CAREER WEBSITE OF THE 24 BANKS IN NIGERIA

Access bank www.accessbankplc.com/index.cfmid=9000
Afribank http://www.afribank.net
BankPHB http://www.bankphb.com/hd/mainsite.asp
Diamond Bank http://www.diamondbank.com/metadot/index.pl?id=4908
Ecobank http://www.ecobank.com/careers.aspx
ETB http://www.equitorialtrustbank.com/?page=pre_cv
Fidelity Bank http://www.fidelitybankplc.com/bank/bank_careers.aspx
First Bank http://www.firstbanknigeria.com/car/car_opport.asp
FCMB http://www.fcmb-ltd.com/fcmb/aboutus.asp?id=2
Fin Bank http://firstinlandbankplc.net/default.asp?r=3
GT Bank http://portal.gtbplc.com/portal/index.pl?iid=37237
IBTC Chartered bank http://www.ibtc.com/career%20opportunity.asp
Intercontinental Bank http://intercontinentalbankplc.com/careers_at_intercontinental.asp
Oceanic Bank http://www.oceanicbanknigeria.com/#
Skye Bank http://www.skyebankng.com/opening.phpSpring Bank http://www.springbankplc.com/careeer.htm
Stanbic Bank http://www.stanbic.com.ng
Standard Chartered Bank http://www.standardchartered.com/global/home/careers_sitemap.html
Sterling Bank http://www.sterlingbankng.com/final/careers.cfm
Union Bank http://www.unionbankng.com/carreer.htm
UBA http://www.ubagroup.com/careers/default.asp
Unity Bank http://unitybanknigeria.com/
Wema bank http://www.wemabank.com/wema_careers.htm
Zenith Bank http://www.zenithbank.com/careers.cfm

ENEL ENERGY

Quality Manager


Required technical and professional know-how:

- Power Plant Construction site quality control consolidated experience.
- At least one non-destructive testing qualification (expired is accepted), UNI-EN 473 standard is preferred
- Knowledge of Italian PED regulation
-Strong knowledge of quality control methodology

Education:

A degree in Civil Engineering is highly appreciated

Workplace: Foreign countries

Note: Availability for international travel and extended stays is required.

Contact: Please send a detailed CV by e-mail to selezioneenel@enel.it with authorization for personal data processing according to Legislative Decree N 196/2003 (the privacy law) and your phone number, indicating in the subject the above mentioned Reference Number (Ref. 21/08).


BAKER HUGHES

Internship Program

What Majors Does Baker Hughes Usually Look For?

Accountants
Sales
Marketing
Finance
Legal
Human Resources
Training & Education
Purchasing
Logistics
Transportation
Health, Safety & Environment

Apply at: www.bakerhughes.com


VACANCY

Area Manager
- Must Be A Pharmacist (BPharm.)
- Experience: Minimum 6 Years
- Computer Literate: Microsoft Word, Excel & Power Point Very Essential
- Valid Driver License
- Location: Ibadan, Kano, Port Harcourt And Abuja

Medical Representatives
- Must Be A Pharmacist (B.Pharm)
- Valid Driver License
- Computer Literate : Microsoft Word, Excel & Power Point Very Essential
- Location: Lagos, Ibadan, Benin, Kano, Enugu And Abuja
- Previous Working Experience Will Be An Added Advantage

All Application Should Be Forward To: pharm_vacancy@yahoo.co.uk

Only Short Listed Candidate Will Be Contacted


VACANCIES

A Multi-National Furniture Company Base in Lagos Island, Due To Expansion Seeking the Following Positions Below:

1. Product Sales Manager

Requirement:
1. Applicant Must Have A Basic University Degree In Any Related Field.
MBA Is An Added Advantage. At Least 4 – 5 Years Experience in the Relevant Field

2. Accountant

2. Must Have BSC & HND In Accounting Studies. ICAN Is An Added Advantage.

All Applicants Should Forward Their CV within Two Weeks Of This Publication To:cfagnig@yahoo.com


MICHAEL HAMMOND ENGR. CO. LTD

BOOK KEEPER (Lagos & Abuja Office)

Qualification:

OND or HND in accounting with 2 years relevant working experience

Method of Application:

