Nigerian Graduate Breaks Down After Multiple Job Rejections
A young Nigerian lady has captured widespread attention online after sharing her heartbreaking experience of being rejected from 15 job interviews. The emotional story, posted on TikTok, highlights the unexpected challenges job seekers face in Nigeria's competitive employment market.
Viral TikTok Video Details Job Search Struggles
In a tearful video, the lady, identified as @voomzy1, explained that she has attended approximately 15 interviews since completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. Despite her qualifications, she was consistently turned down by employers who cited her CV as the primary reason for rejection.
She recounted in the video: "This is actually my 15th interview since I finished NYSC, but why am I crying? All the interviews I’ve gone to, they keep telling me they cannot pay me, they cannot hire me. Why? It’s not because I’m not fit for the job. It’s because immediately they see my CV, they’re like, 'How will you be looking for work if you serve in one of the highest media stations?'"
Employers Cite Salary Concerns Over Experience
The employers noted that her CV listed experience at prominent media organizations and other large companies in Nigeria. They expressed concern that they could not match the salary expectations her background suggested, even when she offered to accept lower pay.
The lady further explained: "My problem isn’t that they don’t want to give me work; it’s that sometimes they can’t pay me. I said, 'Okay, I’ll manage 200k as a graduate,' but sometimes they can’t even pay me that, the only amount they can pay is below 100k." She also mentioned that during one interview, a woman told her she should not be job-hunting because her versatility made her overqualified.
Social Media Reactions Offer Support and Advice
The post went viral, with many users offering words of comfort and practical suggestions. Comments ranged from encouragement to pursue content creation or entrepreneurship to advice on starting with humble beginnings.
- Edward Ekemere said: "Stick to this Content Creating and be consistent and you will blow."
- kc shared: "There must always be a humble beginning in everything you do, as a graduate I started with thirty thousand as my salary as at 2022 fast forward to today my salary is over there hundred I was able to achieve this only with hard work, patience and consistency not minding if I was paid thirty thousand as a graduate, so put pride away, you just have to start from somewhere, this is just an advice."
- INTENSE CONCEPT wrote: "This is your signs to know that you are not designed to work under someone, find yourself and try build up something from what you already know.you will do better Nne."
Broader Context of Employment Challenges in Nigeria
This incident sheds light on the broader issues faced by Nigerian graduates, including underemployment and salary disparities. It echoes similar stories, such as a recent report of a lady who rejected a job offer due to an extremely low monthly salary of N5000, highlighting the economic pressures in the job market.
The viral nature of this story underscores the emotional and financial toll of job hunting, resonating with many young Nigerians navigating similar challenges. As the conversation continues online, it prompts discussions about career strategies, employer expectations, and the need for supportive networks during the job search process.
