How to answer Interview Questions

Tell me about yourself; How did you hear about this Position; Why do you want this job, What do you consider to be your greatest strength… and many more interview questions are among the most asked interview questions job seekers in Nigeria are most likely to come across in their various pursuit of getting good jobs in Nigeria.

There is no doubt that there is high competition for job seekers in Nigeria, for every advertised job in Nigeria, there is a hundred of applicants ready to apply for the advertised spot. Adding to this the yearly introduction of new graduates into the Nigerian workforce community makes it an herculean task for job seekers in Nigeria to find jobs. Most job openings as advertised on the pages of the social media and other platforms are already filled by people with the connections or who probably know some high ranked figures within the organization where the job is advertised. This implies that Job seekers in Nigeria must be at the top of their game to clinch the various jobs they apply for or that they intend applying for.

While many think that nailing job interviews in Nigeria is a very hard task, you do have reasons to be happy, the internet provides you with various tips which you can apply to groom yourselves for job interviews.  Platforms like jobs.delon.ng and other platforms provide job seekers with the necessary and require tips to scale through their interviews without hassles.

Wouldn’t it be cool if you have a prior knowledge or insight to the questions that your interviewer would likely ask you in your next job interview?   Well we cannot read minds but then platforms like jobs.delon.ng gives job seekers in Nigeria a very good insight to what to expect in interviews; a list of 40 of the most commonly asked interviews questions, along with advice for answering them all.

It is quite important to note that while preparing for interviews; it is sacrosanct for job seekers to ensure that they are well prepared to answer the various questions that will be thrown at them effectively with confidence. Since these questions are common interview questions, interviewers often expect them to answer these top interview questions without hesitation.

However because these are common interview questions in Nigeria, Job seekers called for interviews do not necessarily need to memorize the answers, but instead they should think about what to say to prevent being put on the spot. This can only be done by well and adequate preparation, and knowing what to expect during the interview for jobs in Nigeria.

The trick knows that you are well prepared and ready for the interview will go a long way in boosting ones confidence and also to help manage interview stress.

How to prepare for a job interviews

The more time job seekers spend in preparing for a job interview, the better their chances of acing the interview. Constant practice brings perfection as it enables the applicant to have detailed information as to what questions they would be asking him or her in the course of the interview. Applicants who has prepared well for interviews will definitely feel at ease talking to the hiring manager or interview committee of the respective firm or organization.

One of the things Applicants who has been called for interviews must do before entering the interview venue are

1. Know the Company- before you walk into any interview room, irrespective of how confident you are, never walk inside an interview hall with no prior knowledge of the hiring company or firm. It is important that as job seekers you must do your thorough background check about the history, structure and objectives of the hiring company. There are many resources that you can use to find the required information you need about the respective organization or firm. if it is a firm that has an online presence that is website, do well to read more about the firm online through their website and if they do not have any of these, you have to use the help of those who are familiar with the firm, probably any of their staffs.
2. Tap your Connections for insider information- if you happen to know anyone working in the firm, do well to establish contact with them and ask the necessary questions you need to ask regarding the firm.
3. Make a match- Before attending any interview, take time to make matches between your qualifications and requirements as stated in the job announcement. This way, you will have examples at hand to back up your claims
4. Update your CV – This might be slightly different from the aforementioned point, however do well to ensure that you tailor qualifications to meet the requirement. If the job you are applying for, requires that you have the qualities of a Secretary, then pick up your CV and tweak it to fit in. Also these changes will come handy in the process of the interview as the hiring firm will ask you how your personal qualities and past experience will help you fit into the job they are interviewing you for.
5. Be Prepared to Give Examples- it is not enough to just explain during interview sessions, also always try to go the extra mile when answering questions by giving examples. It can be of great assistance for applicants to make preparations how what examples are can give to back up their claims during interview sessions. This will go a long way in giving the hiring firm a strong and solid opinion of them. For example. Rather than stating that you are good at multitasking, instead give an example that demonstrates how you have been able to multitask at different situations or working conditions. Recruitment companies and organizations will really love to hear this from job applicants as this will go a long way that they not only know what they should do theoretical but they also know it practically with their show of great experiential knowledge.

Also applicants must endeavor to put in their best at making the right impression during job interviews. This can be done in the following ways as listed below.

1. Dress well- Appearance they say matters a lot and as the popular saying goes, you are addressed the way you dress. It is very important that you have certain interview etiquettes and one of the most important one is dressing properly for the job interview. Don’t be underdressed or over dressed for the interview. Female applicants should also avoid the use of excessive make ups.
2. Avoid African time – by all means avoid lateness. Do your possible best to ensure that you arrive at the venue of the interview ah hour before the scheduled time. It is better for the interviewer to keep you waiting than for you to keep the interviewer waiting.
3. Give Positive response. In the process of the interview, do well to ensure that you give positive response to the questions asked.  Also it is important that you keep a positive outlook give the impression that you are more inspired by the thought of new opportunities also by all means avoid making negative comments about your former organization, colleague or employer .

Answering 50 Common Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself

This is the most often asked of all interview questions. In answering this endeavor to keep it short and simple without adding information that are not necessary. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind.

You must also be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise.

Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing. In talking about yourself, desist from talking about your family history.

