Lol...I remember back then it's like the number 6 question was wht's ur dream goal. I replied ''I JUST WANT TO BE A BILLIONAIRE''
*no7-hw do u actualize it- I wrote by saving 100k out of the money u guys should be paying me
*no8 was hw much do u want us to pay u. I replied I replied N150,000 per month. I swear d person dat marked my script will laugh his/her ass out. They recruited me bt according to their salary scale. It was fun though.

I remember i attend one interview in a subsea engineering coy as NDT specialist the white guy ask me how much should we pay you and i said 1000usd per week the man stand up moving about his office looking for calculator he was just shouting oh my GOD oh my GOD oh my GOD for like 10 min i was just looking at him and i was so confident because i have the experience and a good paying job..but unfortunately i did not take the offer..the white guy said 50usd per day..just be confident in negotiation ....you good to go

Deepfreezer:

Believe me for the past 2years I've worked with 3 different companys.
how did I get my jobs?
question=how much do we pay you.
answer= Sir/madam any amount the company offers me is ok. I just want a chance to contribute to the growth of this great company.

Working with 3 different companies within 2yrs tells that you're not always satisfied with the pay after asking them to pay you whatever they have in their books! Its obvious they throw crumbs at you and then 4 months later, you're back in-search of job.
Trust me, any good HR that sees your cv of 3 different companies within 2 yrs will think twice before inviting you for an interview.

If you had told the companies what you are expecting as a salary, then you won't be hunting for and changing jobs after every full-moon when your offer is met.

#just trying to taunt you.

Zehner:
babe question dey o! Dat same interview day I was asked what I tot abt the feud between Goodluck and Ameachi.... Me wey no know anytin abt politics! Na still sense I use answer.

Ye !!!! Lobatan
Well they just want to know your intelligent level on current affairs.
God will grant us all our heart desiring job.

MaziOmenuko:


Working with 3 different companies within 2yrs tells that you're not always satisfied with the pay after asking them to pay you whatever they have in their books! Its obvious they throw crumbs at you and then 4 months later, you're back in-search of job.
Trust me, any good HR that sees your cv of 3 different companies within 2 yrs will think twice before inviting you for an interview.

If you had told the companies what you are expecting as a salary, then you won't be hunting for and changing jobs after every full-moon when your offer is met.

#just trying to taunt you.

hehehehe.

Kentnickole:
The most controversial interview question that has cost many job applicants their dream jobs is "how much do we pay you" question, though it comes in many twists.

Now my experienced nairalanders who hv successfully crossed this huddle should please tell us how best to answer this question.... HR managers/personnels, we really need your immense help. Thanks!

Forget about all the big big grammar posters above me have stated , when asked such question, no matter how big the firm is, just tell them you will be okay with even 20k .
The next thing you see is a smile on the interviewer's face.


P.S - from experience.

Take it or leave it most job interviews are SCAMS irrespective of the firm involved. That question is so uncalled for because it sounds more like an open cheque with tricky connotations. Are you the 1st employee to be recruited by the employer who has no idea about pay grade? Are you over qualified for the job? Are you the 1st to return from Jupiter with a certificate?

Just a market related salary based on my experience and academic qualifications, it always work for me

kilimanjaro:


Forget about all the big big grammar posters above me have stated , when asked such question, no matter how big the firm is, just tell them you will be okay with even 20k .
The next thing you see is a smile on the interviewer's face.


P.S - from experience.

Lols!

hojayz:
I think what dey r asking u indirectly is "how much is ur service worth?" Dey want 2 know hw much u value ursef. Give them a specific figure and tell them u r open to negotiation. Say it with confidence.

Couldn't have agreed more.

TeamSimple:
Yea op u rite,I got interviewed at cornerstone insurance.I was asked this same ?. MY reply was 3Million Anually and the HRM was like isn't that to much for a fresher. So with boldness I was like I believe dat as a coperate organisation ,deres a salary,allowance and other benefit structure for each department in this establishment. I wud like to know how much as I am also open to negotiations..We later agreed 1.2m per annum salary

Cool

INTERVIEW TIPS
If you have been successful at obtaining an interview as a result of having a good resume, then the next most important part of the recruitment process is the interview. Success at the interview is dependent on your preparation before the interview and your performance during the interview.

