On a scale of 1-100, 60%  of  Nigerian Youths have a predominant thought, JOB HUNTING!

A few weeks ago I was privileged to have worked with a certain body that organized a "surprise" PERFORMANCE EXAMINATION for their already existing employees and trust me, you don't want to know the chaos that followed that surprise.

I'm particularly moved to write this piece today as I wake up with the resonance in my head that not everyone will be an Entrepreneur or Business owner, some people will definitely be the part of the workforce!

This ugly truth soaks further into my line of thoughts as i uncomfortably recount watching youths especially, as well as people of other age brackets scamper from pillar to post in search of Jobs.

A negligible few get the jobs, a few seek the "shelter of Entrepreneurship" as a means to an end, while the greater percentage sulk and whine about the "unavailability" of jobs.

Even as i graciously hand out a healthy dose of my unreserved sympathy, I am nonetheless willing to admit the glaring truth that some people search the ends of the earth for jobs while some others have jobs delivered to their bedrooms.

Now before you go hysterical on me, I'll like you to know there is a big difference between searching for a job and BEING EMPLOYABLE!

In Africa, particular Nigeria, our voices are the loudest as we pitch the familiar song of "job unavailability" but that my friends, is hardly the entire truth.

The absolute truth is, it's not the absence of jobs but the presence of Employable people.

Yes i'm a Freelance Writer amongst several other skills; plus a regular 9-5 job I hold, 5 days every week.
I have also been working on and off since my Undergraduate days until now!

The idea is not to blow my own trumpet with that tidbit of personal information, but here is where i was headed  with that; and NOT TO SOUND IMMODEST, I for one have never applied for a job consciously!

All of the jobs I have served on either came from recommendations or were the results of my personal skills.

And No, this isn't a function of Luck or wishful thinking!

The Big Question is, Why do some people have it easy and some others don't?
What is the missing link??

Most jobseekers wish they could unlock the "secret formula" to winning over employers.
They often wonder, what the "magic mix" of skills and values are that make employers want to hire them on the spot?

Here is what it is,
Every employer is looking for a unique set of skills from jobseekers for each job opening, however certain skills and values are nearly universally sought by hiring managers.

While technical skills will always be important, soft skills have become the most sought after skills in employment today.

The best news is that once you understand the skills and characteristics that most employers seek, you can tailor your job-search to showcase how well your background aligns with common employer requirements. 

That said It's my pleasure to bring you the summary of my thoughts with;

TOP 10 EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
1.Communication skills — Listening, speaking and writing. Employers want people who can accurately interpret what others are saying and organize and express their thoughts clearly.

2.Teamwork — In today’s work environment, many jobs involve working in one or more groups. Employers want someone who can bring out the best in others.

3.Analytical and problem-solving skills — Employers want people who can use creativity, reasoning and past experiences to identify and solve problems effectively.

4. Personal management skills — The ability to plan and manage multiple assignments and tasks, set priorities and adapt to changing conditions and work assignments.

5.Interpersonal effectiveness — Employers usually note whether an employee can relate to co-workers and build relationships with others in the organization this also entails Multicultural Sensitivity/Awareness. What do i mean???

There is possibly no bigger issue in the workplace than diversity, and jobseekers must demonstrate a sensitivity and awareness to other people and cultures.

6.Computer/technical literacy — Although employers expect to provide training on job-specific software, they also expect employees to be proficient with basic computer skills.

7.Leadership/management skills — The ability to take charge and manage your co-workers, if required, is a welcome trait. Most employers look for signs of leadership qualities.

8.Learning skills — Jobs are constantly changing and evolving, and employers want people who can grow and learn as changes come.

9. Academic competence in reading and math — Although most jobs don’t require calculus, almost all jobs require the ability to read and comprehend  instructions and perform basic math.

10. Strong work values — Dependability, honesty, selfconfidence and a positive attitude are prized qualities in any profession. Employers look for personal integrity.

Employability skills and personal values are the critical tools and traits you need to succeed in the workplace, and they are all elements that you can learn, cultivate, develop, and maintain over your lifetime.

Once you have identified the sought-after skills and values and assessed the degree to which you possess them, begin to market them by building them into your resume and cover letter.

Oh No People, it's not my style to leave you you without a conclusive assistance, so tomorrow I'll be showing you HOW TO WRITE A PROFESSIONAL CV AND COVER LETTER. 

Who says you cannot be Employable even at retirement? It's all about your STAYING POWER!

Until tomorrow when we wrap this session up, it's always with;

Lots of Love,
Your Fragile Giant!