How to Pass Any Job Interview in Nigeria Even If You're Not the Smartest Candidate
Welcome to Daily Reality NG, where we break down real-life issues with honesty and clarity. I'm not here to sell you theory. I'm here because I failed 15 job interviews before I finally understood the game.
I'm Samson Ese, founder of Daily Reality NG. I've been blogging and building online businesses in Nigeria since 2016, helped over 4,000 readers start making money online, and my sites currently serve 800,000+ monthly visitors across Africa.
📖 The Day I Realized I Was Doing Interviews All Wrong
March 2019. That's when it hit me. I'm sitting outside this big glass building for Lekki Phase 1, wearing my best shirt wey I iron three times that morning, and my hands are literally shaking. Account balance: ₦2,400. Interview time: 11am. Current time: 10:43am.
The security man look me up and down before he even let me enter the gate. You know that look? That one wey dey tell you "we know say you need this job pass air." I swear, that look weak me small but I just dey smile like mumu.
Inside the reception, the AC dey blow like say na for mortuary. Cold die. And I'm there watching other candidates — all of them looking like they just comot from Harvard. One guy even dey read Financial Times newspaper. Financial Times! For Nigeria! I just carry my printed CV wey don fade small, dey pray make my name just call quick before my confidence finish.
😰 Real Talk Moment:
I had failed 15 interviews at this point. Fifteen. Some of them, I no even get feedback. They just ghost me like bad relationship. The worst one? I prepared for 3 weeks, bought new shoe, read everything about the company — and the interviewer just look my face, ask me 2 questions, then say "we'll get back to you." They never got back.
So for this 16th interview, something changed. I wasn't the smartest person in that waiting room. Trust me. The guy beside me dey speak grammar wey I no even sabi the meaning. But I had cracked something. A code. A pattern.
When my name finally called — "Samson Ese!" — and I enter that office, the three-man panel just dey stare me like judge for court. The woman in the middle get this face like she don tire of seeing candidates. The man on the left dey type for laptop, not even looking at me. The one on the right? He was the only one smiling small.
But this time, I didn't panic.
Because this time, I understood what Nigerian employers actually want. And it's not what they tell you for those career books.
📑 What You'll Learn in This Guide
- → The Psychology Nigerian Interviewers Won't Tell You About
- → How to Prepare Without Wasting Time on Useless Things
- → The First 90 Seconds That Decide Everything
- → How to Answer the 7 Questions They Always Ask
- → Body Language Tricks That Actually Work in Naija
- → 8 Deadly Mistakes Lagos Candidates Make
- → What to Do After the Interview (This Part Shock Me)
🧠 The Psychology Nigerian Interviewers Won't Tell You About
Look, make I just give you the raw truth wey nobody wan talk. Nigerian employers don't hire the smartest candidate. They hire the candidate wey make them feel safest.
Let that sink in small.
I learned this from my guy Tunde wey dey work for one big oil company for Port Harcourt. He's part of their interview panel and one day, after we drink small for his house, he just yarn me say "Samson, you know wetin we dey look for? We wan know say this person no go cause wahala. We wan know say if we employ you today, you go fit stay. You go fit blend with the team. You no go dey form star or dey do like say you too sabi."
⚠️ Wake-Up Call:
Nigerian companies lose more money from hiring "brilliant" people wey no fit work with others than from hiring "average" people wey fit blend. That's why your 2:1 degree no guarantee anything if your attitude off.
Think about am. You're the HR manager. You get two candidates:
Candidate A: First class degree from UNILAG. Sharp sharp. Sabi everything. But during interview, he dey correct your English. He dey compare your company to Apple and Google. He dey talk about how "this industry needs disruption." His body language dey scream "I'm too good for this place."
Candidate B: 2:2 from Covenant University. Not the sharpest tool in the box. But he listen well. He ask good questions. He research your company. He admit when he no sabi something. He smile naturally. He talk about how he fit learn and grow with the team.
Who you go employ?
If you say Candidate A, you go soon find yourself inside group chat with your colleagues dey complain about "this new guy wey think say him sabi pass everybody." I don see am happen too many times.
The Three Things Every Nigerian Interviewer is Secretly Testing
After I analyze all my failed interviews and the ones wey work, I notice say na three things dem dey really check:
1. Cultural Fit (Will This Person Survive Here?)
Nigerian work culture is... unique. We get this thing wey I go call "organized chaos." Deadlines dey shift. Responsibilities dey overlap. Your boss fit call you by 9pm on Saturday. NEPA fit take light for middle of presentation. Client fit cancel meeting last minute.
So dem wan know: you fit handle this kind environment? Or you go dey complain every week about "work-life balance" and "proper structure"?
✅ What Worked for Me:
During interviews, I go mention situations where I had to adapt quick-quick. Like the time NEPA take light during my final year project presentation and I just continue with my phone torch. Or when my boss for my NYSC place change the entire project scope on Friday evening and I still deliver by Monday. These stories show say you sabi bend when wahala come.
