₦airaland Forum

Histrings08:
You're one hell of a smart guy.... Best of God bro

Na God do am my brother. Thanks a lot.

Confidence was the key there.

Even when you were beginning to say unnecessary things you were still confident enough to adjust and give your employers something to nod about

yungbeef:
The questions posed by the interviewer can break someone's morals ooh. I imagined myself answering those questions and I almost shat on my pants

Present tense:
Shiit
Past tense:
Shat?

Or maybe shitted

Wow ddats cool bro, congrats. Ddats wat I'm saying, som people go cram go interview com ddey look like person wey steal.

AltarBoy1:
Pardon my typo and formats, na small phone I dey use.

I have been contemplating whether to create this thread or not, cos my experience was kinda embarrassing for me. But lo and behold, I was shortlisted for the next stage. So I decided to share this just so that others will pick a point or two from it (thats if there is any).
I made it to the interview stage after two tests. So as usual, I got myself prepared for the interview, researched about the company, got answers to some possible interview questions.
Fast forward to the venue of the interview, I met some other candidates at the gate. Some were with their jotters, rehearsing their answers while others are just whining away time. So I just walk up to one girl that was standing alone to chat up with her before the interview start.

Few minute later, they called in the first person. After about 20 min, they called in the second person. Then next they called me in
The panel was made up of 3 people, a lady with two other men. From what I later gathered, the lady is the zonal MD and the two men were from the HR department.
After sitting down, they requested for my documents and photocopies, which I presented to them. They were all quiet, scanning through my documents until the lady spoke up.
Lady: Can you give us one good reason why you graduated with 2.2
Me: *Silent for a while* Plz repeat the question.
Lady: *Repeats*
Me: Well, there is no excuse for failure in life. If I have to give any excuse, it should be why I made 2.1 or first class against all odds and not why I made 2.2. So I dont think I have any reason to give, even if there is, I wouldnt say it.
Lady: *Silent while looking at me*
Man1: You just said 2.2 is failure, can you tell us why you used that word failure.
Me:*see as I put myself for wahala* Well, technically speaking, I called it failure cos currently in the labor market, 90% of all job vacancy requires 2.1 and above. Its only few that accept 2.2. And giving the population of the unemployed graduates, having a 2.2 is really a disadvantage. Thats why I used the word failure.
Man2: What do you mean by technically?
Me: Conditionally or under a certain condition.
Lady: Now, does it mean that you are technically a failure
Me:*I don F-up with this word wey I use* Technically am not,*can see the smile/laff on their face* If I am, I wont be sitting right in front of you considering the two aptitude tests that one have to scale before been here.
Lady: Maybe luck was on your side.
Me: Luck cant just choose only me among all the 100s of candidates that attended the tests.
Lady: Yes it can
Me: *Silent**in my mind, I was like, e b like say na luck carry you reach this position wey you dey now.*
Man2: Now, tell us why we should hire you?
Me: *smiled**didnt know that the smile was so obvious. So as I was about answering the question, the lady cuts in*
Lady: Why are you smiling?
Me: Nothing ma.
Lady: It cant be nothing, tell us why you are smiling.
Me: *Feeling Scared* Nothing ma, maybe its cos I have a smiling face.
Lady: How can you have a smiling face when you have been boning since you came in here. Even your passport says it all.
Me: *feeling more scared* with due respect ma, its nothing.
Man1: If you dont tell us, I think you should just go so we can call in the next candidate.
Me: *confused and scared, I just decided to say anything* I am smiling because I was expecting that particular question. *decide to add salt and pepper* in fact, we have been rehearsing the answers to this question and some other possible questions outside before I was called in.
Man1: So you already crammed the answers.
Me: Not really.
Man2: Then what/how
Me: Well, I have come up with some possible answer that suits my personality
Man2: And you think that answer is good enough.
Me: *By now, am already confused, so I was just saying anything that comes to my mind* Well, at least its good enough to impress the HR.
Lady: Is that what you think
Me: *Silent*
Man1: Ok, Now answer the question
Me: Well, Let me just say it the way it is in my mind. You should hire me because am not going to fail.
Man2: What do you mean by you are not going to fail.
Me: I have been unemployed for a long time, so if given the opportunity, I will anything that I can to sure that I dont go back to my unemployed status.
*All silent*
Me: things within the banks policy and interest
Lady: Is that the answer you came up with.
Me: No. I dont want to use it again cos its just to speak English and doesnt tell the real me since is something I picked over the net and modified.
Man2: Can we hear it.
Lady: No, just leave him *turning to me* You read chemical engineering, and you want to work in a bank. Are you not trying to go off your career?
Me: Well, even though I have a background in engineering, I do not have a career yet until I gain experience in a particular field, from there I can build my career.
Lady: Do you think you can survive in the bank as an engr.
Me: Engrs are trained to be flexible and adaptive. I believe I can and will succeed in the banking sector. If Mr. XXXX (the current CEO of the bank) and Mrs. YYYYY (one of their senior executive) can succeed, I see no reason why I cant.
Man2: Why are you comparing yourself with them?
Me: Cos they both read a course that has nothing to do with banking.
Lady: Name them.
Me: Electrical Engineering and Microbiology
Man2: So you have the faith that you can do it.
Me: Yes. Plus the fact that I always have luck *grin*.
They just burst out laughing.
Man1: Tell us any three recent happenings in Nigeria or policies by the FG that is affecting the banking industry
Me: TSA, Fight against corruption and drop in oil price.
Lady: Explain them.
Me: *did the little explanation that I can* Summary is that money is leaving the bank
Lady: Go, personnel will get back to you
Naso I begin dey go come dey think say I don f-up Till just last week, I got a text that that I was successful, that they will get back to be for the next stage.
#Godwin

