Demonstrate You Are The Best Man/Woman For The Job

Employers employ not as a social service, but primarily because that they have a need in their organization and they are looking for the right people to fix it. The general notion in Nigeria is that you need connections or "long leg" to get a job, especially high paying jobs. While that may not be entirely untrue, the fact remains that very few organizations would want to be saddled with misfits in the name of cronyism. In the competitive marketplace, only the best candidate is good enough.

A serious business owner knows that business and pleasure do not mix well. Filling positions in is company with relatives and friends is a recipe for heartache and business failure. Practitioners of mediocrity are mainly employees in decision-making positions who do not have a stake in the company's bottom line. Business owners that have goals look for people who will deliver those goals.

Employers go to great lengths to get the right man/woman for the job. They take out expensive adverts in major national dailies and hire consultants in their search. Their is a dearth of skilled manpower in many sectors of the economy, especially Oil & Gas and Telecommunications. Companies in this sector have taken their search beyond the shores of Nigeria, advertising in foreign media and holding job fairs abroad targeted mainly at Nigerians in diaspora and Nigerian students abroad.

It is now left to the interviewee to demonstrate that he/she is the person the employer is looking for. You have to prove that you have what it takes in terms of skill, charisma, and people skills to drive team cohesion and deliver superior results.
Everybody invited to the interview, based on CV, have what it takes to clinch the job, so having experience is not enough to clinch you the job. It is now left to each candidate to prove that he/she has an edge over other candidates as the preferred candidate.

Beyond raw skills, what you can do is be personable and professional. Smile, look the interviewer in the eye, and engage in a two-way conversation. Listen carefully, respond thoughtfully, and don't digress into personal details. Interviewers need to be convinced that you will be able to fix their problems and help their company achieve its goals. One of the best ways to answer interview questions is to use your career success stories. Career success stories are tales of the defining moments in your career when you overcame significant challenges to succeed. These stories create a memorable impression and give the listener anecdotes about you that identify your ability to handle the tasks at hand, solve complex problems and provide a solution

Personal examples from the recent past demonstrates your unique ability to solve problems. When you tell success stories, you illustrate how you went about handling a difficult situation at work. At some point in your career, you were faced with what seemed to be an insurmountable problem. If the problem continued, there would have been unpleasant consequences.

Rather than sit back and watch things fall apart, you took initiative and implemented a plan to solve the problem and bring about a positive result. For each appropriate interview question, relate it to a similar situation earlier in your career, talk briefly about how you handled it, and highlight the results. These stories demonstrate to the interviewer that you have specific experience in dealing with similar situations.

The key to any interview is to make the connection between your unique abilities and related situations in the new job through your success stories in similar scenarios. By demonstrated how you showed initiative in a sticky situation in your current job, you convince your prospective employers that when the chips are down, they can count on you to rise to the occasion.

Although it may be a new industry or function you are pursuing, there are many similarities to the day-to-day challenges and opportunities. Your career success stories bridge the gap. Basically, your prospective employer has a need. You are demonstrating that you have the job skills, people skills, initiative and drive to anchor the position and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

If you can demonstrate this and drive this point home successfully, then you are the man/woman they have been looking for.

JOB HUNTING TIPS

a) PREPARE A C.V

Prepare a CV (Curriculum Vitae). More often than not, this is your first contact with your prospective employer. Most companies nowadays do not have the time to go through “I beg to apply”. They simply ask for your CV. Your CV tells the story of who you are and what you have to offer.

There are hundreds of sites on how to prepare a good CV. This is your calling card. It has to make a good first impression. Use a professional looking font, and not something funky or jazzy. Summarize your information and go straight to the point. If you have not been working since the days of the civil war, then your CV should fit into 2-4 pages. Nobody has the time to read stories, especially when he has a truck load of CVs to scan through.

Have a career summary on the front page, so that your prospective employer can see what he is looking for upfront. Includedates/duration in your job experience entries, and do not try to panel beat or make your CV look good, when you do not have the experience. Your façade will come crashing down during the interview proper.
Make sure you qualify for the position before you apply in the first place.

b)PROMOTE YOURSELF

After turning out a beautiful CV, a veritable work of art, the next step is in marketing yourself. This is where a lot of people develop cold feet. You have to first of all believe in yourself, and what you have to offer. Utilize your existing network (friends, acquaintances, church, old school mates etc) to distribute your CV. In these days of the internet, you can stay in Nigeria and get a job in UK, US, Australia, you name it. You don’t need to beat the streets, or get insulted by the gateman. Post your CV online. If you have the experience, don’t be scared of closing dates, send in your CV. The worst that can happen is, they through it away, or keep in view. A lot of company sites have vacancy/career links. Post your CV in season and out of season; that is if they do employ people in your field of study/experience. Some vacancies come up at short notice, and people with CVs already in the system are considered first.