Interested applicant should forward their C.Vs on or before 30th June 2009 to:

Email to: md@micheal-hammond.com


VACANCIES

1. Stephanies Fast Food & Events Center.

A. General Manager
B. Outlet Manager
C. Accountant
D. African-Cussing Caterers (Ugba, Nkwobi, Isiegwu Etc)
E. Cashier
F. Caterers/Bakers
G. Lobby Staff

2. Stephannies Bar And Lounge
A. Bar Manager
B. Continental Chef
C. Barman
D. Waiter
E. Waitresses
F. Bouncers

Applicants Should Forward Their Application In Person To:

The Manager,
Stepping Catering & Events Center Ltd
8, Duala Str., Apapa

Within Two Weeks of This Publication.


VACANCIES

Applications Are Invited From Suitably Qualified Candidates for the Post Of

Medical Representatives (Lagos)

Qualification: BPharm with 2 or 3 Years Experience

Remuneration: Very Attractive.

Applications Should Be Sent To:

The National Coordinator (Marketing)
P.O. Box 51792
Ikoyi, Lagos

Applications to Be Submitted Within 2 Weeks of This Publication


Family Health International (FHI)
5 Accountants (Shared Services)

Location: FCT, Cross River, Bauchi, Anambra And Kano Zonal Offices

Minimum Requirements

* University Degree In Accounting, Finance, Business Administration Or Its Equivalent.
* Minimum Of 3-5 Years Experience In Accounting Related To NGOs And Community Level Programs, With Increasing Responsibility.
* Possession Of CPA, ACA, ACCA Or Recognized Equivalent Is An Added Advantage
* Familiarity With USAID-Funded Programs And Non-Governmental Organizations In Nigeria

Method Of Application:

Interested Candidates Should Forward Their (Application) And Resume (CV) As A single MS Word Document On Or Before 26th June, 2009. To: sharedservicesjobs@ghain.org

Only Applications Sent Electronically (i.e. By E-Mail) with the job title and Location Clearly Indicate As The Subject Of The Mail Will Be Considered, And Only Short Listed Candidates Will Be Contacted.


ADMIN/ACCOUNTS OFFICER VACANCY IN VGC, AJAH

Experienced Female accounts/admin Officer.

Between 21-29 Years, Presentable and With Excellent Skills in Working With The Following Computer Tools: Ms Word, Ms Excel, And Any Accounting Package, Especially Peachtree.

Minimum Qualification:

· OND/HND/BSC in A Business Related Discipline.

· Accountants With Office Administration Experience Can Also Apply

· The Candidate Must Have At least 2-3 Years Working Experience In A Similar Position.

· Applicants Residing On The Island (Ikoyi/VI/Obalende/Ajah/Lekki) Are Highly Encouraged To Apply And To State So In Their Application Letter.

If You Fit Into This Role, Send Your Resume In Ms Word Format Accompanied With An Application Letter To: staffingx@gmail.com


GROUP OF COMPANIES
1. Personal Assistant / Confidential Secretary
Qualification And Experience:
• Minimum Of B.Sc. Social Sciences / HND In Secretarial Administration
• Minimum Of 5 Years Relevant Experience As PA/Secretary To MD/CEO
• Result Oriented / Able To Work Under Pressure And Use Microsoft Office Packages.
• Excellent Communication, Customer Relations and Interpersonal Skills Computer.

2. Purchasing / Procurement Manager
Qualification and Experience:

• Minimum of B.Sc./HND in Purchasing and Supply, Business Admin or Related Discipline.
• Minimum of 8 Years Experience in Purchasing and Procurement Management.
• Good Interpersonal, Negotiation and Communications Skills
• Excellent Knowledge of Supply Chain Management

3. Management Accountant
Qualification And Experience:
• BSC/HND/MBA/ACA in Accounting With Minimum of 5 Years Experience
• Excellent Computer Skills In Analyzing Data And Generating Management Information Reports.
• Strong Business Skills on Preparation Of Business Plan and Budget
• Result Oriented With Strong Skills In Cost Savings/Control Strategies

Methods Of Application
E-Mail: hrmanager33@yahoo.com
End Date: 30 June 2009


JOB VACANCY

Minimum Requirements:

