TOP FIVE QUESTIONS ASKED DURING AN INTERVIEW WITH TOTAL NIGERIA (UPSTREAM & DOWNSTREAM)
JARUSHUB “WORKING IN” SERIES (J-WIS)
(J-WIS is a platform by JarusHub to enlighten prospective job seekers about companies in Nigeria with a view to aiding them in making informed career decisions. The information is drawn from basic research. While we did our best to ensure the information is accurate, we may not be able guarantee 100% accuracy in all cases.)
FEATURED COMPANY
TOTAL NIGERIA (UPSTREAM & DOWNSTREAM)
QUESTIONS:
1. Tell me about yourself?
Tip: A concise summary of your professional history. Depending on the situation, you could commence from your primary school education to your secondary school and post-secondary school. Additionally, talk about relevant certifications and advanced degrees. This question is to basically tell the interviewer(s) who you are.
2. Tell me about a time when you disagreed with a colleague and how did you resolve it?
Tip: Your persuasive and interpersonal skills are tested here. You have to explain the situation, how the disagreement came about and why it emerged. How did you resolve it? What have you learnt from the situation? How has it shaped your career? Expect follow-up questions afterwards.
3. Tell me what you know about the Nigerian oil and gas industry?
Tip: Here, you are expected to explain what you know about the industry. Total Nigeria is a major player in the Nigerian oil and gas industry and a prospective employee is expected to know the A – Z of the industry. What are the most pressing issues bedevilling the industry? How does it affect Total? The regulations in the industry? Expect a follow-up question like: How do you keep up to date on the changes in the industry?
4. Why are you leaving your present job?
Tip: You need to explain why you are leaving your current place of employment. This is the time to talk about the firm’s expertise, brand, exposure and training. Explain how Total will provide these more than where you work currently. However, you should not berate your current employer, no matter what. For instance, “Although, Company ABC is a good place to work, Total Nigeria is a major player in the industry and also as a multinational (assuming your current place is not a MNC. If it is a MNC, don’t mention the point); I believe she would provide the necessary training and exposure (which is world class) to advance my career while providing excellent skills and services to the firm.” Basically, praise the firm using relevant statistics. This is another way of asking: Why Total? Or why not Shell or ExxonMobil?
5. Tell me about a time when you received criticism from your manager. How did you react to that criticism? How did you make improvements based on that criticism?
Tip: Using the STAR approach, you describe the event that led to the criticism, your reaction and what you did to improve on it. The recruiters want to know how you respond to situations that are not in your favour or receive negative feedback. Ditto, how you learn from such incidents and your relationship with superiors and colleagues afterwards.
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NOW YOUR OWN REVIEW
So, have you undergone Total Nigeria’s recruitment process? How was it? What is your impression?
Or have you worked in Total Nigeria before and want to tell us more about working in the firm? Let’s have your comments.
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See also
Company Review of Total Nigeria
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