How to get a job in Nigeria as a graduate with 2.2 or 3rd class

Getting a job in Nigeria nowadays with a second class lower (2.2) or 3rd class grade is out of reach of many graduates. This is because of increasing high rate of unemployment coupled with paper certificate mentality in Nigeria. In this article, you will learn how to get a job in Nigeria as a graduate with 2.2 or 3rd class.

Many companies prefer employing graduates with second Class upper (2:1) or First Class to second class lower and 3rd class counterparts. Most often, employers do this to reduce the number of applicants that usually run in hundred of thousands.

For this reason, most job openings in Nigeria specify that candidates should possess a minimum of second class upper. This is even getting worse every day as even graduates with second class upper or first class also find it difficult to get a job.

How to get a job in Nigeria as a graduate with 2.2 or 3rd class grade

Below are things you can do to improve your chances of getting a good job as a graduate with a 2.2 or 3rd class grade;

1. Change the way you think

First thing you should understand is that graduating with 2.2 or 3rd class is not the end of the world. You can graduate with 3rd class and yet still be successful in life than those that graduated with First Class. It depends on how and what you think.

I’ve seen some graduates who did not attend their convocation ceremonies because they think they are failures by graduating with poor grades. Even the Bible says “As a man think in his heart so he is”, so you are the product of you’re thinking.

Please, do not allow nonsense grade written on a piece of paper to prevent you from achieving your set goals in life. Your attitude towards life must change if you want to leave your footsteps in the sands of history.

2. Discover what you are good at

As it is said “Exam is not the true test of someone’s knowledge or ability”. You might have graduated with 2:2 or 3rd class because some of your lecturers deliberately failed you or perhaps you did not do so well in a course.

Do not allow this grade to rule your life. Find what you are good at and see where it takes you to. What is that thing that make you unique and special? Lay more emphasis on them when applying for a job.

3. Boost your confidence and communication skills

Many graduates with 2.1 or First Class may have problem getting a job if they do not know how to sell themselves. So, you can get a good job with your 2.2 or 3rd class degree if you can develop some skills that will be highly useful to the company you want to for with. Work on improving your communication skills and you’ll have a great chance of convincing an employer to give you the job.

4. Add professional certifications to your degree

So, instead of lying on the grade you made in school, you can choose to boost it. Take short certificate courses and improve yourself the best way you can.

You will be surprised to see how far you will go when you do this. Graduates with professional certifications stand a better chance of getting a good job despite graduating with 2:2 or 3rd class in school.

5. Gain the experience

Most job openings need some years of experience. So, at this point, you should not focus on making money. Do not reject any low paying job that comes you way even if they pay N15,000 per month.

Jump at those opportunities because they will prepare you for the road ahead. It is a learning curve because whatever experience you gain there will give you an edge over those who finished with First class or 2:1.

6. Drop your CV everywhere

Share your CV everywhere like church people that want to do crusade. Do not see this as a waste of time or money. You never can tell if an interested employer will pick the hard copy of your CV. You stand to lose more if you do not risk taking a risk. Make yourself available for every job till you get to the stage where you can make a choice and turn down offers.

7. Build Network

Be opened to networking in order to meet people who will help you in the labour market. Social media can be used as a tool for meeting important people who will change your life forever. Do not appear less serious on it. There are a couple of platforms that you can sell yourself and make employers get attracted to your profile. LinkedIn, Facebook and other pages can connect you with employers and other important people in the society.

8. Pray to God for his grace

There is nothing impossible unto God. If you pray, grace can take your job applications over for you. Grace can qualify the unqualified. Graduating with 2.2 or 3rd class should not discourage you and prevent you from soaring high in life.

Apply for jobs and ask for divine intervention at every point in time. Some graduates have gotten six figure jobs in places where they do not know anyone; not because of their qualification but by his grace. When the world expects you to know someone, tell them you know God. Believe in God and he will bless you.

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Source: Nyscinfo