2. Loyalty Concerns (Will This Person Jump Ship?)
This one pain me to talk but e dey very real. Nigerian employers dey fear people wey dem feel go use their company as stepping stone. They don spend money train person, give am access to clients and contacts, then after 6 months the person don carry everything go competitor.
That's why if you come interview dey talk too much about how "this is just the beginning of my journey" or "I'm looking for exposure to grow my career," dem go hear different thing. Dem go hear "this guy go use us comot."
3. Humility Check (Can We Manage This Person?)
I know say this one go pain some people, especially the ones wey really get sense. But Nigerian work environment, humility pass everything. You fit sabi book pass your boss — e no matter. You fit get better idea — e still no matter. Wetin matter be say: can your boss manage you without feeling threatened?
One time for interview, I make mistake. The woman ask me wetin I know about digital marketing and I just dey list tools and strategies like encyclopedia. Google Analytics. SEO. SEM. Content marketing. Email automation. Conversion optimization. A/B testing. I been wan show say I sabi.
The woman just look me, smile small, then say "okay, thank you." That was it. Interview finish. I no get the job. Later I hear say dem employ person wey just say "Ma, I know small small about social media. I dey always ready to learn more from experienced people like you."
That person wey dem employ? She still dey that company today, 4 years later. Me? I learn lesson.
📚 How to Prepare Without Wasting Time on Useless Things
Abeg, make I save you plenty stress. Most of the interview preparation advice wey dey online? Na wash. Dem go tell you say go read the company's mission statement, vision, core values, all those grammar. Lie.
I mean, yes, glance through am. But if you think say dem go ask you to recite their vision statement for interview, you don set yourself up for disappointment.
Here's what actually matters:
The 48-Hour Preparation Formula (Wey Actually Work)
This na the exact system I use now, and e don work for me and over 200 people wey I don coach. No long thing.
Day 1 (24 Hours Before):
Morning: Research the people wey go interview you. I no dey joke. If you fit find their names (sometimes HR go tell you, or you go see am for email signature), search dem for LinkedIn. See where dem work before. See wetin dem post about. See their interests.
Why? Because during interview, if you fit mention say "I saw on LinkedIn that you worked at Andela before" or "I noticed you're passionate about fintech solutions," you don create connection. Nigerians like when you pay attention to dem.
💡 Samson's Personal Story:
November 2020. I get interview with one tech startup for Yaba. I check the CTO's LinkedIn and I see say the guy na Manchester United fan (him profile picture na Man U jersey). During the interview, after we discuss technical things, I just casually mention say "I see say you support Man U. That Fernandes signing really change everything o." Bros, the man face just open. We spend 10 minutes talking football. I get the job. Later he tell me say "your technical skills were okay, but I knew you'd fit in with the team." That LinkedIn research save my life that day.
Afternoon: Prepare your 3 stories. Not 10. Not 20. Just 3. These stories go be your weapon:
- Story 1: Time when you solve problem under pressure
- Story 2: Time when you work with difficult person/situation
- Story 3: Time when you fail but learn important lesson
Practice these stories until you fit tell am without sounding like robot. Add details. Add emotions. Add the fear you felt. Add how your hands were shaking. Make am REAL.
Evening: Pick your clothes. Iron am well well. Make sure say the shirt no get stain for armpit area (I been make this mistake before, e pain). Clean your shoe. Check say your trouser no too tight or too loose. You wan look professional but comfortable.
Day 2 (Interview Day):
Wake up 3 hours before your interview time. I repeat: THREE HOURS. This one na personal for me. I don miss interview before because I wake up late, rush to bath, chop road for Lagos traffic, reach interview place dey sweat like marathon runner. That day, I no even need dem to tell me say I fail. I just know.
So now, I dey wake early. Pray small if you dey pray. Eat proper breakfast (hunger fit make you lose focus for interview). Read your 3 stories one last time. Then comot house at least 90 minutes before the interview.
If you reach the place 1 hour early, park for nearby restaurant or just walk around the area. Calm your nerves. Observe the environment. Maybe you go even see some of the company staff — watch how dem dey dress, how dem dey interact. This one fit help you adjust your own approach.
What NOT to Waste Time On
Real quick, make I tell you wetin no dey work:
❌ Reading 50-page documents about the company history
❌ Memorizing complex definitions and terminologies
❌ Practicing answers to 100 different possible questions
❌ Trying to predict every single thing they might ask
❌ Stressing yourself about technical questions you no fit answer
You know why? Because Nigerian interviews are 70% vibes and 30% actual competence. I don see person wey sabi everything still fail interview because the vibe was off. And I don see person wey no really get strong resume still get job because dem connect well with the interviewer.
This thing pain me to admit when I first realize am, but na reality. So make we work with reality instead of fighting am.
⚡ The First 90 Seconds That Decide Everything
Psychologists don talk am. Researchers don prove am. And I don experience am with my own body: most interviewers don make up their mind about you within the first 90 seconds.
