Hey hustlers, it's Precious. I used to spend hours every week scrolling job boards, tailoring my CV for every role, and submitting applications. Sometimes I would apply to 20–30 jobs in a single weekend. Most of the time I got nothing, no reply, no rejection, just complete silence.
It was frustrating and exhausting.
After watching so many friends and colleagues go through the same thing, I decided to stop playing that game. I started paying attention to how people who actually get good opportunities find them.
The truth I discovered is this:
Most of the best jobs in Nigeria are never posted publicly.
They are filled through referrals, warm introductions, and people who already know you or know someone who knows you. The “hidden job market” is real, and it’s where most of the real opportunities live.
This is especially true in 2026. Companies are being more careful with hiring. They prefer someone who comes recommended by a trusted person rather than taking a risk on a random application.
In this post, I want to share the exact approach I’ve started using instead of blindly applying to job posts. It’s not complicated, but it requires a mindset shift and consistent effort.
Why Job Boards Have Become a Losing Game
Here’s the brutal reality:
Hundreds (sometimes thousands) of people apply for the same role.
Many companies already have someone in mind before they even post the job.
Your CV often gets scanned by software first, and if it doesn’t match the exact keywords, it gets rejected automatically.
Even if you get through, the process can take weeks or months with no feedback.
I realised I was wasting valuable time and energy on something with very low success rate.
Instead, I started focusing on building and activating my network. This has already opened doors I never would have found on any job board.
The 4 Strategies I’m Using Right Now
1. Start With Your Inner Circle
The first people I reach out to are my closest friends, former colleagues, and family members.
I don’t ask them for a job directly. I simply tell them I’m open to new opportunities and ask them to keep an eye out for me.
This puts the word out quietly in the places where people already trust me. Many times, they know about openings before they are even advertised.
2. Reconnect With Recruiters
Recruiters who have reached out to me in the past are now one of my strongest resources.
Even if I wasn’t ready when they contacted me before, I stay in touch. A simple “How have you been?” message every few months keeps the relationship warm.
Good recruiters know about roles long before they go public. When something suitable comes up, they often think of me first.
3. Activate Your Soft Network
This is the part many people ignore.
Your LinkedIn connections, people you met at events, old classmates, or even someone you had a good conversation with on X or WhatsApp groups, these “soft ties” are incredibly powerful.
They move in different circles than your close friends, so they have access to opportunities you would never see. A genuine, low-pressure message like “I’ve been following your work and I’m currently exploring new opportunities. Would you be open to a quick chat?” can go a long way.
4. Prepare Before You Reach Out
This is the most important step many people miss.
Before contacting anyone, make sure:
Your CV is updated and clean
Your LinkedIn profile looks professional and up to date
You have a clear, short answer ready when someone asks “What are you looking for?”
I now prepare a simple one-sentence pitch: my preferred role, the type of company I want to work with, and my timeline. This makes it easy for people to help you.
How This Applies to Side Hustlers and Salary Earners in Port Harcourt
Even if you are not looking for a full-time job right now, this strategy is still very useful.
Many of us run side hustles while keeping our day jobs. The same networking principles can help you:
Get introductions to people who need your services
Learn about new opportunities before everyone else
Networking is not just for job seekers, it’s for anyone who wants to grow their income.
My Honest Advice
Stop wasting hours submitting applications into the void.
Your next opportunity is far more likely to come through a conversation than through a job portal.
Start small. Reach out to 3–5 people this week from your inner circle and soft network. Be genuine. Don’t beg for favours, simply let people know you are open and prepared.
The hidden job market is real, and it rewards those who build relationships consistently.
What about you?
Have you been relying mostly on job boards, or have you started focusing more on networking?
Have you ever gotten an opportunity through a referral or warm introduction?
Drop your honest experience in the comments below. I read every single one and we can learn from each other.
If this post made you think differently about how to find opportunities, share it with that friend who is currently job hunting or looking to grow their side hustle.
Stay consistent, build real relationships, and keep hustling smart!
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