13 ways to increase your chances of getting your desired job after graduation

This article is composed based on experience and mistakes. It’s meant to be an eye opener for undergraduates and young people who are at the point of starting their career path. There are things you can do to avoid job hunt/unemployment after graduation.

Many years back, all your need is a certificate and you will definitely get a job, now fast forward to few years back, with a good grade like first class, second class upper (2.1) or even second class lower(2.2), you will still get a job. But I discovered that this present age is different. The competition is so high that these companies only buy what you can sell and not your certificate. This means you have to upgrade your performance and ability to be the best candidate. In this article, I will be talking briefly on some things you need to do even while in the university that will boost your career later after school.

Here are my tips to help you secure your dream job after graduation;

1. Work in a similar organization even while in the University (Internship): When you finally graduate and start job hunt, employers will be more interested in candidates that have an experience on the job than a newbie. You can gather this experience from school. Even if the job does not perfectly fit your choice, as long as it is related to your career, go for it. Also, you shouldn’t focus on money right now but the experience. And do any work assigned to you diligently. It will help you build the skills you need for your dream job.

2. Acquaint yourself with your lecturers and professors: These people have been on the field for some years and definitely know what the job entails. They can be your guide and can even recommend you to people who might be of help in the future. Be good to them and respect them like your parents.

3. Be attentive and serious in class: Know that your education is the most important thing now, so don’t take it with levity. Participate in all class activities and do your assignments yourself. This will make you to be in good standing.

4. Ask for help when there is need: Its normal that you inquire about all the courses you will be doing, get relevant books and notes even before the beginning of the semester so as to acquaint yourself with the course. Seek knowledge from classmates and friends who have better understanding about the course.

5. Go for Industrial attachment: At this stage, you are seeking knowledge and not money. Don’t let money be the deciding factor when seeking industrial placement. Rather choose a place where you will get the desired knowledge. The knowledge will earn you a good pay in the next two years or thereabout when you are out of school.

6. Always remember your purpose in school: University life is complex, you have total control of your activities, no parent to stop you from partying. You can even decide not to be in class. But always ask yourself for the type of future you are building for yourself. I believe this will check you.

7.Seek connections (Have a business card): Yes, I know you are still in the university. This card will contain your name, contact information and interests. Each time you meet someone that is a professional in your field, you can give it to him/her. It will make you look official and organized.

8.Be responsible: All reputable organizations are looking for strong leaders who will be diligent in their duties and take responsibilities. While in school, join good clubs and train yourself in leadership roles. Be innovative and write as many informative articles as you can. Be a mentor to someone thereby you can influence a life positively.

9.Be flexible: Be open-minded when applying for your first job. It’s possible you may not land your dream job at the first shot but working in a related field will earn you more experience and occupy you before the real deal.

10. Learn extra skills you were not taught in school: I think the subject is explanatory enough. Develop your writing skills and be more professional.

11. Utilize membership with professional organizations: Even while working in a related field, you can join the professional bodies of your career path. Your interaction with the members will help one way or the other in achieving your goal.

12. Let professionals examine your Resume: This will give them the chance to help you amend it to a good taste from their wealth of experience.

13. Research about potential employers: Once offered an interview, make sure you learn about the company’s values. This will give you a huge advantage during the interview.

This article is dedicated to all job seekers/hunter out there. I pray you will laugh at last.

Major ways to identify scam interview(job recruiters)

I have seen so many folks complaining and lamenting their ordeal in the hands of fake scam companies who invite people for interview only to introduce them to fake drug marketing business.
I'm doing this not only because these companies waste people's time, energy and T-fair going to such interviews, but also because most of these scammers extort money from hapless job seekers thereby making their suffering times two.

Imagine a scammer extorting #10,500 from a graduate who have been unemployed for years, not to talk of the transport fare wasted going to such fruitless interviews or job chat as they usually call it.
Some people even borrow money to pay these sheep in wolves clothing, who promise them heaven on earth. Some will tell you that you will make half a million within 1 month and all that. If you're not careful, you will take a loan that you will not be able to repay thus causing embarrassment and lack of rest of mind. An unemployed person should have only himself to worry about, not having debts also.

