Unemployed or Unemployable?

Being unemployed is an economic problem; being unemployable is a skills problem. Here’s a question: “Would you hire yourself if there was $100 million at stake?” Your answer to that question will speak more about how aware you are of your skills and limitations than your level of honesty.

Capitalism is a workshop sport; people without skill do not get an entry pass to this Olympics. It’s as simple as that. Organisations are constantly competing for customers, new technology, and innovative solutions that might help them get ahead and achieve their Critical Success Factor.

In a country like Nigeria where school curricula are largely theory-based, potential employees are saddled with the responsibility of acquiring market-relevant skills after graduation. The grim reality of inadequate job readiness staring job seekers in the face, is better faced with an understanding of the gap between what schools offer and what the market needs.

Employers look for low risk employees — highly skilled, experienced with minimal training needs — but this does not mean that employers would not hire highly skilled employees with exceptional soft skills and great attitude; and that is your sweet spot.

As a job seeker straight out of school, or someone looking to re-enter the workforce after a long break, your best bet is to spend 80% of your time sharpening your saw (working on personal and collaborative projects, taking courses, attending seminars and building your network). Job search is only 20% of the task.

Learning on your own can be very daunting. Especially when you have to battle other region-specific issues like power and internet connection. It takes a look of grit, foresight and determination to finish a 6 hour course module. But like many other things, the more your stay at it, the easier it gets. Okay not easy-easy, but you grow each time you cross a threshold; which makes it easier the next time you try.

The year 2020 has shown us how the world can change drastically by one occurrence. Agility fueled by a determination to learn and upskill dramatically remains the winning formula. Only one question left to answer: “Are you willing to try something that might now work?”

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