rationalmind:
STRUCTURE YOUR ANSWERS, PREPARE BULLET AND DETAILED RESPONSES

I once read the diary of a joblander. Beau49 I think. She talked about preparing so hard for an interview with stanbic ibtc. It suddenly occurred to me just as she's preparing hard, others are equally preparing hard and interviewers won't take everybody. So it all boils down to who has the best response. In my experience, the detailed one is, the better.

What do I mean?

While I was being interviewed, A question came up. Rationalmind, tell us about your project in school.

I could have said, The tittle of my project is the design and construction of a 5kva voltage regulator. Incorporated in my design were four relays, a microcontroller.........

This was how I answered.

"You'll agree with me that in Nigeria, voltage fluctuation is a very common phenomenon. This voltage fluctuation results in conditions known as over voltage and under voltage. Over voltage occurs when the voltage level goes above the nominal voltage range which is 220-240V and under voltage is the reverse.

These voltage anomalies damage our household appliances and as such, a device that regulates voltage comes as a relief. As a result, I set out to design and construct a 5KVa voltage regulator also known as stabilizer. Incorporated in my design were four relays......" The interviewers obviously were pleased with my response.


You'll agree with me if two applicants were to be asked that question and they had the same project topic, the second will most likely get the job.

Another important thing is to prepare bullet responses. Have at least bullet responses to, why do u want to work for us? Where do you see yourself in five years time? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What do you know about this company?

I had bullet responses to all those before going in and was praying they ask one of them. Luckily, I was asked where I see myself in 5 years time.

By the time I finished, one of the interviewers asked if I wanted to be a governor? I asked him why?

He told me my answer was more of a brilliant manifesto and I should consider politics.

Another told his fellow panelists, "this guy really needs this job" he came very prepared

In my mind, I was like, you guys should thank your stars you only asked one of the questions I was hoping you'll ask. At that point, I knew the battle was won and it wasn't much of a surprise when two weeks later, I got a mail stating

You are one of 7 candidates selected based on your......

And before I end this, yes, I unleashed my passion weapon. Told them my love for telecoms made me volunteer to work in a telecoms firm without pay .

Follow all these hidden lessons especially the ones on passion, detailed and bullet responses and you're close to landing your dream job.

This is beautiful....who wouldn't want to have someone like you as an employee. I am grateful you took a little from my experience. I am praying from here on out the sky would be your starting point.

Congrats dear.....I am patiently waiting for one-tenth.

zieraw2005:

Bro thanks for this info.
I missed UBA job cos of these questions. Introduce yourself and why UBA.

Please can you assist me with those vital points?
I studied Environmental Resource Management
My project topic was "effect of hard drug abuse in tertiary institutions, case study of Abia State University" but I took it to my department to sample . my email is zierawdgnomic@gmail.com

I am still seeking for job.
My grade is BSc 2.2

Currently working as CCR with one of telecom giants in Nigeria.
It's contract job oooo.

Thanks bro.

If I were to be in your shoes, I'll go like this.

My name is rationalmind, I was trained as a Computer Engineer at the university of.... where I was exposed to courses on accounting and finance. Ever since then, the financial world has been one that quips my interest and I've been longing for a career in the financial world.

Rather than just lip professing love for finance, as a matter of self development, I have closely followed newspapers such as business day and read about highly influential bankers like Hugh McColl.

This opening particularly interests me as I'll be able to fulfil my aspirations of a career in the financial world.

PS: Be ready for follow up questions. What exactly quipped your interest in finance? What did you read about Hugh McColl?

beau49:




This is beautiful....who wouldn't want to have someone like you as an employee. I am grateful you took a little from my experience. I am praying from here on out the sky would be your starting point.

Congrats dear.....I am patiently waiting for one-tenth.

You don't think 1/10th is too small?

Thanks for the warm words and wishes.

activelyA:

At what point in one service year do u advise a corp member to start job seeking and applications

If possible, before you even go for NYSC.

The point is to start as early as possible. You'll have challenges with DC but some will leave you to write the test and conduct interview.

Even if they eventually don't employ you cos of DC, the experience(s) gained will be highly valuable once you have your DC.

rationalmind:




You don't think 1/10th is too small?

Thanks for the warm words and wishes.

still waiting for your bullet answers bro...

