Guide to 50 Common Job Interview Questions and Answers

Preparing for job interviews can be rife with uncertainty. You mostly do not know what type of questions to expect. Aside from general behavioural interview questions to find out more about your personality and culture fit, you can expect role-specific and other questions.

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We have put together this guide to help you prepare for some commonly asked entry level job interview questions across different roles. This guide groups 50 common job interview questions that a candidate in Africa is likely to be asked and their answers.

Also included are short, practical tips on how you can approach answering each of them, relying, of course, on your unique circumstances and experience.

These example questions were sourced from quality human resource websites and seasoned industry professionals, so you can have a feel of the type of questions to expect.

50 Common Job Interview Questions and Answers Guide

The below 50 job interview questions and guide on answering them have been grouped into 8 categories. We hope they prove helpful in preparing for your next job interview.

General Interview Questions and Answers

1. Tell me about yourself.

TIP: Focus on your education, key skills, relevant work background and what you are looking for in your career.

Answer: I’m a recent graduate based in [Country] with a background in business and administrative studies. Through internships, academic projects, and volunteer activities, I’ve developed strong skills in communication, organisation, and problem-solving. I’ve supported small teams, handled basic administrative duties, and worked on customer-facing tasks. I’m now seeking an entry-level role where I can apply these skills, gain practical experience, and grow professionally.

2. Why do you want this job?

TIP: State your reasons for wanting the job, be sure to link to the organisation's mission and emphasise what you will learn from the job.

Answer: I want this job because it aligns with my goal of building a strong professional foundation. Your organisation’s focus on quality service and customer satisfaction appeals to me. This role offers the opportunity to learn practical workplace skills, understand industry standards, and contribute meaningfully while growing under experienced professionals.

3. What attracted you to our company?

TIP: This tests your knowledge of the company. If you researched them earlier, you should be able to tie your answer to something unique and admirable about them - their products, services, local presence, brand loyalty/recognition or anything that genuinely shows their value or exceptionality

Answer: I was attracted to your company because of your strong reputation for reliable service delivery and your consistent presence in the Nigerian market. Your focus on customer trust and long-term growth shows professionalism, which makes this an organisation I would like to grow with.

4. What are your strengths?

TIP: Respond with a couple of evidence-backed skills you have that are especially relevant for the role.

Answer: My strengths include attention to detail and reliability. During my internship, I was trusted with record-keeping and task coordination. I’m also a quick learner and adapt easily to new environments.

5. What are your weaknesses?

TIP: Be honest and don't say you have no weaknesses. Mention one or two weaknesses that are not drastically harmful or damaging. Also, state the steps you're taking to improve them.

Answer: I used to be reserved during group discussions, but I’ve been working on speaking up more during meetings and teamwork. This has helped me become more confident and expressive.

6. Where do you see yourself in 3–5 years?

TIP: This question usually seeks to test your ambition and vision. In your response, be as specific as possible to show ambition and willingness to grow in your chosen career/path.

Answer: In three to five years, I see myself as a competent professional with strong practical experience, taking on greater responsibility and contributing more strategically within the organisation.

7. How do you stay organised?

TIP: Outline in clear, simple steps how you plan your work day, minimise distractions and face specific tasks until completion.

Answer: I plan my day using a to-do list, prioritise tasks by deadline, minimise distractions like phone use, and complete tasks one at a time. I also review my progress daily.

8. What are you reading or learning now?

TIP: Mention a book, online course or any specific relevant learning resource you are going through at the time

Answer: I’m currently taking an online course on Microsoft Excel and workplace productivity to strengthen my administrative and data-handling skills.

9. Do you have questions for us?

TIP: Always prepare to ask the interviewer(s) a couple of questions when given the chance. It shows curiosity and initiative.

Answer: Yes. I’d like to know what success looks like in this role within the first six months and what training opportunities are available for entry-level staff.

10. Describe a time you used initiative.

TIP: Narrate briefly any past scenario where you used initiative to solve a challenge or problem.

Answer: During a school project, I noticed tasks were unclear, so I created a task list and shared it with the team. This improved coordination and helped us meet the deadline.

Behavioural/Teamwork Questions

11. Tell me about a time you worked in a team

TIP: Use the STAR method. Clearly explain your role in the team, what the team needed to achieve, the specific action you took, and the positive result. Even school projects or volunteer work count.

Answer: I worked in a team to complete a research project. My role was coordinating progress and handling data collection. I communicated regularly with the team, and we completed the project successfully on time.

