How to prepare for a job interview

Research the employer and the role

Read the job advert again and list the main duties and requirements. Look at the employer's website and recent news so you can explain why you want to work there. For government posts, understand what the institution does and which ministry it falls under.

Prepare answers with examples

Most interviews include questions such as "Tell us about yourself", "Why should we hire you?" and "Describe a challenge you solved". Prepare short stories that explain the situation, what you did and the result. Practise aloud in English and in Swahili, because panels may switch between both.

Written and practical tests

Many public institutions and large employers start with a written aptitude or technical test, and only those who pass go on to the oral interview. Revise the core knowledge of your profession, general knowledge about Tanzania and basic numeracy. Some roles include practical tests, such as using Excel or drafting a letter.

What to bring

• Original academic certificates and transcripts, plus copies.
• Birth certificate and national ID (NIDA) or the identification the invitation asks for.
• Professional registration certificates where relevant.
• A printed copy of your CV and the interview invitation.
• A pen and a notebook.

On the day

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early; check the venue the day before if you can.
• Dress neatly and simply.
• Listen carefully, answer the question asked and be honest when you do not know something.
• Prepare one or two questions to ask the panel about the role.

After the interview

If you interviewed with a private company or NGO, a short thank-you email the same day is a polite way to show continued interest. Write down the questions you were asked while you still remember them; they are useful practice for the next interview. If you are not selected, it is acceptable to ask politely for feedback, and use any answer to improve.

Online and phone interviews

Some employers now hold first-round interviews by phone, Zoom, Google Meet or Microsoft Teams. Test your connection, camera and microphone beforehand, charge your phone or laptop, and choose a quiet place with a plain background. Keep your CV and the job advert in front of you, and have a backup plan, such as a phone hotspot, in case the connection fails.

Kwa Kiswahili

Jiandae kwa kusoma tangazo la kazi na kuijua taasisi husika. Andaa majibu yenye mifano halisi, jizoeze kwa Kiingereza na Kiswahili, na usome masuala ya msingi ya fani yako kwa ajili ya usaili wa maandishi. Beba vyeti halisi, nakala zake, kitambulisho na barua ya kuitwa kwenye usaili. Fika mapema na jibu kwa uaminifu.