LaurelP:


where did you school? am a manager also

wow..good to know dat,I. Finished from the University of Calabar.2012& U?

rationalmind:


...On the day of the interview, immediately after introducing myself. The first question was, rationalmind, can you please tell me the variants of windows 7?

Variants of windows 7? I asked the man. Yes, he answered.

Windows 7.0, Windows 7.1, Windows 7.2, I replied.

The wicked interviewer was just nodding his head and I was glad I had guessed right

The next question was, can you please tell me the variants of windows 8?

What is it with this man and variants of windows, I asked myself?

I replied again, windows 8.0, windows 8.1, windows 8.2.

He kept nodding his head and I was glad I perfectly guessed.

Several questions followed, some I got, some I missed.

As I came out of the interview room, I picked up my phone, opened Google and searched for variants of windows 7.

The result came and I saw windows 7 home, windows 7 professional, .....

I searched for variants of windows 8, same thing...

Hope this lesson makes me a better person too.

sparkleice:
wow..good to know dat,I. Finished from the University of Calabar.2012& U?

UNN 2012 also.
u stay in Lagos?

rationalmind, you are really the ideal employee o! Choi, can you lend me your tongue in 2016? I need to leave my interviewers awestruck just as you've been doing.

BTW those nominations get as e be o! I'm not always on every thread na *winks.

hopsydboi:
still waiting for your bullet answers bro...

I will, I'm having logistics issues but be rest assured I will

I don't see myself applying for a job nor going for an interview in the foreseeable future ... but here I am glued to this thread. One thing comes to mind... don't be giving a man fish but teach him how to fish. I am a critical thinker.. this thread is not a good one.. nor an interesting one... it is awesome! ... a brain rebooter... rebooting at higher levels! @ Rationalmind... you said you were about to resign.... would you be doing the same job but basically changing company? No doubt, you are good at what you do... there are others that know and can do the same or even better..... but this your guidance on how to prepare for an interview has no match... and I'm not talking about people here on NL only... no match period that I have ever read or heard about even by professionals. You are blessed with this talent and don't even know. Nairaland is too small for this kind mind opener.... is millions of youths running from one interview to the other like chickens with their heads cut off. ..especially the graduates. You can reduce this... significantly. You are a much needed motivational speaker ... and don't even know. Before corpers graduate... they should have this vital knowledge you shared with us. I strongly suggest you print out this your longggg overdue road map to a successful interview.... and find a way to get someone at the top to read it... then let them know you are seeking employment as a motivational speaker or whatever term... with the service. Someone would make sure you do. I would not rest peacefully if this awesome info is not fed especially to corpers. I said my piece. Great piece...invaluable.

amicable09:
rationalmind, you are really the ideal employee o! Choi, can you lend me your tongue in 2016? I need to leave my interviewers awestruck just as you've been doing.

BTW those nominations get as e be o! I'm not always on every thread na *winks.

Maybe it just happens that I find you on the threads I visit

And that wasn't the only nomination, seems you have no issues with the couple award just the most active joblander award

Originalsly:
I don't see myself applying for a job nor going for an interview in the foreseeable future ... but here I am glued to this thread. One thing comes to mind... don't be giving a man fish but teach him how to fish. I am a critical thinker.. this thread is not a good one.. nor an interesting one... it is awesome! ... a brain rebooter... rebooting at higher levels! @ Rationalmind... you said you were about to resign.... would you be doing the same job but basically changing company? No doubt, you are good at what you do... there are others that know and can do the same or even better..... but this your guidance on how to prepare for an interview has no match... and I'm not talking about people here on NL only... no match period that I have ever read or heard about even by professionals. You are blessed with this talent and don't even know. Nairaland is too small for this kind mind opener.... is millions of youths running from one interview to the other like chickens with their heads cut off. ..especially the graduates. You can reduce this... significantly. You are a much needed motivational speaker ... and don't even know. Before corpers graduate... they should have this vital knowledge you shared with us. I strongly suggest you print out this your longggg overdue road map to a successful interview.... and find a way to get someone at the top to read it... then let them know you are seeking employment as a motivational speaker or whatever term... with the service. Someone would make sure you do. I would not rest peacefully if this awesome info is not fed especially to corpers. I said my piece. Great piece...invaluable.

Thanks for this beautiful piece. Unfortunately, I'm not much of a smooth talker. I'm better than most introverts but far from being an extrovert. Not sure I'll succeed as a motivational speaker. Hopefully, someone else who does will take it from here.

