15 Harsh Truths About Job Hunting in Nigeria (And How to Beat Them)
If you’ve ever spent hours perfecting your CV, fired off dozens of job applications, and still ended up hearing nothing, you’re not alone. In Nigeria, job hunting is more than a search—it’s a struggle, a full-time job on its own—often unpaid, emotionally draining, and full of surprises. With an oversaturated labor market, underperforming economy, and a system often riddled with favoritism and informal gatekeeping, landing a job can feel like playing a rigged game.
This article is for graduates, young professionals, and anyone actively job hunting in Nigeria who feels stuck, frustrated, or simply tired of the endless cycle of applying and hoping. Whether you’re fresh out of NYSC or years into your career with nothing stable to show for it, this guide is for you.
We’re not here to sugarcoat it. Job hunting in Nigeria can be harsh, unpredictable, and disheartening. But here’s the good news: once you understand the unspoken rules and hidden obstacles, you can start playing smarter.
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll walk away with:
- A clearer picture of why the system is the way it is.
- Real, actionable steps to increase your chances of landing a job.
- Tips on navigating gatekeepers, scams, and the infamous “who you know” culture.
- Smart ways to make yourself stand out—even without experience or connections.
Let’s cut through the noise and talk about the 15 harsh truths of job hunting in Nigeria—and more importantly, how to beat each one.
15 harsh truths of job hunting in Nigeria
1. Your Network Often Matters More Than Your CV
The saying “Na who know person dey get job” isn’t just street talk—it’s reality. Many job openings, especially in government and certain industries, are filled internally or through connections before they’re even advertised.
How to beat it:
- Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops.
- Build and maintain a strong LinkedIn and social media profile.
- Engage in professional circles and online communities.
- Tell your friends, family members, family friends that you are job hunting.
2. Most Employers are Using ATS software
Companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that automatically reject CVs lacking specific keywords.
How to beat it:
- Tailor your CV for each application, incorporating keywords from the job description.
- Use clear formatting and standard headings.
Click here to get a professional, ATS compliant CV from an Expert for less than 5k.
3. Employers pay More Attention on Personal Branding and Packaging
Employers often prioritize communication skills, appearance, and demeanor over technical abilities, especially for client-facing roles like customer service, sales representative, receptionist, etc.
How to beat it:
- Practice common interview questions and answers.
- Dress appropriately for interviews.
- Work on your appearance, body language and confidence.
4. Many Company Ghost Applicants
Many companies don’t send rejection emails or follow-ups. You might never hear back, even after multiple interview rounds.
How to beat it:
- Continue applying to other opportunities instead of waiting.
- Follow up with a polite email a week after the interview.
5. Internship, Trainee and Volunteer Experiences Count
Employers often demand “2 years experience,” but internships, NYSC, graduate trainee and volunteer work can count when framed correctly.
How to beat it:
- Highlight relevant skills and achievements from all experiences.
- Use action verbs and quantify results where possible.
- If you are a fresh graduate who just finished NYSC, instead of waiting until the ideal job comes, you can take on volunteering job, internship, and even personal business or training; they all add to your experience and increase the number of years of experience.
6. Some Recruitment Agencies or Jobs Are Scams
If a company asks you to pay for interviews, or job placement—it’s likely a scam.
How to beat it:
- Research companies before attending interviews.
- Never pay for job offers.
- Report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
7. Employers Check Your Social Media Handle/Accounts
Many Nigerian job seekers don’t optimize or use their social media account properly. Many recruiters often check your social media profiles when you apply for job to see what your values are and also to know if you have good social media profile.
How to beat it:
- Keep your social media profile updated and professional.
- Follow companies and engage with industry content.
- Use hashtags like #Jobberman, #Hiring, and #NigeriaJobs to find opportunities.
8. Some Employers Do Background Checks
Some employers go as far as contacting past employers without your knowledge to know if you have good reputation.
How to beat it:
- Have good relationship with your employer whether past or present.
- Be honest about your work history.
- It is true that some employers can be over tasking and frustrating sometimes, you can omit those experience from your CV where your relationship with your employer did not end well.
9. Internal Referrals Increase Your Chances Greatly
An employee referring you internally can move your application to the top of the pile.
How to beat it:
- Network with employees at your target companies.
- Attend industry events and connect with professionals.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for referrals.
10. Job Security Is Rare in the Private Sector
Unless you’re a federal staff member, job security in Nigeria’s private sector is minimal.
How to beat it:
- Develop multiple income streams.
- Continuously upskill to remain relevant.
- Save and invest wisely.
11. Skill Mismatch Is a Major Issue
Many job seekers struggle because their skills don’t match what employers need. Companies often want specific skills not taught in school.
How to beat it:
- Identify in-demand skills in your industry.
- Take online courses or certifications.
- Gain practical experience through internships or freelance work.
12. Unrealistic Job Requirements Are Common
Employers often list extensive requirements for entry-level positions, deterring many applicants.
How to beat it:
- Apply if you meet most of the requirements.
- Highlight transferable skills and willingness to learn.
- Customize your application to align with the job description.
13. The Job Market Is Saturated
With millions of graduates entering the market annually, competition is fierce.
How to beat it:
- Differentiate yourself through unique skills or experiences.
- Build a personal brand online.
- Stay updated on industry trends and adapt accordingly.
14. Many Jobs Are Not Advertised Publicly
A significant number of job openings are filled through internal referrals or networks before they’re advertised.