90 seconds o. Not 90 minutes. Ninety seconds.
The rest of the interview? Dem just dey look for evidence to support wetin dem don already decide. If dem like you in those first seconds, dem go notice all your good answers. If dem no like you, even your best answer go sound somehow for their ear.
So wetin you go do for those critical 90 seconds?
The Entrance (Seconds 1-20)
Before you even talk, dem don dey judge you based on how you enter the room. I know e sound petty, but na so human beings be.
When dem call your name and you dey walk to the interview room:
Walk with Purpose. Not too fast like say you dey rush. Not too slow like say you no wan enter. Normal confident walk. Imagine say you dey go meet old friend wey you respect.
Knock Small Before You Enter (if the door close). Wait for "come in" before you open am. This one show say you get manners and you sabi respect boundaries.
Smile. Not big big grin like joker. Just warm, genuine smile. The type wey reach your eyes. I practice this one for mirror before my successful interviews because my natural face when I dey nervous be like person wey lose him entire family. So I train myself to smile even when my heart dey beat like talking drum.
✅ Real Example Wey Work:
My friend Chioma — she tell me say for her last interview with one bank for VI, as she enter the room, she just smile, greet everybody (even the guy wey dey corner dey arrange papers), then she wait small before she sit down. Simple things. But after the interview, the panel tell am say "we appreciated your warmth and respect." She get the job. Meanwhile another candidate wey enter before her just rush sit down without proper greeting. That person no get am.
The Handshake (Seconds 21-30)
Omo, this handshake matter for Naija e no be small thing o. E get the one wey dem go interpret as "this person too weak." E get the one wey dem go interpret as "this person dey try form alpha male/female."
The perfect Nigerian business handshake:
- Firm but not crushing (like say you wan scatter person hand)
- 2-3 shakes maximum (no be pump water)
- Look the person for eye (but no dey stare like mad person)
- Say "Good morning/afternoon sir/ma" (depending on their age/position)
And please o, if your hand dey sweat because of nervousness (e dey happen to everybody), just clean am for your side pocket or handkerchief before you enter the room. Nobody wan shake sweaty hand.
The Seating (Seconds 31-50)
Don't just jump and sit down. Wait for dem to tell you "please have a seat" or gesture to the chair. This one show respect.
When you finally sit:
Sit upright but relaxed. Not like soldier for parade ground. Not like person wey wan sleep. Normal sitting position wey show say you dey alert and interested.
Put your bag (if you carry any) beside the chair or under am. No put am for table except dem tell you say you fit bring out documents.
Rest your hands for your lap or the armrest. Don't fold your arms (e look like say you dey defensive). Don't put your hands for your pocket. Don't dey play with pen or phone.
The Opening Line (Seconds 51-90)
This na where many people dey mess up. The interviewer go say something like "So tell us about yourself" or "How was your journey here?" and the candidate go just start dey vomit grammar.
My formula for the opening response:
Acknowledge their question warmly: "Thank you for having me today, I'm really excited to be here."
Give brief, human answer first: If dem ask about your journey, don't just say "it was fine." Say something like "The traffic for Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge was something else this morning, but I left early so I actually arrived with time to spare and could prepare mentally for this meeting."
This shows:
- You're a real human being, not robot
- You plan ahead (left early)
- You can handle Lagos wahala
- You take the interview serious (prepared mentally)
All these things from just one sentence about your journey! You see how Nigerian interviews work now?
⚠️ Mistake I Made Before:
One time, interview panel ask me "how was your trip here?" I just say "fine sir, no problem." Short and sharp. I thought say I dey show confidence. But the woman for the panel later tell my friend (wey work there) say my answer make me sound "too rigid and unapproachable." I no get that job. Now I sabi say sometimes, the "irrelevant" questions na the ones wey actually show your personality.
After those first 90 seconds, you don either win or lose the room. The rest na just confirmation.
💬 How to Answer the 7 Questions They Always Ask
Look, Nigerian interviewers no too get time for creativity. Dem go recycle the same questions wey dem don dey ask since 1999. And you know wetin? That's actually good news for you.
Because if you prepare well for these 7 questions, you don already win 80% of the interview.
Make I give you the questions plus the REAL answer dem dey find (not the textbook answer):
Question 1: "Tell Us About Yourself"
Wetin Dem Really Wan Know: Can this person summarize their life in a way wey make sense? Dem get focus? Dem fit communicate clearly?
Wrong Answer: Starting from "I was born in 1995..." or going into 10-minute story about your entire life history.
Right Answer Formula:
"Thank you for the opportunity. My name is [name], I studied [course] at [university], and for the past [X years], I've been working in [field/industry]. What really drives me is [one genuine passion related to the job]. For example, [brief 30-second story]. I'm here today because I believe this role aligns perfectly with both my experience and where I want to grow professionally."
Keep am to 90 seconds maximum. Any longer, dem go start checking their watch.
Question 2: "Why Do You Want to Work Here?"
