Model CV formats in Nigeria allows for prejudice and discrimination

Hello people, i spent almost 12 months studying the Nigerian job market and gathering job search related knowledge, so i have some expertise in CV writing. After publishing my book, i began offering FREE CV makeovers, and with that my skill improved.

Today a friend told me how a UK M.Sc student saw his CV and asked for a makeover also. He sent his first draft and the first thing i noticed was that there wasn’t a section for personal information like age, sex, religion, nationality etc Yes, i know European countries frown at prejudice and discrimination hence do not attach age and gender requirements to jobs unlike Nigerian companies (mostly banks), i didn’t know that such information doesn’t reflect on their resumes.

Dear Job-seeker, Display The Right Attitude…Everywhere You Go!

A university degree is not as ‘valuable’ as it used to be and everyone is trainable. In an era when a Ph.D holder can apply for a driving position in Dangote, then you know you need more than a degree. Richard Branson in his book, Business Stripped Bare said; “I hire for attitude and train for skill.” Anybody can learn a skill, but not everyone has the right attitude. Employers are always on the lookout for people with certain attitudes. This attitude can be observed and evaluated during job interviews……or even on the street.  In my book The Job Seekers’ Creed™, i shared the story of how a friend got a job with Guarantee Trust Bank because he purchased bread for a stranger in traffic. Read an excerpt;

Job Search Hazards: Protect Yourself!

In the course of your job search you will encounter fraudsters and scammers, but that doesn’t pose much of a problem as long as you are not gullible enough to part with your hard-earned or hard borrowed money. The real threat and hazard is the growing trend of job search related kidnappings and ritual murders.

A job-seeker gets an invitation for aptitude test or interview. He/she leaves home and never returns.

I was discussing trends in the Nigerian job market with a lady in a bus recently and she told a story of how a lady in her neighbourhood went for an interview and has been missing for 30days now. The victim didn’t inform her relative about the details of the interview. The family had to contact Airtel Nigeria to get details of the text message. They went to the interview location and discovered the address doesn’t exist.

Don’t be a victim. PROTECT yourself. How?

Memoir of a Job-Seeker

Three months, that was the time frame within which I was sure I would get a job. So after the fifth month without a job, depression naturally crept in. My name is Emem Etuk and this is my story.

I graduated from the University of Uyo with a degree in marketing and was posted to serve in Gombe State under the National Youth Service scheme. Service year ended in October, 2011 and despite the reality of job scarcity I was so sure a job will be in my grasp in just three months.  Why was I so certain? Well for one, I was well armed with knowledge and skills I got from attending career seminars and employability workshops like the Microsoft Employability Programme organized by LEAP Africa. I was also certain that my enthusiasm and can-do attitude will work the magic. Yes, knowledge, skills, enthusiasm and a can-do attitude did work some magic, but one essential element was missing – I did not understand the Nigerian job market.

Format, Fast-track and Fulfil Your Career Plans!

As at 2012, 32million of the estimated 166 million people in Nigeria were unemployed. So yes, unemployment is high, but you should not see yourself as “unemployed”. You are a highly employable person who is merely in a temporary state of transition. I say re-evaluate your goals, improve your skills, develop yourself, re-crafted your CV, extended your searchlight, always put your best foot forward, maintain a positive attitude always and that job will be yours.

This and many more are the great insights to be gained by reading THE JOB SEEKERS’ CREED™.