The NNPC interview process can be quite rigorous, designed to assess your suitability for a role within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company. In this article, we will explore how NNPC interviews work and what to expect in terms of questions, interview format, and so on. Let’s delve into it!
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and may not reflect the specific requirements of each recruitment cycle. Always refer to official NNPC communication for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
What To Expect In An NNPC Interview
Preparing for an interview in the oil and gas sector is not always a walk in the park and that is why we bring this article to you to help you prepare and perform well in your upcoming NNPC interview. In this section, we will discuss the interview format, the key areas of assessment from the interviewers, as well as helpful tipsthat will aid your preparation.
Here’s what you can generally expect:
1. Interview Format:
a. Panel Interviews: Most commonly, you’ll encounter panel interviews with multiple interviewers from different departments. (See article on The Different Types Of Interviews).
b. Behavioral Questions: Expect a strong focus on behavioral questions. These delve into your past experiences and how they demonstrate relevant skills and competencies. Common examples include:
- “Tell me about a time you faced a challenging situation and how you overcame it.”
- “Describe a situation where you had to work effectively as part of a team.”
- “How do you handle conflict in a professional setting?”
PS: We’ll discuss more on the questions to expect in the next section.
c. Technical Questions: Depending on the specific role, you may encounter technical questions related to your field of study or relevant industry knowledge. For example, if applying for an engineering position, you might be asked about specific engineering principles or industry standards.
d. Company Knowledge: Demonstrating knowledge of NNPC, its subsidiaries, and current industry trends is crucial. And so, don’t forget to research their operations, recent news, and challenges facing the oil and gas sector.
2. How NNPC Interviews Work and What to Expect: Key Areas of Assessment
- Technical Skills: Your knowledge and expertise in your field of study.
- Behavioral Skills: Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability.
- Cultural Fit: They will assess how well you align with NNPC’s values and culture.
- Motivation and Career Goals: Your career aspirations and how they align with opportunities at NNPC.
3. Preparation Tips:
a. Research Thoroughly: Research NNPC, its subsidiaries, and the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
b. Practice STAR Method: The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is an effective framework for answering behavioral questions.
Contact us now to start your preparation for the forthcoming NNPC interview.
c. Prepare Questions to Ask: Asking insightful questions about the role, team, and company demonstrates your interest and engagement.
d. Professionalism is Key: Dress professionally, maintain good eye contact, and demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Recommended: NNPC Interview Coaching Service
Here is a testimonial from a recent NNPC applicant who went through the interview process: He said,
“I had my interview on the 5th of July. I applied for GT in the field of business administration. The interview lasted for about 20-30 minutes. There are 7 people in the panel including the chairman that will go through your CV and start questioning (That’s why you were told to come with 7 clear copies of your resume***). The interview is friendly and interactive as the panel members are first introduced by the chairman, and then they move on to you to tell them about yourself. Honestly, most of the questions come from your experiences stated in your resume then random questions on the oil sector like the current price of crude, what you know about NNPC and its subsidiaries, etc (just be current).”
Useful Tips:
Check out this video to gain more insight into tips for the NNPC interview that will help you ace them.
1. Know Your CV
Crafting a strong CV is essential, but it’s just the first step. During the interview process, you’ll likely encounter questions based on the information you’ve provided in your CV. Here are some common areas of inquiry:
- Years, Dates, and Duties: Be prepared to discuss specific dates of employment, your roles and responsibilities at each position, and quantifiable achievements whenever possible.
- Employment Gaps: If you have any gaps in your employment history, be ready to explain them concisely and honestly. Focus on how you utilized that time productively (e.g., further education, travel, volunteering).
- Other Areas of Interest: Interviewers may delve into your interests outside of work to understand your personality and well-roundedness.
- Missing Information: If your CV lacks certain details, be prepared to address any potential questions about missing information.