So I believe that if we are properly guided, we will not fall into the hands of these scammers.
Having said that, there are ways by which one can identify a fake or scam interview invitation and there fore avoid such waste of time and money. The good thing is that most of their messages come in the same format, so you will know its fake!

1. The message does not bear a company name: most of these scammers won't include their names on the message you will receive. All you will see are the address, the time and date and a phone number. A genuine company will not hide its identity from a potential employee.

2. The message will say "interview/job briefing": whatever job briefing means I don't know!

3. You will see a code or reference: something like "HR=0056" or "REF=002". This is an indication of the code number of the person who invited you to the "job briefing".

4. It will contain a phone number: this is the number of your referer. Most genuine companies don't give phone numbers.

5. You will see HR Admin in the message instead of company name.

6. If you call their number, they will be reluctant to give info on the company.

And pls, ignore those people sharing job flyers on the streets, and those ones they paste on walls. Those are scammers and some ritualists too. And also most of these so called agencies are avenues for duping unsuspecting job seekers. Pls shine your eyes well well.
I will post the names of some of these fake companies/ agencies later.

Pls if you have any experiences inthe hands of these scammers kindly share it here so that others can learn and avoid them too. Thank you

Cheers!

10 Questions to ask yourself before seeking for a job

If you want your job hunt to be successful, then you need to put together a plan that includes your career goals and aspirations. If you aspire to become a successful insurance agent, then you need to create a series of achievable goals that will help to develop your successful career.

The path to your next job starts with a job application, and you need to follow a good plan if you want to submit effective applications. Instead of wasting time filling out applications for jobs you do not want or are not qualified for, you should ask yourself a series of questions before filling out an application to make sure that what you are doing fits your overall career plan.

1.Is this a job I want?

If you are desperate, then you will wind up taking a job you hate and will derail your career plans. You need to determine whether or not you actually want the job before you fill out the application.

2. Does this job fit my plan?

A job does not need to be management level to fit into your overall career aspirations. Even insurance agents start off as clerks, but it is important to choose a job that does fit into the plans you have made for your future.

3.Can I do this job?

While you may really want that job, you have to be honest in determining if you can do the job or not. You may not have the skill set you need at this point in your career to do this job well, which is a good reason not to apply.

4.Does the company offer a career path?

Some companies offer you a career path you can follow to success, while other companies are just stops along the way in your growing career. If you want a company that will give you opportunities to move up as you develop, then it is important to ask if the company you are applying to has career path options.

5.Do I know someone at this company?

Referrals from current employees can help increase your chances of getting the job you want. Before you fill out your application, find out if you know someone who works at the company and ask if you can use them as a referral.

6.What new information can I put on this application?

All of your applications should have the most current information about your career that is available. By including current information on your application, you can show the company that you are remaining active in your field.

7.How do I stand out from other applicants?

Do you have a Master’s degree in a field filled with Bachelor’s-level applicants? If so, then point that out in your application and help your qualifications to stand out from the rest of the field.

8. Do I have any inside information?

In your research, you may have found out that the company is only considering applicants who can relocate to another part of the country. You can include this inside information to make your application customized to the company’s needs.

9. Why am I motivated for this job?

When you fill out your application, highlight your skills and accomplishments that make you uniquely qualified. If you are motivated to get the job, then it will show in the presentation of your credentials.

10. When can I start?

Most applications ask you when you can start the job if you are hired. Be honest and give a realistic time frame, and always indicate that you would have to give some sort of notice at your current job, if you have one.

When you fill out a job application, you are taking the first step in the next phase of your career. Put plenty of thought into that application, and make sure that you are doing the right thing for all of your short and long-term career plans.

Writing a business plan

What is a business plan?

A business plan is a written description of your business's future, a document that tells what you plan to do and how you plan to do it. If you jot down a paragraph on the back of an envelope describing your business strategy, you've written a plan, or at least the germ of a plan.Now that you understand why you need a business plan and you've spent some time doing your homework gathering the information you need to create one, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get everything down on paper. The following pages will describe in detail the seven essential sections of a business plan: what you should include, what you shouldn't include, how to work the numbers and additional resources you can turn to for help. With that in mind, jump right in.

