31 Interview Question and Answers for Jobs In Nigeria
Below are the list of common Interview Question and Answers for Jobs in Nigeria based on research from various Top Recruiters in Nigeria, remember only a well-written CV gets Invited for an Interview, you can read this post on writing a good CV and Latest CV Format In Nigeria.
1. Tell me about yourself?
Answer
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Which should start by stating your name, educational qualification, experience on various job roles, volunteer programmes, Projects which you have handled in the past, relating it to the current job you are been interviewed for also applicant make the mistake of not talking about Key accomplishments you achieve in these previous roles and how it relate to the position you are interviewing for. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise.
Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.
2. Why did you leave your last job?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.
3. What experience do you have in this field?
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can with NYSC programme which you took part in, volunteer programmes, an internship could also be useful especially for recently graduated from the university or institution of higher learning.
4. What do you know about this organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going, the organization’s mission, vision goals and objectives. What does the organization want to achieve in the long run, what are the past and current achievements and what are the current issues and who are the major players?
5. Why do you want to work for this organization?
This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals and objective
6. What is your expected salary?
A loaded question, A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, that’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.
7. Are you a team player?
You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself is good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag; just say it in a matter-of-fact tone? This is a key point.
8. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I’d like it to be a long time. Or as long as we both feel I’m doing a good job.
9. What is your philosophy towards work?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That’s the type of answer that works best here, short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization you are applying to.
10. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization?
You should be anxious about this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.
11. Why should we hire you?
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.
12. Tell me about a suggestion you have made?
Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.
13. What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples:
Your ability to prioritize, your problem-solving skills, your ability to work under pressure, your ability to focus on projects, your professional expertise, your leadership skills, your Positive attitude e.t.c.
14. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest, for example, I believe I will do well in this job because I have the relevant skills and it is my field of interest, I have a confident that I can do well in the job because of self-confidence, positive attitude. Previous success in my previous job role also brings self-confidence for future success with this organization.
15. What are you looking for in a job?
To make a good impression, focus on the positive reasons for why you’re leaving your current job and looking for something new. This is a great opportunity to emphasize your skills and abilities, and why you’re looking for a situation where you can use and improve them.
16. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?
Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.
17. What is more important to you: the money or the work?
Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.
18. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver
19. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor?
Biggest trap of all, this is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.
20. What has disappointed you about a job?
Don’t get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include:
Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.
21. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.
22. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are:
Challenge, Achievement, Recognition
23. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
This is up to you. Be totally honest. But if so it is difficult to find work or a good job, you might consider are willing to work overtime.
24. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.
25. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, a well-intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and thus throwing coordination off.
26. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have. It’s important for you to point out the skills and qualities that you have, but to do it in a way that isn’t bragging. Talk about how important education is. This will show the interviewer that you will continue educating yourself.
Point out how goals are necessary. This will be a nice lead in your ambitions within the company.
Consider focusing on communication skills. Talk about the importance of finding a team player who can get stuff done and Answer in a positive way that shows that you know what the position requires.
27. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?
Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position also gives an example such as “I’ve been lucky to have managed fabulously overqualified talent who saw themselves as someone with a job to do who was part of a team. They realized early on that they can’t lose if they do the work to exceed company or department goals without drama. That is the person I will be if hired
28. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
First, if you have an experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard-working quick learner, state your ability to learn and improve on the job.
29. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out. Applicants should respond to the interview question honestly. Workers with particular strengths in terms of group work should highlight abilities and reference specific examples from past jobs to emphasis strong fits for certain roles. People with leadership skills should mention enjoyment from taking the leads on projects and managing overall progress. Dedicated, self-starting, and hands-on individuals may reveal enjoying the application or execution portion of group projects, while creative aspirants may prefer involvement in any brainstorming parts.
30. Describe your work ethic?
Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.
31. Do you have any questions for me?
Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? And what type of projects will I be able to assist on? are examples of question you could ask.
Responding to these questions
You don’t have a one-sided conversation. Since you want to be memorable and likeable, develop a relationship with the interviewer and find common spots to bond over. Ask them questions and about their own experiences and don’t think of it as a question-answer session. Sell yourself.
Don’t forget the main soft skills they’re looking for. Focus on your answers on the ideal candidate traits. Remember a few key qualities to include in your intro and answers.
Don’t rehearse and memorize. You need to be flexible to answer surprise questions. Keep a few ideas and stories in mind but be open to what is to come so you’re mentally prepared for any questions or surprise case studies Good examples are a must!
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