After I finished my tertiary education and National Service, like everybody else, I started seeking for a job, at least to the best of my knowledge. But two years passed and I couldn’t achieve my objectives so, although reluctantly, I went for my postgraduate studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
In 2012, I was in my room one particular morning and I got a hold of an article in Forbes magazine. It was a story of a graduate and job seeker in the United States. That was during the economic recession when people were losing their jobs in the thousands, companies and businesses locking shops and offices, infact, finding new jobs were up-hill battle. This guy in the story was determined to get a job anyhow, he refused to consider or be deterred by the economic hardship at the time. He said that to achieve his aim, he made decisions, among many was to apply for thirty five (35) jobs every day until he got one.
There and then I asked myself, how many jobs did I actually apply for (in total) in the two years I said I was ‘looking’ for a job? My answer to that question was a disgrace! But that was the turning point to my approach to seeking and getting employment.
After my program, I moved to Port Harcourt in October of that year with a singular purpose- to get a job! If you’d wake me up in the middle of the night and asked what you are doing in Port Harcourt, I’d tell you the same thing, even unconsciously.
Here was my approach: (since there are fewer jobs in Nigeria than in America) I determined to apply for fifteen (15) jobs daily and attend at least one interview or aptitude test every month. Many things took place in the course of this pursuit, but my renewed approach helped me understand that I was never looking for a job (then) but was waiting for a job.
When I meet or talk with job seekers today, I ask (always ask) one simple question: what websites do you use for jobs? The answer to that question tells me all about that person in less than one minute.
Needless to tell you that with my approach I landed a big gig at a very reputable international financial institution as an Analyst- big job! I achieved this feat within seven months- all by myself!
Back to you, are you a job seeker or a job waiter? Lol…. I hope you are searching and not waiting.
Wow! Limitations are not real but your convictions definitely are. Change your state, I did mine.
ReplyDeleteWow, Congrats Hun. Not an easy one indeed. The job search can be tasking and draining. Do you advise people to apply just everything or be sure of your career path?
DeleteWow, Congrats Hun. Not an easy one indeed. The job search can be tasking and draining. Do you advise people to apply just everything or be sure of your career path?
DeleteFirstly, I want to congratulate you on this quantum barrier which you have overcome, I must tell you I understood your situations when you where unemployed because I have been there and done that.
DeleteSecondly, I want to also thank God for you for not giving up on getting this job because it's a career job not just any job because I can still remember you always wanted this path while in UNN. With this, i am propelled to not give up till I get what I envision with hardwork and not giving up. Again Congrats my course mate, my friend, and a brother
Nice piece but I don't quite agree with applying for just any job especially when it's not in line with my career vision. However, im happy that you finally got your job. Congrats
ReplyDeleteBrilliant question, @Clare. It's two fold answer:
ReplyDeleteFirst, I believe in good, chosen career path you love and are happy with. So pursue it.
Secondly, joblessness is a bad situation. As an 'unemployed adult,' you are is bleeding- hemorrhaging confidence, money, hope, faith, self-esteem.... So you should want to stop the bleeding! Hence you apply for all opportunities you are qualified for without minding the salary or whatever so as to maybe gain experience and/or have a prospectus. Trust me, when you you will attend the interview for the job of your dream, you find that you are going to give a brilliant and memorable performance, thanks to all you have learnt in the not so good position you held.
Don't be selective yet, just stop the bleeding!
This is a very good motivatior...."Be a job seeker and not a job waiter".....NIce one Cyril....
ReplyDeleteOMG! Thank you @Jennifer, @David. Never give up, as Pastor Chris puts it, your limitations are unreal.
ReplyDeleteGreat story! But its different strokes for different folks. What lifts u might sink another's both, some might settle for a job outside their career path n may not find their way back. Just do your best, be determined ,pray and keep a positive altitude.
ReplyDelete@Unknown, the factor here is the person's conviction, strategy... in making his choices. If you know where you are going to and are determined to reach it, you never 'settle' until you have arrived your destination.
ReplyDeleteTo settle is to quit. In this game, you never ever quit!
Nice one. I think in all of these you should st least apply for jobs that u enjoy even if it is just a tiny lil bit of it
ReplyDeleteOf course. I can't and never applied for security oriented jobs- Police, Army.... Reason is I can never make it there nor be happy.
ReplyDeleteYour happiness is important!