Here are a few tips to improve your interview technique:

Knowledge is power – be sure you have researched thoroughly the organisation whom you hope to work for, and make sure that you have the knowledge to answer the questions for the role that you are applying for.

Preparing for the interview – think of what questions you are likely to be asked during the interview and practice answering them beforehand. Also, think of some questions that you may wish to ask at interview.

On the interview day – ensure you know how to get there on time, get there 10 minutes early, and remember that first impressions count.

During the interview – give a firm handshake, sit down when invited to, keep answers relevant and to the point, be enthusiastic, smile.
Preparation is the key to a successful interview!

Although there is no set format that an interview will follow, there are some questions that you can almost guarantee will crop up. Here’s a list of the most common questions and a guide to the kind of answers your interviewer wants to hear.

Here are five things that most employers want to know about you:

1. They want to know if you are qualified for the position.

What are your greatest strengths?
Do you have experience in this field?
What do you believe you bring to this job?
Why should I hire you?
2. They want to know what motivates you.

What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
What is the most important thing to you about your job?
What did you like most about your last job?
3. They want to know about the negatives.

Why did you leave your previous job?
What did you like least about your last supervisor?
What is your greatest weakness?
What did you like least about your last job?
Why have you been unemployed so long?
4. They want to know if you are a good fit.

What kind of people do you find it hard to work with?
Tell me about a time when you worked as a member of a team.
In what kind of environment are you most comfortable?
Do you prefer to work alone or with others?
5. They want to know if you want their job with their company.

What are you looking for in a position?
Who else are you interviewing with?
Why are you interested in this position?
What do you know about our company?
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
Know Yourself

What are my skills and abilities? What are my strengths?
How do my skills and experiences relate to the position and employer’s needs?
What contributions will I bring to the employer?
What locations am I open to working in? Am I willing to relocate?
How do the organizations and my values compare?
What points do I want to be sure to get across during the interview?
How does this position fit into my career goals?
What are my salary expectations? Am I willing to negotiate?
Your interview is the most important stage in your career search. The interview ties together your hard work in researching the position, presenting your resume and covering letter, but also all the ground work you have done: such as networking. Remember you are there to interview them as much as they are interviewing you – so have your questions prepared!

MaziOmenuko:


@bolded, really? So once an answer is given, the job is lost? You, my friend, is a funny character! No need to tell you that I've always provided an answer for the question and I'm yet to lose an opportunity because of that. No need at all, because you are the one with the almighty formula.

stop spewing that ur slowpoke stricken saliva all over my post.
I've not worked with any company in Nigeria before and I don't intend to not now. as for changing jobs I've that luxury. if I don't like a company damn the pay I will leave.
FYI I run my own company now so I create opportunities for people like you.

Hum

Deepfreezer:
stop spewing that ur slowpoke stricken saliva all over my post.
I've not worked with any company in Nigeria before and I don't intend to not now. as for changing jobs I've that luxury. if I don't like a company damn the pay I will leave.
FYI I run my own company now so I create opportunities for people like you.

No need going overboard with the insults, it doesn't affect me one bit, so tone it down for the interest of viewers. Seems you got frustrated out of the job market and decided to start up something for yourself, which is a good initiative and I must commend you, but don't come here telling innocent chaps seeking sincere advice to mess up their interviews with your silly suggestion! If you're into changing jobs every full-moon due to the crumbs your employees throw at you, some peeps here prefer stability.

Lol @bolded; trust me when I say this, your company or whatever you run can't afford my services and still stand strong after 3 months.

Its actually a trick question. There is usually no right answer.

If you say the exact amount they pay, assuming you researched it, you may sound cocky.

If its too small and its a negotiated salary structure ( Like Globacom in the earlier days) then you may get the job but be paid lower than others. If its too high, you have most likely priced yourself out of a potential job offer.

So what best do you do?

