Where have Nigerian Tech Jobs Gone?
A lot of new and experienced developers often email/message me, “Hey Tobi? How do you get Tech Jobs, How do you get clients?”
My response always, “But they’re jobs everywhere now”. A response most people feel isn’t helpful.
Some even make a joke of it when I say I’ve worked for close to 5–6 companies a year. I see it in their faces, that expression which screams out — could this be possible.
A lot of tech newbies and even experienced Nigerian developers begin to have the mindset that they’re no much tech jobs in Nigeria, But I, on the other hand, believe that when it comes to the tech space, there are various opportunities in Nigeria, endless even!
So in this article, I'd be sharing with you, answers to the question;
- When to apply for a tech job
- Where to apply for a tech job
Answers to these two questions would save you a great deal of trouble and stress during your job hunt. Well then let’s begin.
When to apply for a tech job
When to apply for a tech job? Well, Every single day!
Ok, not every single day but regularly, I for one always apply for every javascript related job I come across not because I want the job, most times I end up turning the job down when I’m been made an offer. I apply because I get to understand how different companies go about their recruitment process, I get to try out their programming test and it boosts confidence in the long run.
Also, it’s a good avenue to network big time! not just with the interviewer but with an employee of the firm. The truth is you have to put yourself out there and let people know that someone with your skillset exists.
So when should you apply? apply every chance you get, every chance! and get familiar with the recruitment process of various companies.
Sure enough, you now know when to apply but I’d also like to add when not to apply. I feel it’s important to know when you’re not ready to start applying for jobs and here’s what I came up with; look at it as something to take note of when applying;
- You have to look good on paper
When I say look good on paper I’m definitely talking about your CV, GitHub account, LinkedIn, portfolio, your personal website. You have to look good tech-wise on paper!
When you send out an application for a position, best believe that the employer is running a background check with the information you provided, his checking out your GitHub account to see projects you’ve worked on, his looking at your LinkedIn account to check out your previous workplace, his doing every possible check not just on you but on every single application that comes in, you have to look good on paper to catch the employers attention.
So a word of advice, if you’re not updating your LinkedIn profile, please do so, if you’re not active on GitHub, change that habit, if you take a look at your CV and you don’t feel impressed it means that CV is due for an upgrade, update it!
- Don’t do it for the money
Most times I see newbies turning down a job offer because the money offered is too small. I understand having standard as regards to the price of your skill but understand that most time you need to gain experience and you can’t really do much by working on just personal project, you need to get out there. The money isn’t all that matters you know!
Where to apply for a tech job
— My people perish because of lack of knowledge
This is one passage in the bible that really applies here, It doesn’t matter how new to tech you are or even how experienced you are, chances are you’d always end up in your current position if you don’t know where to get the latest job alerts.
In Nigeria, they’re various ways to get job alerts, which is;
- Referrals
- Online sites
- Tech communities
- Just Apply
I stand corrected, but these are the most common ways of getting a job in Nigeria. So let’s talk more on them individually,
Referrals
Referrals are one great way to get a job, and also one of the easiest I must add, but you have to be aware that no one will refer you for a job if no one knows what you’re capable of, Most times I have code newbies telling me to pass on one of a gig I have to them, all promising they can get the job done but the truth is I don’t know what you’re capable of, I don’t know your strength and most importantly you’re a newbie (this also applies to experienced developers), I don’t really feel comfortable giving a job with a tight deadline and crazy features to someone whose still learning, and I’m sure most people out there in such position of referring won’t do same too.
This isn't me trying to say code newbie can’t handle a tuff project, NO! all I’m saying is you have a lot of work to get done, a lot! You need to build stuff, you need to try out some small project on your own, you need craft sh*t, you need to get your hands dirty and as you do this you need to let the world know that you’re getting your hands dirty!
Don’t build stuff and leave it on your PC, no! show your friend what you just built, post on twitter, be proud of what you’re learning and building and make sure all you do is out there. No project is too silly, too small and too childish, even if you built a simple app that could add two numbers, let the whole world know you built that and sure enough someone in need of an app that can add two numbers would connect with you :)
Online sites
A lot of you may not know but they’re a lot of sites that post job alert and gigs, I’d suggest you have an account with such platform and start applying. Some site;
- Devcenter
- Getdev.co
- Codeln
- Jobberman
- ngcareers
- AngelList
- ng.clicbye.com
- Facebook Groups
- weworkremotely
- workdesk
I could spend the whole day just listing sites, but these are sites you should check out!
Most especially Facebook, they're tonnes of facebook groups to join to help land you your next remote job. Do check this article for ten (10) facebook groups you can join to land that remote job.
Tech communities
It’s always funny when I see someone saying his learning a framework or language and has never attended any meetup regarding that framework or language, it’s laughable!
Understand tech is like any other establishment, to say you’re part of it, you have to belong to it fully! In Nigeria, they’re numerous tech communities which host meetup’s, most even go the extra mile to have WhatsApp and telegram group chat where members can ask questions and seek advice and sure enough, they post job alerts tailored to their community and tech stack. If you don’t know how to connect to your community, twitter would be a good place to start.
Yes, Twitter!
when someone walks up to me with the question “I’m new to tech, how should I go about it?” My replies always join twitter!
I’m always used to saying, tech is like any other establishment and to be in tech you have to belong fully, and by fully I mean 100%. Twitter is one place where all tech minds meet, it’s where we talk, it’s where we call home!
From post on resource to work with to finding good mentors, twitter has it all! and it’s a platform you have to join, and fast!
Just Apply
Yes, just apply! You have done all there is to be done, but you haven't done this, just apply!
Most times it’s best to look for a company you really feel drawn to and get their email address from their website and just send your application/CV to their email. Two out of three times you’d get a response, so don’t be shy and don't doubt yourself, just apply. Here’s an example of what your email could look like.
It’s also best to have at the back of your mind that this process usually takes time, don’t expect to get a response immediately, NO! send out your application and take a chill pill and expect nothing but good news!
Conclusion
It is even believed that most developers work for a period of 1–2 years then resign to work elsewhere, Meaning tech companies are always on the lookout for good developers always!
The Nigerian tech space is one which is really booming and holds vast opportunities for everyone, you included! so take time to restructure yourself and get out there!
If you enjoyed the articles do give it a clap, also feel free to reach out to me on twitter.