And I won't be doing the same thing where I am and where I'm going as the two companies don't do the same thing.

rationalmind:


Thanks for this beautiful piece. Unfortunately, I'm not much of a smooth talker. I'm better than most introverts but far from being an extrovert. Not sure I'll succeed as a motivational speaker. Hopefully, someone else who does will take it from here.

And I won't be doing the same thing where I am and where I'm going as the two companies don't do the same thing.

I hear you!...I thought of that... may write.. but not a public speaker!...but I will not let you rest! How about somehow exploring arrangements to sell them copies?! "Where there is a will there is a way"!

rationalmind:




You don't think 1/10th is too small?

Thanks for the warm words and wishes.

Lol....No it isn't small o. I don't like being greedy


You are welcome dear.

.

rationalmind:


I'm sure you weren't taught that during you psychology classes

I wasn't taught as well, perhaps, I need not be taught.

The point is, employers don't care if you're taught or not. They expect you to have a good idea about what you studied and anything that relates to it.

And lastly, the question of blue screen is not the core of Computer Engineering. You must think repairing and fixing computers is what it means to be a Computer Engineer.

Can you re explain this your final paragraph? ThanksI

cc rationalmind

This is a very gud testimony n one can use it to his/her advantage... u learn from other people n add to ur own... tnx a lot for this advice...

What can i say??...Thanks for sharing.. The reacting surface area of your write-up and its catalytic effect in the exothermic-reaction going-on in my consciousness right now is 500,000m^2... ....[color=#770077][/color] Thanks so so much

tr3y:


Actually it is mostly driver problem. Rare to have BSOD in safe mode.

Guys a whole lot of things can cause Blue screen.

Gud post.

ipledge01:

Thanks so much for sharing.

I just did my final year exam last week, I'll like to ask you some questions

1. You said you were asked why you had c's all through on your neco result. Similar thing happened to me when I went for an insurance company(aiico) interview during my I.T. My question is, what is the right answer to the question.

Simply tell them same thing I told them. You didn't take it serious cos you felt you were going to pass waec but the waec didn't go as you had thought. Tell them ever since then, you learnt a valuable lesson which is never to count your chickens before they are hatched.

Funny thing is, most of those asking that question didn't even pass waec or neco on their own. Some used special centres. They'll now turn around to ask why you have all C's when they never had the C.

2. Which interview book do you recommend (I'm planning on buying jarus book, wouldn't mind buying more )

I can't remember reading any book for interview. There are hundreds of articles online. A quick Google search will bring them out.

3. When do you start applying for jobs and when do you begin attending interviews

My brother, start applying as soon as you start nysc. Some will turn you down, some will let you write the test. You'll find the experience valuable when you finally get your DC

4. Do you mind if I send you pm

No prob bro

I think I have found someone like me. I write but I rarely speak. Rationalmind, one beautiful thing about you is that ones you are on the podium and you hit top gear people have no choice than to listen to you. Why? You are not only talking you are enchanting and caressing them with what comes out from your vocal Arsenal.

Originalsly:
I hear you!...I thought of that... may write.. but not a public speaker!...but I will not let you rest! How about somehow exploring arrangements to sell them copies?! "Where there is a will there is a way"!

Originalsly:
I hear you!...I thought of that... may write.. but not a public speaker!...but I will not let you rest! How about somehow exploring arrangements to sell them copies?! "Where there is a will there is a way"!

Lol, maybe you're right.

Perhaps, writing is a soft skill I need to develop. I'm considering it already. And I need not sell, knowing people read whatever I write is enough to motivate me

rationalmind:


Lol, maybe you're right.

Perhaps, writing is a soft skill I need to develop. I'm considering it already. And I need not sell, knowing people read whatever I write is enough to motivate me

What an interesting piece of write up? I had to follow is slowly and consciously from the very start to Page 8 [currently the last] and will keep following this thread for updates.


No one knows it all........ And no matter the amount you already know, it's never enough.


Thanks and regards!

rationalmind:


If I were to be in your shoes, I'll go like this.

My name is rationalmind, I was trained as a Computer Engineer at the university of.... where I was exposed to courses on accounting and finance. Ever since then, the financial world has been one that quips my interest and I've been longing for a career in the financial world.

Rather than just lip professing love for finance, as a matter of self development, I have closely followed newspapers such as business day and read about highly influential bankers like Hugh McColl.

