Let me add to what vacancy 2 said. DONT PUT YOURSELF UNDER STRESS. Don't be nervous. I went for an interview that i was so nervous i found out i was shouting. They kept saying that i should calm down and be cool . Don't be nervous, its just a chat. They asked me basic questions like what is NPV aand GAAP as in the full meaning of the abbreviations and i was too nervous to remember. I wanted to die there and then.

Till date i have not heard from them. Still hoping that they will call me as it has not been so long.

I love this thread, so many funny stories, very informative as well. I have learnt a lot and hope not to make any mistake when I go for mine.

In 2000, i got verbal message about an interview at one of the Fed govt agency at Apapa. The interv was schedule for 10am and i got the message at 9:50am. How do i move from Ikeja to Apapa. I lauched out without CV and other arsenals. They were about to close when i got there. I was given audience and they were really impressed about my performance and from their comment, i got a green light. But was told to bring my credentials the following day.

I got there the following day and started asking about the package, when i dont know whether there is another stage of the interview. The Director was annoyed with me and that was the end.

wat!!!package ke,am ssure u wont do dat mistake again.mayb d green light u got gave u anoda impression altogether

Interesting posts, I believe the most important thing is to see the interviewer as a human being and not fret unnecessarily.Be composed,relaxed and answer the questions put to you in a relaxed manner.Never appear disorganized nor allow the interviewer detect your not confident in yourself.


Got a job immediately i came out from service.Still remember what happened at the interview vividly, was being interviewed by 5 people and was asked a question on marketing segmentation and retail channel development.Noticed one of the interviewer"s kept trying to throw me off balance,he had issues with my presentation,he disagreed with my market penetration strategies and insisted they were not realistic.I politely but firmly stuck to my points cos i knew what i was saying and had facts to buttress my points.A 45 minutes interview ended up lasting 2 and half hours.They ran me through the whole gamut of trade marketing,retail channel development,branding,product development,brand deployment but men i was well prepared and gave them more than they bargained for.At the end of the interview,i knew i had a job on my hand cos the head of marketing told the die hard interviewer that i was correct on all the points i raised.He even asked me who was my favorite marketing guru and i told him Philip Kotler and the man exclaimed.Next day i was called for medicals and got the job.

My point? Know your field exceptionally well.Upgrade your knowledge and be confident in yourself.After all,the worst that can happen is you may not get the job but your self esteem wont be bruised by die hard interviewers who may want to rubbish you.

, yes u r rit but the mean meaning to this lengthy stare is to trap u, may b he's not sure of your answer and the best thing an interviewer can do in this context is to stare at u, read ur body language, read your eyes and ones u mess up then your answer is false, simple!

Mine was really bad too.I was just staring at the lady like a fool,my brain was blank.I couldn't answer any of her questions because i wasn't prepared at all.I got the sms a day to the interview,had to travel down 7hrs journey.Got there late in the night and the interview was the next morning.Didn't prepare and that was the result.