Wetin Dem Really Wan Know: You actually research us? Or you just dey apply everywhere? You go stay or you go comot after 3 months?
Wrong Answer: "I need a job" (even if na true, no talk am). Or generic thing like "because your company is a leading organization..." (everybody dey talk this one).
Right Answer Formula:
"Honestly, three things attracted me to [company name]. First, [something specific about their recent project/achievement — show say you do research]. Second, I've heard from people in the industry that [company] has a great culture of [something positive you actually confirmed]. And third, this role would allow me to [specific skill you wan develop/contribution you fit make]. I'm not just looking for any job — I'm looking for the right fit, and this feels like it."
See how that answer dey different? E get substance. E show research. E show you actually think about am.
Question 3: "What Are Your Strengths?"
Wetin Dem Really Wan Know: You sabi yourself? You fit contribute to our team? You dey humble or you dey form?
Wrong Answer: Listing 15 adjectives: "I'm hardworking, dedicated, passionate, creative, innovative..." (everybody dey say this, e no mean anything).
Right Answer Formula:
Pick TWO strengths maximum. Then back each one with real story. Like this:
"I'd say my biggest strength is problem-solving under pressure. Let me give you an example: [tell specific story with details — the problem, your action, the result]. People tell me say I dey calm when things dey scatter, and I think say na because I don see so many crazy situations wey teach me say every problem get solution if you just think am through."
Notice the Pidgin I throw inside? For some companies, e go work. For others, keep am more formal. Read the room.
Question 4: "What Are Your Weaknesses?"
Omo, this question dey trip people die. Because if you say real weakness, you fear say dem go use am judge you. But if you say fake weakness like "I'm too much of a perfectionist," dem go know say you dey lie.
Wetin Dem Really Wan Know: You get self-awareness? You dey work on yourself? You fit admit when you no perfect?
Wrong Answer: "I don't really have any weaknesses" (na lie) or "I work too hard" (na bigger lie).
Right Answer Formula:
Tell REAL weakness, but show say you dey work on am:
"You know, if I'm being honest, I used to struggle with delegating tasks. I go wan do everything myself because I feel say if I no do am, e no go done well. But I realize say this no sustainable, especially as I dey take on more responsibility. So now I'm actively learning to trust my team more and focus on the bigger picture. I still dey learn o, but I don see improvement."
This answer show:
- You honest (real weakness)
- You get self-awareness (you recognize the problem)
- You dey grow (you dey work on am)
- You humble (you admit say you still dey learn)
Perfect answer. I don use this format get 3 different jobs.
Question 5: "Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?"
Wetin Dem Really Wan Know: You get ambition but e realistic? You go stay with us or you dey plan exit strategy already?
Wrong Answer: "I want to be CEO" (too ambitious, you go threaten dem) or "I don't know" (no vision).
Right Answer Formula:
"In 5 years, I see myself as someone wey don master [specific skill related to the role], contributed significantly to [company's] growth, and maybe dey take on more leadership responsibilities — mentoring younger colleagues, leading projects, things like that. But honestly, I'm the type of person wey believe say if you focus on doing excellent work today, tomorrow go naturally unfold. So my immediate goal na to excel in this role and learn as much as possible from experienced people like yourself."
You see the balance? Ambitious but not threatening. Future-focused but present-minded. Personal growth but company-centered.
Question 6: "Tell Us About a Time You Failed"
This one dey sweet me because many candidates dey fear am, but if you handle am well, e fit be your strongest answer.
Wetin Dem Really Wan Know: You fit take responsibility? You fit learn from mistakes? You go hide your failures or you go own am and grow?
Wrong Answer: Saying you never fail before (na big lie) or blaming others for your failure.
Right Answer Formula (This One Long But E Important):
"Yes, let me share something real. [Tell specific failure story with ALL the details — when, where, what went wrong, how you felt]. At the time, I felt [real emotion: devastated, embarrassed, angry at myself]. But that failure teach me [specific lesson]. Now, whenever I [situation], I always [new approach based on lesson learned]. In fact, that failure probably made me better at my job than any success I've had."
💪 My Personal Failure Story (Wey I Use For Interviews):
"Early 2018, my boss give me one big client presentation. I prepare for weeks. PowerPoint slides sharp. Data clean. Everything perfect. Then for the actual day, 5 minutes into the presentation, the client just interrupt me and say 'this is not what we asked for.' Turns out say I been misunderstand the brief completely. I just dey assume I sabi wetin dem want instead of asking clarifying questions. That day pain me die. But e teach me say no matter how confident you think you be, always confirm your understanding before you start. Now, whenever I get new assignment, I go ask plenty questions — even if I go look like mumu. Better make dem think say I no too sabi than make I waste everybody time with wrong output."
When I tell this story for interviews, I notice say interviewers dey nod. Some of dem even share their own similar experiences. That's when you know say you don connect.
Question 7: "Do You Have Any Questions for Us?"
If you say "No" to this question, you don blow your chances finish. Real talk.
