The JJC's guide to job hunting in Lagos - By Ada

I was watching a show on tv yesterday. A new comedy of African Magic Urban called Hustle. Basically the story is about this Johnny Just Come a.k.a JJC that came from Jos to Lagos. Yesterday's episode was about him going on job hunting. He happened go for an interview after so much ruckus in the morning at the place where he was squatting and arrived there late. Fortunately for him, the incorrigibly rude receptionist was able to get him to be interviewed. Now here's the interesting part he had to pay 2500 Naira to be interviewed. Everyone who has lived in Lagos for a while knows where this is probably heading but still there might be some JJCs like that guy reading this so I decided to do a job hunting 101 crash course for them. The basic principles found in this crash course applies everywhere but most especially it is vital for those in Lagos.

"But she's still just a student, what does she know about job hunting?" You might say. People say experience is the best teacher, my dad says "it is better to learn from other people's experience because it is less costly at the end". So yes, I am using experiences I learnt from those around me to teach others and remind myself too about what I am supposed to know. Besides, I just finished my IT and had had quite a number of things to learn while looking for placement as well as looking for summer jobs during my earlier university days. So here we go.

First of all, don't be too desperate or in a hurry to get a job, "make it" or just make money. The key emphasis is on too. Note I said "too desperate" before some people will start talking oshi and decide to come for my head. Out of frustration and desperation a lot of people fall victim to scammers out there because they are looking for a job. I was almost a victim once. I was on break from school and boredom was frustrating my life. Adding to that was the fact that I was broke.

One day like that I was passing through my street and saw this advert for a job, all these pay per day sales jobs and out of both curiosity as well as wanting a means to earn money during that period, I called one of the numbers. I conversed with the guy who picked the phone and started asking him details about the company and what not. The guy started getting uncomfortable and decided he was gonna give me the address to come and find out for myself. I was quite alert throughout the call even though the guy with sweet mouth tried to deceive me but e no know say im jazz no dey work. There was a point at which I was beginning to smell a rat and as soon as the guy quickly ended the call with an assurance to text the address, I knew it was a scam.

Moral lesson: Calm down and look for a job. Don't get too frustrated. There are a thousand and one legit ways to earn a living (note I said earn a living not work) if you just find out which one you would be able to do and do well with your talent.

Next, stop calling those numbers that write "job available. call 080********". They are as fake as those blue eyes you see on those girls' Instagram posts and snap stories. Have you ever seen a legitimate company that can not afford to do proper advertisements for their jobs? Even these provision stores around that need sales girls or boys don't do that. Their job adverts are usually pasted in front of their shops with their names on it. The next time you see such numbers, just pass them by they are looking for people to maga and I am very sure you don't want to be part of them.

Also if you happen to arrive at a company for an interview supposing that job you are applying for is probably not a modelling or an escort job or things like that, and the company building looks too shabby for the name they are posing as, that's a red alert. Turn back and run. Now let me give you an example. You saw an advert that is offering to pay you 60000 Naira per month or a so-so 'petroleum and gas' company and you get to the address you are given and what you can see it a skanky receptionist in a small 'reception' and the 'interviewers' office is likely the only one around that you can see , please carry your pali (certificate) and be going. Do they look like people that can afford to pay you 60k a month? Or do they look like a 'petroleum and gas company?' Run and don't look back.

Lastly, any interview you go for and you are asked to pay for is fake. Fake fake fake. Quote me anywhere, you would see that it is the truth. Once my cousin was looking for a job at one place like that in Jibowu then they asked her to pay a certain some of money like that our brother in Hustle. My dad heard it and asked her to come back. Any place they ask you to pay for an interview is not legitimate. There might be others 'paying' in quote along with you there but they could be part of the gang of criminals scamming people and are just pretending. So the next time someone asks you to "register" and 'pay' to be interview, just smile at the person, turn around and walk out. It's the best thing that could ever happen to you.


I hope we've been able to remind ourselves of some important things to take note of when going job hunting especially in this hard economic times when more wicked people are everywhere seeking to disown others of their money. We need to be alert always and this tips serve as reminders. So shine your eyes always and stay blessed.
Toodles!