2. Why did you leave your last job?

Regardless of the situation that led to you leaving your former job, keep it 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.

4. Do you consider yourself successful?

You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.

5. Why do you want to work here?

Interviewers often ask this question as a way to determine whether or not you took the time to research the company and to learn why you see yourself as a good fit. The best way to prepare for this question is to do your homework and learn about the products, services, mission, history and culture of this workplace. In your answer, mention the aspects of the company that appeals to you and align with your career goals. Explain why you’re looking for these things in an employer.

Example: “The company’s mission to help college grads pay off their student loan debt speaks to me. I’ve been in that situation, and I’d love the opportunity to work with a company that’s making a difference. Finding a company with a positive work environment and values that align with my own has remained a priority throughout my job search, and this company ranks at the top of the list.”

6. What interests you about this role?

Like the previous question, hiring managers often include this question to make sure you understand the role and give you an opportunity to highlight your relevant skills. In addition to thoroughly reading the job description, it can be helpful to compare the role requirements against your skills and experience. Choose a few things you particularly enjoy or excel at, and focus on those in your answer.

Example: “Making a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients and their families motivates me to strive for excellence in everything I do. I look forward to seeing their reaction when we get a positive outcome that will change their lives forever. Like the family of a young boy we treated last year—at eight years old, he had experienced rapid weight gain and signs of depression. His parents described him as a usually joyful child, but now he seemed disengaged and uninterested in his typical schedule. In the end, we determined that it was hypothyroidism, which is, of course, controllable with medication. The boy is adjusting well to the treatment and has returned to his joyful self. That’s why I became a nurse and why I’m pursuing a position in pediatrics.”

7. What motivates you?

Employers ask this question to gauge your level of self-awareness and ensure your sources of motivation align with the role. To answer, be as specific as possible, provide real-life examples and tie your answer back to the job role.

Example: “Making a true a difference in the lives of my patients and their families motivates me to strive for excellence in everything I do. I look forward to seeing my patient’s reactions when we get a positive outcome that will change their lives forever. That’s why I became a nurse, and why I’m pursuing a position in pediatrics.”

8. What are you passionate about?

Much like the previous question about motivation, employers might ask what you are passionate about to better understand what drives you and what you care most deeply about. This can both help them understand whether you are a good fit for the role and if it fits into your larger goals. To answer, select something you are genuinely passionate about, explain why you’re passionate about it, give examples of how you’ve pursued this passion and relate it back to the job.

Example: “As an experienced, service-oriented professional with more than a decade of experience working in boutique salons, I thrive on creating a welcoming environment for all clients and providing the highest quality skincare services. My specialized training and strong interpersonal skills have helped me become adept at developing long-term, trusted relationships that help to build a loyal client base. Some of my clients have been with me since the beginning—more than ten years now. These relationships are the reason I’m excited to go to work every day.”

9. Why are you leaving your current job?

There are many reasons for leaving a job. Prepare a thoughtful answer that will give your interviewer confidence that you’re being deliberate about this job change. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of your current or previous role, focus on the future and what you hope to gain in your next position.

Example: “I’m looking for an opportunity that gives me the ability to build closer, long-term relationships with clients. In my current role, the sales cycle is so short that I don’t spend as much time building a rapport with my customers as I’d like. Relationship-building is one of the reasons I chose a career in sales, and I look forward to working with a company where that’s a top priority.”

10. What are your greatest strengths?

This question gives you an opportunity to talk about both your technical and soft skills. To answer, share qualities and personal attributes and then relate them back to the role for which you’re interviewing.

Example: “I’m a natural problem-solver. I find it rewarding to dig deep and uncover solutions to challenges—it’s like solving a puzzle. It’s something I’ve always excelled at, and something I enjoy. Much of product development is about finding innovative solutions to challenging issues, which is what drew me to this career path in the first place.”

11. What are your greatest weaknesses?

It can feel awkward to discuss your weaknesses in an environment where you’re expected to focus on your accomplishments. However, when answered correctly, sharing your weaknesses can show that you are self-aware and want to continuously get better at your job—traits that are extremely attractive to many employers. Remember to start with the weakness and then discuss the measures you’ve taken to improve. This way, you’re finishing your answer on a positive note.

Example: “Earlier in my career I noticed that because I was so enthusiastic about my work, I had a tendency to say ‘yes’ when I should have been saying ‘no.’ At one point I ended up so overwhelmed by my workload, taking on so many projects, that I was working evenings and weekends. It was stressful, and that stress affected my production quality. I realized this was counterproductive, so I started using workload management tools to set better expectations for myself and my teammates.”

14. What is your Greatest Professional Achievement?

In answering this, do not be afraid to blow your horns. It is quite important here that you give examples from your previous jobs where you have done brilliantly well and how you were able to boost the work efficiency of your previous firm or increase their productivity rate.

Example; in my last job as a IT Project manager, I was able to coordinate and harness the skill set of my team members to boost the firms productivity rate by 60% compared to that of the other team.

Other examples of questions are as follows:

What is your salary expectation?

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

How do you like to be managed?

Are you a team player?

What are your Pet Peeves?

How do you prioritize your work?

How do you cope under pressure?

By Marcus Amudipe

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