The hidden job market in Nigeria

There is a popular, cynical saying in the Nigerian job market: "It's not what you know, it's who you know."

Many job seekers interpret this to mean that the entire system is corrupt, and unless you have an "uncle at the top," you will never get a good job. While nepotism exists everywhere in the world, the reality of the Nigerian corporate space is much more practical: trust is expensive, and risk is high.

When a hiring manager in Lagos needs to fill a role, they know that posting it online will result in 1,000 CVs—many of which are unqualified or contain fabricated information. To save time and reduce the risk of making a bad hire, they ask their colleagues: "Do you know any sharp person who can do this job?"

That is the hidden job market. Most jobs are filled by referral before they are ever advertised. If you want to access these jobs, you need to learn how to network and ask for referrals honestly, professionally, and effectively.

Stop asking "Abeg, any work?"

The biggest networking mistake Nigerians make is desperation without direction.

If you meet a senior manager at a wedding, or connect with an alumni member on LinkedIn, and your first message is: "Good evening sir, please I am a fresh graduate, abeg I need any work at all to survive," you will likely be ignored.

Why? Because you have just given them a massive burden. They do not know what you can do, what your skills are, or where you would fit. They do not have time to figure it out for you.

How to ask properly:

You must give people specific, actionable information.

"Good evening sir. I recently completed my NYSC and I am looking for an entry-level data entry or administrative role, ideally in Ikeja or the Island. If you hear of any openings in your network, I would be grateful if you let me know. I have attached my one-page CV just in case."

This works because it is specific (admin role), geographically bounded (Ikeja/Island), and low-pressure.

Where to build your network

You do not need to attend expensive corporate dinners to network. Look at the communities you already belong to.

1. The Alumni Network

Your university alumni association is your strongest asset. Senior professionals feel a natural kinship with younger graduates from their alma mater. Find them on LinkedIn. Send a connection request saying: "Hi [Name], great to see a fellow Unilag alum doing so well in the FMCG sector. I'd love to connect and follow your professional updates."

2. Religious and Community Groups

In Nigeria, your church, mosque, and estate associations are profound professional networks. The person sitting two rows ahead of you might be a HR director. Do not treat these spaces purely as social; let the responsible adults in these communities know exactly what your career goals are.

3. NYSC and Peer Networks

Do not just network "up" with senior people; network "across" with your peers. The people you served with during NYSC are taking jobs all over the country. Keep in touch with them. When their company is expanding, they will be the first to know, and they can slide your CV directly to their boss.

How to prepare for the referral

When someone finally says, "Okay, send me your CV, let me forward it to HR," you must be ready instantly.

If you say, "Let me go to the cybercafe tomorrow to type it," you have lost the opportunity. You must have a clean, one-page PDF version of your CV saved on your phone, ready to forward via WhatsApp or email at a moment's notice.

Your referred CV still has to pass the HR screening. Ensure it is professional. Read our guide on how to find a job in Lagos to understand the geographic targeting you need, and ensure you have an application letter ready if requested.

The Scam Warning

A legitimate referral is based on professional trust. No legitimate contact will ask you to pay a bribe or a "processing fee" to secure a job. If someone in your "network" asks for ₦50,000 to "facilitate" an employment letter, they are scamming you. Walk away.

Networking is simply about making yourself visible, useful, and specific to the people around you. Start by getting your foundation right. Build a sharp, professional CV that your contacts will be proud to forward, using Monta meu currículo? — it is free, fast, and works directly on your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ask someone for a job referral without sounding desperate?

Be specific and low-pressure. Instead of asking for "any job," tell them exactly what role and location you are looking for (e.g., "entry-level accounting on the Island"). Ask them to keep you in mind if they hear of anything, rather than demanding a job directly from them.

Is it professional to send my CV to someone via WhatsApp in Nigeria?

Yes, in Nigeria, WhatsApp is heavily used for professional networking. If someone in your network asks for your CV, sending a well-formatted PDF directly on WhatsApp is perfectly acceptable and often preferred for speed.

Do I have to pay someone who helps me get a job?

No. While it is polite to express gratitude (perhaps sending a thank-you note or a small token of appreciation after you are hired), you should never pay a bribe or an upfront "processing fee" to anyone offering to refer you for a job.

What if I don't know anyone in the corporate sector?

Start by networking horizontally with your peers (university classmates, NYSC colleagues) who are also entering the workforce. You can also network digitally by engaging thoughtfully with industry professionals on LinkedIn.