Also, some companies hardly advertise. They deal with the CVs they already have. If yours is already in, then you are in contention. That is why it is very beneficial to send in your CV.

Employment agencies are also a good place to register with and upload your CV. Reputable ones have a large database of employers, and can match you with the right employer. They are more exposed than you are, and will have job openings in their database which are not in the public domain.

Be confident, and know that you have something to offer. Employers are looking for you. They have a problem while you have the solution. They are not doing you a favor. Believe in yourself.

c)STAY CURRENT AND UP-TO-DATE

Stay current with what is happening in your sector of the economy. There have been a lot of advances in virtually every sector. Most offices use computers and sofwares to do their job. If you cannot use a desktop computer in the 21st century, you are semi-literate.

Brush up your computer/software skills, even if you have the experience. For example, if you are a chartered accountant with 15 years experience and you don’t know how to use any accounting software, you are at a disadvantage.
Make friends with other job seekers, and share information. Being at the right place at the right time can make a lot of difference. They will tell you where and when it is happening. Keep your network active

d)STAY IN TOUCH, AND KEEP HOPE ALIVE

Follow up, if you can, the places you sent your CV to. Nowadays, you don’t have to physically visit the offices to communicate, simply call. Sometimes, it is not necessary to call. When they need you, they will get in touch. Sometimes, you will get calls when you least expected, from companies or agencies you have long forgotten after posting your CV.

Do not allow yourself to go into depression, especially if you have been on the job hunting avenue for a while. Job hunting is not a full time job. It is something you do a few hours a day. Find other interesting things to do, like hobbies. With a lot of time in your hands, this is an excellent opportunity to develop your talents and perhaps attain mastery. You can even take your talents to the next level by turning it into a business. Before you know it, you may not need a job anymore. You may be looking for good hands to employ.

Another way to get a job, especially if you are fresh from NYSC, without any experience, is to offer to work for a neighborhood small business for free. It may sound strange, but it does work. You need experience, and you are tired of being idle (assuming you are still sure of a roof over your head and at least two square meals). There is this company that has no vacancy, and has told you so. You can approach the owner, tell him you are aware there is no vacancy, but that you just finished your NYSC, you admire the company and would love to work for free to gain experience. More often than not, the person will be quite impressed, and may go out of his way to make room for you, and show you the ropes. What happens when there is eventually a vacancy? Your guess is as good as mine. You will get the job. Pure and simple. Not only will you get the job, you will get a boss that has faith in you. If he says no, you simply move on.

After all said and done, have faith in God. Let him lead and direct your paths. It is not a matter of if, but when. Someday sometime soon, the postman will knock on your door with your employment letter. Keep hope alive.
Happy job hunting!

Oral Interview Do's And Don'ts

Thou Shalls and Thou Shall Nots
You have scaled the written test and have been short-listed. One more river to cross before you become a serious contender for the job. Here is a simple Do's and Don'ts guide. We call it Thou Shalls, and Thou Shall Not'sHere goes...

Do's

Thou shall visit the interview venue before time, unless you know the place very well. This is so that you know the place, and have an idea how long it takes to get there, so that you don’t miss your way on the interview date, asking the wrong person for directions
Thou shall research the company, know what they do, why they are employing and the type of interview to expect, so that you prepare appropriately
Thou shall prepare and practice for the interview. Have a friend rate your performance, or if you are friendless, use your mirror
Thou shall dress appropriately, based on the job, the company and industry. American companies are not in love with suit and ties. However, in doubt, overdress. You can hardly go wrong with a white or sky blue shirt and dark gray or black suit. However, if the position is for a technician, a suit will look out of place. For women, modesty is the best policy. You can hardly go wrong with a trouser suit. Don't showcase your natural endowments. Of the male members on the panel that enjoy the free show, not all will reward you in the score sheet. Of course the females will take you to the cleaners for embarrassing them.
Thou shall plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early for the interview, especially if the time slot is for you. You will need time to settle down, confirm all your documentation is in order, and settle down to be in the frame of mind for the interview. If you are running late, call the contact person in your invitation letter.
Thou shall greet everyone you meet with courtesy and respect. You never know who you will meet when you are called in.
Thou shall put your mobile phone on silent or switched off before you go in. In the event that you forgot, quickly apologise and switch off. Don't even consider taking the call, no matter how brief. If your wife is going into labour during the interview, take permission from the panel to leave your mobile phone on. Many have said goodbye to their dream jobs by answering their calls in the interview room.
Thou shall bring extra copies of your CV to the interview venue
Thou shall sell yourself to the interviewer at every given opportunity. Don't depend solely on our CV to sell you.
Thou shall wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. And do remember body language and posture: sit upright and look alert and interested at all times. Don't fidget or slouch.
Thou shall stress your achievements. Blow your trumpet. This is a good place to do it. No one will blow it for you. Don't offer any negative information about yourself.
Thou shall show off the research you have done on the company and industry when responding to questions. This shows that you are really interested in the company, and not what it can offer you.
Thou shall make good eye contact with your interviewer(s), but don't stare. Too much of a good thing is not good. Show the person speaking to you that you are paying attention by looking at the person, but look away once a while (for some seconds) so that it does not become uncomfortable for both of you, and the restore eye contact.
Thou shall ask intelligent questions about the job, company, or industry. Not asking any question may come across as lack of interest. However, not asking a question is better than asking one that gets you into trouble. The way to go is to prepare your question before the interview.
Thou shall show enthusiasm in the position and the company. If you do not care about the job or the company, don't apply. If it is your current unemployed status that makes you apply for any vacancy that comes your way, still show respect by showing interest in the company..
Thou shall avoid using poor language, slang, and pause words (such as "like," "uh," and "um")