Executive Summary

Within the overall outline of the business plan, the executive summary will follow the title page. The summary should tell the reader what you want. This is very important. All too often, what the business owner desires is buried on page eight. Clearly state what you're asking for in the summary.

Business Description

The business description usually begins with a short description of the industry. When describing the industry, discuss the present outlook as well as future possibilities. You should also provide information on all the various markets within the industry, including any new products or developments that will benefit or adversely affect your business.

Market Strategies

Market strategies are the result of a meticulous market analysis. A market analysis forces the entrepreneur to become familiar with all aspects of the market so that the target market can be defined and the company can be positioned in order to garner its share of sales.

Competitive Analysis

The purpose of the competitive analysis is to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the competitors within your market, strategies that will provide you with a distinct advantage, the barriers that can be developed in order to prevent competition from entering your market, and any weaknesses that can be exploited within the product development cycle.

Design & Development

PlanThe purpose of the design and development plan section is to provide investors with a description of the product's design, chart its development within the context of production, marketing and the company itself, and create a development budget that will enable the company to reach its goals.

Operations & Management

PlanThe operations and management plan is designed to describe just how the business functions on a continuing basis. The operations plan will highlight the logistics of the organization such as the various responsibilities of the management team, the tasks assigned to each division within the company, and capital and expense requirements related to the operations of the business.

Financial Factors

Financial data is always at the back of the business plan, but that doesn't mean it's any less important than up-front material such as the business concept and the management team.

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The most beautiful girl in cross river unveils

Cross River Most Beautiful Girl Releases Stunning Photos Ahead Of MBGN Finals‎

As the countdown continues to the finals of Most Beautiful Girl In Nigeria, the reigning Cross River Most Beautiful Girl, Her Majesty Queenette Awuka just released some stunning photos as she prepares for MBGN contest.The Undergraduate of University Of Abuja who is already in camp at ‎Tinapa Lakeside, Calabar Cross river state ahead of the Most Beautiful Girl In Nigeria grand finale holding on 24th October is not leaving any stone unturned in order to make her state proud at the prestigious pageant show.It is worthy to note that Cross State Most Beautiful Girl is the only state pageant that has the exclusive franchise to send it's winner to represent the state at the finals of MBGN.Prior to this MBGN contest, the light-skinned beauty queen has embarked on several humanitarian projects and visitations in the state in accompany of the project director Isabella Ayuk, ex- MBGN queen.We wish her luck!

My Hips My Assets--- ebube nwagbo

Background

My name is Ebube Nwagbo; I am an actress and an entrepreneur. I am from Anambra State but I was raised in Warri, Delta State. I am the first child and I have five siblings. I studied Mass Communication at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.

Acting

I was 20 when I began acting in Nollywood in 2003 and I also began to cater for my family and myself around the same time. A friend invited me to audition for a role and it was my first attempt. Luckily, I clinched the role. In no time, Nollywood became a part of my family because I spent a lot of time with my fellow actors and crew. The journey has so far been smooth, rough, sweet and bitter, but I am thankful to God for where I am today.

Family support

When I began acting, I did not inform my parents because I knew there was no way they would support me. My dad returned home a certain day and said he saw a movie poster of a girl that looked like me, but I feigned ignorance. I was scared to tell him I was the actress in question. I quickly left home before it was released, because I was still unsure of what my parents’ reaction would be when they eventually discover that I was an actress. Thankfully, I played a decent role in the flick and my parents were pleased with me. I did not give them any reason to be angry, upset or disappointed in me. I do not think I have given my family a reason not to be proud of me as an actress. I have made them proud in many ways and they have given me their love and support.

Business

I floated a hair extension line because of my love for beauty. Also, I wanted to invest my money into a business that would flourish. So far, it has been very rewarding and I am proud of how far I have come in the business. We have grown tremendously over the years, beyond my expectation.

Personality

Most people tend to believe that actresses portray their real lives and personalities in the kind of roles they play in movies. But, that is not really the way it is. An actor’s personality in real life is totally different from what they see onscreen. It is just a job and must be done.

