TalkAfrique

I have observed with utmost dismay how a handful of job applicants exhibit incompetence and lack of corporate ethics resulting in apparent loss of job opportunities. My experience over the years in the organized private sector of the Nigerian economy reveals to a large extent the need for drastic measures to be taken by both the government and concerned bodies such as student Union, Civil society groups, Non-governmental organizations and institutions of learning in preparing the youths for what lies ahead after graduation.

Usually, upon graduation, a student with his or her credentials turns in applications to selected firms and organizations for job opportunities either online or by hand-. This is where they start getting it wrong. I notice with heightened dismay the way these applications are drafted though there are no hard and fast rules on the composition of a C.V, as standard on this differs worldwide. It is equivocally imperative that applicants sought after a standard and acceptable model of resume in there respective states or countries rather than settling for what friends and quacks have to offer.

The second instance is with the information supplied on these curriculum vitae. Some information in the C.V may form the basis for the short listing and subsequent employment offer or otherwise of applicants. Some applicants while providing personal information to their prospective employer fail to ‘capture’ the interest of such. Information on work experience, education, and seemingly minute details as hobbies are wrongly indicated. On hobbies for instance, many applicants state among others: FOOTBALL, MAKING FRIENDS, RUNNING, SLEEPING just to mention few. They fail to realize that though hobbies may tend to represent what an individual does in his leisure, it should portray traits of skills, talents, strengths possessed by the applicant.

Another common trend is the style and manner of dressing by applicants when invited for interviews. As highlighted above, continents, countries and states differs in their mode of dressing. Meanwhile, an applicant seeking a formal employment with either the private or public sector should appear formal. This would among others involve for males, a well tidied shirt and trouser with tie, preferably in a suit (optional). Cognizance must be taken on ensuring that all the applicant have on him or her harmonize with one another from the shirt, trouser, tie to the belt and shoe colors used. Neglect must not be made on the hair appearance too.

While set to be interviewed, an average employer usually requests of the applicant to make an introduction of him or herself. Some erroneously respond by sharing their biography. Though few details on an applicant’s bio-data may be necessary, it is important that applicants use such avenue to ‘market’ or ‘sell’ to the prospective employer what they have as strengths. Questions not known should never be guess wrongly, rather, humbly admit ‘NO IDEA’.

Conclusively, an applicant does well by making research ahead of time on the industry and selected companies he or she intends applying. This will give such applicant an edge over others on the job. Composure, confidence and communication skills are so pertinent among others while an applicant is interviewed for a success.