Bro...I noticed that if you can make them laugh, then you have 60% mark already.

alotofgrace:
Bro...I noticed that if you can make them laugh, then you have 60% mark already.

lol. is making the panel laf part of the score mark.

Nice one dear, y won't d call u back when u gave dem d reason to. *Kudos* Nice one dear, y won't d call u back when u gave dem d reason to. *Kudos*

Just be yourself...... u smart bro.

This is funny and also educative. Congrats

They liked you because you were able to flow with them. You guys actually had a conversation... Your being naiive, an underdog and funny was a plus too. I mean, you used your disadvantage to your advantage. Kudos man.

The HR would be quite foolish not to pick you. Thats how a natural interview should go (I think?)

They were trying to play smart but you outsmarted them

Very nice,OP
Interview stage has always been my undoing in the past. Learnt a few lessons here!

very interesting nice one bro,i think you have a good I Q

Very Interesting, i knew u must av sweated, take one sachet water for my head.

Nice one

***why should we hire you?

Why shouldn't you? Grin......
Every serious business invest in assets and things that can generate more income for them.
Hiring me is like a Good investment, that can't but yeild profits in no distant time.

you really bleeped up, but u had God's favour on your side.....i pray his favour will see you through.....Best of luck

Only a silly or rigid person will not give thumbs up to the OP. Just by reading it, it truly sounded like an interview and not an interrogation. A sensitive HR personnel should know when you are giving prepared answers and when it's instinctual (which is more of the person you are).

Lessons learnt:
- One should always accept responsibility for his or her actions. That might have been an instinctual answer from the OP, but he was able to back it up with thoughtful explanation.

-A thin smile can go a long way. It calms the tense interview atmosphere.

-Confidence (not over confidence) is equally important.

God's favour cannot be counted out but it seems that's the only thing my fellow Nigerians will point out...as if others that weren't called back aren't God's children.

Being an undergrad I haven't attend any interview before. But it seems what interviews really demand are preparation, confidence and sincerity.

Thanks OP... wish you Success in your future endeavors.

In my opinion you did well. You were original. Many times the interview panel geta bored and tired with scripted replies garnered from the internet (yes they know).

Just do your research, be confident and original. Originality is extremely important. It's what stands you out from the crowd. Good-luck to you man!

very interesting interview you had! you handled the questions sincerely and impressively too. congratulations.

Wow!!! I learnt a lot wish u luck man [color=#990000][/color]

Very entertaining interview, Alterboy1.

I was smiling when I finished reading it. Kudos. I hope you get the job. Cheers!!

AltarBoy1:
Pardon my typo and formats, na small phone I dey use.

I have been contemplating whether to create this thread or not, cos my experience was kinda embarrassing for me. But lo and behold, I was shortlisted for the next stage. So I decided to share this just so that others will pick a point or two from it (thats if there is any).
I made it to the interview stage after two tests. So as usual, I got myself prepared for the interview, researched about the company, got answers to some possible interview questions.
Fast forward to the venue of the interview, I met some other candidates at the gate. Some were with their jotters, rehearsing their answers while others are just whining away time. So I just walk up to one girl that was standing alone to chat up with her before the interview start.