- University Degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering or Artificial Intelligence or Business Computing and Management with A Minimum Grade of 2:1 (Upper Second Class).
- Must Be Creative, Reliable and Hardworking
- Must Have Excellent Communication Skills (Fluency in English Language is A Must)
- Must Have Excellent Time Management Skills.
- Must Reside In Lagos State (Because Company Branch Will Be Based In Lagos State).
If Interested, Send Your CV via Email To: realty.nigeria@yahoo.com


INSURANCE MARKETERS

Market: Lagos Metropolis
Age: 25 Years and Above
Sex: Both Male & Female

Qualification:

1. Degree Holder

2. HND, OND & NCE

3. Teachers Grade 11 certificate

Experience- Not Essential as Adequate Training Would Be Provided. Although Experience Is an Added Advantage

Method of Application:
Send CV To- insurancenig@yahoo.com


NIGERIAN LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY

Head of Marketing (Premixes & Biotechnology products)

Qualification:

DVM (Vet Medicine), BSc or HND in Animal Science, Animal Health & Nutrition with at least 5 years cognate experience in the sales and marketing of Premixes. Additional qualifications may be an advantage.

Method of Application:

Send comprehensive CV including present salary and telephone number in Ms Word to: acarejobs2007@yahoo.com

On or before 23rd June, 2009, Pls. indicate the post applied for in your mail.


PULSAR ADVERTISING

· Client Service Manager

· Client Service Executives

· Manager, Creative

· Creative Executives

Apply At: http://www.pulsaradvert.com/careers


JOB VACANCIES

Our company is into light flexible and rigid packaging. We are based in Ikeja/Oregun industrial estate.
We need the services of the under listed for immediate employment.

Positions:

1. Slitting Machine Operators
2. Rotogravure Printers
3. Technicians
4. Mechanical/Electrical Engineers
5. Ink Mixer

Qualification and experience
1. WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO with 3 years Experience
2. Same as 1 above
3. Trade Test I, Ii, C & G with 2 to 5 years experience
4. Bsc/Hnd In Mechanical, Electrical/Electronics Engineering With Minimum Of 5 Years Experience
5. Waec/Gce/Ssce/Neco With 3 To 5 Years Experience

Remuneration Is Very Attractive But Negotiable

Method Of Application:
Interested Candidates Should Forward The Cv To: oamogu@somotexnig.com
Or
Hand Written Application To:
P.O. Box 73100,
Victoria Island,Lagos.

CV Advice for Job Seekers

A very useful aspect of your application is your CV. If companies receive applications, the first screening criterion is how your CV looks.



Someone with a lower University grade, but a professionally written CV and cover letter will have a higher chance than an applicant with a bad CV or application emails will so many spelling errors.



The design or layout of CVs doesn’t really matter, provided that all words or letters are properly presented with no spelling mistakes.



The most important features of a good CV are:



· Smart, simple and well presented format within 2-3 Pages.

· Complex or very detailed CVs can be confusing and takes time to read.

· Suitable fonts like Arial, Verdana, Tahoma or Trebuchet MS. It is better to use just one of these fonts as they are very easy to read and look professional.

· Use Title Case and not excessive CAPITAL LETTER. Capital Letters in a CV can be irritating to an Employer. Make use of relevant case throughout.

· Showcase your Experience before Education. Employers are more interested in what you have done to relate to what you can do.

· Use the following Titles: Profile, Experience, Education, Training, Etc. This is not a rule, but when you spend one page on Education, it does waste people’s time. They want to see how relevant you are to the job – since Experience counts.

· Don’t use bright colours. If possible, stick to Black. You don’t have to design the CV in order to impress. What you need is a smart way to sell yourself.

· Save CV as your actual name. Example Bola Okafor and not ‘my CV’. Imagine that many people send CVs and a good way to be unique is using your name.

· Write a brief email / cover letter that state your skills for the job and what you can bring in (not your education or your local government).




Customize Your Resume for Best Results


You have a resume, but it's not working as well as you'd like it to. What can you do to increase the number of calls you receive for job interviews?

Customize your resume.

Submitting the same resume for every position can't possibly meet each employer's individual requirements. If you want to grab hiring managers' attention, you need to give them what they want. You must take the time to tailor your resume to each employer and its goals to strengthen your chance of getting noticed.