Wetin Dem Really Wan Know: You actually interested in this job? You think about the role beyond just collecting salary? You curious and engaged?
Wrong Approach: Asking about salary, leave days, or closing time for first interview. Or worse, not asking anything at all.
Right Approach — My Top 5 Questions Wey Always Land:
- "What does success look like in this role after 6 months? What would make you say 'we made the right choice'?"
- "What do you enjoy most about working here?" (This one sweet because you dey give dem chance to talk about themselves — people like that)
- "What are the biggest challenges facing your team/department right now?" (This show say you ready to help solve problems)
- "How does the company support professional development for people in this role?" (Shows you wan grow)
- "What's the next step in the hiring process?" (Shows you interested and you dey organized)
Pick 2-3 of these questions. Don't ask all 5 or else e go be like interrogation. And make sure say you actually listen to their answers, no just dey tick box.
Sometimes, their answer to your question go give you chance to add more value. Like if dem talk about challenge, you fit say "Interesting. In my last role, we faced something similar and we used [approach]. Do you think something like that could work here?"
Boom. You don turn question session into strategy session. That's high-level play.
🎯 Key Takeaways (Make You No Forget These)
- Nigerian employers hire based on cultural fit and likability more than pure intelligence — show that you can blend with the team
- The first 90 seconds determine everything — master your entrance, handshake, and opening lines
- Prepare 3 core stories (problem-solving, teamwork, failure) and weave them into different answers
- Research the interviewers on LinkedIn and find connection points before the interview
- Humility beats brilliance in Nigerian work culture — show that you're teachable and respectful
- Always have 2-3 thoughtful questions prepared for the end — never say you have no questions
- Arrive 90 minutes early to calm your nerves and observe the environment
👁️ Body Language Tricks That Actually Work in Naija
You fit give all the correct answers for the world, but if your body language dey shout "I no confident" or "I dey form," you don lose.
Let me tell you something wey shock me. My cousin Emeka — sharp guy, first class from Covenant, fluent English, solid CV. He fail 7 interviews back to back. Seven!
One day I follow am go interview just to observe from outside (I been wan understand wetin dey happen). When he comot, I just look am and I know immediately wetin the problem be. His body language been dey scream "I'm uncomfortable here."
He been dey:
- Cross his arms (defensive)
- Avoid eye contact (lack of confidence)
- Lean back for chair (disengaged)
- Play with his pen (nervous energy)
- Speak to the table instead of to the people (disconnected)
All these small things wey e no even notice. But the interviewers? Dem notice everything.
So we work on am. Three weeks of practice. I record am with my phone during mock interviews so he fit see himself. The transformation? Omo. Next interview he attend, he get offer on the spot.
The Nigerian Interview Body Language Code
Eyes: For Western interviews, dem say maintain strong eye contact. For Naija, e get levels. If the interviewer na older person (especially if dem old enough to be your parent), too much direct eye contact fit be seen as disrespectful. So wetin you go do? Look at dem when dem dey talk, but occasionally shift to their forehead or shoulder area. When you dey talk, look at dem directly but blink naturally. Don't dey stare like person wey wan hypnotize dem.
Hands: Keep dem visible. Rest dem for your lap or armrest in a relaxed manner. When you dey talk about something you passionate about, you fit use small hand gestures — but no overdo am like pastor for pulpit. Nigerian interviewers like to see controlled energy, not chaos.
✅ Hand Gesture Trick Wey Work:
When you wan emphasize key point, use your hands to count or show structure: "There are three reasons I'm confident in this approach..." [hold up three fingers]. This one dey help the interviewer follow your logic and e show say you organized. But after you don count, bring your hands back down. No leave am for air like traffic warden.
Posture: Sit up straight but no stiffen like ironing board. Lean forward slightly when the interviewer dey talk — this one show say you dey pay attention and you interested. When you dey answer question, you fit lean back small (show confidence) but no slouch.
Legs: Both feet flat for ground or one leg cross over the other at the ankle level (professional cross). No do the 4-figure cross (that one too casual for interview). No dey shake your leg — e dey distract and e show nervousness.
Smile: This one na game-changer. Natural, warm smile dey open doors for Nigeria more than any certificate. But the smile suppose reach your eyes. Practice for mirror: think about something wey genuinely make you happy, then smile. That's the smile you wan carry go interview.
The Mirror Technique (This One Don Help Me Pass Anything)
This na subtle psychology trick wey I learn from one motivational book, but e work die for Nigerian interviews.
Subtly match the interviewer's energy and pace. If dem talk slow and calm, you sef talk slow and calm. If dem more energetic, you fit increase your energy small. If dem lean forward, you fit lean forward small too. If dem use hand gestures, you fit use small gestures too.
This thing dey called "mirroring" and e make people unconsciously feel comfortable around you because dem see similarities. But the key word na "SUBTLE." If you just dey copy everything dem do like parrot, e go come off as creepy.
