How to Overcome the ‘Nigerian Experience Bias’ When Applying for Jobs Abroad

Have you ever applied for jobs abroad, only to be ghosted after sending what you thought was a killer CV? You might think it's just a matter of competition, but sometimes, there's a deeper issue at play: the ‘Nigerian experience bias.’

This term refers to the perception that work experience from Nigeria isn’t up to par with what employers abroad are looking for. It’s a real issue that many Nigerians face when applying for roles in international companies. However, with the right strategies, you can definitely break through this barrier and land your dream job.

In this article, we’ll go through practical ways to overcome this bias, ensuring your experience as Nigerian shines on the global stage.

Understand the Bias

Before we start on how to overcome the bias, let’s understand what exactly it is. When international employers see your Nigerian work experience, they might make certain assumptions. It could be about the work culture, infrastructure challenges, or maybe even doubts about the quality of education and training you received. Unfortunately, there's often a perception that things in Nigeria aren't as structured as in Western countries, and this puts many Nigerians at a disadvantage.

But let’s be real here, working in Nigeria requires serious problem-solving skills. The power outages, economic instability, and sometimes limited resources mean you’ve likely developed resilience, creativity, and adaptability. The problem is, these strengths aren’t always obvious on your CV.

How to Overcome the ‘Nigerian Experience Bias’ When Applying for Jobs Abroad

1. Reframe Your Experience

When you’re writing your CV or cover letter, don't just list your responsibilities or duties. Instead, talk about the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Employers abroad love to see candidates who can solve problems. Think about it: while your counterparts in Europe or America might be used to smooth systems, you’ve been navigating the sometimes chaotic Nigerian environment. That gives you an edge!

For example, instead of saying "Managed a team of 10 people," you could say something like, "Led a team of 10 to consistently meet targets despite infrastructure challenges like inconsistent power supply and limited resources." That way, you're showing potential employers that you know how to adapt and succeed in difficult circumstances, skills that are valuable anywhere in the world.

2. Highlight Transferable Skills

One common mistake job seekers make is thinking they need to have direct experience in a role to apply. That’s not always true! Many of the skills you’ve gained in your Nigerian job are transferable. Whether you’ve worked in customer service, banking, IT, or teaching, you’ve developed skills that employers are looking for, even if the job title isn’t the same.

Think of things like:

• Leadership: If you’ve managed a team, no matter how big or small, it shows you have leadership skills.
• Problem-Solving: The ability to think on your feet and find creative solutions to unexpected issues is highly sought after abroad.
• Communication: If you’ve dealt with clients, managed meetings, or written reports, you have communication skills that translate well across industries.
• Project Management: If you’ve ever been responsible for meeting deadlines or handling budgets, you’ve got project management experience.

3. Get International Certifications

If there’s one thing that can help boost your credibility abroad, it’s international certifications. Luckily, you don’t have to travel out of Nigeria to get them. There are plenty of online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning that offer globally recognized certifications.

Employers abroad will be more likely to take your experience seriously if they see you’ve taken the time to align yourself with international standards. Some certifications are even free or low-cost, so you don’t need to break the bank.

For example, if you’re in IT, you can get certified in Microsoft, AWS, or Google Cloud. If you’re in HR, consider taking the SHRM certification. For those in project management, the PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is a strong one.

Getting these certifications shows potential employers that you're not just relying on your local experience but that you’re committed to growing your skills on an international level.

4. Build a Global Network

It’s no news that networking is key to finding a job. But if you’re serious about working abroad, you can’t just rely on your Nigerian network. You need to start connecting with people internationally.

One great way to do this is through LinkedIn. Engage with professionals in your field, join international groups, and attend virtual events or webinars where you can meet people from across the globe. The truth is, most job opportunities come through referrals and recommendations. If you can get someone abroad to vouch for you, that ‘Nigerian experience bias’ suddenly becomes less of an issue.

When networking, don’t be afraid to mention that you’re looking for international opportunities. Sometimes, just putting it out there can open doors. Nigerians are known for being resourceful, so use that resourcefulness to build meaningful connections.

5. Tailor Your CV to International Standards

Now, let’s talk about your CV. It might be working perfectly well for Nigerian companies, but international employers often expect something different. If your CV isn’t aligned with international standards, it may not even make it through the initial screening.

First, use a clean, simple format. Flashy designs might be tempting, but in many countries, particularly in Europe and the US, they prefer straightforward, easy-to-read CVs. Focus on clarity and structure.

Next, make sure to use job titles and descriptions that resonate internationally. Sometimes, titles in Nigeria don't directly translate to their international equivalents. For example, what we call a “Business Development Officer” might be known as a “Sales Representative” abroad. Do some research and adjust your job titles and descriptions accordingly.

Finally, avoid including personal information that’s irrelevant abroad, like marital status, religion, or a passport-sized photo. In many Western countries, employers don’t need this, and including it can actually hurt your chances.

6. Showcase Global Relevance

Even if all your experience is in Nigeria, you can still make it globally relevant. This can be done by emphasizing how your work aligns with global trends or standards.

Let’s say you worked on a project that involved international clients or partners. Highlight that! Employers want to see that you can work across different cultures and regions. Even if your work didn’t involve foreign companies, you can still show how your skills and experience fit into global best practices.

For example, if you’re in marketing, you can talk about how you used social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, which are global tools. If you're in tech, mention how your coding or design work aligns with international standards.

7. Master the Art of Storytelling

Sometimes, it’s not just about what you’ve done, but how you tell the story. When applying for jobs abroad, your cover letter and CV need to tell a compelling story about why you're a great fit for the role, despite any perceived ‘Nigerian experience bias.’

Use your cover letter to show employers that you're not just another candidate, they need to see your passion, your resilience, and your ability to thrive in difficult environments. Talk about specific challenges you’ve faced and how you overcame them. Mention your desire to contribute to their company with the same level of tenacity and dedication.

Don’t shy away from using Nigerian phrases or sayings if they help you get your point across in an authentic way. For instance, "You know as we dey for Naija, we no dey carry last" could easily be rephrased to show that you're always striving to be the best, even in tough conditions.

8. Stay Persistent and Open-Minded

Finally, don’t get discouraged if you don’t land a job right away. Overcoming the Nigerian experience bias takes time, and sometimes, you’ll need to apply to multiple positions before you get a breakthrough. Keep refining your CV, gaining certifications, and building your network.

Also, be open-minded about where you start. You might not land your dream job immediately, but getting your foot in the door with a company abroad can open more opportunities down the line. The important thing is to stay focused and persistent.

Final Thoughts

Overcoming the Nigerian experience bias isn’t easy, but it’s definitely possible. As suggested in the article above, you can begin by reframing your experience, getting international certifications, and building a global network, to position yourself as a better candidate for roles abroad.

Remember, your experience as a Nigerian makes you resilient, adaptable, and resourceful, qualities that employers everywhere are looking for. So, go ahead and show the world what you’re capable of!