Before responding to a job posting, review the job description to see what credentials are important. If you're submitting your resume to an employer that doesn't have an advertised opening, research the company and find out how it would benefit from bringing you on board. Once you determine your top-selling qualifications, you will be ready to customize your resume to meet the employer's needs.



The most efficient way to create customized resumes is to develop one general resume and then tweak it for each particular job opportunity. Follow these steps:

Title

Your resume title should state your career goal, along with one or two of your top credentials. These credentials should be tailored to the employer's needs. For example: "Sous Chef - Culinary Degree & 5 Years' Fine Dining Experience."

Objective

The purpose of this section is to show that you're perfectly suited for the open position. Opt for a concise, targeted statement instead of a general objective that could be for any employer or job. An Objective like, "To become a software engineer for 123 Company's Web services group," makes the hiring manager's job much easier and brings you closer to getting called for the interview.

Qualifications Summary

Once you've researched the employer's requirements, use the summary section to match these requirements with your qualifications, thereby proving you are the perfect candidate for the position. Modify the Qualifications Summary in your duplicate resume as follows: omit statements that aren't important for the position's specific goals, reorder the summary so statements relevant to the position are listed first and add information about your credentials that's uniquely applicable to the position and employer.

Job Descriptions

Many employers go directly to the Employment History section to assess your qualifications. Review your job descriptions and modify your duties and accomplishments to pertain to the opening. Present an honest account of your employment history, but describe your experience to highlight your work tasks and achievements that relate to the job you're applying for. Place these pertinent qualifications at the top of the description, or use bullets surrounded by white space to make them stand out.

Skills

You've already reviewed the job posting and determined what skills the employer wants in an ideal candidate. Emphasize your matching skills in your resume's Skills section. Begin your list with the skills that would be of most interest to the employer

Resume Presentation

Writing a resume is like exercising: You may not look forward to it, but you feel better once it’s done. And like the results of a good workout, a well-presented resume can help you keep your career in shape.

But when writing a resume, what works and what doesn’t? We thought we’d turn to Monster members like you for advice. Here are some tips from both job seekers who write resumes and hiring professionals who read them for a living. Keep in mind that like resumes, opinions can vary -- what works for one person may not work for you.

Title and Objective

A strong, descriptive title will help you stand out in a sea of resumes. “Titling your resume ‘Joe's do-it-all resume’ or ‘1975 hottie looking for a job resume’ gets your resume passed over by a busy recruiter,” says one Monster member who should know -- he’s a recruiter himself. “Make the title useful. For instance, ‘Nursing Director, Paediatrics Labour and Delivery’ or ‘IT Telecom Project Manager, Microsoft and Cisco Certified’ or ‘Enterprise Software Sales Manager, Life Sciences’ -- enough with the stupid titles we dismiss and make fun of. This is your career we're talking about.”

And an objective must get an employer’s attention quickly or it won’t get any attention at all, says a district manager for a wireless company. “I receive hundreds of resumes on a monthly basis,” he says. “Two-thirds of the resumes are rejected due to the applicant having no clear objective in seeking employment with my company. Your resume must grab my attention within the first few words of the objective. It must be clearly written and relevant to the position you are applying for. Take a little extra time and customize the objective to the position you are seeking…. If you cannot sell yourself with your resume, you might not have the opportunity to sell yourself at an interview.”

Look and Feel

As for typeface, you had definite opinions. “Don't use Times New Roman font,” advises one seeker. “Your resume will look like everyone else's. Georgia and Tahoma are both different, professional and pleasant to look at.”

But another job seeker’s font advice is more practical: “Use Times New Roman or Arial Narrow instead of other wider fonts to keep your resume to only one (or two) pages and save paper.”

Monster Resume Expert Kim Isaacs recommends you use a standard Microsoft Word-installed font so the layout will be consistent when an employer opens your resume. No matter what font you use, she suggests you stick with one per resume. “Also, the type should be large enough to be read on screen without causing eye fatigue,” she says.

