When I finished, I thought it was just apply, get an interview, start work. Reality quickly reset my brain.

The first thing you need to understand is that applying blindly will frustrate you. You can send 50 CVs and not get one response. It’s not always about your qualifications. Sometimes it’s just how the system is.

What actually started working for me was being intentional. I stopped applying for everything and focused on roles that matched what I could actually do. Then I fixed my CV properly. Not that one you downloaded, a random template. Your CV should clearly show what value you bring, even if it’s from NYSC, internships, or small side things you’ve done.

Another thing that changed the game was people. I know everyone says networking, but it’s real. Many jobs are not even posted. You hear about them through someone. I started telling people what I was looking for. Friends, ex-colleagues, even people I met randomly. That alone opened doors I didn’t expect.

Also, you need to be open to starting small. Your first job might not be your dream job, and that’s okay. What matters is getting your foot in, learning, and building experience. From there, you can move.

And please, don’t ignore skill-building. In this economy, your degree alone is not enough. Whether it’s sales, marketing, tech, writing, or anything at all, add something practical to your name. Something you can actually defend if someone asks you what you can do.

Lastly, consistency is where most people lose it. You apply today, get tired tomorrow, and stop. It’s discouraging, I know. But the people who eventually get something are usually the ones who kept going even when nothing was showing.

Now, let me add the part most people don’t tell you.

Start tracking your applications. Even if it’s just your notes app. Write where you applied, the role, and if they responded. It helps you stay organized and not feel like you’re shouting into the void.

Try direct outreach. Sometimes, instead of just applying, send a simple message to someone in the company. Nothing too long. Just introduce yourself, say what you can do, and ask if there are opportunities. You’d be surprised how many people actually respond.

Build something small and visible. If you say you’re a writer, write and post. If it’s marketing, run a small page. If it’s tech, build projects. Let people see proof of what you can do without asking too many questions.

Use internships and volunteer roles strategically. Not forever, but as a stepping stone. It’s easier to move when you already have something recent on your CV.

Fix your online presence. Make sure your LinkedIn is clean and active. Even your social media sometimes. People will check you before they reach out.

Prepare for interviews before you even get one. Practice how you talk about yourself. Many people finally get the opportunity and then mess it up because they were not ready.

And one thing I had to learn the hard way… don’t take silence personally. Sometimes it has nothing to do with you. Just keep moving.

What has been the hardest part of job hunting for you right now?