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If you’re looking for work in Lagos, chances are someone has told you to “try a job agent.” And let’s be honest—when the hustle gets tough, that sounds like a solid plan. Job agents in Lagos are everywhere. They promise fast job placements, direct connections with employers, and sometimes, even “guaranteed” employment. But here’s the problem: not all of them are real, and not all of them are worth your time—or money.
In my 20 years in the job industry, I’ve seen too many job seekers fall into the same traps. They trust the wrong people, lose money, waste time, and sometimes even give up on job hunting altogether. Lagos is full of opportunity, yes. But it’s also full of sc@ms, shortcuts, and people who prey on desperation.
This article is not just another blog post. It’s a practical guide written for Nigerians like you who want real results. I’ll walk you through the biggest mistakes people make when choosing job agents in Lagos and how you can avoid them. You’ll also learn things most websites don’t tell you—truths that come only from working on the inside of the industry for two decades.
#1 Mistake: Not Researching the Job Agent’s Track Record
Think of job hunting like investing. You wouldn’t invest in a company without knowing their track record. So why would you trust a job agent without checking their history?
Before you pay or even register with any of the job agents in Lagos, do your homework:
Ask for names of companies they’ve worked with. If they can’t name one, walk away.
Request to speak with past clients. A legit agent won’t hide this.
Check online reviews. Look at Facebook, Twitter, or Nairaland. If many people are complaining, believe them.
Here’s a tip: use Google Reverse Image Search on their job ads. If the same ad appears on multiple websites with different contact details, it’s likely fake.
#2 Mistake: Paying Upfront Without a Job Offer
This is one of the most common traps in Lagos. An agent tells you, “Pay ₦5,000 or ₦10,000 now, and I’ll get you a job interview.” Or worse, “Pay ₦20,000 and get a guaranteed job.”
Let’s be clear: no real employer asks job seekers to pay to get employed. If the agent is asking for money before even showing you a company or job offer, that’s a scam.
Some agents will say it’s a “registration” fee. That might sound harmless, but ask: what does it really cover? If they can’t explain it in detail, it’s a money trap.
Remember, job agents in Lagos who are truly connected to companies get paid by those companies—not by job seekers.
#3 Mistake: Believing in “Guaranteed” Jobs
If you hear the word “guarantee” from a job agent, you should immediately become suspicious. In this industry, there’s no such thing as a guaranteed job. Companies hire based on interviews, qualifications, and fit.
Some fake job agents in Lagos will tell you the job is “already yours.” They’ll say the employer won’t interview you, or that it’s just a formality. That’s a lie. Either they’re faking the job entirely, or you’re being lined up for disappointment.
Even the best job agents can’t guarantee employment. The right ones prepare you, connect you, and advise you—but they don’t make promises they can’t keep.
#4. Mistake: Ignoring Red Flags in Communication
Here’s a secret: the way a job agent communicates says everything about their professionalism.
Watch out for:
Poor grammar or spelling in messages.
Unclear job descriptions (“Company confidential” is a major red flag).
Pressure tactics (“You must pay today or lose the chance”).
A true professional will give you clear, specific information. They won’t be vague. They won’t push you to act in fear. They’ll explain which companies they work with, what the job entails, and what qualifications are needed.
#5 Mistake: Not Understanding the Role of a Job Agent
Many job seekers expect job agents to do all the work. That’s not how it works. A job agent is supposed to:
Match your CV with available roles.
Share job openings that fit your profile.
Prepare you for interviews.
Follow up with the employer.
But they’re not miracle workers. They can’t create jobs out of thin air. And they’re not responsible for whether or not you get picked after an interview.
If a job agent promises to “handle everything” for you, that’s a warning sign. Getting a job is your responsibility—an agent is just a support.
#6 Mistake: Not Asking for a Written Agreement
Many job agents in Lagos operate casually. You pay them in cash, and they disappear. No receipts. No terms. No proof.
That’s risky.
Before you pay or register, ask for something in writing. It doesn’t have to be a legal contract, but at least:
A receipt with their name and business name.
A written breakdown of what services they’ll provide.
A timeline for what to expect.
If they refuse, that’s your sign to walk away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Job Agents in Lagos
1. Are job agents in Lagos legally recognized by the government?
No. Most job agents in Lagos operate informally. There are no official licenses or oversight agencies that regulate them.
2. How can I verify if job agents in Lagos are connected to real companies?
Ask for company names, then contact those companies directly to verify. Legit agents won’t hide this information.
3. What would be the appropriate cost for Lagos-based job agencts to register their candidates?
The registration fee should stay within the ₦1,000 to ₦5,000 range, and a clear explanation is needed for customers. Always decline employment candidates who seek substantial financial deposits before service delivery.
4. Under what conditions do Lagos job agents return registration fees in cases where they fail to secure employment for clients?
Most don’t. A written agreement serves as a protection because no charges should exist without it. A written agreement serves as your only means to validate the terms established during the process without its presence.
5. Is it possible to file a lawsu!t against a job agency in Lagos when they perform fraudulent activities?
Yes, but it’s difficult. Most job agencies choose to function without providing official names or operating addresses. The case requires clear proof together with legal representation.
6. Does Lagos have specific professional job agents who work with certain occupational sectors?
Yes. Make sure you learn about the specific industry focus of any job agent before entering into their program.
7. How should one go about identifying reliable job agents in Lagos?
Referrals! Don’t rely on ads. Check with dependable sources whose job agents secured them actual work positions.
Conclusion:
Lagos is a city of hustle. Everyone’s trying to make it. Your desperation for a job does not require you to surrender to deceptive offers.
After learning about critical blunders in dealing with Lagos job agents, you are now equipped to navigate this process successfully. You now understand how to identify warning signs in agents along with the necessary inquiry points as well as effective self-defense strategies.
Don’t let anyone exploit you. Don’t give up your power. Use your intelligence together with your knowledge, and above all, maintain patience during your job search. If you stay focused and avoid pursuing futile leads, then the right opportunity will present itself.
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