For the hard copy of your resume, make sure you invest in good paper stock, says one HR professional who has also composed and drafted resumes for professional clients. “Before our prospective employer even takes one glance at our resume, there is something they do first, and that is FEEL it,” she says. “Having handled nearly hundreds of resumes each week, I think most people would be amazed how much notice you can get with a resume on good-quality paper. Sometimes it is not even a conscious thought, just as you shuffle stacks of resumes from here to there, making all the appropriate piles to serve your needs, you always tend to linger just a little longer over that one resume with paper that feels a little heavier, like the cotton/linen blends or the one that feels just slightly different than normal, like the parchments. You can double the effect if you choose good-quality paper in a professional colour other than white.”

Length

When President Lincoln was asked how long a man’s legs should be, he said they should be able to reach from a man’s body to the floor. Likewise, your resume should be long enough to sell you properly without overstating your accomplishments.

But of course, you had opinions on this, too. The consensus on resume length is simple: Keep it short. There are exceptions, though. “Never exceed one page, unless you have 15-plus years of experience and are applying for a job in upper management,” advises one job seeker. “Make sure that your resume remains one page and formatted properly, even when viewed in different formats and different views -- if someone opens your resume in a view other than the one you created it in and sees a hanging line, it looks unprofessional.”

Style and Grammar

Finally, it may seem like grade-school advice, but it bears repeating: “Although I try to counsel people on how to write a raving resume and an awesome cover letter, I'm consistently shocked at how many resumes and cover letters I receive from people that are plagued with misspelled words, grammatical mistakes and basically little or no time spent proofreading prior to sending,” says one Monster member who’s been in the staffing industry for 15-plus years. “In an era when competition seems to be one of an applicant's worst enemies, it seems that one would want to do everything possible to stand out in the crowd. Trust me: I won't give a second thought to deleting a resume and/or cover letter that is fraught with mistakes.”

How To Detect Job Vacancy Scam!

here are several job vacancy ads all over the land,



It is important you know how to detect these adverts so you don't fall victim of the unscrupulous members of the land,



These are some things you should look out for when replying to an ad whether in the dailies or on naira land!



The fact that an ad appears in the dailies doesn't make it authentic! Some people have gone ahead to host and run websites for scams mainly, so beware.



1. The ads don't have a secured email address like vacancy@zenithbank.com, vacancy@uba.com, they usually come with vacancy@yahoo.com or any of the free email providers.

I once received a mail in my box advertising a polytechnic (new) and one of the programmes to be run in the school is computer science. The sender of the mail listed a lot of email addresses in the to: and sent to everyone, that was too bad as i replied the person(school) to sack the guys in the computer department of the school because a mailer should be used for such, even scammers know that!



2. The ads don’t come with office address; you don't have an address to look up in case you want to verify if the company actually exists



3. They tell you to pay to take tests



4. They send messages to you that you have been shortlisted for interview though you never applied to work with them! I read a post recently here where a lady was asking if anyone knew a company because they sent an IV to her meanwhile she couldn't remember applying!



5. They tell you to scan your certificate and send to them! ( I saw one like that on naira list and wondered how it got there) This is the most criminal of them all. On no occasion should you do that. No company will tell you to do that! The best will be for you to bring original copies during interview and its not to be retained by your supposed employer!

I think i have tried a bit and if you know others, please add so people will not be victims.

Exxon's Interview Structure

The interview you will likely face is one known as the BEI, i.e., Behavioural Evaluation Interview. It is a new scientific method of interviewing that relies on what you have done in the past in trying to predict what you would likely do in a given situation. For example, rather than ask you.



What would you do if you are the only one that came to work on a certain day? They'll probably ask you something like, have you ever been the only one at work before?

When was this, and what did you do that day?
Another very common example is that rather than ask you, what plans/ideas are you bringing into our company?



You will be asked tell us what original idea you have ever brought into a group you worked with or tell us about when you ever showed a desire to work independently or tell us about when you were ever disappointed with your performance?

The trick to this is simply to ANTICIPATE the question and have an already prepared TRUTHFUL answer! Note that it is a scientific exercise, so it's not all about whether the panellists like your face or not. They are going to be writing down your answers for review later on, so note that in subsequent interviews, your responses must be consistent with previous, that way, all lies and inconsistencies which automatically disqualifies one get exposed.

