31 Interview Question and Answers for Jobs In Nigeria
As I reflect on over a decade of my career in Nigeria, which includes experience with two multinational companies, I’d like to share my LinkedIn profile. Below is a list of common interview questions and answers for jobs in Nigeria, drawn from my experience as a human resources professional and insights from discussions with top recruiters in the country.
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1. Tell me about yourself.
Answer
The most commonly asked question in interviews is about your background. It’s important to have a concise statement prepared. Start by introducing yourself with your name, educational qualifications, and relevant experience in various job roles. Include any volunteer programs and projects you’ve managed in the past, making sure to relate these experiences to the job you are interviewing for.
A common mistake applicants make is not highlighting key accomplishments from their previous roles and explaining how these relate to the position they are applying for. It’s essential to sound natural and not overly rehearsed. Focus on work-related items unless instructed to include otherwise.
Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.
2. Why did you leave your last job?
Maintain a positive attitude, no matter the situation. Avoid discussing major issues with management or speaking negatively about supervisors, coworkers, or the organization. Doing so may reflect poorly on you. Keep smiling and focus on leaving for positive reasons, such as pursuing new opportunities or exciting experiences.
3. What experience do you have in this field?
When discussing your qualifications for the position you are applying for, focus on specific experiences that relate directly to the role. If you lack direct experience, consider drawing parallels to your involvement in the NYSC program or any volunteer activities you participated in. Additionally, internships can be valuable, particularly for recent graduates from universities or institutions of higher learning.
4. What do you know about this organization?
It’s important to research the organization before your interview. Take the time to understand its past and future directions, mission, vision, goals, and objectives. Consider what the organization aims to achieve in the long term, its past and current accomplishments, its challenges now, and its key individuals.
5. Why do you want to work for this organization?
This requires careful thought and should be informed by thorough research on the organization. Sincerity is vital and will be easily perceived. Connect this to your long-term career goals and aspirations.
6. What is your expected salary?
A loaded question can be a tricky situation, and you may lose out by answering it first. Instead of responding directly, try saying something like, “That’s a tough question. Can you provide the salary range for this position?” Often, the interviewer will be caught off guard and share that information. If they don’t, you can mention that the range can depend on the specifics of the job and then provide a broad range.
7. Are you a team player?
You are definitely a team player, so be prepared to share specific examples that demonstrate how you prioritize the team’s success over your own. These examples will highlight your positive team attitude. When discussing your contributions, present them in a straightforward, matter-of-fact manner rather than bragging. This approach is crucial.
8. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
I would prefer it to be for a long time, or as long as we both feel I am doing a good job.
9. What is your philosophy towards work?
The interviewer isn’t seeking a lengthy or elaborate response. Do you have a strong belief that the job will be accomplished effectively? Yes. That’s the kind of answer that is most effective—brief and positive, highlighting a benefit to the organization you’re applying to.
10. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization.
You should consider this question thoughtfully. It allows you to showcase your best attributes as they relate to the position discussed. Take some time to reflect on this connection.
11. Why should we hire you?
Highlight how your assets align with the organization’s needs. Avoid mentioning other candidates for comparison.
12. Tell me about a suggestion you have made.
Have a good suggestion ready. Ensure it is accepted and considered successful. A suggestion related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.
13. What is your greatest strength?
There are many positive qualities to highlight. Here are a few examples:
– Your ability to prioritize tasks
– Your problem-solving skills
– Your capacity to work under pressure
– Your focus on projects
– Your professional expertise
– Your leadership abilities
Staying positive is key!
14. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
I believe I will excel in this job due to several reasons, including my skills, experience, and genuine interest in this field. I possess the relevant skills that align with the position’s requirements. My self-confidence and positive attitude further enhance my ability to succeed. Additionally, my previous successes in my past job role have instilled a strong sense of confidence in my potential for future achievements with this organization.
15. What are you looking for in a job?
To make a good impression, emphasize the positive reasons for leaving your current job and seeking new opportunities. This is a great chance to highlight your skills and abilities and explain why you’re looking for a position where you can utilize and further develop them.
16. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?
