If you’ve searched for a job in Nigeria, then you’ve probably heard the above statement repeated more times than you can remember.

The truth is that jobs in Nigeria are becoming more like a lottery these days, with more and more people looking for different kinds of jobs simultaneously.

This means that you must be at your best in terms of personality and qualifications to land your dream job. But how can you set yourself apart in an overcrowded job market where many people believe their connections can grant them express access to any job they want?

Here are smart tips that you can leverage to put yourself in a good position, even when you don’t know anyone.

ALSO READ: Job Hunting 101 – How to set yourself apart in the Nigerian employment market

1. Build In-Demand Skills

While it’s good to graduate with the best possible grades, you must realise that employers prioritize practical skills over formal education. Thus, we’ve often advised young graduates to acquire competencies in areas like digital marketing, software development, data analysis, and project management.

Thankfully, platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn exist these days for learning useful and in-demand skills. Some of these platforms even offer certificates from recognised institutions.

2. Craft an Outstanding CV and Cover Letter

Your CV and cover letter say a lot about you before the recruitment team officially meets you. So, you’d want to impress them from the get-go. This is why you should craft an outstanding CV that highlights achievements rather than just job duties.

For instance, instead of stating “Managed sales activities,” say “Delivered 30% sales growth within six months.” Tailor your cover letter to the specific role, demonstrating how your skills align with the job requirements.

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3. Leverage Online Job Portals and Social Media

Regularly check reputable job portals such as Jobberman, MyJobMag, and Hot Nigerian Jobs for the latest job updates. Maintain an active LinkedIn profile, join industry-related groups, and engage with content to increase visibility.

You can also add the following companies and industry leaders on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. These individuals often provide updates about available jobs and tips to succeed in interviews.

4. Engage in Internships, Volunteering, and Freelancing

Gaining practical experience through internships, volunteering, or freelancing can enhance your employability. These opportunities not only provide hands-on experience but also help build a professional network. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can be avenues to showcase your skills and earn income while job hunting.

5. Network Strategically

Attend networking events, career fairs, and seminars to meet professionals in your field. Prepare a concise introduction about yourself and follow up with connections made. Joining professional associations related to your industry can also provide access to exclusive job listings and mentorship opportunities.

ALSO READ: 5 Nigerians share their crazy experiences job-hunting after school

6. Be Cautious of Job Scams

While it’s good to work hard for your employment, you must also stay vigilant against fraudulent job offers. Be wary of job postings without specific titles or those requiring upfront payments for training. Always verify the legitimacy of companies and avoid sharing personal information unless you are certain of the employer’s credibility.

When I was a child, I longed so much to become an adult. Why? I loved the fact that adults have the freedom to do whatever they like and go wherever they want.

Unlike me, who could barely snaffle a biscuit without someone noticing, as I began to grow, things changed. Life itself began to teach me valuable lessons.

However, one of the biggest lessons life has taught me is that adulthood comes with many responsibilities. Now, it’s easy to see why people coined the slang ‘adulthood is a Scam.’

But as I switched on my laptop to write this morning, one question came to my mind: Is adulthood really a scam? Certainly not! But well, it’s close enough to it.

ALSO READ: 10 things to do if you’re trying to find your path in life as a young adult

Here are some lessons everybody picks up on their way to becoming full adults.

1. Salary is just a suggestion – The Unpredictable Finances of Nigerian Adulthood

Remember when you were a child and thought adults were rich because they had “a job”? Surprise! Between government taxes, transport hikes, and random bank deductions, adulthood often feels like earning money just to redistribute it to bills, siblings, and data plans.

So, as you grow, you’re forced to learn financial discipline or face the consequences of a failed adulthood. Fortunately, there are so many budgeting apps these days that can help you plan. So learn to make use of them.

2. The Myth of Independence: You Will Call Your Parents (Or Aunties) for Help

Independence sounds good until your landlord increases rent overnight or your gas finishes mid-cooking. You’ll find yourself calling your mum not for food, but for advice, prayers, and maybe a small loan alerts.

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But hey – that’s not a crime. After all, adulthood doesn’t mean isolation. It’s okay to lean on your community. Just don’t ghost them when things are rosy.

3. Career Realities: Passion Meets Nigerian Market

The dream was to be a fashion designer, writer, or game developer. But reality? You’re in customer service for a logistics company and doing makeup on weekends to keep up. But that’s not a problem. Pivoting is part of the journey. Nigerian hustling isn’t just cultural – it’s survival. Just don’t forget to rest before you burn out.

4. Mental Health Is Real, Not Just for “Oyinbo” People

From Lagos traffic stress to Abuja’s heat and PH’s constant fuel scarcity, Nigeria itself is a stressor. Combine that with societal pressure to marry, build a house, or “make it” before 30, and you can tell how quickly your mental health will begin to deteriorate.

Just find a way to protect your peace. Therapy helps, and sometimes, so does muting that cousin who won’t stop posting vacation photos on Instagram.

5. Social Media Is a Lie (Mostly)

ALSO READ: How to feel confident if you struggle with low self-esteem

You see curated “soft life” posts, but you don’t see the unpaid internships, the failed jollof, or the third time NEPA killed someone’s fridge. Don’t let it make you feel like you’re failing.

Learn to run your own race and focus on it. Social media is a highlight reel, not the full movie.

Adulting in Nigeria is hard, unpredictable, and at times hilariously absurd. But it also teaches grit, creativity, and the kind of resilience that can’t be taught in school. So no, it’s not a scam. But maybe—just maybe—they could have warned us better.

We live in an age where hustle culture is glamourised, and you know what that means—our phones almost never sleep. Notifications beep, and there are unanswered messages here and there.

But with all these hustles and bustles comes the need for peace. Choosing peace can almost feel rebellious. But for a growing number of people, especially young Africans, “soft life” isn’t laziness or luxury. It’s intentional living. It’s healing. And most of all, it’s necessary.

So, how do you chase your dreams and protect your peace in a world that never shuts up? Let’s take you on a tour of the world of soft life.

What Exactly Is Soft Life?

Let’s be clear – soft life isn’t just about taking solo trips to Zanzibar (though, that sounds amazing too). It’s about:

• Emotional peace over people-pleasing.

• Balance over burnout.

• Boundaries over busyness.

A soft life is freedom from glorifying struggle. It’s about choosing joy and rest without guilt. But with this definition comes the begging question—how can you live a soft life and prioritize peace without quitting your job or going on the Zanzibar trip?

How to Live the Soft Life 

1. Romanticise the mundane

You don’t need a private jet to enjoy life. Light candles during dinner. Dress up just because. Celebrate small wins like they’re Nobel Prizes, and you’ll see how much you begin to enjoy life.

2. Filter your noise

Mute group chats. Curate your social feed. Not everyone should have access to your mind space, and you shouldn’t have access to everybody’s. So find what suits your goals and follow them.

3. Rest with intention

Sleep isn’t laziness. Breaks are part of progress. Protect your weekends like you protect your data, and find the slightest opportunities to rest. There’s nothing wrong with taking time off from work.

4. Learn the power of “No.”

You don’t need a reason to decline. “No” is a full sentence – and a soft life anthem. If they’re telling you to do something you’re not comfortable with or something that takes you out of your comfort zone without benefits, learn to say no.

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Soft Life ≠ Soft Mind

Let’s not confuse softness with weakness. The people pursuing peace are often the strongest, because they’ve had to fight the loudest noise: expectations, culture, guilt, and trauma.

Choosing peace in a world that profits from your anxiety is revolutionary.