Finally, make sure you dress smartly, preferably a white top, get a quality briefcase (even if you have to borrow to buy one)! Ensure you look unruffled, no matter what. Integrity ranks tops in the company's values, so note that you must show an appreciation for laid down processes and regulations in your answers.

Interview Tips

1. Tell me about yourself.
Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extra careful that you don't run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it.

2. What do you know about our organization?
You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don't act as if you know everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don't overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to learn more. You might start your answer in this manner: In my job search, I've investigated a number of companies. Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons.

Give your answer a positive tone. Don't say, well, everyone tells me that you're in all sorts of trouble, and that's why I'm here, even if that is why you're there.

3. Why do you want to work for us?
The deadliest answer you can give is because I like people. What else would you like-animals?

Here, and throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your homework so that you can speak in terms of the company's needs. You might say that your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved with, and that it's doing them in ways that greatly interest you. For example, if the organization is known for strong management, your answer should mention that fact and show that you would like to be a part of that team. If the company places a great deal of emphasis on research and development; emphasize the fact that you want to create new things and that you know this is a place in which such activity is encouraged. If the organization stresses financial controls, your answer should mention a reverence for numbers.

If you feel that you have to concoct an answer to this question - if, for example, the company stresses research, and you feel that you should mention it even though it really doesn't interest you- then you probably should not be taking that interview, because you probably shouldn't be considering a job with that organization.

Your homework should include learning enough about the company to avoid approaching places where you wouldn't be able -or wouldn't want- to function. Since most of us are poor liars, it's difficult to con anyone in an interview. But even if you should succeed at it, your prize is a job you don't really want.

4. What can you do for us that someone else can't?
Here you have every right, and perhaps an obligation, to toot your own horn and be a bit egotistical. Talk about your record of getting things done, and mention specifics from your resume or list of career accomplishments. Say that your skills and interests, combined with this history of getting results, make you valuable. Mention your ability to set priorities, identify problems, and use your experience and energy to solve them.

5. What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive about it?
List three or four attractive factors of the job, and mention a single, minor, unattractive item.

6. Why should we hire you?
Create your answer by thinking in terms of your ability, your experience, and your energy. (See question 4.)

7. What do you look for in a job?
Keep your answer oriented to opportunities at this organization. Talk about your desire to perform and be recognized for your contributions. Make your answer oriented toward opportunity rather than personal security.

8. Please give me your definition of [the position for which you are being interviewed].
Keep your answer brief and task oriented. Think in terms of responsibilities and accountability. Make sure that you really do understand what the position involves before you attempt an answer. If you are not certain, asks the interviewer; he or she may answer the question for you.

9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
Be realistic. Say that, while you would expect to meet pressing demands and pull your own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect to know the organization and its needs well enough to make a major contribution.

10. How long would you stay with us?
Say that you are interested in a career with the organization, but admit that you would have to continue to feel challenged to remain with any organization. Think in terms of, As long as we both feel achievement-oriented.

11. Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. What's your opinion?
Emphasize your interest in establishing a long-term association with the organization, and say that you assume that if you perform well in his job, new opportunities will open up for you. Mention that a strong company needs a strong staff. Observe that experienced executives are always at a premium. Suggest that since you are so well qualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a growing, energetic company can never have too much talent.

12. What is your management style?
You should know enough about the company's style to know that your management style will complement it. Possible styles include: task oriented (I'll enjoy problem-solving identifying what's wrong, choosing a solution and implementing it), results-oriented (Every management decision I make is determined by how it will affect the bottom line), or even paternalistic (I'm committed to taking care of my subordinates and pointing them in the right direction).

A participative style is currently quite popular: an open-door method of managing in which you get things done by motivating people and delegating responsibility.

As you consider this question, think about whether your style will let you work happily and effectively within the organization.

13. Are you a good manager? Can you give me some examples? Do you feel that you have top managerial potential?
Keep your answer achievement and ask-oriented. Rely on examples from your career to buttress your argument. Stress your experience and your energy.

14. What do you look for when you hire people?
Think in terms of skills initiative, and the adaptability to be able to work comfortably and effectively with others. Mention that you like to hire people who appear capable of moving up in the organization.