1. Classify the industry and company. For example if its a blue chip then go for the upper limit for that industry. If its commission based ask for the optimum amount you require to function and a modest percentage of sales made. Ask for the basic in a small to medium company.

2. Research the company salary scale for your level. Internationally, use websites like www.glassdoor.com
This website gives, usually, anonymous inside scopes or realities behind the curtain.

3. For experienced hires, negotiating for other benefits other than just pay can show how professional you are. Internationally, 401k (pension), Dental (e pass just medical - why you think say oyinbo professional teeth dey shine? No be by mistake!), official car, residence, paid overseas vacation (research before you throw this spanner oh! E fit open the door or bolt am permanently!!)

4. Rule of thumb - when you have no idea how much they pay but you really want the job? Just tell them you are ready to take what the position has to offer. And say something like its not all about the money, you are interested in the opportunities for growth, exposure, travel, training etc

When I conduct interviews and really want the candidate but not sure if they will take my offer...I would usually insist they put a name to a figure! In that case you must yarn something! (Chokes - when you say whatever and they over, over , over insist say you must say am ba, then most likely them wan give you the job!)

But one thing I generally advise freshly minted graduates is to first and foremost garner experience.

It means you can work for almost free, if you have to, in order to get new skills (that means the place MUST have those relevant saleable skills my guy!). That was part of the reason NYSC was formed (besides post Civil War integration ba).

If you have skills, experience and a former employer that can write you a reference, you have more options than a fresh graduate with only a university degree.

Best of luck as you navigate this long road.

D M

sexzskil:
Those days when i just finished my OND, went to apply for a teaching job in a public secondary school. The principal was a thick Igbo man:

EMPLOYER- How much will you like to get paid monthly?
ME- 650k!
EMPLOYER- Oh, forgive my slip on tongue! I mean to ask how much do you want to get paid on monthly basis, NOT FOR THREE GENERATIONS?!
ME- Yes, monthly basis, 650k...
EMPLOYER- Security!!

#faints

Kentnickole:


Were you offered the job in the end?

Still waiting for them, but possibly by next week I will know my fate.

Saraha1:


Ye !!!! Lobatan
Well they just want to know your intelligent level on current affairs.
God will grant us all our heart desiring job.

AMEN

Chuks16:
answer: pay me in six digits

Bro, NGN 000,000 na six digits na?

Nice one here.

Pls,do you work in Ecobank?

Rilwayne001:
[b] Truth is, if you’re interviewing for entry level position, you have practically no say in the pay. Almost 100% of companies have their pay structure and know how much they will pay you already. If Zenith bank, for instance, pays entry level employees N3m per annum, you can’t get more than that,except you have relevant experience. So most times, at entry level positions, this question is inconsequential, but it may be your undoing. Imagine asking for N10m as entry level in GTB – it can annoy your interviewer and an otherwise inconsequential question can mar your chance. Personally, I –and people I know that are top management staff in big organizations – always advise that you don’t say an amount. Respond with something like: “ABC Plc is a well-structured organization and I believe you will fairly place me where I fit within the structure (knowing full well that you’re entry level), with commensurate remuneration.” But if pressed further, you can state a sum, preferably a range, which you must have researched. A good way to research is to ask people that work in the organization what entry level pay is or you put a thread in a forum like Nairaland, where you are guaranteed of good
response. You may add 1 or 2m on top. For example, you know Ecobank pays N3m for entry level position, you may call 4m for them at the interview. If however you have some special skills or qualifications, you can charge a premium for that. For example, you have CFA, very marketable qualification, you can be daring and request for pay that is more than what is ordinarily obtainable for that position. Or you are coming withImperial or Harvard certificate. Experienced hires are also in good position to negotiate.... [/b]


www.nairaland.com/1245277/common-interview-questions-answer-tips

annoymous:


Well, what I did (like a month ago) was to ask from people I know what the pay is like for that position. I told them I wanted something in that range but that I was pretty flexible. However, when I finally got the job, they offered me what I requested and a little more but Oliver Twist me, i decided to negotiate and they increased it even further. So what you specify is not necessarily what you'll get especially if they like you.