The Don'ts

Thou shall not be timid and soft-spoken. A forceful voice projects confidence. Seek confidently even when you are saying the wrong thing, but don't be overly aggressive.
Thou shall not act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.
Thou shall not dabble into controversial topics. Stick to the subject at hand is it relates to the job you are being interviewed for. If the interviewer invites you to an argument, politely decline by guiding the discussion back to the interview, grabbing every opportunity to sell yourself.
Thou shall not say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers. Painting them black, even if they really are, reflects badly on you.
Thou shall not tell jokes during the interview. Job interview is a serious affair. Relax, but don’t overdo it.
Thou shall not tell lies during a job interview. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and succinctly. And don't over-answer questions. Lies have a way of finding you out either during the interview, or after.
Thou shall not answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible. Describe those things about yourself that showcase your talents, skills, and determination. Give examples.
Thou shall not inquire about salary, bonuses or other benefits until after you've received an offer. Be prepared for a question about your salary requirements, but do try and delay salary discussions until you have an offer. We know that salary is one of the major drivers, you did not come to Lagos to admire flyovers, however, cloak your desperation with dignity. Don't come across as a mercenary. Put yourself in the shoes of the employer, you will not hire someone who is only interested in the money, and not the job per se.
Thou shall not chew gum during the interview.
Thou shall not bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems to elicit sympathy or for whatever reasons. Emotional blackmail will not help your case, rather it may even harm it.
Thou shall not smell of cigarette smoke, if you are a smoker. Do cigarette fast until after the interview.
Thou shall not respond to an unexpected question with an extended pause or by saying something like, "that's a good one." And do repeat the question out loud or ask for the question to be repeated to give you a little more time to think about an answer. Also, a short pause before responding is in order.

Tips To Aptitude Test

Some big companies first of all take you through a written test(s). The main reason is to prune down the number of applicants. They get swamped by the number of applicants, and to bring it down to a manageable number, they send you back to school.

There are different types of tests. There are aptitude tests and other tests that are academic in nature, varying from O’ Level, A’ Level to University grade materials. There are also professional tests that zero in on the job subject matter
Preparing for the test depends on the type of test. The first thing you should do when invited for a test is to find out what type of test it is going to be.Some employers are nice enough to spell it out in the invitation letter what type of test it will be, while others prefer to play hide and seek, and spring surprises.

If it is an aptitude test, then you need to have your brain in top form to go through the test. You need to think fast and smart. There are many types of aptitude test. Some comprise of very simple questions, which you are to complete in a very short time. Under this scenario, you do not have the luxury of long analysis. You have to think fast.
Some are simple trick questions. They look simple and straight forward on the surface, but if you read carefully, there is a booby trap. Again, you have to think fast, and smart. The best way to prepare for this type of test is to practice and practice. Some of such tests may be found in GMAT/GRE past question papers. The best way to get the right material to prepare is by utilizing your existing network of friends etc.

Some aptitude test are IQ based. You are given some puzzles to crack. Again, you have to think smart, and fast. There are various sources of these type of aptitude tests/IQ test to practice with. What you will see on the day of the test will be different of course, but you would have put your brain through the paces.

So You Are Looking For Job?

Looking for a job in today’s Nigeria seems like an intimidating prospect. The word out there is that if you do not have a godfather or “long leg”, you will not land a job sometime soon. This is not strictly true.

