Common Interview Questions in Nigeria
Nigerian employers frequently ask these questions. Prepare strong answers to stand out.
1. "Tell Me About Yourself"
What they want: A 60-90 second professional summary, not your life story.
Sample Answer:
"I'm a marketing graduate from the University of Lagos with 3 years of experience in digital marketing. At my current role with [Company], I've managed social media campaigns that increased engagement by 40%. I'm particularly skilled in content creation and data analysis. I'm excited about this opportunity because I admire your company's innovative approach to the Nigerian market, and I believe my skills in digital strategy would contribute to your growth goals."
2. "Why Do You Want to Work Here?"
What they want: Evidence you researched the company and alignment with their mission.
Sample Answer:
"I've been following your company's work in the fintech space, particularly your recent expansion into underserved markets in Nigeria. Your commitment to financial inclusion aligns with my personal values. I'm also impressed by your company culture and investment in employee development. I believe my background in [specific skill] would help contribute to your mission of [company goal]."
3. "What Are Your Salary Expectations?"
What they want: To see if you're within their budget and know your worth.
Sample Answer:
"Based on my research of industry standards for this role in Lagos and my 3 years of experience, I'm looking for a salary in the range of ₦250,000 to ₦300,000 per month. However, I'm open to discussing the complete compensation package, including benefits and growth opportunities."
4. "What Is Your Greatest Weakness?"
What they want: Self-awareness and commitment to improvement.
Sample Answer:
"I used to struggle with public speaking, which was challenging when presenting to clients. I've actively worked on this by joining a Toastmasters club in Lagos and volunteering to lead team meetings. I've seen significant improvement, and while I'm still developing this skill, I'm now comfortable presenting to groups of 20+ people."
5. "Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?"
What they want: Career ambition and commitment to growth within the company.
Sample Answer:
"In 5 years, I see myself having grown into a senior role where I'm leading projects and mentoring junior team members. I'm particularly interested in developing expertise in [specific area relevant to the company]. I'm looking for a company where I can build a long-term career, and from what I've learned about your growth trajectory, this seems like the right fit."
6. "Why Should We Hire You?"
What they want: Your unique value proposition.
Sample Answer:
"You should hire me because I bring a unique combination of technical skills and understanding of the Nigerian market. I have [specific certification/skill], 3 years of hands-on experience in [relevant area], and a proven track record of [specific achievement]. Beyond that, I'm passionate about this industry and committed to delivering excellent results."
7. "Describe a Challenge You Faced at Work"
What they want: Problem-solving skills using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Sample Answer:
"In my previous role, we faced a situation where a major client threatened to leave due to delayed deliverables (Situation). As the account manager, it was my responsibility to retain the client (Task). I immediately scheduled a meeting, took ownership of the delays, presented a recovery plan with clear timelines, and assigned dedicated resources to their account (Action). Not only did we retain the client, but they increased their contract value by 30% the following quarter (Result)."
8. "Do You Have Any Questions for Us?"
Always ask questions! It shows interest and helps you evaluate the role.
- "What does success look like in this role during the first 6 months?"
- "Can you describe the team I'd be working with?"
- "What are the biggest challenges facing the department right now?"
- "What opportunities exist for professional development?"
- "What's the company culture like?"
Nigerian-Specific Questions
"Have you completed NYSC?"
Be honest. If yes, mention your certificate. If exempted, explain why. If currently serving, provide your expected completion date.
"Are you comfortable with the work location?"
Lagos traffic is real. Be honest about commute concerns but emphasize your commitment if the opportunity is right.
Interview Preparation Checklist
- Research the company thoroughly (website, LinkedIn, recent news)
- Prepare 3-5 questions to ask the interviewer
- Practice answers to these common questions out loud
- Prepare specific examples of achievements with numbers
- Dress professionally (Nigerian companies expect formal attire)
- Arrive 15-20 minutes early (account for Lagos traffic!)