Did you know that most hiring managers form their first impression of a candidate within just seven seconds of meeting them? That is barely enough time to say your name and sit down. Yet, in those few moments, everything from your body language to how you carry yourself already starts shaping their opinion of you.
As a new graduate or someone applying for an entry-level role, you might be wondering what to expect. You will likely feel nervous. That is why a little preparation goes a long way.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know before your first job interview. From what questions you might be asked, to what you should bring along and the mistakes to avoid, it is all here.
Not knowing exactly what will happen in your first interview is part of what makes it feel so intense. Here’s what you can expect from start to finish:
A Short Introduction and Small Talk
The interviewer will usually begin by introducing themselves and giving a brief overview of the company or role. This is often followed by light small talk. It could be about your journey to the interview, your university, or even the weather. Don’t underrate this moment. Use it to build a good rapport.
Questions About You
Once the introduction is done, the interviewer will begin asking you questions. Your chances of coming across common interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” or “Why did you apply for this role?” are high. The best answers will involve discussing your interests related to the role and providing examples that demonstrate your skills.
Skills or Competency Assessment
In many Nigerian companies, interviews may include an assessment, either before or after the face-to-face meeting. This might be a basic aptitude test, a writing test or a role-specific task. In order not to be caught unawares, ask ahead of time if any assessments are part of the process. Arrive prepared with a pen and notepad just in case.
Information About the Role or Company
At some point, the interviewer will likely explain more about what the role involves, who you will be working with, and what the company expects from someone in your position. Listen carefully. This is valuable insight. You can even refer back to some of this information when asking your own questions later.
Opportunity to Ask Questions
Toward the end of the interview, you’ll be invited to ask your own questions. This is not just a formality. Employers actually want to see that you are curious and thoughtful.
View 80 Questions to Ask During an Interview
Final Remarks and Next Steps
The interview will usually end with the interviewer explaining what happens next, if there will be another stage, how long you should wait to hear back, or what other steps are involved.
As a first-time job seeker, your interview could take place in different formats. Employers typically use various methods to connect with candidates. There are, however, three main types of interviews. They are phone, video, and in-person interviews.
Phone Interviews
A phone interview is often the first step in the recruitment process, especially for entry-level positions and graduate roles. Employers use this method as a quick way to screen candidates and narrow down the list before inviting anyone for a longer interview. It saves time for both parties and helps the recruiter focus on applicants who meet the basic requirements.
You might receive an email in advance letting you know when the call will happen. In other cases, especially when dealing with smaller firms or recruitment agencies, you might receive a surprise call without warning so it’s a good idea to always answer professional calls politely during a job search.
Video Interviews
In Nigeria, many organisations use platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet to conduct interviews not just for convenience, but also as a way to reduce logistics and schedule interviews quickly.
Discover 30 Apps and Websites for Job Seekers
At first, a video interview might seem easier than going to an office, but it comes with its own challenges. One of the biggest is that the interviewer can still see you, which means your appearance, expressions, posture, and surroundings all matter. Unlike a phone call, where only your voice is judged, a video interview allows the interviewer to read your body language and get a stronger sense of your personality.
The questions are usually straightforward. The interviewer may ask about your background, what you know about the company, why you applied, and when you’re available to start. Because it is online, many candidates make the mistake of being too casual or distracted. But it’s important to treat it seriously.
In-person Interviews
This is a type of interview where the employer or recruiter screens you physically. One of the first things to expect is the importance placed on time. Being late, even by a few minutes, can work against you. Most employers expect you to arrive early. Once you arrive, you may be asked to wait in a reception area.
In some cases, you might meet more than one interviewer. This is called a panel interview. You could be speaking to the HR manager, a team leader, and someone from senior management all at once. It might feel intense honestly, but their goal is simply to get different perspectives on you as a candidate. If that happens, make sure to acknowledge each person, maintain eye contact with whoever is speaking or asking the question, and respond confidently.
When preparing for your first job interview, it helps to know the kinds of questions you’re likely to be asked. While every interview is different, there are several common questions that keep coming up for entry-level roles. These are some of the ones we see.
Tell me about yourself
This isn’t an invitation to recite your life story, but rather it is a chance to introduce the parts of your background that relate directly to the job.
Why did you apply to our company?
Interviewers want to know if you have done your homework and if your goals align with what they offer. This is where you can show that you’ve researched the company and explain how the role fits into your career plans.
Tell me about a time when…
You would likely come across a question that begins with these words. They are behavioural questions. They are meant to help interviewers understand how you handle real-life situations. For example, you might be asked how you managed a difficult team member or handled a stressful deadline. Use the STAR method to structure your answer: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
This question is about your ambitions and whether you plan to grow with the company. It’s best to give an answer that shows you’re thinking ahead but also committed to the position you’re applying for. For example, you might say, “In five years, I hope to have developed my skills further, taken on more responsibilities, and contributed significantly to the team. I’m eager to grow within this company and take advantage of opportunities for professional development.”
