HOW SMALL ACTIONS CAN OPEN BIG DOORS IN YOUR CAREER

If You Decide to Show Up, Show Up Well!

Several postgraduate and graduate degree holders applied for a clerk position advertised by a merchant, even though the role only required a secondary school qualification.

It was a simple interview, and the merchant quickly made his choice. He asked his preferred candidate to wait in a room while he thanked and dismissed the others.

The interview panel was surprised—more "qualified" candidates had applied, some with impressive degrees and polished appearances (or as we say in Nigeria, better packaging).

Defending his decision, the merchant said: "For a simple clerk position, this candidate, despite wearing partially worn clothes, dressed seriously for the interview. That tells me he will take my business seriously, no matter how big or small. He was also the only one who picked up a book that had fallen on the floor, closed the door gently, and waited to be offered a seat before sitting. To me, these are signs of a considerate person—someone capable of humility and submission, qualities that make a valuable asset in any workplace."

At work yesterday, I argued that some of the poorest people in my country are graduates. Why? Compared to 100 skilled, non-graduate workers—many of whom don’t even speak English fluently—these graduates often struggle to compete financially.

The reason is simple. Many believe that obtaining a degree is the only way to prepare for life, forgetting that success is not just about aptitude (academics) but also attitude.

Sometimes, the reason we land or lose opportunities is in the small details—the way we show up, our body language, and the impression we create.

My takeaway from this story? If you decide to apply for any role—no matter how "small" it may seem—show up as if it means the world to you. Or don’t bother showing up at all.

Because sometimes, all a merchant, manager, or HR professional wants to see is how much you truly want the opportunity.

What you do with the job once you get it, That’s a story for another day. 😉

REMEMBER: IF YOU SHOW UP, SHOW UP WELL.

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