Landing Your First Job in Nigeria: The Complete Guide
Getting your first job in Nigeria can be challenging, but with the right approach and preparation, you can significantly improve your chances. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process.
Before You Start: Self-Assessment
Before diving into job applications, take time to assess yourself:
- Skills Audit: List all your skills (technical, soft skills, languages)
- Career Interests: What industries excite you?
- Salary Expectations: Research entry-level salaries in your field
- Location Preferences: Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, or remote?
- Work Values: What matters to you? (Learning, salary, work-life balance, company culture)
Step 1: Build Your Foundation Documents
Professional Resume/CV
- Keep it to 1-2 pages maximum
- Include: Contact info, professional summary, education, skills, internships/projects
- Use action verbs (Developed, Led, Implemented, Designed)
- Quantify achievements where possible
- Include NYSC completion status
Cover Letter Template
Create a flexible template you can customize for each application:
- Paragraph 1: Why you're interested in the company
- Paragraph 2: Why you're qualified (link skills to job requirements)
- Paragraph 3: Call to action and enthusiasm
Digital Presence
- Create/optimize LinkedIn profile
- Ensure professional email address (firstname.lastname@gmail.com)
- Clean up social media (employers do check!)
- Create a simple portfolio website if in creative/tech field
Step 2: Where to Find Jobs in Nigeria
Top Job Boards
- HeadHunter.ng: AI-powered matching, verified companies
- Jobberman: Largest job board in Nigeria
- LinkedIn: Professional networking + job listings
- MyJobMag: Youth-focused job platform
- NGCareers: Multi-industry listings
Company Websites
Check "Careers" pages of companies you admire:
- Banks: Access, GTBank, Zenith, UBA, First Bank
- Telecoms: MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile
- Oil & Gas: Shell, Chevron, Total, NNPC
- Tech: Andela, Interswitch, Flutterwave, Paystack, Kuda
- FMCG: Nestlé, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Nigerian Breweries
Networking
- Attend industry events and career fairs
- Join professional associations (e.g., NIM, CIPM, NSE)
- Connect with alumni from your university
- Inform family and friends you're job hunting
- Join WhatsApp/Telegram job groups
Step 3: Application Strategy
Quality Over Quantity
- Apply to 5-10 well-researched positions per week
- Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application
- Follow application instructions precisely
- Apply within first 48 hours of job posting for better visibility
Track Your Applications
Create a spreadsheet with:
- Company name
- Position title
- Date applied
- Application status
- Follow-up dates
- Contact person (if available)
Step 4: Ace the Interview
Preparation
- Research the company thoroughly
- Prepare answers to common questions
- Prepare 3-5 questions to ask the interviewer
- Practice with a friend or family member
- Plan your outfit (business formal is safest)
- Plan your route and arrive 15 minutes early
During the Interview
- Greet everyone politely (including security/receptionist)
- Firm handshake, good eye contact
- Listen carefully before answering
- Use the STAR method for behavioral questions
- Show enthusiasm for the role and company
- Take notes if offered pen and paper
Common First-Job Interview Questions
- "Tell me about yourself"
- "Why do you want to work here?"
- "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
- "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
- "Why should we hire you?"
- "What are your salary expectations?"
Step 5: Negotiation (For Entry-Level)
Entry-level positions often have fixed salaries, but you can still:
- Research market rates beforehand
- Don't mention salary first - let them make an offer
- If salary is non-negotiable, discuss other benefits (training, flexible hours, etc.)
- Get everything in writing before accepting
Typical Entry-Level Salaries in Nigeria (2026)
- Tech (Software Engineering): ₦150,000 - ₦400,000/month
- Banking (Graduate Trainee): ₦180,000 - ₦300,000/month
- Marketing/Sales: ₦100,000 - ₦250,000/month + commission
- Admin/HR: ₦80,000 - ₦180,000/month
- Accounting: ₦120,000 - ₦250,000/month
- Engineering (Non-IT): ₦150,000 - ₦300,000/month
Step 6: Your First Day and Beyond
First Week Success Tips
- Arrive early every day
- Take notes on everything
- Ask questions when unclear
- Learn colleagues' names quickly
- Observe workplace culture before being too casual
- Volunteer for tasks when possible
First 90 Days Goals
- Understand your role and responsibilities clearly
- Build relationships with key stakeholders
- Deliver quality work on time
- Identify learning opportunities
- Seek feedback regularly
- Document your achievements
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without tailoring resume: Generic applications get ignored
- Poor email etiquette: Use professional language and format
- Not following up: Send thank-you emails after interviews
- Lying on resume: Embellishments will be discovered
- Being late to interviews: Plan to arrive early, Nigerian traffic is unpredictable
- Not researching salary ranges: Know your worth before negotiations
- Turning down offers too quickly: Take time to evaluate (but not more than 48-72 hours)
Alternative Paths if Traditional Jobs Are Scarce
- Internships: Gain experience even if unpaid (but set a timeline)
- Freelancing: Build portfolio and income (Upwork, Fiverr, local clients)
- Volunteer Work: Gain skills and expand network
- Further Education: Professional certifications (ACCA, CFA, Google Certificates)
- Entrepreneurship: Start small while job hunting
Resources and Support
- HeadHunter.ng Career Resources: Resume templates, interview guides
- Free Online Courses: Coursera, edX, Google Digital Skills
- YouTube Channels: Nigerian career coaches and success stories
- Professional Associations: Student/early career membership rates
Final Words of Encouragement
The Nigerian job market is competitive, but persistence pays off. The average job search takes 3-6 months. Don't get discouraged by rejections - each one is bringing you closer to the right opportunity. Keep improving your skills, expanding your network, and staying positive. Your first job is just the beginning of your career journey.
Remember: Every successful professional in Nigeria once went through this exact process. You've got this!