There is still room for merit. If you have ever run a business, you will discover how hard it is to get an experienced and faithful employee. There is a saying
"JOBS ARE NOT SCARCE, FAITHFUL MEN ARE"

Quite often, the employer is more eager to get a good employee than you are to get a good job. The issue is, “How does an eager employer meet a faithful and willing employee?”. Getting a good staff is a tough proposition. Faithful men are scarce, very scarce. Employers are looking for them. They comb nooks and crannies for them, and enlist all the help they can.
That is the reason employers commission employment agencies, and splash full page adverts on papers in their hunt for the elusive faithful employee. That is why Shell is advertising in every medium imaginable. On the other side of the divide, job hunters are eagerly looking for who will hire them. That is also the reason job seekers comb nooks and crannies looking for a job, registering with employment agencies etc.

How does these two finally get to meet?
Due to the volume of job related enquiries to Nigeria Galleria, we have decided to provide job links, resources and articles to our visitors who are in the job seeking phase of their lives. We hope to, in our own little way assist in making the meeting happen; by opening up the playing field so that employer can reach out far and wide, and employees can have better access to information. We are not an employment agency (the match makers) nor do we have any links with the companies/organizations listed herein.

You will useful articles and tips on every aspect of job hunting on this site,all you have to do is to keep in touch.

One final word; before you go looking for a job, discover your dreams. Have a clear cut short term and long term personal development plan en-route fulfilling your dreams. This plan will determine which jobs you go for, and how long you stay on each job.“If you do not know where you are going, any road will take you there”.

Happy job hunting!

Choosing A Profitable Job

Nearly everyone has heard the old adage, “Do what you love and then find a way to get paid for it.” While that is possible for some people, the rest of us will have to settle for getting paid for something we like well enough. While you should definitely have some interest in or aptitude for your career of choice, there are other considerations besides how much you like a particular career that you should factor into your decision.

step 1 of 5
Ask everyone you know about their jobs and their happiness with day-to-day duties and pay. You don’t have to come right out and ask them how much they make, just ask if they think that the job pays well enough for you to consider as a long-term career. Ask how the person got started in the career and what jobs she has held as she has advanced.

Step 2 of 5
Think about your interests and strengths. Can any of these be used in a job? A job that pays well? If you enjoy taking things apart and can put them back together again without any missing parts, perhaps a career in mechanics is right for you. If you are nosy and a good writer, maybe you’d enjoy a career as an investigative journalist.

Step 3 of 5
Go the library and read books about careers. Check out career websites and blogs on the Internet. Select a few possible career choices and read everything you can about them. Look for trends, physical demands, advancement potential, starting and median pay, the career outlook in ten or twenty years and how the career might change with new technology. The Occupational Outlook Handbook, found at most libraries can provide most of this information. There is also a website for the Handbook, listed in the Resources section below. Being as informed as possible will help you to decide if this if the right career for you.

Step 4 of 5
Ask to shadow someone who works in a field that interests you. Seeing the day-to-day activities of a job give you a good idea if this would be the career for you. If you leave so bored you can barely stay awake, perhaps this career isn’t the best fit. Similarly, if you leave the office interested and excited about the job, then you’ve found a potential career.

Step 5 of 5
Find out what education and training is needed for your career choice, how much it will cost and how long it will take until you can begin working in your chosen field. If you will need a loan to complete the training for a particular career, don't choose this career unless you know you will stick with the training and will eventually earn a sufficient salary to pay back the loan.

Job Interview Tips

You can't get a job without at least one interview. Here are the Top 10 interview tips that every job seeker should know:

1. Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile, address your interviewer by name, and make eye contact.

2. Never sit until asked to do so.

3. Ensure you are informed about the position and the organization before your interview. Wherever possible get a job description or review the details of the position. Go to their web site. You should know approximately what the salary range is for the position (particularly if going through an agency). Research the organization and affiliations. Be aware of all products or services.

4. Make sure you are familiar with all dates and information on your resume. Be prepared to go into detail and to give examples of various difficult work situations you have successfully handled.

5. Make sure you know the exact location and how to get there. Get there five to ten minutes early.

6. Dress should be appropriate, businesslike and conservative. Always look successful.

7. You may be asked to talk about yourself, but keep your entire life history for non-business situations! An interviewer is interested in how you and your experience best suit the position and the company. Do not take notes, and do not be concerned if your interviewer takes notes. Never speak negatively about present or previous work situations.

8. At the end of the interview you may have an opportunity to ask questions. Express enthusiasm and interest in the company and the position. Thank the interviewer for their time. You may ask what the next step would be in their hiring process. Do not discuss money/salary during the interview, or ask about benefits and vacation, unless the interviewer brings these subjects up for discussion. End the interview with a handshake.

9. A follow-up note or thank you letter sent after the interview, if you are particularly interested in the position and organization, is a good way to keep your name visible. A follow-up call within a week is a good idea, if you have not been contacted.

10. If an agency arranged the interview for you, call them immediately. It is important for the agency to get your response about the position, before they talk to the employer. A positive response from you can often lead to a positive response from the employer. Keep in touch with your agency.