Few minute later, they called in the first person. After about 20 min, they called in the second person. Then next they called me in
The panel was made up of 3 people, a lady with two other men. From what I later gathered, the lady is the zonal MD and the two men were from the HR department.
After sitting down, they requested for my documents and photocopies, which I presented to them. They were all quiet, scanning through my documents until the lady spoke up.
Lady: Can you give us one good reason why you graduated with 2.2
Me: *Silent for a while* Plz repeat the question.
Lady: *Repeats*
Me: Well, there is no excuse for failure in life. If I have to give any excuse, it should be why I made 2.1 or first class against all odds and not why I made 2.2. So I dont think I have any reason to give, even if there is, I wouldnt say it.
Lady: *Silent while looking at me*
Man1: You just said 2.2 is failure, can you tell us why you used that word failure.
Me:*see as I put myself for wahala* Well, technically speaking, I called it failure cos currently in the labor market, 90% of all job vacancy requires 2.1 and above. Its only few that accept 2.2. And giving the population of the unemployed graduates, having a 2.2 is really a disadvantage. Thats why I used the word failure.
Man2: What do you mean by technically?
Me: Conditionally or under a certain condition.
Lady: Now, does it mean that you are technically a failure
Me:*I don F-up with this word wey I use* Technically am not,*can see the smile/laff on their face* If I am, I wont be sitting right in front of you considering the two aptitude tests that one have to scale before been here.
Lady: Maybe luck was on your side.
Me: Luck cant just choose only me among all the 100s of candidates that attended the tests.
Lady: Yes it can
Me: *Silent**in my mind, I was like, e b like say na luck carry you reach this position wey you dey now.*
Man2: Now, tell us why we should hire you?
Me: *smiled**didnt know that the smile was so obvious. So as I was about answering the question, the lady cuts in*
Lady: Why are you smiling?
Me: Nothing ma.
Lady: It cant be nothing, tell us why you are smiling.
Me: *Feeling Scared* Nothing ma, maybe its cos I have a smiling face.
Lady: How can you have a smiling face when you have been boning since you came in here. Even your passport says it all.
Me: *feeling more scared* with due respect ma, its nothing.
Man1: If you dont tell us, I think you should just go so we can call in the next candidate.
Me: *confused and scared, I just decided to say anything* I am smiling because I was expecting that particular question. *decide to add salt and pepper* in fact, we have been rehearsing the answers to this question and some other possible questions outside before I was called in.
Man1: So you already crammed the answers.
Me: Not really.
Man2: Then what/how
Me: Well, I have come up with some possible answer that suits my personality
Man2: And you think that answer is good enough.
Me: *By now, am already confused, so I was just saying anything that comes to my mind* Well, at least its good enough to impress the HR.
Lady: Is that what you think
Me: *Silent*
Man1: Ok, Now answer the question
Me: Well, Let me just say it the way it is in my mind. You should hire me because am not going to fail.
Man2: What do you mean by you are not going to fail.
Me: I have been unemployed for a long time, so if given the opportunity, I will anything that I can to sure that I dont go back to my unemployed status.
*All silent*
Me: things within the banks policy and interest
Lady: Is that the answer you came up with.
Me: No. I dont want to use it again cos its just to speak English and doesnt tell the real me since is something I picked over the net and modified.
Man2: Can we hear it.
Lady: No, just leave him *turning to me* You read chemical engineering, and you want to work in a bank. Are you not trying to go off your career?
Me: Well, even though I have a background in engineering, I do not have a career yet until I gain experience in a particular field, from there I can build my career.
Lady: Do you think you can survive in the bank as an engr.
Me: Engrs are trained to be flexible and adaptive. I believe I can and will succeed in the banking sector. If Mr. XXXX (the current CEO of the bank) and Mrs. YYYYY (one of their senior executive) can succeed, I see no reason why I cant.
Man2: Why are you comparing yourself with them?
Me: Cos they both read a course that has nothing to do with banking.
Lady: Name them.
Me: Electrical Engineering and Microbiology
Man2: So you have the faith that you can do it.
Me: Yes. Plus the fact that I always have luck *grin*.
They just burst out laughing.
Man1: Tell us any three recent happenings in Nigeria or policies by the FG that is affecting the banking industry
Me: TSA, Fight against corruption and drop in oil price.
Lady: Explain them.
Me: *did the little explanation that I can* Summary is that money is leaving the bank
Lady: Go, personnel will get back to you
Naso I begin dey go come dey think say I don f-up Till just last week, I got a text that that I was successful, that they will get back to be for the next stage.
#Godwin

Before I read you last line, I knew you would be successful right from where they asked you why you want to work in the bank having read chemical engineering. I am a human resource consultant and I could tell the enthusiasm and confidence you exhumed right from that point not brushing aside the right answers though it's being a bit evident before that line. Congrats and I pray you get the job finally and moved on to the next stage.

My opinion: job seekers should learn to utilize their thoughts at all times.


Calling oneself a 'failure' may not work for all...

Some employers won't given you further room to clarify that statement. No employer would actually want to employ a 'failure.'

You were indeed lucky for the opportunity you got to clarify that line.


Lastly, it is not enough to cram books and tips. Body language counts!

Hmmm..... he did well. I think if he had given crammed answers he would fail. Can see when he started free flowing that he is a quick thinker and was giving answers on point. He deserves to be called again. My advice....don't cram replies and read news daily paying more attention to financial news.

You were honest and that gives you an edge over the rest of candidates who come and lie through their teeth
You almost dug a hole for yourself with that your first answer but your humour, natural intelligence and honesty made up for it
It's to their credit to employ you..... I would

If u believe this crap then u can believe anything. I thought Nairaland can still boast of some smart people. Its evident that the whole write up is a figment of the Op imagination. Did did Op attended the interview with a recorder to record all d conversation. What is trending now in Nairaland is that people will frame up story just to show how good they are in writing. Naija always think wisely

@AltarBoy1

Congrats in advance.

In my opinion, the interviewers were impressed with your confidence, ability to hold a conversation, smartness and honesty.

It is vital for one to be himself and be convinced of what you are saying even if it is arrant nonsense