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Employers want to know what you’re naturally good at and whether you’re self-aware enough to recognise areas where you need to grow. That is why they ask this particular question. Now, when it comes to your weaknesses, instead of saying something that could raise red flags, talk about areas where you’ve recognised a challenge and taken steps to improve.
View How to Answer What Is Your Weakness
Role or industry-specific questions
Depending on the job, you may be asked questions regarding your familiarity with certain tools or platforms relevant to the position.
Do you have any questions for us?
This is an opportunity to show interest and learn more about the role or company. Good questions could be about the team you will work with, the company culture, training and development opportunities, or what a typical day looks like.
When preparing for a job interview, many people focus only on what they’re going to wear or say but what you bring also matters. Unless you’ve been clearly told not to bring anything, it’s better to come slightly overprepared than to be caught off guard. These are some essential things to carry with you to the interview as an entry-level applicant:
Printed and Digital Copy of CV
The most important thing to bring is a digital or printed copy of your CV, especially if it is an in-person interview. It doesn’t matter if you already sent it by email. Some interviewers like to have a hard copy in front of them, and others might not have reviewed it in detail before you arrive.
Notepad and pen
You should also bring a notepad and a pen. This can be useful in several ways. You might want to note something the interviewer said about the role, or keep track of any information about next steps. It sends a message that you’re paying attention and taking the opportunity seriously. Some companies in Nigeria also include written tests on the same day as the interview, and they may not always provide extra materials.
Portfolio
In some cases, especially for media or ICT roles, you may be asked to bring a portfolio or samples of your work. This could include writing samples, designs, spreadsheets, reports, or anything else that can give the employer a taste of what you can do.
Valid Means of Identification
You should also carry a valid means of identification, especially if you’re entering a corporate building, bank, or secure office. Security personnel at the gate or reception may ask to see your ID before you are allowed in.
As earlier mentioned, the interviewer will likely ask, “Do you have any questions for me?” It might feel like a polite way to end the conversation, but it’s actually one of the most important parts of the interview, especially for someone just starting. Find some important ones below:
What does a typical day in this role look like?
This question gives you a clearer picture of what your daily tasks and responsibilities might be. For someone just entering the workforce, knowing what to expect helps you mentally prepare and also shows the interviewer that you’re already thinking practically about the job.
What kind of training or support is available for someone in this position?
As a newcomer, it’s important to know how much guidance you will receive and what systems are in place to help you settle in and grow. Many employers appreciate this question because it shows that you’re eager to learn and improve.
What does success look like in this role during the first three to six months?
This helps you understand the employer’s expectations and how your performance will be measured. It also shows that you’re goal-oriented and want to make a contribution from the start.
Can you tell me more about the team I would be working with?
These questions help you get a feel for the working environment which is especially important if you are stepping into your first job.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
This is a professional way to build a bit of rapport, and it gives you insight into the company’s atmosphere from someone on the inside.
While no one is above mistakes, there are a few common ones that can easily be avoided during interviews if you are a fresh graduate.
Not preparing properly
Preparation goes beyond knowing your CV. You need to understand the company, know the role you’re applying for, and have a clear idea of how your skills match what they’re looking for. If an interviewer asks what you know about the company and you stumble or go blank, it gives the impression that you are not serious about the opportunity.
Arriving late
This can completely ruin your chances before the interview even begins. It signals that you’re not reliable or respectful of other people’s time.
Being too casual or overly informal
If you act like you’re chatting with a friend using slang or speaking without filtering your words, it can make you seem unprofessional. The goal is to be professional, like you are having a serious but friendly conversation.
Talking too much or too little
Balance is key. If you give long, rambling answers, you might lose the interviewer’s attention. If your answers are also too short or vague, it can come across like you haven’t thought deeply about the question. Aim to be clear and focused. If you feel like you’re talking too much, pause and ask if they’d like more detail.
Failing to ask questions at the end of the interview
When the interviewer gives you the chance to ask something and you say, “No, I don’t,” it makes you look uninterested or underprepared. Even one or two simple questions can show that you’ve been paying attention and that you’re genuinely thinking about the role.
Not Listening
Another mistake is failing to listen properly during the interview. When you're nervous, it's easy to focus so much on what you're going to say next that you stop paying attention to the actual questions. Take a breath. Listen carefully, and if you don’t understand something, it’s perfectly fine to ask for clarification.
View 20 Biggest Mistakes Graduate Make and How to Avoid Them
No one expects you to know everything. Employers hiring entry-level candidates are not looking for perfection. They’re looking for people who are willing to learn and take initiative. That’s why preparation will always pay off. And of course, with some of the points discussed here, you will get the upper hand.
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