Entitlement Mentality and Employability: A Professional Reflection

Recently, a professional colleague reached out to me to request support in securing a job opportunity for his ward. As is often the case among HR professionals, I shared the CV with recruiters within my network and also pointed him toward relevant job portals. Over time, the follow-ups became frequent. During one conversation, the colleague mentioned that, considering the number of people who had facilitated webinars for me, securing a job should be relatively easy. That comment prompted me to pause and reflect. In my own career experience, approximately 80–90% of the roles I have secured were opportunities I identified through public platforms such as LinkedIn, WhatsApp groups, and job portals. Interestingly, I often apply for roles that I also circulate to others for wider reach. This has reinforced my belief that while referrals can be helpful, they are not the only—or even the primary—pathway to employment. Many professionals have earned roles purely on merit, without any form of influence or intervention. By God’s grace, that has also been my personal experience. A Mindset Worth Re-examining There is a growing tendency to believe that employment is only possible through referrals or personal connections. While networks certainly matter, relying solely on them can limit personal growth and reduce focus on building individual capability. A healthier approach is to view referrals as support mechanisms—not substitutes for competence. Focusing on Capacity and Employability I often encourage job seekers to: • Continuously build relevant skills • Strengthen their employability profile • Stay engaged through available opportunities—whether paid, contract, project-based, or volunteer Progress is often gradual, and meaningful experience can be gained from opportunities that may not initially seem ideal. An Honest Learning Moment On one occasion, a former classmate shared the CV of his 43 year older sibling, seeking assistance. While the intention was genuine, the CV highlighted significant gaps in competitiveness when compared to current market expectations. It was a reminder that the job market continues to evolve, and staying relevant requires ongoing effort at every career stage. Balancing Empathy with Employability It is also common for people to share personal life challenges when seeking employment support—unemployment duration, family responsibilities, or caregiving obligations. These realities deserve empathy and respect. However, from an organizational and hiring perspective, employment decisions are typically based on: • Skills and competencies • Ability to solve problems • Potential to add value Personal circumstances, while important, are rarely determining factors in recruitment decisions. A Gentle but Important Reminder As professionals, it may help to shift the conversation from why a role is needed to what value can be delivered. Rather than leading with circumstances, candidates are better served by articulating: • Their capabilities • The problems they can solve • The value they bring to an organization Networks may open doors, but employability sustains careers. I may know you—but I also engage with many capable professionals. Ultimately, what stands out is not familiarity, but demonstrated value. @ Oluyemi Adeosun PhD