Outshining the “Connected” Candidate
Focus intensely on your unique value proposition; when an Oga’s candidate proves incompetent, a compelling, highly-skilled backup is always hired to actually do the work.
We hear it all the time: “They have already given the job to a senator’s daughter.” Sometimes it is true. But let me tell you a secret from the HR desk: even if they hire the connected person, they still need someone to do the actual work.
That is where you come in. Be so undeniably good that we have to create a space for you. Focus on what you can control — your competence, your presentation, and your interview delivery. Do not let the “man-know-man” mentality defeat you before you even enter the room.
Understanding the “Who Do You Know” Question in Interviews
Let me paint a scenario. You are in an interview at a reputable company in Lagos — maybe Access Bank, UBA, or Dangote. The interviewer leans back and asks, “So, who do you know in this organization?”
Your heart sinks. You do not know anyone. You applied cold, like a true outsider. The interviewer is not necessarily trying to disqualify you. They are testing how well you can network, and whether you have done your homework on the company.
How to answer this question without connections:
Option 1 — The honest pivot: “I do not personally know anyone on the team yet, but I have been following [Company Name]‘s work for the past year. I read [specific article or news about the company] and was impressed by [specific achievement]. That is actually what motivated me to apply.”
Why this works: It shows initiative, research, and genuine interest. You are not lying about knowing someone, but you are demonstrating that you care about the organization enough to follow their work.
Option 2 — The referral builder: “I do not have a direct contact here, but I connected with [Name of person in similar role] on LinkedIn last week and had a great conversation about [industry topic]. She gave me valuable insights into the team culture here.”
Why this works: It proves you are proactive. You did not wait for an introduction — you went out and built a connection yourself.
Option 3 — The confidence play: “I do not know anyone here, and I view that as an advantage. I am coming in with no preconceptions, no office politics baggage, and a fresh perspective on how to solve [company’s challenge].”
Why this works: It reframes your weakness as a strength. Confident candidates who can think on their feet are memorable.
Networking Without Connections: Building Your Own Network
If you do not have a godfather, you need to build your own network. This is not as hard as it sounds.
Start with what you have. Your university classmates are working in companies across Nigeria. Your NYSC colleagues are now scattered across industries. Your former internship supervisor knows people. You have more connections than you think — you just have not activated them.
How to activate your dormant network:
- Send a casual WhatsApp message to 10 former classmates: “Hey, long time! How is work at [Company Name] treating you?”
- When they reply, ask what their company is working on and if they know of any openings in your field.
- Do not ask for a job directly. Ask for information and advice. People are 10x more willing to give advice than to give jobs.
Building new connections:
- Attend industry events (even virtual ones). TechCabal events, SheHacks, and local meetups in Yaba are goldmines.
- Join professional WhatsApp and Telegram groups in your industry.
- Contribute value before asking for help. Share resources, answer questions, be useful.
- Connect with people on LinkedIn and follow up with a thoughtful message.
What Merit Looks Like in a “Man-Know-Man” World
Here is the reality that many job seekers miss: companies that rely entirely on connections fail. You cannot run a bank, a tech company, or an oil firm with unqualified relatives. Somewhere along the line, competence matters.
At GTBank, Access Bank, Flutterwave, or PwC, the connected candidate might get the interview. But if they cannot answer the technical questions, they will not get the job. Nigerian companies are becoming more meritocratic because Sapa does not care about your uncle’s title — results matter.
Three things that beat connections every time:
- Demonstrable skills. A portfolio of work, certifications, or projects that prove you can do the job.
- Preparation. Knowing the company’s products, competitors, and challenges better than the other candidates.
- Persistence. Following up professionally, building relationships over time, and staying top-of-mind.
When You Are the Backup Candidate (And Why That Is Okay)
Here is another HR secret: sometimes we hire the connected candidate because the MD insisted. But two months later, when that candidate cannot deliver, we come looking for the person who came second in the interview process.
I have personally hired “backup candidates” for roles at top Nigerian companies because the preferred candidate failed probation. When you impress us in the interview, we put your CV in a special folder. When the connected hire does not work out, you are the first person we call.
How to position yourself as the backup:
- Send a thank-you email after the interview (even if you think you did not get it).
- Connect with the interviewer on LinkedIn.
- Check in every 3-4 months with a brief, professional update.
- Stay visible. The moment they need someone, your name should come to mind.
Final Thoughts: Your Value Is Not Defined by Who You Know
The “man-know-man” culture in Nigeria is real. But it is not the whole story. Thousands of people get hired on merit every single day at companies like MTN, First Bank, Interswitch, Monnify, and Nestlé. They get hired because they are prepared, persistent, and competent.
Do not let the myth of connections discourage you. Focus on building your skills, your network, and your confidence. When opportunity meets preparation, it does not matter who you know — what matters is what you can do.
For more strategies on building a professional network without connections, read networking for introverts in Nigeria. And to understand the full picture of how jobs are really filled in Nigeria, check out the hidden job market.