I remember one interview for 2021, the HR manager been get this habit of saying "exactly" and nodding when she agree with something. After I notice am, I start saying "exactly" too when I dey emphasize my points, and I dey nod when she dey talk. By the end of the interview, we been dey vibe like old colleagues. She offer me the job the same day and say "I just feel like you'd fit right in with our team."
Magic? No. Psychology. And e work.
What to Do When You Don't Know the Answer
This part dey very important because e go happen. Dem go ask you question wey you no sabi the answer. Your body language for that moment fit either save you or finish you.
DON'T: Panic visibly, start sweating, look down for shame, or just stay quiet for too long.
DO THIS INSTEAD:
Maintain your composure. Take a breath. Smile small. Then say something like:
"That's a great question. To be completely honest with you, I don't have experience with that specific scenario. But let me tell you how I would approach it based on what I know..." [then give your best educated guess or related experience].
Or: "I'm not familiar with that particular tool/process, but I'm a very fast learner. In my last role, I had to learn [similar thing] in just two weeks and I was able to [result]. I'm confident I could do the same here."
The key thing be say your body language no change. You still confident. You still engaged. You just honest about your limitation while showing willingness to learn.
Nigerian employers respect honesty more than people wey dey form say dem sabi everything. I don see person blow interview because dem try to fake answer to technical question and the interviewer know say na lie. But I don also see person get job even after admitting say dem no sabi certain things — because their humility and willingness to learn been dey attractive.
⚠️ 8 Deadly Mistakes Lagos Candidates Make (Stop Am Now)
After sitting through mock interviews with over 150 people for the past 3 years (I been dey help friends and blog readers for free), I don notice say na the same mistakes people dey repeat. And these mistakes? Dem dey cost people jobs wey dem supposed get.
Make I just list dem sharp sharp so you fit avoid am:
Mistake 1: Badmouthing Your Former Employer
I know say your last boss fit be the worst human being since... I no even wan compare. But the moment you sit for interview dey yarn how your former company or boss been bad, you don scatter your chances.
Why? Because Nigerian employers go think: "If we employ this person and things no work out, e go come outside dey talk our matter too."
No matter how much your last job pain you, find diplomatic way to talk about am. Instead of "My boss was a nightmare and the company was disorganized," say something like "I felt I had maximized my growth opportunities there and I'm looking for a new challenge where I can contribute more strategically."
Same message, different packaging. Na packaging dey sell market for Nigeria.
Mistake 2: Discussing Salary Too Early
This one vex me because I don make this mistake before and e cost me one beautiful opportunity.
The interview never reach 10 minutes and I don dey ask "what's the salary range for this position?" The panel just look themselves. The vibe change immediately. They rushed through the rest of the interview and obviously I no hear from dem again.
Here's the thing: Nigerian employers want to feel say you interested in the work itself, not just the money. Even though everybody know say na money we dey find, dem no wan feel like say na only that.
Wait for dem to bring up salary talk. If dem no bring am up by the end of the first interview, you fit ask subtly: "If I may ask, what's the next stage of the interview process? And when would we typically discuss compensation details?"
This way, you asking without sounding desperate or money-focused.
Mistake 3: Phone Wahala During Interview
Omo. If I tell you how many people still dey make this mistake...
Your phone should be on SILENT (not vibrate — silent) and PUT AWAY before you even enter that building. Not just the interview room. The building.
I hear story of one candidate wey him phone ring for middle of interview. E no be say e pick am o. Just the fact say e ring, show say him no prepared well. Dem no give am the job.
Another person, her phone been dey vibrate for her bag throughout the interview. The panel fit hear am. Distraction. No job.
Put your phone on silent. Check am well. Then forget say phone exist until after the interview. Simple.
Mistake 4: Lying on Your CV and Getting Caught
Listen, I understand say job market tough for Naija. I understand say you wan sha package yourself make you stand out. But please, no lie about things wey dem fit easily verify.
The most common lies I don see:
- "I'm proficient in Excel" (then dem ask you do simple VLOOKUP and you freeze)
- Inflating your role (saying you were "Project Manager" when you were just "Project Assistant")
- Adding skills you saw in the job description wey you no actually get
- Claiming say you fit speak languages wey you no sabi
One guy tell me say e put "Fluent in French" for him CV because the job description mention am. During the interview, one of the panel members been study for France. She just switch to French mid-interview to test am. Bros couldn't string two sentences together. Interview over.
⚠️ Better Approach:
Instead of lying, use phrases like "familiar with" (instead of "expert in"), "exposure to" (instead of "proficient in"), or "currently learning" (shows initiative without false claims). These phrases dey honest but dem still show say you get some level of knowledge or willingness to grow. Nigerian employers appreciate honesty more than you think.
Mistake 5: Dressing Inappropriately for the Company Culture
This one need sense pass pure fashion knowledge. E no be say you go just wear the most expensive suit for your wardrobe and think say you don win.
If you dey interview for bank or law firm, yes — full corporate attire. Suit and tie for guys, corporate dress or skirt-suit for ladies.