Fame

Fame has robbed me of my privacy. If I were not an actress, I would have been a journalist.

Relationship

I have always believed in love and still do believe in love. I don’t know about being lucky or unlucky with love. Love is always a beautiful thing. I am not looking for any particular quality in a man. The important thing is how I feel about him.

Projects

My latest projects are the Nigeria Teens and Twenties Audition. We will be touring 20 states of the federation to search for the next big thing in Africa. I am also filming a new movie at the moment. Also, I recently shot the second movie from my company, PoshWorld Productions. It is entitled Not Enough. I starred in the movie alongside other actors like, Oge Okoye, Alexx Ekubo, Tina Amuziam, and Bassey of the Big Brother Africa fame. It was directed by Afe Olumowe and is currently undergoing post production. It will be hitting the cinemas soon.

Greatest asset

My greatest asset should be my body. My hip is my greatest body asset.

Style

My style is very classic, simple and daring. It has also evolved over the years. I wouldn’t be caught wearing loud colours or a matchy outfit because it is not my style. My favourite fashion accessory is my sunglass and I can’t do without it. I love it because it compliments and completes even the simplest look. I hardly wear make-up, so, my sunglasses serve as a protection of some sort for my face. It also shields my face away from prying eyes. Those are some of the reasons why I consider it to be my favourite accessory.

Things you don't know about Nollywood actress Ebube nwagbo

After going through an article about nollywood actress ebube nwagbo ,I discovered that she never made any mention of her humble beginning as a chorister in warri.

What many didn't know is that she started off as a Gospel Artist even with a full album to go with it. Little wonder from the interview she was scared of lettting her parents in the know after featuring in her first movie!

But today fame and wealth has twisted her God given talent to something else!!

Imagine acclaiming her HIPs to be her greatest asset SMH!!! But each time I listen to her song and seeing what she has become I feel like crying.

As for me her greatest asset is still her VOICE!!!

See a early music video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo2Ff1Lmu1I

Singer,waje finally reveals her beautiful grown up daughter.

Who would have thought the beautiful musician had an already grown up daughter, but both of them looks stunning at Tinsel Charity Ball.

The award winning singer flaunted her weightloss in a glamourous dress by Marvee. She was accompanied by her daughter Emerald.

Body cream killer constituent (Hydroquinone)

There was a recent study done at the University of Capetown that suggests 1 in 3 women in South Africa bleaches her skin. Unconfirmed reports from the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), also suggests that 77% of Nigerian women bleach their skin! There are similar stories in Ghana, Liberia, Senegal etc. All across Africa and even Asia, the habit of skin bleaching is becoming more and more prevalent.

Look around you and the signs are everywhere. You probably know a friend, aunty, sister, neighbour, colleague who is fixated on skin-bleaching.
For women of African descent, the scourge of skin bleaching is made worse because most women (and even men!) use creams made with the potent bleaching agent: Hydroquinone.

Some important facts about Hydroquinone:

1. Hydroquinone works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is important in skin pigment (melanin) development. It is important to be aware that Melanin actually provides protection against UV radiation. It is more effective than any sunscreen known to man. It diffuses UV radiation and turns it into harmless heat.

2. Combining Hydroquinone with skin products that contain benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or other peroxides, (found in most acne treatment) is harmful to the skin. This causes temporary staining of the skin. Also hydroquinone should not be used with any of the new resorcinol-based skin lightening treatments such as Clinique dark spot corrector.

3. 4% and above hydroquinone concentration is generally considered by most dermatologists to be one of the most effective skin-lightening and age spot-brightening agents. Overall, it is considered to be a bit safe/less harmful for Caucasians and light-skinned asians BUT not as safe for darker-skinned people (Africans).

DANGERS OF HYDROQUINONE.

1.)It causes pigmentation of the eye and permanent corneal damage.This only occurs when the eye is directly exposed to hydroquinone.

2.)It causes OCHRONOSIS(a skin disorder characterised by progressive sooty darkening of the skin.)

3.)It whitens skin by killing your skins pigment cells.

