Job hunting in Lagos and Tips to know

Finding a job in Lagos is a journey that demands resilience, strategy, and sharp instincts. As Nigeria’s commercial capital and Africa’s fast-growing megacity, Lagos is home to multinational corporations, thriving startups, and countless small businesses. The city generates enormous opportunities from banking halls on Marina to tech hubs in Yaba and creative agencies in Lekki.

But the same factors that make Lagos attractive also make its job market brutally competitive. Thousands of graduates enter the workforce every year, chasing limited openings. Employers seek not only qualifications but also practical skills, adaptability, and a willingness to deliver under pressure. Traffic, high living costs, and unreliable job ads further complicate the process, while fraudulent recruiters and “pay-to-work” schemes prey on desperate job seekers.

In this environment, landing a good job requires more than submitting CVs it calls for planning, networking, skill development, and street-smart awareness of how the Lagos job market really works.

The Lagos Job Market: What to Expect

• Crowded field: Hundreds of applicants often target a single vacancy.

  
  

• Networking is key: Many positions are filled by referral before they are publicly advertised.

  
  

• Booming sectors: Fintech, creative industries, e-commerce, and logistics are driving new employment opportunities..

  
  

• Scams are common: Fake recruiters and “pay-to-work” schemes target unsuspecting applicants.

  
  

• Work intensity: Long hours, demanding schedules, and the city’s traffic require resilience.

  
  

10 Tips to Succeed

1. Optimize your CV and LinkedIn profile  Keep your CV concise and tailored to each job. Make LinkedIn keyword-rich so recruiters can find you.

   
   

2. Build strong networks 

   Attend industry events, join professional groups, and connect with alumni referrals matter in Lagos.

   
   

3. Focus on growth industries 

   Explore roles in tech, creative media, and startups where opportunities are expanding.

   
   

4. Use trusted job sites 

   Stick to platforms like Jobberman, MyJobMag, and LinkedIn Jobs to avoid scams.

   
   

5. Prepare thoroughly for interviews

   Lagos employers value confidence, adaptability, and problem-solving, not just paper qualifications.

   
   

6. Consider location and commute 

   Jobs on the Mainland vs. Island affect cost, time, and work-life balance.

   
   

7. Learn extra skills 

   Digital skills, CRM tools, or short certifications give you an edge.

   
   

8. Negotiate your salary professionally 

   Know market rates and avoid accepting “exposure” as payment.

   
   

9. Stay organized and consistent 

   Track applications, set follow-up reminders, and stay persistent.

   
   

10. Watch out for scams 

    No genuine company asks for money to secure a role. Always verify employers before interviews.