But if you dey interview for tech startup for Yaba? That same suit fit make you look out of touch. Smart casual fit work better — chinos/khakis and button-down shirt (no tie) for guys, smart dress or blouse-and-trousers for ladies.
How you go know? Check the company's social media. See how their staff dey dress for office. Match that energy but make your own slightly more formal (because na interview).
And please o, regardless of where you dey interview: make your clothes dey clean, ironed, and fit you well. No come wear shirt wey big for you like say you borrow am from your father. Or trouser wey tight like leggings. Dress fit matter pass the actual outfit.
Mistake 6: Being Late (Even by 5 Minutes)
We know say Lagos traffic na another species of wickedness entirely. Apapa-Oshodi fit take you 3 hours on a bad day even though Google Maps dey say 45 minutes. But you know wetin? The interviewer no send all those explanations.
If you late, you don already create bad impression before you even sit down. Dem go think: "If e no fit come on time for interview wey e need, how e go take dey punctual when e get the job?"
Solution simple: Leave your house ridiculously early. Like, uncomfortably early. If the interview na by 10am and you dey for Surulere going to Lekki, comot house by 7am. Yes, 7am for 10am interview.
Better make you reach there 8:30am and sit down for nearby restaurant dey relax than make you reach 10:05am dey sweat and dey rush. Trust me, that extra calmness wey come from being early go show for your performance.
And if — God forbid — something happen and you know say you go late (accident, vehicle breakdown, real emergency), call them IMMEDIATELY. No wait until interview time don pass. Call at least 30 minutes before to explain and apologize. Some companies fit be understanding, but only if you communicate early.
Mistake 7: Not Following Up After the Interview
Omo, this one pain me because e simple to do but most people no dey do am. And the few wey dey do am? Dem dey stand out sharp.
After your interview, send a short thank-you email within 24 hours. I no mean long epistle. Just 4-5 sentences:
"Dear [Interviewer's Name],
I wanted to thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the [position] role yesterday. I really enjoyed learning more about [specific thing dem talk about] and I'm even more excited about the opportunity to contribute to [company name].
Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]"
This email no go get you the job by itself. But e go keep you fresh for their mind. And if dem dey between you and one other person? This kind small gesture fit be the deciding factor.
Mistake 8: Showing Desperation
This one tricky because inside your mind, you fit really need this job die. Your savings don finish. Landlord don dey threaten you. Your family dey pressure you. The desperation real.
But the moment you show that desperation for interview, you don reduce your market value. Nigerian employers — like all employers worldwide — dem dey attracted to candidates wey dem feel "other companies go want." If you dey behave like say "please o, I go do anything, just give me this job," dem go think say something wrong with you.
Signs of desperation to avoid:
- Agreeing to everything without question ("Yes sir, anything you say sir")
- Accepting terrible salary without negotiation attempt
- Over-apologizing for small things
- Calling or emailing every single day after the interview to check status
- Mentioning your financial struggles repeatedly during interview
Instead, even if you desperate die, maintain dignity. Show interest but also show options: "This role really excites me, and I'm also exploring a few other opportunities, but I'd definitely prioritize this one if we can work out the details."
You see? You show interest but you no reduce yourself. E dey work better.
📧 What to Do After the Interview (This Part Shock Me)
So you don finish the interview. You shake their hands. You thank dem. You comot the building. Now wetin?
Most people go just go house dey wait for phone call. That's exactly wetin you NO suppose do.
The 48 hours after your interview na critical window wey many candidates dey waste. But the sharp ones? Dem dey use that time to increase their chances.
The Same-Day Tasks (Do Am Before You Sleep)
1. Send That Thank-You Email (I don talk am before but make I repeat am because e important die).
2. Connect on LinkedIn (if dem give you their card or you get their names). Send brief message like: "It was great meeting you today. Looking forward to staying connected regardless of the outcome."
This move dey sweet me because even if you no get this particular job, you don add dem to your network. Dem fit remember you when another opportunity come up. I don get 2 jobs through this method — companies wey I interview with before but no get am, but dem call me back months later for different role.
3. Write Down Everything Wey Happen for the interview while e still fresh for your mind. Wetin questions dem ask? How you answer? Wetin you wish say you talk differently? Who were the panel members? Wetin vibe you pick up?
This notes go help you prepare better for the next stage of interview (if dem call you back) or help you improve for future interviews with other companies.
The Follow-Up Strategy (Timing is Everything)
If dem tell you say dem go get back to you in "2 weeks," don't call dem after 3 days. You go just come off as impatient.
But also, if 2 weeks don pass and you never hear anything, don't just sit down dey assume say you no get am. Sometimes, companies just slow. Sometimes, their process dey drag because of internal issues. Sometimes, dem just forget (yes, e dey happen).
