2014 Review, A Nigerian Context to Alfred Ajani's 2014 Job Landing Stunt

  

Alfred Ajani

  Earlier this year Nigerian media went agog with a job hunting stunt pulled by Alfred Ajani. As the story goes, Alfred had used traditional job hunting methods for 300 applications without success. This prompted a launch of a rather innovative stunt which eventually got him some offers and his dream job. As the year comes to an end, I have selected his story and by subjecting it to a more local setting I hope to compare both environment while offering some tips from the most unexpected method of searching for a job.

   There are some lessons job seekers first need to learn from Alfred's strategy. First on the list is for job seekers to know that hope should not be lost, after 300 applications Alfred still struck his neck out even to the point of using a bizarre yet effective method. Job hunting can be frustrating especially if it records no positive trend, applicants can learn from Graham Bell and Alfred Ajani's continuous attempt on not losing hope in such circumstance. The second is for job seekers to seek innovative ways. They should realize that there are many other job seekers out there, attention should be shifted to seeking viable ways to showcase oneself.

   Another revelation from Alfred's experience is rightly stated in Segun Akiode's eBook 'Corporate Misfits'. He stated that recruiters don't make home calls, applicants need to see them selves as a product or service while recruiters are like customers looking for the best deal. If one sees it this way, applicants will realise a need to market themselves to buyers.

    In bringing Alfred's strategy under a Nigerian context, I had to ask myself some questions and then i attempted to provide some solutions (to the best of my knowledge). The first question I asked was if any central place (a sort of Waterloo station) existed where applicants can meet recruiters. Some possible options I know are through

Networking and career mentorship

Attending career fairs - if you ever get to hear of any.

Joining professional bodies and the likes.

Recent innovations by job advert agencies is now making such moves possible, an example is Philip Consulting's Shortlist Nigeria.

    The second question I've had to ask myself was if Nigerians would honour such efforts. In a country where everyone is trying to survive, who would be sweet enough to ask for a resume. In solving this, job seekers would need a good dose of courage. Alfred must have felt awkward during the first few minutes as he stood watching people walk pass without any regards to him save a stare. This dose of courage should be fueled by persistent and a good knowledge of knowing you would become the talk of the town and maybe some people's BBM/Watsapp dp - what better way to get massive publicity.

The third lesson herein is for job seekers to know what they want and to set their priorities.

Job hunting is truly a job in itself. The job seeker must throw myself at recruiters, no need to wait on recruiters any longer

Create your own strategy.