This opening particularly interests me as I'll be able to fulfil my aspirations of a career in the financial world.

PS: Be ready for follow up questions. What exactly quipped your interest in finance? What did you read about Hugh McColl?

Stupendous!!!!
Hey Come Rationalmind, don't tell me you are really this mind blowing. Guy you have just swept me off my feet. God bless your brain. Wish I personally would be permitted to connect with you even if its via Whatsapp, BBM or Facebook. Guy you surely will be of help to me. I have many job interviews lined up for 2016. Pls I will be deeply happy if u can oblige my request.

Thank you brother. One love.
Though I goofed, I also learned my Lessons.

The woman HR in d bank wanted me to say praises to their bank.

But your dimension is a new idea to me.
Whatsapp 08138681191

Thank you Brother

monlawal:
I think I have found someone like me. I write but I rarely speak. Rationalmind, one beautiful thing about you is that ones you are on the podium and you hit top gear people have no choice than to listen to you. Why? You are not only talking you are enchanting and caressing them with what comes out from your vocal Arsenal.

That's right!...I agree with you 100%..... infact. .. I would be agreeing with anyone that would help me encourage, push or ehmmm.... drag him to the podium! Doesn't matter if he stammers..... he would get anyone's undivided attention sharing this his inspiring experience!

just passing....singing*nobody wey no go fit to mk m*

Jk

VampireeM:


So what if my course of study does not in any way relate to the job am applying for.. What do I do or say??

it will always be..directly or indirectly
had thesame question thrown at me at a particular stage of a bank interview, because i studied engineering
of course, there was no direct relation but then there's always an answer to give, for me that very day, i was like
"understanding how to solve varying level of problems of different complexities ranging from engineering to non-engineering alike as i moved from one level to another, is one skill i imbibed and perfected which im sure would prove invaluable to your reputable organization "
the job was for entry level though

Hi rationalmind, this post is one of the most enlightening piece I’ve read on Nairaland. I wish to thank you for taking the courage, effort and time to write and share this great piece.

rationalmind:
ACTING OUT PASSION WORKS

To start with, I'll have to say the ajasa4link method works. And I have to say a big thank you to him. I read his thread and how he landed his job then decided to try out the same thing.

I got a list of telecoms firms in lagos, got their contact line and sent a text message to about 20 of them. I told them I was a fresh graduate, passionate about a career in the telecoms industry and bla bla bla.

I just graduated and seriously considering a career in telecommunication; now under “ACTING OUT PASSION WORKS” you said ajasa4link’s method worked for you, can you please share with me his methods and how you were able to get their contact .

I’m also curious about how you used text message and it's content

And I would appreciate if you could kindly please share your contacts with me. I’ve also sent you a request here on NL

rationalmind:


I just pray you do not learn the hard way like I did. Perhaps I'll need to share another experience to further buttress my point.

Just after my interview with montego holdings where I struggled to explain my course of study, I got another interview invite from AETI a day after writing the test. They were recruiting for NBC.

While I was reading about my course of study in preparation for the interview, I told myself this same thing you're saying. "How many things I wan read". I left reading about computers and computer engineering then focused on other things.

On the day of the interview, immediately after introducing myself. The first question was, rationalmind, can you please tell me the variants of windows 7?

Variants of windows 7? I asked the man. Yes, he answered.

Windows 7.0, Windows 7.1, Windows 7.2, I replied.

The wicked interviewer was just nodding his head and I was glad I had guessed right

The next question was, can you please tell me the variants of windows 8?

What is it with this man and variants of windows, I asked myself?

I replied again, windows 8.0, windows 8.1, windows 8.2.

He kept nodding his head and I was glad I perfectly guessed.

Several questions followed, some I got, some I missed.

As I came out of the interview room, I picked up my phone, opened Google and searched for variants of windows 7.

The result came and I saw windows 7 home, windows 7 professional, .....

I searched for variants of windows 8, same thing.

I then remembered how the wicked guy was nodding his head. I felt so stupid.

When I got home, I went back to the very basics, I started reading everything and anything I could lay my hands on about computers and computer engineering. I've had enough.

Few days after the interview, MacMaster01 posted "guys" on the thread. I knew what that meant. I rushed to my mail, nothing. Checked my spam, nothing. I never heard from them.

So bro, while its true you can't know everything, please try as much as possible to know as many things as possible. It will save you the embarrassment I faced.

I posted guys loool