According to Trading Economics, the employment rate in Nigeria was 76.9% in 2018. This is the lowest the rate has been since it started being tracked six years ago, well off its high of 93.60% in 2014. However, based on current market data indicators, the rate has flattened out and is expected to increase to 78% in 2021. With a population of almost 190 million people and a growing economy, Nigeria is a country with many opportunities: Oracle, Shell, and other international giants have their offices here.
In this article, you will learn about the most popular industries, where Nigerian citizens can start decent careers. We will also share viable tips on preparing a resume and a cover letter. Don’t miss out on the job opportunities in Nigeria which may change your future.
Job market offers in Nigeria
We have made a list of the industries and niches, where people from the Nigerian community can apply their skills and experience in 2020.
Teaching Jobs
Education is the basis of any development. According to Macro Trends, the literacy rate in Nigeria has increased by 10% during the past 10 years and has now reached 62%. This means that more and more Nigerians now understand the role of education and the value of going to schools and universities.
There are thousands of schools across Nigeria, so you can search for teaching and education vacancies within your location. Moreover, local specialists can exchange experience and participate in international programs. Read more information on how to get a job abroad from Nigeria and pick the field you are interested in the most.
Project and Product Management
The Nigerian economy is evolving with new companies and enterprises emerging. This means that specialists, who can plan, control, execute, and monitor a team’s efficiency are in high demand. Project and product managers are required in multiple fields both in government and private enterprises. Filing for such a position ensures stable growth, interesting projects, and working on diverse tasks with a team of experts.
Health and Medical Sphere
Nigeria, like hundreds of countries across the globe, faces health challenges with COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, and chronic illnesses, so there is a huge demand for medical workers in a variety of fields. This includes public and private hospitals, as well as international organizations. For example, if you are a pediatrician and want to get valuable experience, UNICEF has open positions in Nigeria.
Engineering
Many of the latest job opportunities in Nigeria include engineering positions. The growing Nigerian industry involves multiple sectors including gas and oil, power, and construction. This results in high demand for engineers, whether they are qualified experts or fresh out of school.
Advertising and Marketing
It is difficult to imagine a progressive company which doesn’t have a marketing department. Marketing experts deal with public relationships and advertising, making sure that the products reach the target audience.
Nigeria has a variety of industries that produce tangible goods and services. That is why there is a constant need for specialists who can create awareness of the products. If you have a background in marketing and advertising, this is a very promising niche.
Non Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations or NGOs are humanitarian institutions that operate without government support and don’t aim to make profits. When working for NGOs, Nigerians can build transferable skills like leadership, organization, research, and communication. These skills can later be applied both in your professional and personal life. Other benefits of working for non-profit organizations are the absence of legal protractions and working with international specialists. Here are some of the top NGOs in Nigeria to consider:
- Abia North Industrial Development Initiative
- African Citizens Development Foundation
- Catholic Women Organization
- Centre for Advanced Social Studies
- Doctors for All Nations
Banking and Financing
Management of funds is quite challenging and requires attention and knowledge, which makes banking and financing a rather popular field. There is a constant need for bankers, financial experts, and accountants in any business which aims to make profits or simply deals with money.
Business Development and Sales
Starting and developing a business means completing tasks and processes which ensure constant growth and development. Today, Nigeria has multiple manufacturing industries that require skilled and competent individuals to increase sales and help with stable business growth and increase profits. If you know how to sell things effectively and understand business processes, then applying for a business development or sales position is a great choice.
Working on a resume and a cover letter
There are multiple things to keep in mind when creating a resume or CV, as each application document varies greatly depending on the vacancy. To help, we have gathered the latest tips which will suit you regardless of your niche and background:
- Pick the format and order. Will it be in chronological or reverse-chronological order? Will you use a formal or a laid-back style? Consider your experience and the niche before making a decision.
- Personal profile. Start with the title, your first and last name, email, and links to your LinkedIn page or online portfolio. At the beginning of the resume, write a few sentences about who you are as a specialist, and what makes you a perfect candidate for the vacancy position.
- Educational background. Devote a separate section to the schools and colleges you have attended, including details about your specialization and degree.
- Work experience. Start with your most recent job and work backward to properly show your professional progress. Include the names of the companies, dates, your position, and main responsibilities. Focus only on experience that is relevant for the vacancy position. Not to bore the hiring manager with irrelevant work experience. Your resume needs to be easy to quickly read, so try to fit all the information on one single page.
- Awards and certificates. If you have any achievements or special qualifications, they can be included in a separate section.
- Skills. Talk about your additional skills and knowledge, which can be useful for the employer. For example, the mastering of certain computer programs or foreign language proficiency.
Once the resume is ready, don’t forget to add a cover letter when applying. It is a great opportunity to tell more about your soft skills, background, and interest in a particular company. If you have never written these letters on your own or want to be sure of the result, using the fastest and the most reliable builders is a great alternative.
Final thoughts
The Nigerian market is slowly coming back to life after the global crisis and pandemic, with more vacancies emerging daily. In this article, we have discussed the industries you can consider and the things to remember when creating a resume. If you want to be sure that the potential employer notices you among other candidates and understands your value, we recommend tailoring your resume and cover letter to each company.
When choosing a niche and a vacancy to which to apply, consider not only the offered salary but also your personal interests. It will help you to grow as a professional and to remain competitive in the labor market.
Authored by Anna Hmara (Career Expert, GCL).