Hi NL.
My interview experience wasn't particularly embarassing but I must say I was a lil nervous. I was confident in GOD but where we were told to sit was chilling cos of the airconditioning units that were at their max. That brings me to my first point, a pair of suit. It was my first ever interview and though I was formally dressed I didn't wear a suit to compliment the outfit. I've never been a major fan because I personally feel it wasn't made for the nigerian terrain. The interview was meant to start by 10 but I arrived at the interview venue at exactly 8:55am. Coincidentally, I and my interviewer arrived at the same time. Not knowing who she was, I greeted her and went in. I told the Front desk assistant why I was there and lo n behold I was given the Applicants log book to request for personal details and time of arrival. Since it was my first interview ever all I knew was based on what I googled the day before and while waiting for the interview to start I kept checking out more articles I could get with my blackberry. The anxiety of the interview didn't make me sleep well the night before and at some point in the night I believe GOD made me to ask myself, if this company I was applying to was mine what will I add to it to make it a hotcake and encourage massive influx of clients. An idea sprung up, and when it did another voice told me Oga better sleep cos the company isn't yours and that's why you're looking for a job there. I laughed at myself and later slept. Prior to the interview I noticed only I and another chap wasn't wearing suit so I knew at that point that something was wrong but I waived the thought so as not to be jittery and self condemn myself. I was the first to be callled in after we went through a written test with questions such as (what will u do if very early on monday morning a very angry customer walked in with his parents with 2 policemen shouting and making a fuss about the services we rendered?), pls note my answer because it just might help someday. I answered that the first thing I'll do since the firm was a customer oriented one is to calm the client and parents down and escort them to a secluded part of the office where their voices would not be heard by a new customer willing to patronize our service so he/she won't think if their services were top notch why is this client shouting and came in company of 2 policemen (it wasn't my brilliance but GODs because man's wisdom is folly b4 GOD) and honestly, I myself was pleased with the answer and then I proceeded to the other stages of resolving the matter. Another interesting twist to my experience was that since it was my first ever interview I just prayed no other applicant will show up so it'll just be me and they won't have any choice than employ my services, lol. The validity of that prayer expired at 9:20am when the second applicant walked in, all suited up n co and me being "suitless", my liver cut. Well, I was called in as the number one applicant and I greeted my interviewers and made sure I didn't sit until I was told to do so. First I was told to introduce myself which I did and the very next question they asked me was "As a new employee what idea will you bring to the company that'll be different from what they've had and increase customer base?". Do u remember the night b4 that I couldn't sleep that my church mind gave me an idea and my radical half said I better sleep jeje cos the firm isn't mine? I was honest and told them exactly what the idea was and that's when the grading started, the answer I gave them blew them. My point is never allow the devil waive any detail as irrelevant. Introducing myself to me wasn't a question so that to me was officially the first question. Do you know how sad I would have been if I had waived the thought the night b4? Allow me to use my coined word "CALAMITUS" to described the feeling that would have followed. The other questions were technical/professional and I thank GOD I replied with what sounded like right answers to them and then the almighty question came, (How much I wanted as salary?) From what I googled n read, I was supposed to stylishly waive the question or should I be boxed into a corner, I should just reply with (I'm more interested in what the company has to offer my career as an individual than the financial gratification) which I relayed verbatim. Both of my interviewers just chorused "Oga, we hear that all the time" and started laughing, I had to join in the laugh for a short while so that I could ease the tension and sweat that was brewing from inside. Then she said well, before I answer I should put into consideration that they deduct taxes and pension from workers salary so after that what's the least I can take home considering those deductions and then I should give them a range of figure as a Bsc holder. I said honestly ma, after those deductions I'm looking btw 50 and 70 thousand she then said I should pick one of those figures that my answer had to be specific. Then I had a quick thought that GOD forbid, will I like a life of job seeking for another 5years all for the greed of money or I should just embrace an humble beginning, so I said 50 after those deductions. And they asked me for their names again and oops, I had forgotten. (The problem was I stick to only relevant details in anything or anyone, I trained myself to be like that, that way I won't be a jack of all trades in my thoughts n co so I told them I was sorry but I can tell them both their positions and they told me to and I relayed it, they then said well, they didn't forget mine and once more I apologized and as I was about standing up again, the man said why wasn't I wearing a pair of suit, I just came out honest and said sir I don't like looking too serious, he then said well, he once went for an interview and they told him that does he know that he's here to defend his livelihood? And I said I completely agree with him and I'll note it. He then said if need be I can borrow then I smiled cos I remember reading a post of a bro who wore an oversized suit and was asked if he was actually here for the interview just to embarass him so I just smiled cos I knew that was my fate if I were to borrow cos I seem to be the slimest of all my friends buh of course I had to agree. Then the woman said she had a friend who had to borrow a wig to an interview she went for and then I just thought, what if the owner just came into the interview room and pulled off the "helment" she borrowed (my mind is rily 4n) so I laughed again and said thank you Ma and thank you Sir respectively and I almost ran out to avoid the question that'll make me collapse. Once I got out the other 14 applicants were staring like see the first scape goat and I went back to the front desk to know what to do next and she told me to sit. A call was then placed to her and she pointed an office to me to go there. I just thanked her and lo n behold it was their kitchen area, it was really posh. It had wine cellars, even the kitchen assistant there had a pc and used a bb (just so u'll get that kinda picture). He told me to sit, served me one doughnut and was about opening a bottle of soft drink when I told him not to worry that I was alright with water. Going by the standard of the structure and the kitchen area, I added 1+1 and made 11 to davinchi that there could be a close circuit and that the refreshment could be another phase of the interview so I patiently devoured it and left abt one third of the doughnut and said I was fine. Apparently I was so hungry I was heading out to the nearest arena to down a decent meal but I didn't want them thinking this guy wan die for our office o, cos of food. I thanked the kitchen assistant and I went back to the front desk. I asked the lady if there was anything else I was expected to do and she said no and off I went. Since it was my first I was too eager for the phone to ring, I was alnost swearing for friends n relations who called that day and the next n finally on the 2nd day the woman (my boss) called me and 4ny enough she was abt introducing herself when I told her who she was and she was surprised and asked how I knew and I told her I had tuned my mind to master her voice (since I couldn't remember their names I felt I had failed myself so I told one more thing with me b4 leaving the interview, their voices. I didn't tell her anyway. But she was surprised that I did and lo n behold I was told to get to the office in an hours time. That was the fastest bath I've ever had (not like dem dis pple advert, soft,gentle, mild on ur skin) and I thank GOD †θdα♈ she's my boss. I'm a week old at my workplace, the atmosphere couldn't be better, I L♥√ع my bosses + colleagues and most importantly I'm happy at my job and I owe it all to GOD. Sorry for my long epistle, the morale of the story is put GOD first, read books, don't stop learning and be natural at all times.

It is indeed a great testimony.I learned that in any situation, remain confident and be objective in your responses, that really made you successful in the interview

I really enjoyed your story and I thank God for you. Waiting on Him for my own testimony also

@8686 ur da BOMB! I lv ur intrviw lyk cres. Vry fnny nd eductng. Bt dt ur 50k paycheque stuff no gel sha. Anywy u gnna gt mr dn dt 4 sre. Gdlck man!