4.)Its counter productive as it gives u dark knuckles,ankles,purplish vericose veins,a PATCH WORK OF COLOURS ON A ONCE BEAUTIFUL SKIN.
5.)It can cause irritation and contact dermatitis.

6.)Even if you succeed in bleaching the skin whiter with hydroquinone products,it often has an unhealthy,pasty look.Also,once you stop using it,ur skin re darkens.And since using it long term is unhealthy,its a basically a catch-22 situation.

7).If you live in the tropical region, the combination of hydroquinone and the sun is a bad one.Increased risk of ochronosis have been linked to excess sun exposure while using hydroquinone. As such, dermatologists often recommend to always use hydroquinonewitha sunscreen. (Note: In the hot African climate, sometimes, even sunscreens do not offer enough protection for the skin!)

8.)Most products with hydroquinone have an awful smelland cause intense body heat and sweating. Users often try to mask the odour by profuse use of perfumes which seems to make it even worse. There is off-the-shelf hydroquinone-based product(s) that’s so potent that users have to constantly stay in air-conditioned rooms!

9.)It thins out the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis), which is dangerous especially during or post- surgical procedures, as it may take the skin a longer time to heal from cuts, wounds and/or stitches.

10).It ages your skinand as you get older the effects become even more pronounced. It is not a pretty sight to see someone whose skin has been damaged by prolonged years of hydroquinone use! Age gracefully and not with disgrace.

Eliminating body odour;what you need to know

Body odour is an unpleasant smell that is a social embarrassment for many people. It is a major concern for most people today. It is unpleasant, embarrassing and reduces our confidence. A person who has body odour cannot help but be preoccupied with a nagging doubt whenever he or she is in the company of others.

Chemical compounds that causes body odour includes:

• Methanethiol: which smells like garlic and sulphur
• Hydrogen sulphide: which smells like sulphur and rotten eggs
• Dimethyl sulphide: which smells like sulphur, cabbage and sweets
• 3-methyl-2-hexanoic acid: smells like goat
• 3-methyl-3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol: which smells like onion
• 3-hydroxy-3-methylhexanoic acid: which smells like cumin
• Propanoic acid: which have a pungent, rancid and sour smell
• Isovaleric acid: which have a pungent, rancid and fermented smell.

CAUSES OF BODY ODOUR
It is usually caused by a combination of inadequate or incorrect attention to personal hygiene and excessive perspiration from the armpits and groin. Certain types of bacteria that are present on our skin can cause a strong odour in some people who perspire heavily.

The endocrine glands, also known as sweat glands, are located on almost every part of the body, produce body-cooling sweat that's mostly water. The number of sweat glands in a person's body can vary from around 2 million to more than 4 million. It is nature's little air conditioning system.

Similarly, the apocrine glands, which are located in the armpits and in the groin (among other areas), produce sweat that performs a number of functions, such as secretion of pheromones or mate attracting hormones, waste removal system that offloads microscopic bits of fat and other matter. The bacteria break down sweat into aromatic fatty acids, which produce the unpleasant odour. Medical conditions, such as thyroid disease and carcinoid syndrome, can also cause excessive sweating, as can the side-effects of some medicines such as anti-depressants.

HOW IT CAN BE CONTROLLED

Many products, concoctions and remedies are offered in the market to try and solve the body odour problem. Some simply mask the odour while others, such as antiperspirants, try to get at the root cause of the problem, by blocking the skin pores that secrete sweat. This stops the odour but makes you feel dry. However, this method defeats your body’s natural cooling and toxin removal mechanism and it may cause some discomfort or even allergies.

The body odour can be tackled by:

• Reducing the amount of sweat and/or
• Treating the bacteria that produces the odour
To keep body odour at bay, cleanse your body externally as well as internally through bathing and washing the body as well as through balanced diet and opting for a healthy lifestyle.

External body cleansing

• It is very important to bathe on a daily basis especially in a warm, dusty and humid countries. It is advisable to take a second shower before going to bed. Use a mild soap for bathing. Unscented homeopathic soaps are the best. Avoid using deodorant soaps, since they are not only harsh to the skin but they also encourage the growth of resistant bacteria. Use a sponge to thoroughly scrub bacteria away from your body.

