Among a sea of black family sedans, be the fiery red convertible.

I can’t help you with this part as the only person who knows yourself the best is you. So take some time, sit down and think of what are some of the best qualities you have and write them down. You can use this when they ask you the hot question of: Why should we hire you?

7.) No follow up

So you sent the CV and cover letter, but didn’t hear anything back? Follow up. It can’t hurt. It can only help. Shoot an email or a phone call and ask what’s going on. Chances are, they may have not received it or forgotten about it. It also shows your tenacity and separates you from the rest of the people who don’t follow up. Don’t just assume that they don’t want you and wallow in your self pity. Take action and make it happen.

8. Quitting too easily
 Not getting any call backs can be depressing. Don’t look at it as a negative thing. Look at it as a positive thing. It’s just a sign you have to change things because it’s not working.

If you have worked in sales, you know that all sales is just a numbers game. If you have a good product (which is yourself) and if you can put the product out there in front of as many buyers as possible, you’ll eventually make a sale. It’s inevitable.

So don’t quit. Keep on going.

9.) A lack of people skills
One of the greatest myths regarding getting a job is that you just have to have the skills and knowledge. That may be true for some jobs, but the other major thing that employers are looking for is social skills. Will you integrate well with the staff? Will you mesh with co-workers? Are you a positive person? Are you easy to get along with?, etc.

I remember times when a lot of staff members would talk about the interview right after he left. They talked about whether or not to hire him based on not his skills, but his behavior, demeanor and likeability. This ties in with the tip of: Be nice to everyone you see in the office because they DO talk about you after you leave. The secretary, the intern, etc,. they all chip in and can help make or break you.

Try to avoid these types of mistakes and you shouldn’t fall into the pool of  graduates who are having a hard time finding a job.

  

Comments (44)

No. 1
Posted on Thu 15th Mar, 2012 07:31:41 GMT by Odiari Gabriel

Quite interesting and educational package.
Thumbs up to the editor of this wonderful article.
No. 2
Posted on Thu 15th Mar, 2012 08:30:56 GMT by Onwukwe Prisca Ngozi

Hmmm! Educating package, kudos to you.
No. 3
Posted on Thu 15th Mar, 2012 08:59:16 GMT by Ogechi. D

Wow this a nice one. God will help job seekers.
No. 4
Posted on Thu 15th Mar, 2012 10:36:39 GMT by utitofon

Bravo, this was a great piece,
i will write my best qualities out right away


No. 5
Posted on Thu 15th Mar, 2012 11:06:24 GMT by alebiosu oyindamola

i have added to my knowledge with the information you provided to job seekers.thank you.
No. 6
Posted on Thu 15th Mar, 2012 11:19:39 GMT by ekeh cynthia

Wow...highly informative,be sure you have just helped quite a large number of people. Thank you!
No. 7
Posted on Thu 15th Mar, 2012 13:15:56 GMT by Odedame julius

This is a great, educative package.i got a new view about seeking 4 job.
No. 8
Posted on Thu 15th Mar, 2012 14:25:48 GMT by Samuel omotayo

Nice package. God bless u
No. 9
Posted on Thu 15th Mar, 2012 14:25:59 GMT by Samuel omotayo

Nice package. God bless u
No. 10
Posted on Thu 15th Mar, 2012 15:00:19 GMT by Bona

Just like this education package. Tenks a lot 4 what u have done on the life of many through this package
No. 11
Posted on Thu 15th Mar, 2012 15:00:55 GMT by ugochukwu brown

quality information and educative thank ds package.
No. 12
Posted on Thu 15th Mar, 2012 15:53:34 GMT by Adesue G. A

Very informative and educative write up .Truly i have been educated on this article and hope things will soon be better.Thanks
No. 13
Posted on Thu 15th Mar, 2012 17:50:48 GMT by Godwin O

Thanks a lot for this laudable information.it sure will enhance my job search.
No. 14
Posted on Thu 15th Mar, 2012 18:30:58 GMT by Samuel Baba Abichele

Waow! This is quite educative and informative. We are very grateful.
No. 15
Posted on Thu 15th Mar, 2012 19:33:34 GMT by Nene

THE FOLLOW UP PART IS D BEST. QUIET AN EDUCATIVE & INFORMATIVE PACKAGE. DUDOS
No. 16
Posted on Thu 15th Mar, 2012 20:05:43 GMT by Marypj

THIS IS GREAT, EVERY EDUCATIVE AND INFORMATIVE.THANX
No. 17
Posted on Thu 15th Mar, 2012 20:25:25 GMT by Anusiem Victoria I

These tips just answered the questions that has been on my mind. Thanks.
No. 18
Posted on Thu 15th Mar, 2012 21:45:58 GMT by Stan

