Common Job Interview Questions & Answers in Nigeria (2024)

After graduating from the University and finishing NYSC, the first thing on every graduate’s mind is to get a job. The labour market is highly competitive and saturated, survival of the fittest comes to play. It is highly necessary that when these job interviews do come, one is highly prepared.

The list below is comprehensive and highly detailed with some of the most asked questions in interviews. Its best to go through each of the questions and answers because there’s a high probability of them being asked.

1.What is your greatest weakness?

This is a question most people answer improperly. The best way to answer this question is to tell the interviewer about an activity or skill you have a problem with and how you are taking the necessary measures to combat this weakness. For example, you can say – “I have had trouble in the past with time management, however, I have employed the use of an application that runs on my phone and helps keep me in check”.

2.Tell me about yourself

This should be about the simplest question there is to answer because all they really want you to say is a summary of what you have on your CV. Select key work and education information that shows your prowess in certain fields and of course, is related to the job.

3. Why should I hire you?

When answering this, your principal focus should be on the company and not yourself. They need to know that you can meet almost all their needs as well as the required output they seek. This is also the best time to chip in two to three additional abilities that distinguishes you from others. They need to know you are a candidate who can meet their needs

4. Are you the best person for the job?

Show it by your passionate examples. Relate your past experiences and educational background to the expectations that come with the job.

5. What is your long-range objective?

Project a long term goal with the company. Say something that makes them know you have the company’s best interests at heart and you would want to build yourself with them. Example, “in five years from now, I would like to be the company’s creative director responsible for half of the advertising campaigns in the country”.

6. How has your education prepared you for your career?

Focus on the behavioural examples in your educational background which specifically conform to the required competencies for the career. Example, “My education has focused on the fundamental practical application of the information learned within those classes.

7. Are you a team player? Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?

In asking this question, your interviewer wants to get a sense of how you will respond to conflict. Go through your CV and highlight all the skills that are featured. Use each and every one of them to your advantage. Its almost certain that “ability to work under pressure and manage conflict”. Best advice is to come up with an example of a time you demonstrated each of these traits

9. If you had to live your life over again, what one thing would you change?

To an extent, this question requires your complete honesty. Although if there’s one thing to remember, it is never to sell yourself out( eg, I wish I could change the fact that I was once a drug addict)

10. Tell Me About A Time That You Failed

You should not go about listing all the times you failed at tasks otherwise the interview is as good as done. Make them know you are human, so it is only natural that you make mistakes but one of the good things about you is how you learn from mistakes and never make them twice. Also, your response to failure is resilient. To do this, cite an example of how a mistake you made turned out to be a good learning experience.

11. Why Do You Want To Work Here?

Again, your primary focus should be on the company. Make them understand that you have carried out some research on the company and its the best place for you to fit in because of how they “…” (mention the company’s strong points you gathered along the course of your research). Make them understand that you and the company are a great match.

12. Are you willing to travel or relocate?

If you enjoy traveling then you should answer this with all honesty. On the other hand, if it’s not something you enjoy, make them know you are always willing to try out new things and new places otherwise you might just say goodbye to the job.

13. What are your salary requirements?

The best way to answer this question is to use sites that have salaries of most companies on their database. Come up with a range and pick the highest number based on your experience, education, and skills. Flexibility is key. Make them know you’re willing to negotiate.

14. What do you know about our company?

Before going for the interview, you should do your homework on the basics. Who is the current MD/CEO, the key officers, location of the head office, what the company is into and the kinds of services they render should be at your fingertips.

15. What do you know about this position?

This is another case of doing your homework. For you to be interested enough to have applied for this position, they want to know how much you know about it.

16. How did you hear about the position?

Tell the exact media you got to find out about the job. If you found out about it through a friend or professional contact, drop the person’s name, then share why you were so excited about it. If it was through social media, newspaper or the Internet, drop the name of the source.

17. When can you start?

If you can start right away and you are currently unemployed, tell them you’re able to start the next day or the next week as the case may be. Sense of urgency and excitement about starting work at the new company is always a good thing.

If you are currently employed, you must exhibit ethics and professionalism. Most organisations require a period of two weeks or a month’s notice before you can resign. Make them understand this but also hinting your eagerness to join them at the new company.

18. Do you have any questions for us?

The fewer the questions you ask, the better. While asking these questions, make sure they are witty and intelligent. Questions targeted at the interviewer like “What’s your favorite part about working here?” or the company’s growth are appropriate.

19. Why was there a gap in your employment?

If you were unemployed for a period of time, be direct and to the point. Make sure you let them know that you had other constructive and mind-enriching activities that had you occupied even though you didn’t have a job. Then, steer the conversation toward how you will do the job and contribute to the organisation.

20. Why are you leaving your current job?

This is quite a difficult one. You can be sure that if you’re employed you will definitely be asked. Never speak badly about your previous or current employers or organisation. If you do, they feel you will do the same to them when the time comes. Instead, frame things in a way that shows that you’re eager to take on new opportunities and that the role you’re interviewing for is a better fit for you than your current or last position.