How to prepare for a job interview

What to do before, during and after an interview, and questions to be ready for.

Before the interview

Read the advert again and note what the employer is looking for.
Learn about the employer: what they do, where they work and who they serve.
Prepare short examples from your work or studies that show the skills the job asks for.
Check the time and place, and plan to arrive early. For an online interview, test your phone or computer and connection beforehand.
Bring the documents the invitation asks for, usually your certificates and copies, and your ID.

Questions to be ready for

Tell us about yourself.
Why do you want this job, and why here?
Tell us about a problem you solved at work or in your studies.
What are your strengths, and what are you working to improve?
Where do you see yourself in a few years?
Do you have any questions for us?

For questions about examples, a simple order helps: the situation, what you did, and the result.

During the interview

Dress neatly for the kind of workplace. Greet the panel, listen to each question fully, and answer clearly and honestly. It's fine to take a moment to think. If you don't know something, say so and explain how you would find out.

Panel interviews

Many interviews in Tanzania, especially in public service, banks and organisations, are done by a panel of three to five people. Greet the whole panel when you enter, wait to be offered a seat, and look at the person who asked each question while answering, glancing at the others too. Each panel member may score you separately, so give every question your full attention, even ones that seem small.

After the interview

Thank the panel. If you were given a contact, a short thank-you message the same day is a good idea. Note what went well and what you'd answer differently next time.

Online and phone interviews

Find a quiet place with good light on your face and a plain background.
Charge your phone or laptop and check your internet connection. Have the interviewer's number in case the connection drops.
Test the meeting app beforehand, including your camera and microphone.
Dress as you would for an in-person interview.
Look at the camera when speaking, and keep your notes nearby but don't read from them.

Questions you can ask them

Ending with one or two good questions shows interest. For example:

"What would a successful first six months look like in this role?"
"How is the team organised, and who would I work with most?"
"What training is available for new staff?"
"What are the next steps in the process?"

Avoid asking about leave and benefits in a first interview, unless the panel raises them.

If they ask about salary

Some panels ask what salary you expect. Before the interview, find out what similar roles pay, from people in the field or adverts that state pay. Give a reasonable range rather than one figure, and say you are open to discussion: "Based on my experience, I would expect something in the range of… but I'm open to discussing the full package." In public service, salaries usually follow set scales, and this question is less common.

Small things that matter

Switch your phone to silent before entering. Sit upright, keep your hands still and speak at a steady pace. Keep answers to one or two minutes: long enough to give an example, short enough to keep attention. If you are nervous, say so briefly and take a breath. Panels understand, and calm honesty is better than rushing.

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