• Baking soda is an effective, natural and economical deodorant. Rub a good amount in your armpits after you towel yourself dry. If you want to add some scent, mix some baby powder. If you want to feel extra dry, you can also add some corn starch.

• Slice a potato and clean your armpits using it. After drying your underarms, apply talcum powder on them.

• Apply lemon juice on your underarms after you get out of the shower.

• Apple Cider Vinegar can be applied directly onto the armpits to prevent excessive sweating.

• Take 2 teaspoons of vinegar and 2 teaspoons of honey on an empty stomach 3 times a day till the foul body odour disappears.

Internal body cleansing

• Water is a good cleansing agent; it helps to flush out unwanted toxins from our bodies and keeps body temperatures down to manageable levels. Start your day with a glass or two of fresh clean water. Strive to drink the usual norm of twelve glasses a day.

• Drinking tomato juice is an effective cure for excessive sweating. Drinking a glass of tomato juice daily early in the morning for one week should yield good results. After the first week is over, continue drinking the tomato juice every other day and then only as needed.

Let us look at some Dos and Don'ts in managing body odour

• Wear natural fabrics, such as cotton, which are absorbent and allow the sweat to be drawn away from your skin and allow your skin to breathe. Wear cotton clothes and no undergarments, particularly while sleeping. This particularly improves the quality of sleep.

• There are some foods that can contribute to body odours. Strive for a diet that is more alkaline than acidic. Reduce meats, fats, alcohol, spices, sugar intake and eat more fibre rich foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Hot foods like red peppers can make you moist. Avoid garlic and onions. The sulphur compounds in garlic and onions can
• make your sweat more aromatic than it would be otherwise, especially if you consume them in large quantities. The same goes for pungent spices.

• Daily elimination helps your body to remove harmful waste substances that will make you sick and cause undesirable body odour.

• Anger, anxiety and excitement increase sweat production. Consider learning and practicing techniques like meditation and visualization that can help you keep your cool under stressful circumstances.

• Smoking can make you smell bad. When you inhale, smoke enters your lungs and works its way through your system. Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals and chemical compounds. Some are destroying your insides, while others are eventually expelled through your skin. When you quit smoking, your body
• smells better and you'll live longer, for sure.

Medical management of body odour

• Get an antibacterial and antiseptic solution called chlorhexidine (confirm) 0.05% from pharmacies. When applied daily, it significantly reduces the number of bacteria, although it has no effect on sweating itself.

• Get 20% aluminium chloride solution from medical store and apply it to your armpits, feet etc. before going to bed each night. This is because sweating stops when you sleep, so the solution will be more effective. The liquid gets into the openings of the sweat glands causing them to swell up and block. Wash it off in the morning and reapply again at bedtime. Use the product every night to start with and then gradually reduce it as you stop sweating to every other night or once or twice a week.

Surgical management of body odour

To summarise, let us look at some surgical means of managing body odour. There are a couple of surgical options for severe sweating (hyperhidrosis) which can't be controlled medically. Beware of the after-effects of surgery before deciding upon it as these surgeries cannot be reversed.

• Liposuction and removal of the skin armpit: In this process, small piece of skin in the apex of the armpit, measuring 4 cm by 1.5 cm is cut out, destroying the most troublesome sweat glands. A modern variation on this procedure is liposuction to suck out the sweat glands from the deeper layers of skin.

• Trans-thoracic Sympathectomy: This surgery is done under general anaesthetic and uses keyhole surgery to destroy the nerves that control sweating. The surgeon makes an incision in your armpit and passes an electrical current to kill off the nerves. The success rate is about 40 per cent but because the body still has to sweat, some people experience increased sweating from their chest, abdomen and back after the operation.

• Botox: Botox is only licensed as a treatment for excessive sweating from the armpit (axillary hyperhidrosis), so it can't be used for sweaty hands and feet. A small amount of the toxin is injected into multiple sites in the skin at the apex of the armpit. Although the results only last between four and nine months, it's an effective and safe treatment.