TOP QUESTIONS ASKED DURING AN INTERVIEW WITH NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE (NCS)
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
NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE (NCS)
QUESTIONS:
1. Tell me about yourself?
Tip: Another way of asking: Can we meet you? Here, the recruiters want you to introduce yourself. It is a basic test — can you make an effective pitch introducing and promoting yourself? Ideally, you should summarize your academic and professional experiences (if any). Avoid using too many adjectives to qualify yourself, that might lead to uncomfortable questions for you. Keep it short, ideally, your answer should not exceed 2 minutes.
2. Why do you want to work with the government rather than the private sector?
Tip: The NCS wants to know why you prefer them as opposed to a private entity. Here, you need to express a coherent response that is related to the role you have applied for. For example, a computer science graduate might say, “I want to work for the NCS because the volume of data it generates and processes daily is quite huge and I believe that my expertise would be useful in improving automation with computers and reducing human interface with members of the public which improves efficiency and service delivery.” Similar answers can be found for other roles. In short, relate your skill set and/or experiences to the position you have applied for.
One point here is: Praise the government and her workforce and express your passion for working with the public sector (stating them explicitly and if available, give clear examples)
3. What do you know about Nigeria Customs Service?
Tip: Concisely narrate when she started, the need behind founding it, important timelines, her aims, vision etc. Basically, give a rundown of the organisation (don’t cram it) in a sequential and composed manner. Reel out what you know (that are accurate and important) about the NCS.
Remember, it is “what do you know…?” not “what is known…?”
4. Current affairs: Who is comptroller general of the FRSC? Who is the Minister of Transport? Who is the Senate President? Who was the previous Head of the NCS? Who is the senator representing your senatorial district?
Tip: Expect these kind of questions. Similar questions were asked during DPR interviews; the recruiters want to assess you knowledge about the organisation, the country, your region and state. Here, you need to acquaint yourself with the necessary information in the country. Another similar question is: Discuss the latest news you have heard about the NCS?
5. Suggest ways the NCS can further reduce smuggling in the country?
Tip: To answer a question like this requires deep thought. Do not begin reeling the solutions without briefly mentioning the causes. So first reel out the causes and afterwards suggest a solution to the problem. This ensures your thought process of answering the question is logical and not haphazard. Through this way, you can provide 3 causes and 3 solutions or even 5; noting that a cause could have more than a solution suited for it. Additionally, back up these solutions with real world examples and if possible figures.
For detailed one-on-one coaching on Nigeria Custom Service interview, check out our interview coaching service.
NOW YOUR OWN REVIEW
So, have you undergone Nigeria Custom Service recruitment process? How was it? What is your impression?
Or have you worked in Nigeria Custom Service before and want to tell us more about working in the firm? Let’s have your comments.
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