I really enjoyed reading 8686's post. Very interesting.

I had this interview last year outside the country for a YPP all expenses paid for including hotels and intercontental dishes. Their package were WOW, u were allowed to bring 4 family members with u if u get the job and they will be paid some amount if they dont work, up to 4 of ur kids (if u have) education will be sponsored to the tune of $16,000 dollars yearly, a generous pension scheme and medical retirement plan.


Oh boy i will tell u what happened at the interview later, after i cool down from vexing that messed up at the interview

Wow, can't believe I read through d whole thread, although is an old thread but is an eye opener, av really learnt sometin frm every single post. lol

Wow, can't believe I read through d whole thread, although is an old thread but is an eye opener, lol. I jst hope I won't make the same mistake, bt I trust I won't.

Mine was about 2 months ago
Went for this interview with a new generation bank.I noticed my CV was seperated frm the rest before the pre chat and that got me worried.
When I was eventually called in I was asked to explain what a garnishee order is,I was quite familiar with the term but somhow cld'nt put the words 2geda.
I was asked some few questions and then how much I wld like to earn.I just blurted 4.5M per annum and was immediately sorry cos of the look on d interviewers face and d fact dat I currently earn less than half of that.
I knew I had messed up and was'nt surprised when the promised to get back to me.
Lesson:Know exacly how much your grade level earns and stick to a figure ard that.

How cool...

Wow, nice thread. I learnt alot from it.

Though it's an old thread but I really learnt from it. I hope more people will contribute/post more.

BIGER BOY: I had this interview last year outside the country for a YPP all expenses paid for including hotels and intercontental dishes. Their package were WOW, u were allowed to bring 4 family members with u if u get the job and they will be paid some amount if they dont work, up to 4 of ur kids (if u have) education will be sponsored to the tune of $16,000 dollars yearly, a generous pension scheme and medical retirement plan.


Oh boy i will tell u what happened at the interview later, after i cool down from vexing that messed up at the interview

Hey! Come back here and tell us what happened at the interview.

nitrogen:
Hey! Come back here and tell us what happened at the interview.

lol

Cecegrace: Whoa, earthrealm I couldn't hold me self from laughing out loud, after reading your post. It is quite hilarious but though it is a serious thing. Is good at least I have learnt from you.

I doubt if I wil ever stop

annoited: stare + smile means doom without smile signifies +ve for u.

Help me tell KPMG o

kachikapor: y'all got me really laughing my head off! I must say that this thread is quite hilarious, I wish I had an embarrasing moment, but thankfully I don't! I got my job from the first interview I attended! No pretense, just God at work. But I know I've still learnt from all of you, You never know when complacency will set in.

The dude about the oversized suit, no need to go job-hunting, Nollywood is calling for you

While d 'faint dude' should start his ministry rite away

Mine was rili a bigtime Bleep up...D tin was I was tensed being a fresh grad,I was asked d permanent secretary of UN,which I replied 'I don't knw'..next question,who is d minister of finance and I said 'Dora Akinyuli' dey were like 'r u rili a graduate of *****

Still my best and funniest thread on nairaland

Whew! That's some thread. Informative, educative, and entertaining. The Triology of broadcasting (lolz).
Am sure going to apply some of the lessons learnt from this thread in my future interviews.
A big thank you to the original poster. Knowledge is eternal. That's why a thread which was originally started in 2008 still has value and relevance in 2013. Unfortunately, one can't say the same for most of the threads on this forum.

BIGER BOY: I had this interview last year outside the country for a YPP all expenses paid for including hotels and intercontental dishes. Their package were WOW, u were allowed to bring 4 family members with u if u get the job and they will be paid some amount if they dont work, up to 4 of ur kids (if u have) education will be sponsored to the tune of $16,000 dollars yearly, a generous pension scheme and medical retirement plan.


Oh boy i will tell u what happened at the interview later, after i cool down from vexing that messed up at the interview

U Neva still cool down?

This is the most informative thread I have read on NL. What I have learnt: my interviewers aint God, that fear syndrome, I mean the fear of loosing the job is what makes most interviews go south.plus always smile and talk and I will remember not to wear any oversized suit. Lol

My-o-my!!! Did I enjoy this thread.
"Ife job nè émè".
Great thread: ageless, every bit instructive, and highly entertaining. "THE BROADCASTING TRIOLOGY" should be quite a befiting name. (@Oluamid)
Thanks to all who shared their experiences; I've really learnt a great deal.

apache77: friend, u talk about embarassing job interviews, heck, with the kind of grammer you spill, i can only imagine how u must have made a mess of youreslf on numerous occassions way back, and to thinbk you must have improved by now and u still write such gibberish, not being too harsh though, but do try to soruce up your lingua, i dont know wat employer will keep on his books someone who communicates as poorly as you, but atleast we sha understand u

Seeing u as a big member of d Bad-English Club, I reaffirm dat what really matters is UNDERSTANDING.