The air in the waiting room is cold, but your palms are sweating. You’ve submitted the perfect CV, and now you are face-to-face with an interviewer. They smile, look at your CV, and then ask a question that seems simple but is secretly a minefield.
Job interviews are not just about what you know; they are a performance. The interviewer is testing your confidence, your communication skills, and your ability to think under pressure. Certain questions are specifically designed to see how you handle that pressure.
For fresh graduates, three of these questions cause the most panic. Let's break down the strategy for answering them so you can walk into your next interview with confidence, not fear.
1. The Ambush Question: "So, tell me about yourself."
The Trap: This is not an invitation to share your life story, your hobbies, or your family history. It is a test of your ability to communicate concisely and professionally. A rambling, unfocused answer is the fastest way to lose an interviewer's interest.
The Strategy: The Present-Past-Future Formula
This is a simple, powerful framework to structure your answer perfectly.
Present: Start with a brief summary of who you are now, academically and professionally. Mention your recent degree and a key area of interest.
Phrase to use: "Certainly. I recently graduated with a B.Sc. in Economics from the University of Lagos, where I developed a strong passion for data analysis and market research."
Past: Briefly connect your past experiences to the job you're applying for. This is where you mention a key project or skill you developed.
Phrase to use: "During my final year project, I had the opportunity to analyze a large dataset on consumer spending, which reinforced my skills in Microsoft Excel and report writing. That experience solidified my interest in becoming an analyst."
Future: Conclude by explaining why you are excited about this specific opportunity and how you see yourself contributing.
Phrase to use: "I was very excited to see this Junior Analyst position at your company because it's a perfect opportunity to apply my academic foundation in a practical setting and contribute to your team's work. I'm eager to learn and grow in a company that values data-driven decisions."
This entire answer should take no more than 60-90 seconds. It's concise, relevant, and immediately frames you as a serious candidate.
2. The Character Test: "What is your greatest weakness?"
The Trap: There are three ways to fail this question.
Arrogance: "I don't have any weaknesses." (Everyone does.)
Cliché: "I'm a perfectionist" or "I work too hard." (Interviewers have heard this a thousand times.)
TMI (Too Much Information): "I struggle to wake up on time." (You've just told them you're unreliable.)
The Strategy: The Honest Flaw + Proactive Solution Method
The goal is to show self-awareness and a commitment to personal growth.
Choose a Real but Non-Critical Weakness: Pick a genuine, minor weakness that does not disqualify you from the core functions of the job.
Show How You Are Actively Working on It: This is the most important part. Describe the specific steps you are taking to improve.
Example:
"Something I've actively worked on is my public speaking confidence. While I'm very comfortable presenting data to a small team, I used to be quite nervous speaking in front of larger audiences. To address this, I made sure to join the presentation team for my final year project and took every opportunity to present. I found that the more prepared I am, the more confident I become. It's a skill I am continuously improving."
This answer is perfect. It's honest, it doesn't relate to a core job skill (unless the job is a public relations officer), and it shows initiative and a desire for self-improvement.
3. The Money Trap: "What are your salary expectations?"
The Trap: This is the most high-stakes question. If you state a number that is too high, you might price yourself out of the job. If you state one that is too low, you could be underpaid for years.
The Strategy: Research, Deflect, and Range
Never give a single number first.
Before the Interview: RESEARCH. Go to sites like Glassdoor, PayScale, or even ask mentors in the field to find the typical salary range for an entry-level position like yours in your city (Lagos salaries are different from Ibadan salaries).
In the Interview: DEFLECT POLITELY. Your first goal is to politely avoid being the first person to name a price.
Phrase to use: "Thank you for asking. I'd be happy to discuss compensation, but first, I'm more interested in learning more about the specific responsibilities and growth opportunities in this role to ensure it's a great fit."
If They Insist: GIVE A RESEARCHED RANGE. If they press you for a number, use the range you researched.
Phrase to use: "Based on my research for similar entry-level roles in the [Your Industry] industry here in [Your City], I understand the typical salary range is between ₦[Lower End] and ₦[Higher End] per month. Given my skills in [mention one key skill], I would expect a salary within that range."
This approach shows you've done your homework, respects the negotiation process, and protects you from undervaluing yourself.
Mastering these three answers will not only impress your interviewer—it will give you the confidence to navigate any challenge they throw your way.
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