2. Know NNPC
Also, you have to get acquainted with the NNPC in order for you to perform well enough and get recruited. Check out this you need to know about NNPC
a. About NNPC and subsidiaries
- History and Mission: Understand NNPC’s role in Nigeria’s energy sector and its overall objectives.
- Key Subsidiaries: Familiarize yourself with major subsidiaries like the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and their functions.
b. Business Divisions:
- Upstream: Learn about exploration, drilling, and production activities.
- Midstream: Understand gas processing, transportation, and storage.
- Downstream: Familiarize yourself with refining, marketing, and distribution of petroleum products.
c. Research the production capacities of major Nigerian refineries and any ongoing expansion or modernization projects.
d. Learn about the current Group Managing Director (GMD) and their background. It’s also helpful to know the immediate past GMD.
3. Know Your Field
- Terminologies, formulas, differences between key terms
- Relevance of your field to NNPC and what division or subsidiary of NNPC your field will be most relevant and why.
4. General Current Affairs
Prepare for current affairs questions whether you like mass communication, or journalism or not. This will come in handy for you as you know the following
- Latest news
- Names of people
- Important dates
- Names of senators, governors, petroleum minister, senator, etc
Top 20 Commonly Asked Questions in an NNPC Interview
- May we meet you?
- Why do you want to work with the NNPC?
- What do you know about NNPC?
- Why did you leave your former place of work?/Why do you want to leave your place of work?
- Which of our business locations across Nigeria would you prefer?
- What skills do you have?
- Tell us about a project you carried out, the objectives, and recommendations.
- What are your salary expectations?
- What are your greatest strengths?
- What is your greatest weakness?
Others include:
11. Who is the Current General Manager of NNPC?
- Mele Kyari is the current Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). He was appointed to this position by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, succeeding Maikanti Baru.
12. Who is the CFO of NNPC?
- Adedapo A. Segun has been named Chief Financial Officer (CFO), succeeding in his role as Executive Vice President of the Downstream sector, where he contributed significantly to NNPC’s downstream operations. Segun replaced the outgoing CFO, Umar Ajiya.
13. How Many Refineries Does NNPC Have?
- NNPC has three refineries, in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.
14. Who is Controlling NNPC
- The Nigerian government currently owns all shares in NNPC Limited and controls the selection of its management.
15. How Many Hours Does the NNPC Interview Last?
- The NNPC interview lasts about 20-30 minutes, depending on who your interviewer (s) is.
16. How Many Interviewers Will Be on the Panel?
- Prepare to meet about seven (7) interviewers in the panel interview
17. How Much Does NNPC Pay Graduate Trainees?
- A Graduate Trainee at NNPC / PPMC may expect to earn above NGN 180K per month in total, including base salary and supplementary pay. The average base salary for Graduate Trainees at NNPC / PPMC is NGN 103K per month.
18. Who Founded the NNPC?
- The Ministry of Petroleum, collaborating with the NNOC, merged its Petroleum Inspectorate with the NNOC in 1977 to form the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
PS: Most of these questions are generic but remember they may also ask some questions based on your role and industry, so to help you prepare and be ahead of others feel free to contact us to today.
19. Which Ministry is NNPC Under?
The Ministry of Petroleum Incorporated (MOPI) is a government corporation that owns stock in commercial companies. MOPI and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) control half of NNPC Limited.
20. What is the Rank of NNPC?
- With an ACT rating of 0.4E-, a just transition score of 0/20, and a core social score of 2.5/20, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is ranked 85th.
Recap:
- The interview process may vary depending on the specific role and department.
- Be prepared to discuss your career goals and how they align with NNPC’s objectives.
- Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position.
- Be confident, enthusiastic, and yourself.
Conclusion On How NNPC Interviews Work and What to Expect
The NNPC interview process is tough and designed to determine your fitness for a position within the organization. Knowing the interview style, adequately preparing, and exhibiting your abilities and knowledge will help you succeed. Ensure that you find out about NNPC, practice your answers, and maintain professionalism throughout the interview. Good luck!
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