15. Have you ever had to fire people? What were the reasons, and how did you handle the situation?
Admit that the situation was not easy, but say that it worked out well, both for the company and, you think, for the individual. Show that, like anyone else, you don't enjoy unpleasant tasks but that you can resolve them efficiently and -in the case of firing someone- humanely.

16. What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a manager or executive?
Mention planning, execution, and cost-control. The most difficult task is to motivate and manage employees to get something planned and completed on time and within the budget.

17. What important trends do you see in our industry?
Be prepared with two or three trends that illustrate how well you understand your industry. You might consider technological challenges or opportunities, economic conditions, or even regulatory demands as you collect your thoughts about the direction in which your business is heading.

18. Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job?
Be brief, to the point, and as honest as you can without hurting yourself. Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. where you considered this topic as you set your reference statements. If you were laid off in an across-the-board cutback, say so; otherwise, indicate that the move was your decision, the result of your action. Do not mention personality conflicts.

The interviewer may spend some time probing you on this issue, particularly if it is clear that you were terminated. The «We agreed to disagree» approach may be useful. Remember hat your references are likely to be checked, so don't concoct a story for an interview.

19. How do you feel about leaving all your benefits to find a new job?
Mention that you are concerned, naturally, but not panicked. You are willing to accept some risk to find the right job for yourself. Don't suggest that security might interest you more than getting the job done successfully.

20. In your current (last) position, what features do (did) you like the most? The least?
Be careful and be positive. Describe more features that you liked than disliked. Don't cite personality problems. If you make your last job sound terrible, an interviewer may wonder why you remained there until now.

21. What do you think of your boss?
Be as positive as you can. A potential boss is likely to wonder if you might talk about him in similar terms at some point in the future.

22. Why aren't you earning more at your age?
Say that this is one reason that you are conducting this job search. Don't be defensive.

23. What do you feel this position should pay?
Salary is a delicate topic. We suggest that you defer tying yourself to a precise figure for as long as you can do so politely. You might say, I understand that the range for this job is between N______ and N______. That seems appropriate for the job as I understand it. You might answer the question with a question: Perhaps you can help me on this one. Can you tell me if there is a range for similar jobs in the organization?

If you are asked the question during an initial screening interview, you might say that you feel you need to know more about the position's responsibilities before you could give a meaningful answer to that question. Here, too, either by asking the interviewer or search executive (if one is involved), or in research done as part of your homework, you can try to find out whether there is a salary grade attached to the job. If there is, and if you can live with it, say that the range seems right to you.

If the interviewer continues to probe, you might say, you know that I'm making N______ now. Like everyone else, I'd like to improve on that figure, but my major interest is with the job itself. Remember that the act of taking a new job does not, in and of itself, make you worth more money.

If a search firm is involved, your contact there may be able to help with the salary question. He or she may even be able to run interference for you. If, for instance, he tells you what the position pays, and you tell him that you are earning that amount now and would like to do a bit better, he might go back to the employer and propose that you be offered an additional 10%.

If no price range is attached to the job, and the interviewer continues to press the subject, then you will have to respond with a number. You cannot leave the impression that it does not really matter, that you'll accept whatever is offered. If you've been making N80, 000 a year, you can't say that a N35, 000 figures would be fine without sounding as if you've given up on yourself. (If you are making a radical career change, however, this kind of disparity may be more reasonable and understandable.)

Don't sell yourself short, but continue to stress the fact that the job itself is the most important thing in your mind. The interviewer may be trying to determine just how much you want the job. Don't leave the impression that money is the only thing that is important to you. Link questions of salary to the work itself.

But whenever possible, say as little as you can about salary until you reach the final stage of the interview process. At that point, you know that the company is genuinely interested in you and that it is likely to be flexible in salary negotiations.

24. What are your long-range goals?
Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. Don't answer I want the job you've advertised. Relate your goals to the company you are interviewing: 'in a firm like yours, I would like to.

25. How successful do you you've been so far?
Say that, all-in-all; you're happy with the way your career has progressed so far. Given the normal ups and downs of life, you feel that you've done quite well and have no complaints.

Present a positive and confident picture of yourself, but don't overstate your case. An answer like, Everything's wonderful! I can't think of a time when things were going better! I'm overjoyed! is likely to make an interviewer wonder whether you're trying to fool him . . . or yourself. The most convincing confidence is usually quiet confidence