Human Resources professional Grace Ebisidor Adeyele has called on job seekers and professionals to embrace continuous learning, digital skills development, and strategic networking as essential tools for career success in today’s highly competitive labour market.
Speaking on the Trade FM Breakfast Business Briefing , Adeyele highlighted several factors affecting employability and career advancement, offering practical guidance for both fresh graduates and experienced professionals.
She stressed the importance of building a strong professional presence on LinkedIn, noting that many professionals fail to maximize opportunities available on the platform. According to her, an effective LinkedIn profile should clearly communicate an individual’s expertise, professional identity, and the value they bring to employers and industry stakeholders.
Adeyele explained that visibility on LinkedIn requires more than simply creating a profile. She encouraged users to engage regularly with content, connect with professionals in their fields, and follow organizations and industry leaders relevant to their career goals.
Addressing the issue of job application rejections, she noted that many candidates lose opportunities because they submit the same generic curriculum vitae for multiple positions without tailoring their applications to specific job requirements.
She advised job seekers to align their CVs with job descriptions, incorporate relevant keywords, and continuously improve their skills to remain competitive.
The HR professional also emphasized the growing importance of digital literacy, including knowledge of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence tools, describing them as increasingly valuable assets in the modern workplace.
On the challenge of gaining experience, particularly for fresh graduates, Adeyele acknowledged that many entry-level positions require prior experience. She encouraged young professionals to pursue internships, volunteer opportunities, and practical projects that can help them build relevant experience and strengthen their employability.
Speaking on skills currently in demand, she identified communication as one of the most critical competencies employers seek.
“Your ability to communicate effectively can determine whether you secure a job or miss an opportunity,” she said, adding that strong writing, speaking, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability skills are highly valued across industries.
Adeyele also advised professionals considering career changes to undertake careful self-assessment and research before making major transitions. She warned against pursuing career paths solely because they appear popular or profitable and encouraged individuals to identify transferable skills and acquire relevant certifications where necessary.
The HR expert also highlighted the importance of networking, describing it as a long-term investment in professional relationships rather than merely a strategy for finding jobs.
According to her, attending industry events, exhibitions, conferences, and professional gatherings can create valuable opportunities for learning, mentorship, referrals, and career growth.
Adeyele also addressed salary negotiations, encouraging candidates to discuss compensation professionally and confidently. She advised job seekers to research industry salary standards and understand their market value before entering negotiations.
Concluding the session, she emphasized that continuous learning remains one of the most important factors for career advancement.