12. Describe a problem you solved

TIP: Walk the interviewer through how you identified the problem, the options you considered, and why you chose a specific solution. End with what changed because of your action.

Answer: I noticed repeated errors in shared documents. I identified the cause, introduced a simple review process, and accuracy improved significantly.

13. Tell me about a failure and what you learned

TIP: Choose a real but manageable failure. Focus less on the mistake and more on the lesson learned and how it improved your approach or behaviour afterwards.

Answer: I once underestimated the time needed for a task and missed a deadline. I learned better time management and now plan tasks more effectively.

14. How do you handle pressure?

TIP: Mention a situation with deadlines or high expectations and explain the techniques you used to stay calm, organised, and productive.

Answer: During exams and tight deadlines, I prioritised tasks, worked systematically, and stayed focused, which helped me perform well under pressure.

15. Give an example of where you exhibited leadership.

TIP: Leadership does not require a title. Talk about guiding classmates, mentoring a peer, coordinating tasks, or taking responsibility when others were unsure.

Answer: I coordinated tasks during a volunteer project and guided others when they were unsure. This helped the team work efficiently.

16. Describe a time you disagreed with a teammate.

TIP: Avoid blaming. Show how you listened, communicated respectfully, and worked toward a compromise or shared solution.

Answer: I disagreed with a teammate’s approach, listened respectfully, shared my perspective, and we reached a compromise that improved the outcome.

17. How do you prioritise tasks?

TIP: Explain how you decide what is urgent versus important, and mention simple tools like to-do lists, calendars, or task management apps.

Answer: I prioritise tasks by urgency and importance using a to-do list and calendar.

18. Tell me about a time you exceeded expectations.

TIP: Share a moment when you delivered more than what was asked, such as improving quality, finishing early, or adding extra value that benefited others.

Answer: I completed the assigned work early during an internship and volunteered for additional tasks, which helped the team meet deadlines faster.

19. How do you take feedback?

TIP: Describe how you listen without defensiveness, reflect on feedback, and apply it to improve future performance.

Answer: I listen carefully, reflect on feedback, and apply it immediately to improve my performance.

20. Have you ever had to learn something quickly?

TIP: Give an example where you had limited time to learn a new skill or tool and explain how you approached learning efficiently.

Answer: I learned a new software tool [mention a specific tool] quickly by using tutorials, practising daily, and asking questions.

Customer Service/Sales Questions

21. How would you handle an unhappy customer?

TIP: Emphasise patience, empathy, and problem-solving. Show that you listen first, apologise when appropriate, and focus on resolving the issue professionally.

Answer: I would listen calmly, apologise where necessary, and focus on resolving the issue professionally. In Nigeria, respectful communication helps calm situations.

22. Give an example of upselling or convincing someone.

TIP: Use a simple example where you understood someone’s needs and suggested a better or additional option that genuinely helped them.

Answer: I recommended a better-value option after understanding the customer’s needs, and they appreciated the honesty.

23. How do you build rapport?

TIP: Mention active listening, friendly communication, and adjusting your approach based on the customer’s mood or needs.

Answer: I listen actively, communicate politely, and adjust my tone to suit the customer.

24. Can you work shifts/weekends?

TIP: Answer truthfully. If you have limitations, state them clearly while showing willingness to be flexible where possible.

Answer: Yes, I’m flexible and willing to work shifts or weekends when required.

25. How do you meet targets?

TIP: Explain how you break targets into smaller goals, track progress, and stay motivated even when results are slow.

Answer: I break targets into smaller goals, track progress, and stay consistent.

26. Tell me about a difficult sale and how you managed it.

TIP: Focus on persistence, listening to objections, adjusting your approach, and maintaining professionalism even if the sale did not close.

Answer: I listened to objections, adjusted my approach, and stayed professional even though the sale didn’t close immediately.

Finance/Admin /Operations Questions

27. Why are you interested in finance/admin?

TIP: Connect your interest to skills like organisation, numbers, problem-solving, or supporting business operations effectively.

Answer: I enjoy working with numbers, organising information, and supporting efficient business operations.

28. How comfortable are you with Excel/basic accounting?

TIP: Be honest and mention exact skills you know, such as data entry, formulas, spreadsheets, or basic bookkeeping concepts.

Answer: I’m comfortable with data entry, basic formulas, spreadsheets, and simple bookkeeping.

29. How do you ensure accuracy?

TIP: Describe habits like reviewing work, using checklists, reconciling figures, and taking time to verify details.

Answer: I review my work carefully, double-check figures, and use checklists.

