Job hunting in the Nigerian job market is no easy task, even when you're aiming for entry-level roles. The process can feel overwhelming, with countless applications, silent responses after interviews, and moments of self-doubt that make you question your abilities. For me, it was an emotional rollercoaster, and honestly, some days were just plain tough. But here’s the twist: after what felt like a never-ending struggle, I ended up with not one, not two, but four job offers.

If you are curious how it all turned around, let me share my journey and the strategies that worked for me. 👇

A Background Story Of My 2024 Q1 Job Quest

I remember back in mid 2023 during my NYSC year when I'd just started applying for graduate jobs, midway the programme I desired a sustainable job after NYSC. I found myself getting served so many breakfast from companies like Shell, BCG, Mckinsey, Sahara Group, Zedcrest, amongst many others. All these while I was serving in NYSC. The most painful part was the Zedcrest breakfast, it was my first job application where my CV broke through the ATS, landed the aptitude, passed, and made it through to the physical Assessment centre, exactly 17 days to the end of my NYSC. I thought to myself, "Yes, this is it, finally", I was so badly expectant to the point I kept refreshing my email, If I got paid a dollar for every time I refreshed my email, I’d have already earned the salary of the job I was waiting for. I decided to write them a mail 24 days (not hours) after the Assessment Center, then came the mighty breakfast the following day. From literally thinking this was it to thinking this is the end of my job hunt road. Cos I loved everything about the company ("Like how do you make it to an AC from thousands of applicants and still bottle it?", I thought to myself 😢).

Thanks to the support from family and friends, I didn’t give up. I kept applying and gradually got ahead in the job-hunting game. Each rejection became a lesson, helping me walk down memory lane and, like they say, 'once burned, twice shy.’

Whether it was the CV I needed to tweak, the aptitude questions I wasn't well prepared for, or I needed to sharpen my interviewing or presentation skills.

Fast forward to the start of 2024, I kept pushing. Remembered my brother encouraging me, told me to make a list of top banks in Nigeria I’d like to work, and mass apply, cos yeah banks are known to recruit the most with relatively good remuneration in comparison with other major industries, and they open graduate roles within the first quarter of each year most times.

This was the turnaround moment and at this point I was all in for the game. I landed more aptitudes and job interviews. About three months later, I got 4 offers, and definitely settled for the best of them. I can tell you I did not apply for more than 20 job roles in the whole of 2024, I was intentional about the calibre of company I desired to work. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it.

Without further ado, let's dive deep as I'd be sharing you lessons I learnt while hunting:

The Power Of A Good CV

"Your CV is your first impression in the job hunt—make it count, because you rarely get a second chance."

I remember back in my final year at school, when we had a mentorship programme where experienced and proven graduates in the job industry volunteered to mentor undergraduates, and the only thing I could remember my mentor teaching was emphasizing on a good CV. I remember his mentees, about four of us, all sharing our CVs and how he roasted it, spotting all the mistakes we made and telling us to keep reiterating until I was able to know what it took to write a good CV.

I would not dive too deep but instead make use of an excellent CV sample to aid you in pruning yours and getting noticed amongst thousands of applicants.

A good CV must contain these sections: Bio section, Summary Section (optional), Education section, Experience section, Skills section (highly compulsory for Tech Graduate Roles), Volunteer sections (Optional), Relevant Certifications, and most recent Achievements & Awards,

Bonus Tip:

1. Always keep your CV in PDF format

2. Save file in format: FirstNameLastName_CompanyName_Resume_Year.pdf e.g. JohnSmith_Mckinsey_Resume_2025.pdf

3. For Tech guys, include Technical Skill Section and include skills related to the job

Platforms To Get Good Job Openings

When I was job hunting, my family and friends played a significant role by sharing job updates with me. Often, I had already come across the opportunities through the platforms I followed, but their input reinforced my efforts and ensured I didn’t miss anything important.

Here is the list of top platforms that worked for me:

1. Telegram

Telegram channels were invaluable for finding job updates. I recommend pinning them to the top of your chat list and enabling post notifications for instant alerts. The channels that helped me the most include:

Latest Job Nigeria

CV to Essence

ToHire NG

2. Twitter (X)

Following HR professionals and career influencers on Twitter proved very helpful. I suggest turning on post notifications for these accounts to stay updated with their posts:

Hanny Talker

Seyi Themie

Imade Iyamu

Using these platforms strategically made a world of difference in my job search, and I’m confident they can help you too.

Tracking Your Job Applications

I strongly recommend keeping track of your job applications. While I didn’t do this during my job hunt, I’ve realized it’s an excellent practice to stay organized and focused. I learned this tip from Lamide Elizabeth on LinkedIn, and I think you should give it a try too.