Thanx a million. U did the job beautifully well. Well, ALL the Glory must be to The Almighty God who through His Perfect Spirit used u to liberate graduates. God bless u.
No. 19
Posted on Fri 16th Mar, 2012 01:58:39 GMT by Kent

It's highly mortivating, encouraging and makes the moral high.
No. 20
Posted on Fri 16th Mar, 2012 07:56:33 GMT by Kim

I think my mistake was the lack of job experience. I think that's the only thing thats holding me back.. great job!
No. 21
Posted on Fri 16th Mar, 2012 07:58:36 GMT by Fu

Nice one.
No. 22
Posted on Fri 16th Mar, 2012 08:43:10 GMT by nora

vry educative. thanks for the info. will apply it.
No. 23
Posted on Fri 16th Mar, 2012 08:43:25 GMT by gatod

Wao,I wld love to share dis wt many job seekers out dr

No. 24
Posted on Fri 16th Mar, 2012 09:17:51 GMT by Lanre Ojo

God bless the writer.
No. 25
Posted on Fri 16th Mar, 2012 12:06:18 GMT by Maris

Nice one, fully diluted, with God by our side, we would all make it. kudos to u
No. 26
Posted on Fri 16th Mar, 2012 17:14:38 GMT by Sandyellow

Great piece. Publish more.
No. 27
Posted on Fri 16th Mar, 2012 20:04:31 GMT by oluwatosin agunbiade

it is nice to know all these chanllages facing for the job seekers. thanks the writter.please let know more of it.
No. 28
Posted on Fri 16th Mar, 2012 20:34:39 GMT by omas nneka francess

It is the challenge we graduate are facing, Thanks for the knowledges.
No. 29
Posted on Fri 16th Mar, 2012 22:27:37 GMT by Akala John

Thanks alot for this great article. God bless you.
No. 30
Posted on Sat 17th Mar, 2012 03:22:32 GMT by Maiam abdulkadir

I luv dis it's very educative
No. 31
Posted on Sun 18th Mar, 2012 05:26:00 GMT by Moses

Hmnnn great,superb and an embracing gospel to be noted...mor of dis oooo tanks sir...
No. 32
Posted on Sun 18th Mar, 2012 17:26:05 GMT by Adeshina Iwaloye

Very directive and guiding. I got my own job with your guides (refferal). Good publication for job seekers. Both employed and unemployed.
No. 33
Posted on Mon 19th Mar, 2012 00:41:40 GMT by Loveth omafuaire

A fine one, truely inspireing, discovering and noting my unique qualities will not be taken for granted.
Second, the idea of "Follow-up is relatively new to me.Sure that these tips will go a long way to help me as a fresh graduate.
No. 34
Posted on Mon 19th Mar, 2012 08:46:43 GMT by Gbenga-Joe

Thank sir/ma. You really did a great job here. All what you said might be be, but the must reason have discorvered in nigeria is CONNECTION. pls react to this
No. 35
Posted on Tue 20th Mar, 2012 07:34:15 GMT by umar

I strongly agree with Gbenga Joe comment. Getting job in Nigeria is not about skills or qualifications that era have gone, now is all about connections and godfatherisim. i had wittness many test and interview but at the end of the day those've never attend the so call bloody test or interview got the job. Let us fight injustice an corruption if we want the country to move forward
No. 36
Posted on Wed 21st Mar, 2012 10:50:34 GMT by stella ogochukwu

its so fabulous, everything you have said here is correct. don't quit no matter what you are passing through.
No. 37
Posted on Fri 18th May, 2012 01:09:56 GMT by Njoku Onyinyechi Joy

Waooo vry informative nd educative one keep it up. Infact i'm bless wit ur write ups, God bless u real gud. Tx.
No. 38
Posted on Sat 28th Jul, 2012 16:46:34 GMT by shola

Thumbs up!
No. 39
Posted on Wed 12th Dec, 2012 17:34:17 GMT by mosugu omolara

It's educative, Bravo!!!. Please send me more tips or skills on interview. Thanks
No. 40
Posted on Tue 05th Feb, 2013 14:06:50 GMT by Ann

THANKS A LOT. I QUITE LENT SOMETHING

No. 41
Posted on Tue 05th Feb, 2013 14:08:40 GMT by AnnA

THANKS A LOT. I QUITE LEARNT SOMETHING
No. 42
Posted on Sat 24th Aug, 2013 07:34:03 GMT by Frank

Great work,pls write more
No. 43
Posted on Wed 25th Sep, 2013 14:50:15 GMT by Gifted

Thanks guys,i'm blessed
No. 44
Posted on Sat 23rd Jan, 2016 11:23:39 GMT by Obayomi Oluwatobi

Nice one! I'm really blessed. May the Lord, God bless you in return.


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