The interview process (the oral phase) is usually dreaded by not a few job seekers. Most times, applicants are qualified for the position being sought for but the interviewer, upon meeting them, is unable to match the person on paper with the person in front of him/her.

Job seekers need to understand that as much as they are being interviewed, they can also do an interview for the interviewer! I know this may sound alien and impracticable especially considering the peculiarities of the Nigerian job industry, but it is not.

Here are 5 questions that you should make certain to ask before your interview is over.

1. What skills and experiences would make me an ideal candidate? This is a great open-ended question that will have the interviewer put his/her cards on the table and state exactly what the employer is looking for. If the interviewer mentions something you didn't cover yet, now is the time.

2. What have you enjoyed most about working here? This question allows the interviewer to connect with you on a more personal level, sharing his/her feelings. The answer will also give you unique insight into how satisfied (or otherwise) people are with their jobs, here. If the interviewer is pained to come up with an answer to your question, it is a big red flag.

3. Do you have any hesitations about my qualifications? I love this question because it is gutsy. Also, you'll show that you're confident in your skills and abilities.

4. Who previously held this position? This seemingly straightforward question will tell you whether that person was promoted or fired or if he/she quit or retired. That, in turn, will provide a clue to whether there's a chance for advancement, employees are unhappy, the place is in turmoil, or the employer has workers around your age.

5. What is the next step in the process? This is the essential last question and one you should definitely ask. It shows that you're interested in moving along in the process and it invites the interviewer to tell you how many people are in the running for the position. With luck, the answer will be "there's no next step, you're hired!"

Do you have an upcoming interview or you know a friend or acquaintance who does? Why don't you put these questions to work or share with the friend.

Tnx man nice rite up

Nielbaba: Tnx man nice rite up

Thank you for your kind words Nielbaba.

Thanks a bunch..I always wonder wat to ask d interviewers wen am been interviewed

insidifyguru:
2. What have you enjoyed most about working here? This question allows the interviewer to connect with you on a more personal level, sharing his/her feelings. The answer will also give you unique insight into how satisfied (or otherwise) people are with their jobs, here. If the interviewer is pained to come up with an answer to your question, it is a big red flag.

OP, u r rite about this. I remember I asked this in a partner interview recently and d man was happy to talk about this, he even went as far as talking about his family. His reaction got me relaxed.

Nice one OP.

The no 2 question is a very good one.

Am keeping these in mind

In an interview of 5 panel who would you mostly direct all these questions to?

KillerBeauty: Am keeping these in mind

So you could kill them along with your killer beauty!

Debbyug: Thanks a bunch..I always wonder wat to ask d interviewers wen am been interviewed

You are very welcome Debby. Glad you find the questions useful.

DMilanista: OP, u r rite about this. I remember I asked this in a partner interview recently and d man was happy to talk about this, he even went as far as talking about his family. His reaction got me relaxed.

That's a fabulous confirmation of the no.2 question DMilanista. Thanks.

sholay2011: Nice one OP.

The no 2 question is a very good one.

Thank you Sholay. It is a very good one.

KillerBeauty: Am keeping these in mind

Please do. I'm sure they'll come in handy when you need them.

Godditex: In an interview of 5 panel who would you mostly direct all these questions to?

Thank you for your questions Godditex. An interview panel always has the lead member. It may be difficult for you to know who is but it is usually the person asking the most questions. That is the person your questions should be directed to. However,some panel heads love to be laid back and not do most of the asking,in that case,direct the questions to the most active member of the panel (that's the person asking the most questions).

I hope this helps.

insidifyguru:

Thank you for your questions Godditex. An interview panel always has the lead member. It may be difficult for you to know who is but it is usually the person asking the most questions. That is the person your questions should be directed to. However,some panel heads love to be laid back and not do most of the asking,in that case,direct the questions to the most active member of the panel (that's the person asking the most questions).

I hope this helps.

Gracias!

nice one but some interviewes, you can't ask questions

Godditex: Gracias!

A pleasure sir.

timilehing: nice one

Thank you Timilehing.

i asked two and five in my last interview. dey where impressed. if only they knew i did not listen to what they were saying. because i was crying inside my mind. because dey really fired me questions dat i was dumfounded . but i kept laughing and smiling. bt inside na cry. . how i take scale d tin self. only d gods know

ednut1: i asked two and five in my last interview. dey where impressed. if only they knew i did not listen to what they were saying. because i was crying inside my mind. because dey really fired me questions dat i was dumfounded . but i kept laughing and smiling. bt inside na cry. . how i take scale d tin self. only d gods know

ednut1: i asked two and five in my last interview. dey where impressed. if only they knew i did not listen to what they were saying. because i was crying inside my mind. because dey really fired me questions dat i was dumfounded . but i kept laughing and smiling. bt inside na cry. . how i take scale d tin self. only d gods know

Lol. I'm sure it was because you kept up a stoic and confident demeanour (with your laughing and smiling) that carried the day! And like you said,they were impressed! They most likely would not have remembered how badly you fared with their questions because of the questions you also asked.

Thanks for sharing. Happy to hear you scaled the interview. Have a fantastic Independence day. #Insidify

insidifyguru:

Thank you Timilehing.

It seems you like the name or u're Wondering what it means??

timilehing: It seems you like the name or u're Wondering what it means??

Lol. Not exactly. I know it's an adaptation of the Yoruba name 'Timilehin.

9ice job @ OP, it might be useful to me 2moro. Thanks for your advice on my thread

Slytacus: 9ice job @ OP, it might be useful to me 2moro. Thanks for your advice on my thread

Glad to be of help. You are much welcome.

insidifyguru:

Glad to be of help. You are much welcome.

Do you work at insidify btw? I sabi Mr Emmanuel Okeleji...

sholay2011:
Do you work at insidify btw? I sabi Mr Emmanuel Okeleji...

Oh,you do? Of course! That's my boss. This is the official Insidify NL moniker.

Lovely writeup poster..I'll defintly be askin point2 in my nxt interview..Tanks for d insight!

sevantex: Lovely writeup poster..I'll defintly be askin point2 in my nxt interview..Tanks for d insight!

Thank you so much. Glad you find the post useful. Let me know how it goes when you do. Happy Independence day. #Insidify

insidifyguru:

Oh,you do? Of course! That's my boss. This is the official Insidify NL moniker.

Yep I do.

'Employment Edge' season 3: partook in it. Nice one.

sholay2011:
Yep I do.

'Employment Edge' season 3: partook in it. Nice one.

Cool. Thank you for your kind words.

Ok