Adora Neboh: How do I go about getting a good job?

Adora Neboh: How do I go about getting a good job?

Recently I have been receiving questions from the Linkedin “CareerAdvice” feature and a common question I get asked, mostly from young people is “how do I go about finding a very good job?” Therefore, I decided to make this post outlining my usual response to these young people except for slight variations tailored to the specific individual’s context.

As we all are aware, the ubiquity of technology is enabling all kinds of innovation and changes in the way we work, live and communicate. At the start of a person’s career journey (probably in making the choice of a first degree) there is no way to outline a clear path to the future any longer.

This means that competencies that will make the difference and make a person stand out in these ambiguous and complex times are competencies that integrate a person’s multi-dimensionalism and can engineer creativity.

In answering the question of how to get a desired job, I answer some sub-questions that will help give something of a coherent method:

“What competencies should you invest in developing today?”

My top 10 are the following

  1. Critical Thinking
  2. Collaboration and Team Work
  3. Use of Digital Tools
  4. Creativity
  5. Communication
  6. Entrepreneurial mindset/ Business Acumen
  7. Strategic and Analytical Thinking
  8. Self-leadership
  9. Accountability
  10. Adaptability /Ability to work within ambiguity

How do you go about looking for this job?

  1. Be clear about what you are looking for. Do your research. Some guiding questions here include, What am I naturally good and happiest at? What am I passionate about? What problems do I want to solve?
  2. Use the internet find job openings on social media, linkedin, job sites etc. I don’t think you shouldn’t send unsolicited CVs but when you do send unsolicited CV don’t be random and hope your “seeds land on fertile ground”. Be deliberate, demonstrate how you may have something to offer to that organsation and why they should speak to you. If possible, rather than a totally cold call find a connection in your networks who can help you gain access or attend events held by the organization you admire. Always approach such situations from a mindset of what value you have to offer.
  3. When you do apply to available job openings, tailor your CV to highlight your relevant experience or how you have demonstrated important requirements for that job (even experience while in school counts e.g leadership of a school community or organization).
  4. Never tell a lie on your resume or an interview. Not even a “white” lie.
  5. Provide historical evidence. The anecdotal stories about organisations wanting candidates who possess 5 years’ experience at 24 years old may or may not have some truth to it but I find that some of the best things that helped in making me attractive to would be employers at the start of my career was volunteering and interning at real jobs while I was at school, as well as, having studied wider than my mandatory “school” books.

Finally, when the interviews start coming, be calm, make your decisions wisely. The choice of jobs you take early in your career are very crucial in determining your future career. Here are some questions you should ask your would be employers, and be comfortable with their answers before signing the dotted lines.

  1. What does this job entail and how do you think I should do it? (Could you show me the Job profile and task description for this job?)
  2. What does success look like/what is the model of success? (Is there a success or job competency profile? or can you describe a person who can be considered successful at this role?)
  3. How are you going to measure my success and performance? (What are the key performance indicators?)
  4. What should I expect in terms of reward and development? (What are the Salary, Benefits, Learning and development, Career Paths, Career mobility plans for this job)

I thought it would be helpful to share this with everyone since I get asked these questions pretty often. So, don’t be afraid to go for the job of your dreams. Develop yourself and be ready for the opportunities which indeed are available. Approach your search with optimism and a genuine desire and passion to contribute positively.

Written by: Adorah Neboh (Chief Talent Officer at Troyka Nigeria)

Photocredit: Pixabay

Yewande Jinadu

Yewande Jinadu is the Founder of CareerLife Nigeria(careerlife.com.ng) and also a Strategic HR Business Partner of a leading tech firm. She's a certified HR Professional with a mix of Generalist and Specialist Experience who supports the business to achieve it's goals through the people. Her strengths are in Talent Acquisition, Performance Management, Employee Engagement, Organization Development and Employer Branding. Her social initiative, CareerLife Foundation solving UN SDG Goal 8 is aimed at reducing unemployment by helping graduates and professionals become Employable and accelerate their career growth. With various awards won both locally and globally, her vision is to help millions of youths achieve measurable success in their career. Yewande holds the Senior Professional of Human Resources International (SPHRi) Certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI), USA. She is an associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (ACIPM) and has a Practitioners License to practice HR in Nigeria. She's the Convener of the Employability Fitness Program, an initiative aimed at helping young graduates overcome interview Phobia and the barriers in Recruitment process through mentoring. She is a public speaker and has been featured on various media platforms including: BellaNaija, SheLeadsAfrica, GuardianWoman, Women of Rubies etc Some of her recognitions include: Top 50 Career Influencers in Africa by The Workbooth Magazine and also a the top 10 Platinum members of Career Influencers. Top 150 Global HR Influencer by Social Micole. Top 100 Career Women in Nigeria by 9to5Chick Top 30 Leading Women in HR by Worden HCD You can reach out to her by sending a mail to: info@careerlife.com.ng and follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @careerlifeng

3 thoughts on “Adora Neboh: How do I go about getting a good job?

  1. This was well written.. “Approach your search with optimism and a genuine desire and passion to contribute positively” You spoke it all.

    Thanks for this!

  2. This quite insightful, especially competencies I should invest in developing today.

    But my question is on the first part of how to go about looking for this job. “…What am I naturally good and happiest at? What am I passionate about? What problems do I want to solve?”

    What if what you studied is not in any way related to what you are naturally good at, how do you reconcile this? Do you look for a job in the field you studied or do you go for what naturally interests you(which you may not even have a certification in?)

    I really need answers.

    1. HI Oyinye,

      You have a valid question. If you are no longer interested in pursuing what you studied, it’s not a bad decision. I would advice you pursue a career that you would be fulfilled at. You can build yourself over time. Start an internship in your desired path and start working on relevant training opportunities in your new line.

      I wish you the best

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