How to beat it:
- Network proactively.
- Inform your contacts that you’re job hunting.
- Join professional groups and forums.
Smart Ways to Make Yourself Stand Out—Even Without Experience or Connections
You don’t need a powerful uncle or a stacked resume to get noticed. While it’s true that connections and experience open doors, there are smart, strategic ways to level the playing field and grab employers’ attention—even as an underdog.
Here’s how:
1. Build a Solid Personal Brand Online
Think of your online presence as your digital handshake. When employers Google you (and they often do), what comes up matters.
How to do it:
- Create and optimize your LinkedIn profile with a clear headline, professional photo, and summary of your skills.
- Post content or engage with others in your industry to increase visibility.
- Use platforms like Twitter to follow industry trends and share your own insights using hashtags like #NigeriaJobs, #TechInAfrica, or #JobSeekerNG.
2. Create a Project Portfolio
No experience? No problem—show what you can do.
What it looks like:
- If you are a graphic designer, you can post sample logos on Behance or Instagram.
- If you are a writer, you can start a blog or Medium page.
- If you are a software developer, you can put code on GitHub.
- If you are a marketer, you can run a mock campaign or analyze a brand’s strategy and write about it.
A strong portfolio screams initiative, creativity, and potential. It tells recruiters, “I’m ready—even if I haven’t been hired yet.”
3. Take Free or Low-Cost Online Courses
Knowledge is power, especially when it’s practical.
Where to learn:
- Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, Google Digital Skills, Alison, and FutureLearn offer certificates that are recognized and respected.
- Target in-demand skills: digital marketing, data analysis, customer service, UI/UX, project management, coding, and business analytics.
Tip: Add certificates to your CV and LinkedIn. Better yet, apply what you learn to a real or mock project.
4. Volunteer Strategically
Volunteering isn’t just about charity—it’s a power move.
- Choose roles that align with your career goals.
- Offer to help small businesses or NGOs for free in exchange for experience and a recommendation letter.
- Document everything: what you did, what you achieved, and what skills you used.
It shows you’re proactive and committed, and it fills the dreaded “experience gap” on your CV.
5. Write a Professional CV and Cover Letter
Many applicants lose opportunities not because they’re unqualified, but because their documents are bland, generic, or full of errors.
What to focus on:
- Tailor each CV to the job using keywords from the job description.
- Highlight achievements, not just duties.
- Use numbers to quantify results (e.g., “Increased student engagement by 40%”).
- Write a cover letter that tells a story—your story.
Click here to get a professional, ATS compliant CV from an Expert for less than 5k.
6. Get Active in Communities
Online or offline communities are great for learning, support, and networking—without needing “connections.”
- Join Facebook groups like Jobs in Nigeria, Remote Work Nigeria, or TechHerNG.
- Participate in Slack groups, Telegram channels, WhatsApp groups, or forums in your field.
- Ask questions. Share insights. Help others. People remember value givers.
Sometimes, the right community can do more for your job search than a recruiter.
7. Show Up for Events—Even Virtual Ones
Webinars, Twitter Spaces, and free workshops can connect you with people who know people.
What to do:
- Ask thoughtful questions during Q&As.
- Reach out to speakers afterward with a short message on LinkedIn or email.
- Mention what you learned and express interest in staying in touch.
Most people won’t follow up. If you do, you stand out.
8. Practice the “Elevator Pitch”
At some point, someone will ask: So what do you do?
Be ready with a confident, 30-second summary of who you are, what you do, and what kind of work you’re looking for. Practice it until it feels natural.
It helps in interviews, networking, and even casual conversations.
9. Ask for Informational Interviews
Not all interviews are about jobs—some are about learning.
Message someone in a company or role you admire and politely ask for a short 15-minute call or chat to learn about their career path. Don’t ask for a job—just advice.
This builds relationships and often leads to referrals when opportunities come up.
10. Use Referrals Smartly (Even from Weak Ties)
You don’t need to be best friends with someone to ask for a referral.
How to ask:
- Be polite, brief, and specific.
- Mention the job you’re applying for and why you’re a good fit.
- Include your CV and cover letter so they don’t have to ask.
Even a distant acquaintance can be the bridge to your next opportunity.
Conclusion
Standing out in Nigeria’s tough job market isn’t easy—but it’s possible. You don’t need rich parents, years of experience, or inside connections. What you need is strategy, consistency, and the boldness to do what others won’t.
Keep building, keep showing up, and keep pushing. You may not control the system—but you can control how you play the game.
If you are able to implement most of these guides, you will be on top of the job hunting game in Nigeria and have higher chances to get that your dream job.
15 Harsh Truths About Job Hunting in Nigeria (And How to Beat Them)
15 Harsh Truths About Job Hunting in Nigeria (And How to Beat Them)
15 Harsh Truths About Job Hunting in Nigeria (And How to Beat Them)
15 Harsh Truths About Job Hunting in Nigeria (And How to Beat Them)
15 Harsh Truths About Job Hunting in Nigeria (And How to Beat Them)
15 Harsh Truths About Job Hunting in Nigeria (And How to Beat Them)
15 Harsh Truths About Job Hunting in Nigeria (And How to Beat Them)
15 Harsh Truths About Job Hunting in Nigeria (And How to Beat Them)
15 Harsh Truths About Job Hunting in Nigeria (And How to Beat Them)