...and what is this job exactly? Def a school!

Ninilowo:
We are talking of MIKE ADENUGA and those fierce CHEVRON guys here. This can't work with those pple. You gat to be precise or specific.

na secondary school u fit try that sheet

englishmart:
all he needs do is let me go.
I'm too big for rubbish

hehe attitude..

U are indeed enlightened.


Super response

EnlightenedSoul:
I don't believe in "confidently" churning out a number. There are three possibilities - you come in too low (leading them to think that you're obviously not that good), too high (they can't afford you), or a right on expectation. Let's face it, what are the odds of hitting a target at their highest optimal range? It's why I feel it isn't in your best interest to reveal a number. Let them be the first.

Once they've said the number, don't say "yes" right away, even if they've exceeded your expectation - repeat the number out loud (so they know you've heard it), and then look thoughtful and count to ten slowly in your head. SILENCE is the single most powerful tool in negotiating anything ( just try it the next time you make a large purchase ). Tthe odds are very good that before you reach 5, they will up their offer. If no second offer is forthcoming, and their first offer is reasonable and/or above market value: Accept it. In the event their first offer is well below your worth, you can confidently and cordially say something to the effect of: "I would very much would like to work with you and help you to achieve your goals. Unfortunately, I simply can't afford to do so at this rate of pay, but I do sincerely appreciate your consideration". And SHH again! That is : S -tand, "H -appy" smile, H -andshake, and make a beeline for the door. They may just call you a while later having 'found' the funding to give you a much better offer...or they may not, but you leave knowing they couldn't meet your expectations and you go out to find a better fit.

Side Note: NEVER tell what you're currently making. Say instead, "I will not refuse a reasonable offer". If pressed further for your current pay (and they very well could, so as to create a basis for what they'll pay you), explain that you signed a non-disclosure agreement with your employer that covers all confidential information. Reiterate the confidentiality of compensation packages. Tell then you have no intention of violating either the letter or spirit of that agreement - you gave your word! Let them try to counter that! Heck, they may even view your rigidity and adherence to confidentiality as a boon.

Did an interview on Friday,with a telecommunication coy subsidiary. And i was the first to he interviewed among the three interviewees having 15 mins each. It was all good for me nt until we got to the salary aspect,where i was asked how much was my salary wt myt last employer? I replied wt six figures and just bf i swallowed up saliva after the answer one of the interviewer said "we can't pay you that amount here". The other guy was insisting i should name my price, i replied thus "will simply appreciate what will commensurate my job responsiblities". No! No! Mr. XYZ,that's a perception. Just tell us how much u will like to be paid, the third dude was like 'be precise and jst tell us nt to call u if we can't pay u ur request'
So i dropped 20k out of wt i told them i was been paid bty my last employer,and they all penned it on my interview assessment score sheet.

Was asked if it's negotiable,went blank out of thought for some few seconds bf replying wt "yes".
Next question was do u have any question? "Yes" i said. "Ok! go ahead",one of them replied.
As a sharp guy nw, i asked fr d next thing to be done to mk the job mine. Was told i will be contacted if am d succesful candidate or not.
Went out of their board room by saying "thanks".

The other two interviewees were like " whats up? How was it? Wt were d questions like?"

Guys ur questions come from ur cv & that's all.

Was close to Oshodi,when i felt one of my phones vibrating. Quickly rushed for it n picked up d call,d next thing was are u Mr. XYZ,congratulations u just got urself d job u ve been interviewed fr. Kindly resume on Monday by 8am.
[url][/url]
Lesson: when salary package questions are thrown to a prospective employee. The best thing is to value urself high and say ur church mind abt wt u expect as ur take home. Regardless of wht will happen after u say it out,que sera sera i.e wht will be will be. As long as u av performed very well earlier and sell urself & skills very well.

Last bullet: Learn to negotiate based on Net and not gross salary as d former is ur tk home after all tax n pension deductions. Was a victim of this some couples of months back after negotiating my salary only nt to tell them whether net or gross,nt until i saw my appointment letter bf it occured to me that have shot myself by d feet by nt specifying. Gbam!