My follow-up formula:
- Day 1: Thank you email (done ✓)
- Day 3-5: LinkedIn connection request (optional but good)
- Day 7-10: If dem give you timeline (like "we'll get back to you in a week"), wait for that full week before following up
- After Their Timeline: Wait 2-3 business days after their stated timeline, then send polite follow-up email
The follow-up email should be short and professional:
"Dear [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my interview for the [position] role on [date]. I remain very interested in the opportunity and would love to know if there are any updates on the hiring process.
Please let me know if you need any additional information from my end.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]"
If you still no hear anything after this email, wait another week, then you fit send one more follow-up. After that second follow-up? Move on. Dem don either choose another person or the role no dey available again. No waste your energy chasing dem — focus on other opportunities.
🎯 Pro Tip from My Personal Experience:
October 2020, I interview for one content marketing role. Dem say dem go get back to me in 2 weeks. Two weeks pass — silence. I send follow-up email. Nothing. One more week, I send another one. Still nothing. I don already move on mentally. Then for December (almost 2 months later), dem just call me say "sorry for the delay, there were some internal restructuring, but we'd like to offer you the position." If I been dey harass dem with daily calls and emails, dem for probably no call me back. Patience and professionalism pay off sometimes.
Meanwhile, Keep Applying Elsewhere
This na the advice wey pain but e necessary: No matter how well you think the interview go, no put all your eggs in that one basket.
Continue applying to other places. Continue going for other interviews. No pause your job search because of one promising interview.
Why? Two reasons:
First: You never know wetin dey happen for inside. Maybe another candidate get connection with the CEO. Maybe dem just dey do the interview process because HR policy say make dem interview certain number of people, but dem don already choose person internally. Maybe the budget for the role just get canceled. So many things fit happen wey no be your fault.
Second: If you eventually get multiple offers at the same time, you fit negotiate better. When you get options, you get power. But if na only one company you dey wait for, you no get leverage.
I know say job hunting dey tiring for Naija. The applications wey no dey get response. The interviews wey no lead to anything. The rejection emails (when dem even send). E fit drain you emotionally and financially.
But consistency na key. Keep sharpening your interview skills. Learn from each one. Adjust your approach. And eventually, e go connect.
💪 Real Talk: It Gets Better (My Final Message to You)
Look, make I just be real with you for this last part.
Job hunting for Nigeria no easy at all. E no be say you no good or you no try. Na just say the system dey discouraging sometimes. You go apply for 50 jobs, get call for 5 interviews, and collect 5 rejections. E fit make you feel worthless.
But I wan tell you something wey I wish person tell me when I been dey struggle: Your interview performance get nothing to do with your worth as human being. E just mean say either the fit no right, or timing no align, or somebody else just happen to match wetin dem need more.
Those 15 failed interviews I mention for beginning of this article? Each one pain me. Some of dem make me cry for bus on my way home (yes, grown man dey cry when situation tough). Some make me question if I even get what e takes to succeed for this country.
But each one also teach me something. And eventually, all those lessons combine to become the formula wey I share with you today.
The 16th interview? I no been even dey expect anything. I just relax, be myself, apply all the lessons I don learn, and trust the process. That's when e happen.
So even if you don fail 20 interviews, don't give up. Your "yes" dey come. Just keep improving, keep learning, keep showing up.
And remember this: You're not trying to be the smartest person in the room. You're trying to be the person dem feel most comfortable working with. Big difference.
If you follow the strategies for this guide — the psychology understanding, the preparation formula, the first 90 seconds tactics, the body language tips, the question frameworks, avoiding the deadly mistakes, and the follow-up strategy — you don already ahead of 85% of other candidates.
The rest na just you being authentic and letting your personality shine through the structure.
You got this. I believe in you.
And when you finally get that "Congratulations, we'd like to offer you the position" call? Come back here and drop comment make I celebrate with you. Because that's why I dey write these things — to help real Nigerians get real results.
Now go prepare for that interview. You're going to nail it.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I wear to a job interview in Lagos?
For corporate environments like banks and law firms, wear full business attire - suit and tie for men, corporate dress or skirt-suit for women. For tech startups and creative agencies, smart casual works better. Check the company's social media to see how their staff dress, then dress one level more formal than that for your interview.
How early should I arrive for an interview in Nigeria?
Aim to arrive at the location 90 minutes before your scheduled time to account for Lagos traffic and unexpected delays. Wait in a nearby location to calm your nerves, then enter the building about 10-15 minutes before your appointment. Never be late - Nigerian employers rarely forgive tardiness even with valid traffic excuses.
What if I don't know the answer to an interview question?
Be honest but show willingness to learn. Say something like: To be completely honest, I don't have experience with that specific scenario, but let me tell you how I would approach it based on what I know. Nigerian employers respect honesty more than candidates who try to fake knowledge and get caught in lies.
Should I follow up after a job interview in Nigeria?
Yes, always send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview. This keeps you fresh in their minds and shows professionalism. If they gave you a timeline for getting back to you, wait for that period plus 2-3 business days before sending a polite follow-up inquiry. Never call or email daily - this shows desperation.
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