You can create a simple table to track details such as the Company Name, Role, and Date of Application Submission. This can be done using tools like:

• Notion

• Google Docs

• Spreadsheet

• Microsoft Word

• Microsoft Excel

Here’s a sample structure for your table:

Handling Rejections

When applying for jobs, it's important to learn how to handle rejections. Don’t take them too personally. During my own job hunt, I faced rejections—even after reaching the final stages of the hiring process. It was upsetting, but I never looked back.

Each rejection taught me something valuable. Interestingly, I had supportive friends I made during the Physical Assessment Centre, who got into the same companies that rejected me. One of them even kept sending me job openings for over three months after she got hired there. Make friends and try to enjoy the process, instead of getting discouraged.

When you face rejection, take time to reflect on what went wrong and work on improving for the next opportunity. For example, I would note the format of the questions I was asked and later research better ways to answer them—YouTube was a great resource for finding shortcut methods and strategies. If possible, write down the questions you were asked and practice mastering their solutions, whether they involve written cognitive aptitude tests or oral interview questions.

Rejections shouldn’t make you bitter; they should make you better. Keep mass applying for jobs—even if you’re in the final stages of one interview process. You never know if you'll be rejected, so avoid putting all your hopes into one opportunity. Instead, diversify your applications across multiple roles and companies to play it safe.

Remember the drill: don’t look back, learn from every rejection, and keep moving forward.

Aptitude Test

Usually, most of the graduate aptitudes I took did not scope beyond these three sections:

1. Quantitative/Numerical Reasoning.

2. Verbal Reasoning.

3. Abstract Reasoning.

For most of these I practiced hard with this material until I got most of the concepts right.

GENERAL GRADUATE TRAINEE PREP SET

Numerical Reasoning Tips

Verbal Reasoning Tips

Focus on Key Information: Before skimming through the passage, carefully read the question and identify key keywords. These keywords will guide you as you scan the passage, making it easier to find relevant information.

Watch for Tips and Tricks: For a deeper understanding of this strategy, check out this insightful video by Career Vids, which explains how to approach questions and passages effectively: Watch the video.

VERBAL REASONING TEST Questions & Answers! (Tips, Tricks and Questions!)

Abstract Reasoning Tips

This section tests your ability to think through patterns and recognize them. Also the video by Career Vids would help a lot. Try practicing with as many easy to medium abstract reasoning patterns as possible to get yourself ready for the real challenge in the aptitude exam.

Watch for Tips and Tricks: For a deeper understanding of this strategy, check out this insightful video by Career Vids.

ABSTRACT REASONING TESTS

Interview Prep

When preparing for D-day (😀), ensure you research enough about the company, dress well, smell nice, and ensure you’ve practiced as much as you can.

1. Research Thoroughly

Before your interview, ensure you have in-depth knowledge about the company—its operations, CEO, recent new about them on Google, founding year, and how you can add value if hired.

Use platforms like Glassdoor, Nairaland, YouTube or Reddit (for international companies) to find real interview experiences.

Example: If applying to NNPC Graduate Trainee, search "Glassdoor NNPC graduate trainee interview questions" on Google. Click the first link, browse the interview section, and compile relevant questions.

Check Nairaland for local roles within Nigeria and Reddit for global roles like McKinsey, BCG or the likes.

Another strategy is reaching out to current employees on LinkedIn in similar roles. Since responses may take time, send connection requests immediately after applying.

This picture was me last year, gunning for the company I currently work. I got valuable tips that shaped my preparation for the actual screening exercise. Do not abuse this and do not ask for referral, as this does not work in Entry-Level roles like this.

2. Dress to Impress

Your outfit matters! Dress like it’s your project defense, graduation, or even a wedding (👀). Don’t wait to be told to dress corporate before you dress corporate (depending on the nature of the company). Spray that perfume and level up that steeze. Many candidates underestimate this, but dressing well can boost your confidence, put you ahead of 80-90% of interview attendants, and leave a lasting impression.

3. Practice, Stay Confident

Interviews are a two-way street—the company needs you just as much as you need them. Anxiety can affect performance, so practice in advance.

Rehearse with industry professionals using the question bank you gathered.

Maintain eye contact, stay composed, and give structured, thoughtful answers.

With preparation and confidence, you’ll increase your chances of success.

Final Thoughts

Interview preparation can make all the difference in securing your dream job. With thorough research, the right outfit, and consistent practice, you’ll walk into that interview room with confidence and leave a lasting impression.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with someone who might need it. Also, if these tips help you land a job, I’d love to hear your testimony—drop a comment and inspire others. Wishing you all the best in your career journey.