Did an interview on Friday,with a telecommunication subsidiary coy. And i was the first to he interviewed among the three interviewees having 15 mins each. It was all good for me nt until we got to the salary aspect,where i was asked how much was my salary wt myt last employer? I replied wt six figures and just bf i swallowed up saliva after the answer one of the interviewer said "we can't pay you that amount here". The other guy was insisting i should name my price, i replied thus "will simply appreciate what will commensurate my job responsiblities". No! No! Mr. XYZ,that's a perception. Just tell us how much u will like to be paid, the third dude was like 'be precise and jst tell us nt to call u if we can't pay u ur request'
So i dropped 20k out of wt i told them i was been paid bty my last employer,and they all penned it on my interview assessment score sheet.

Was asked if it's negotiable,went blank out of thought for some few seconds bf replying wt "yes".
Next question was do u have any question? "Yes" i said. "Ok! go ahead",one of them replied.
As a sharp guy nw, i asked fr d next thing to be done to mk the job mine. Was told i will be contacted if am d succesful candidate or not.
Went out of their board room by saying "thanks".

The other two interviewees were like " whats up? How was it? Wt were d questions like?"

Guys ur questions come from ur cv & that's all.

Was close to Oshodi,when i felt one of my phones vibrating. Quickly rushed for it n picked up d call,d next thing was are u Mr. XYZ,congratulations u just got urself d job u ve been interviewed fr. Kindly resume on Monday by 8am.
[url][/url]
Lesson: when salary package questions are thrown to a prospective employee. The best thing is to value urself high and say ur church mind abt wt u expect as ur take home. Regardless of wht will happen after u say it out,que sera sera i.e wht will be will be. As long as u av performed very well earlier and sell urself & skills very well.

Last bullet: Learn to negotiate based on Net and not gross salary as d former is ur tk home after all tax n pension deductions. Was a victim of this some couples of months back after negotiating my salary only nt to tell them whether net or gross,nt until i saw my appointment letter bf it occured to me that have shot myself by d feet by nt specifying. Gbam!

Rilwayne001:
[b] Truth is, if you’re interviewing for entry level position, you have practically no say in the pay. Almost 100% of companies have their pay structure and know how much they will pay you already. If Zenith bank, for instance, pays entry level employees N3m per annum, you can’t get more than that,except you have relevant experience. So most times, at entry level positions, this question is inconsequential, but it may be your undoing. Imagine asking for N10m as entry level in GTB – it can annoy your interviewer and an otherwise inconsequential question can mar your chance. Personally, I –and people I know that are top management staff in big organizations – always advise that you don’t say an amount. Respond with something like: “ABC Plc is a well-structured organization and I believe you will fairly place me where I fit within the structure (knowing full well that you’re entry level), with commensurate remuneration.” But if pressed further, you can state a sum, preferably a range, which you must have researched. A good way to research is to ask people that work in the organization what entry level pay is or you put a thread in a forum like Nairaland, where you are guaranteed of good
response. You may add 1 or 2m on top. For example, you know Ecobank pays N3m for entry level position, you may call 4m for them at the interview. If however you have some special skills or qualifications, you can charge a premium for that. For example, you have CFA, very marketable qualification, you can be daring and request for pay that is more than what is ordinarily obtainable for that position. Or you are coming withImperial or Harvard certificate. Experienced hires are also in good position to negotiate.... [/b]


www.nairaland.com/1245277/common-interview-questions-answer-tips

wow!!!nice and wonderful tips

I actually went through similar issue about 6yrs ago, albeit for the post of a nursery school teacher. The proprietor asked me after interview...." Now can we discuss your salary?". I knew the most they can give a nursery school teacher considering the standard of the school then was 10k so I replied that I would like to be paid 8k. In a nutshell I was paid 5k for start excluding lesson fees and other bonuses.
I think no matter what,we all have the idea of how much our service worth. You as an assistant lecturer can't be expected to be paid the salary of a VC. Likewise you would never settle for the salary of a driver. The organisation structure,your skills,experience and certificate should serve as a guide. Hope this helps.