For many Nigerian job seekers, LinkedIn is supposed their one-stop shop for a better career life: a place to network, connect with recruiters, and secure lucrative opportunities. Yet, many professionals find themselves invisible, with their job applications ignored and their posts barely reaching an audience. Why? Because of LinkedIn’s evolving algorithm that cares more for engagement, premium users, and specific content styles.
Low Engagement = Low Visibility
LinkedIn’s algorithm is designed to prioritize content that sparks conversations, meaning posts with high engagement (likes, comments, and shares) are pushed to a wider audience. However, for job seekers in Nigeria, especially those new to LinkedIn or with small networks, getting that initial engagement is a challenge.
Unlike platforms like Twitter or TikTok, where hashtags and viral content can increase visibility, LinkedIn relies heavily on connections and interactions. A job seeker’s post about their job search might disappear into the void simply because their network isn’t large enough to trigger the algorithm.
Premium Users Have the Upper Hand
While LinkedIn is free, the platform seems to have a major bias for its premium users. Features like LinkedIn Premium and LinkedIn Recruiter give paying members access to better search ranking, direct messaging to recruiters (InMail), and insights into who viewed their profile. For Nigerian job seekers who can’t afford LinkedIn Premium, the experience can feel like a losing game.
Recruiters searching for candidates often see premium users first, meaning qualified but non-premium job seekers may never even appear in searches. This capitalist model makes job hunting harder for those relying solely on the free version of LinkedIn.
Applicant Tracking Systems Filter Out Many Nigerian Seekers
Another hidden struggle lies in LinkedIn’s job application system. Many companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan and filter CVs before human recruiters even see them.
This means that Nigerian job seekers who submit applications without optimizing their profiles for ATS-friendly keywords may be automatically disqualified, often without even knowing why. This is particularly unfair to Nigerians who have forged their portfolios with the nuance needed by a human eye.
Without the right skills listed in their experience section or the correct industry terminology, their applications may never reach a hiring manager.
Networking > Job Applications
Many Nigerian job seekers approach LinkedIn as a job board, which it is to some degree, but then completely forget that it is first a networking platform. This massively limits their success. LinkedIn’s algorithm prioritizes relationships over quick applications.
Instead of passively applying for jobs, successful LinkedIn users actively engage on the app by commenting on posts, participating in discussions, and connecting with professionals in their field.
Unfortunately, many job seekers focus solely on submitting CVs, missing out on LinkedIn’s advantage in the form of networking.
How Can Nigerian Job Seekers Beat the Algorithm?
While the challenges are many, so are the solutions. There are several ways for Nigerians to bypass the issues listed above, and they are:
Posting regularly: Sharing industry insights, personal career stories, or even asking engaging questions can boost visibility.
Using the right keywords: Profiles optimized with industry-specific keywords have a higher chance of appearing in recruiter searches.
Engaging with others: Commenting on posts, sharing insights, and participating in discussions can help grow a network organically.
Connecting strategically: Instead of waiting for recruiters to notice them, job seekers should actively connect with hiring managers and industry professionals.
Conclusion: The Nigerian Job Seeker and LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s algorithm isn’t broken, but certainly has its favourites. Nigerian job seekers struggling on the platform aren’t necessarily unqualified, they’re just competing in a system that rewards people differently, in ways they aren’t used to.
By shifting focus from blind applications to active participation, job seekers can improve their chances of landing opportunities in a competitive job market and score a lucrative job both in and out of the country.
How do you fare on LinkedIn? Did any of these tips feel helpful? Let us know down below!