30. Describe a time you handled confidential information.

TIP: Emphasise trust, discretion, and following rules, even if the example is from school, internships, or volunteer roles.

Answer: I handled confidential records during an internship and followed all confidentiality rules strictly.

31. How do you manage multiple admin tasks?

TIP: Explain how you organise tasks, set deadlines, and switch between duties without losing accuracy.

Answer: I organise tasks by priority, planning ahead, and focusing on accuracy when switching tasks.

32. Have you used accounting software? If yes, which ones?

TIP: Name any tools you have used or learned, even at a basic level, and show willingness to learn new systems quickly.

Answer: I’ve used Microsoft Excel and had basic exposure to QuickBooks. I’m eager to learn more.

Marketing/Communications Questions

33. How would you promote our service locally?

TIP: Mention practical, affordable ideas such as social media, referrals, community events, partnerships, or local influencers.

Answer: I would use social media platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, plus referrals and partnerships.

34. Describe a campaign you admire and why

TIP: Choose a simple campaign and explain what worked well, such as clear messaging, creativity, or audience engagement.

Answer: I admire campaigns with clear messaging and strong audience engagement.

35. How do you measure success in marketing?

TIP: Talk about tracking results using metrics like engagement, leads, conversions, or customer feedback.

Answer: I measure success through engagement, leads, conversions, and feedback.

36. How comfortable are you with social media management?

TIP: Be specific about platforms you use and tasks you can handle, such as posting content, responding to comments, or basic analytics.

Answer: I’m comfortable managing content and engagement on Instagram, Facebook, X, and WhatsApp.

37. Give an example of a content idea you’d try for our audience.

TIP: Suggest an idea tailored to the company’s audience and explain briefly why it would be useful or engaging.

Answer: I’d create educational posts answering common customer questions to build trust.

IT/Data/Technical Questions

38. What programming/tools do you know?

TIP: List tools or languages you genuinely know, your level of proficiency, and how you have used them in practice.

Answer: I have basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel, SQL basics, and introductory Python from coursework and practice.

39. How would you troubleshoot a common PC problem?

TIP: Show logical thinking by explaining how you identify the issue, test solutions, and confirm the fix.

Answer: I identify the issue, test basic solutions, and confirm the problem is resolved.

40. Describe a simple data analysis you performed.

TIP: Use an example where you collected data, analysed it, and drew a clear conclusion or insight.

Answer: I collected data in Excel, analysed trends using formulas, and made recommendations based on the results.

41. How do you keep your technical skills current?

TIP: Mention online courses, tutorials, practice projects, or communities you follow to keep learning.

Answer: I use online courses, tutorials, and practice projects to keep learning.

42. Have you worked with version control/basic SQL? If yes, name examples

TIP: Even basic exposure counts. Mention tools you have tried and your willingness to deepen your skills.

Answer: I’ve used GitHub for basic version control and written simple SQL queries.

HR/Culture Fit/Availability Questions

43. Why should we hire you?

TIP: Briefly connect your skills, attitude, and willingness to learn with what the company needs most.

Answer: I’m hardworking, willing to learn, and committed to doing quality work.

44. What motivates you?

TIP: Share motivations like learning, growth, impact, or contributing to a team, rather than only money.

Answer: I’m motivated by learning, growth, and contributing to a team’s success.

45. Describe your ideal manager.

TIP: Highlight qualities like clear communication, feedback, fairness, and support for development.

Answer: My ideal manager communicates clearly, gives feedback, and supports growth.

46. Tell us about a time you handled workplace conflict.

TIP: Show maturity by explaining how you stayed calm, communicated respectfully, and worked toward a resolution.

Answer: I stayed calm, listened, and worked respectfully toward a solution.

47. When can you start?

TIP: Give a clear and realistic start date, showing readiness and professionalism.

Answer: I can start within two weeks.

48. What are your salary expectations?

TIP: Provide a reasonable range based on market research and show openness to discussion.

Answer: Based on entry-level roles in Nigeria, I’m looking at ₦150,000–₦200,000 monthly, but I’m open to discussion.

49. Are you willing to relocate?

TIP: State your position clearly and explain any relocation conditions without sounding rigid.

Answer: Yes, I’m open to relocating within Nigeria depending on the role.

50. Do you have references?

TIP: Mention relevant references who can speak positively about your skills, character, and work ethic.

Answer: Yes, I can provide references from lecturers and internship supervisors.

Conclusion

These are sample ideas on how you can approach answering similar questions. You will have to apply your peculiar experience and creativity in responding to such interview questions.

Practice more job specific interview questions and answers.