How to Best Prepare for Job Interview in Kenya

There are certain factors responsible for your success in any recruitment exercise. One of them is How to best prepare for Job interview in Kenya and that’s exactly what we will reveal to you in this article.

Now your Resume has been shortlisted, and you have been invited for an interview at that dream company of yours, but how do you best prepare for the job interview? Job interviews might seem intimidating but with the right and best preparation, you can ace the process easily. In Kenya, the job market is quite competitive, as such it’s essential to be well-prepared in other to stand out among other applicants.

In this article, we will show you how to best prepare for Job interview in Kenya, and also what information that you should know, including mastering the common interview questions. Without further ado, let us proceed.

Page Contents

How to Best Prepare for Job Interview in Kenya

1. Research about the Company or Organisation

One of the most crucial aspects of interview preparation is to research the company you’re applying to. This not only demonstrates your interest but also equips you with the knowledge you need to tailor your responses during the interview.

In researching about the company or organisation, below are the key things you should take note of:

Company’s history, values, and mission
Recent news and updates about the company
Products or services they offer
Company culture and work environment

2. Understand the Job Description

Carefully review the job description to understand the specific requirements and qualifications for the role. Make a list of the key skills and qualifications needed for the job and identify how your experiences align with them. This will help you frame your responses during the interview.

3. Dress Appropriately

In Kenya, dressing appropriately for job interview is essential. The country’s dress code tends to be formal and conservative. Aim for business formal attire, such as a suit for men and a professional dress or suit for women. Remember to ensure that your outfit is clean, well-fitted, and neatly pressed. More information on how to dress for an interview in Kenya will be shared later on.

4. Prepare Your Resume

Your resume is often the first point of reference for the interviewer. Ensure that your resume is up-to-date, well-organized, and highlights your relevant experiences, skills, and achievements. Be ready to discuss any aspect of your resume in detail during the interview.

5. Practice Interview Etiquette

Kenyan employers appreciate candidates who display good manners and etiquette. This includes being punctual, polite, and respectful. Plan to arrive at the interview location at least 15-20 minutes early and be courteous to everyone you meet, from the receptionist to the interviewer.

6. Prepare for Common Interview Questions

While interview questions can vary, there are several common questions that you can anticipate.

Be ready to answer questions like:

Tell me about yourself.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why do you want to work for this company?
Describe a challenging situation you’ve faced at work and how you resolved it.
Where do you see yourself in five years?

Practice your responses to these questions to ensure you can answer confidently and concisely.

7. Behavioral Questions

Employers in Kenya often use behavioral questions to assess how you’ve handled situations in the past. We recommend you use the popular STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to give your answers. Provide specific examples of your experiences and how they relate to the job.

8. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer

At the end of the interview, you’ll likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the company, the team, or the role itself. This exhibits your genuine interest and engagement with the position you applied for.

9. Brush Up on Cultural Competence

In Kenya, cultural competence is important. Employers may appreciate candidates who understand and respect the diverse cultures and backgrounds of the country. Be prepared to discuss how you can work effectively in a diverse workplace.

10. Follow Up After the Interview

After the interview, send a thank-you email to the interviewer expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to interview you. While expressing your gratefulness, re-emphasize the profound interest in the position you applied for and how you will contribute your quota.

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How to Dress for an Interview In Kenya

As we had shared earlier, your dressing is one of the things you should consider before going for your job interview. And in Kenya, your dressing is one of the things that your potential employees look at before they even consider you. Oftentimes, you could be great during the interview but get a miserable rating due to your dressing.

Here are some of the things to know on how to dress for job interview in Kenya:

Men can wear a suit, shirt, tie and trousers
Women can go for a suit, kurti sets, shirt, and trousers.
Both can go with nice footwear, however, flip flops are frowned at.

N/B: For job interview, it is important to dress as professional as possible. But do not overdo it.

How to Approach Interview Questions

Job interviews, especially in Kenya can be nerve-wracking experiences, but with the right approach, you can navigate them successfully. One of the most critical aspects of any interview is how you respond to the questions posed by the interviewer.

Here are some tips on how to approach interview questions:

Prepare Thoroughly
Listen carefully
Understand different question types
Endeavour to be straightforward, concise and direct while answering questions
Be honest
Throw back your own questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is The Best Answer For Tell Me About Yourself?

One of the mistakes most people make when asked question is that they start rambling about their personal life, number of children they have and a lot of other stuff. Although the company might want to know more about you, they are actually not asking about your personal life. And unfortunately, there is no “best answer” to this question, but you could answer it with a little overview of your personality and your current role.

Do I Need To Dress Properly For An Online Interview In Kenya?

Although the interview is not done in the office, and you can easily do them at the comfort of your home, it is best to dress properly, however, not necessarily in the same way that an ‘in house interview’ would be.

Conclusion

Job interviews in Kenya, like anywhere else in the world, require thorough preparation. Researching the company, understanding the job description, dressing appropriately, practicing interview etiquette, and preparing for common questions are key steps to success.

How to Best Prepare for Job Interview in Kenya

How to Best Prepare for Job Interview in Kenya