Don’t be trivial. It would require disloyalty, violence, or lawbreaking to justify your objection. Minor complaints may label you as a whiner.
17. What is more important to you: the money or the work?
While money is important, the work itself holds the highest value.
18. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
There are many positive qualities, including loyalty, energy, a positive attitude, leadership, being a team player, expertise, initiative, patience, hard work, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
19. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor.
The biggest trap during an interview is the temptation to speak negatively about your boss. If you fall into this trap and discuss issues you’ve had with a former supervisor, it could jeopardize your chances of success in the interview. It’s important to stay positive and to forget any past problems with previous supervisors.
20. What has disappointed you about a job?
Stay away from trivial or negative thoughts. The safe areas are limited, but they can include: not facing enough challenges, being laid off during a reduction, or the company not securing a contract that would have provided you with additional responsibilities.
21. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
You might say that you excel under specific types of pressure. Provide an example that relates to the position you are applying for.
22. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
This is a personal trait that only you can define, but good examples include: Challenge, Achievement, and Recognition.
23. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
This decision is yours. Be truthful. If finding a job is challenging, consider being open to working overtime.
24. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
If you believe there’s a possibility that a particular topic may arise during the interview, it’s important to have an open conversation with your family beforehand. Don’t agree to something just to secure the job if your true feelings are different. Doing so can lead to significant issues later in your career. Be honest at this stage to avoid future complications.
25. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
In this situation, you need to come up with a reasonable explanation or risk losing credibility. It should be a minor, well-intentioned mistake that offers a positive lesson. For example, you might have worked too far ahead of your colleagues on a project, which disrupted coordination among the team.
26. What would you look for if you were hiring a person for this job?
Be sure to mention the traits that are both needed for the role and that you possess. It’s important to highlight your skills and qualities without sounding boastful. Emphasize the significance of education, as this demonstrates your commitment to ongoing learning and development.
Additionally, point out the necessity of setting goals. This can serve as a smooth transition to discussing your ambitions within the company.
Consider emphasizing your communication skills. Discuss the importance of being a team player who can accomplish tasks effectively. Ultimately, respond positively, showing that you understand the position’s requirements.
27. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?
No matter your qualifications, it’s important to convey that you are very well-suited for the position. For example, you might say: “I have had the privilege of managing exceptionally talented individuals who understood their roles as part of a team. They recognized early on that by working together to exceed company or department goals without unnecessary drama, we could all succeed. If hired, I will embody that same spirit.”
28. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
First, if you have any experience that the interviewer lacks, mention it. Next, if applicable, highlight that you are a hard worker, a quick learner, and emphasize 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 various roles, be sure to mention that. Applicants should respond to interview questions truthfully. Those who excel in group work should highlight their abilities and use specific examples from previous jobs to demonstrate a strong fit for certain positions. Individuals with leadership skills should express their enjoyment in taking the lead on projects and managing overall progress. Dedicated, self-motivated, and hands-on individuals may enjoy the application or execution phases of group projects, while creative individuals might prefer participating in brainstorming sessions.
30. Describe your work ethic.
Highlight the organization’s benefits. Qualities such as determination to complete tasks, a strong work ethic, and enjoyment of work are valuable.
31. Do you have any questions for me?
Always have some questions prepared. It’s beneficial to have questions that demonstrate how you can be an asset to the organization. For example, you might ask, “How soon can I expect to be productive?” or “What types of projects will I be able to assist with?”
Responding to Interview Questions
Engaging in an interview is about more than just answering questions; it’s a dialogue. To be memorable and likeable, focus on building a rapport with the interviewer and finding common ground to connect over. Ask them about their experiences to foster a genuine conversation rather than simply viewing it as a question-and-answer session. Remember, you are there to sell yourself.
Keep in mind the key soft skills they’re looking for and tailor your answers to reflect the traits of an ideal candidate. Highlight a few essential qualities in your introduction and throughout your responses.
Avoid rigidly rehearsing or memorizing answers. You need to remain flexible and ready for unexpected questions. Prepare a few ideas and anecdotes in advance, but stay open to the conversation’s direction so that you can respond effectively to any surprise inquiries or case studies. Providing good examples is crucial!
Free Resources for Job Interviews
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