Interview questions · Free South African guide
Common interview questions and how to answer them.
Most interviews use the same core questions. Prepare honest examples using STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
- Common questions with sample answers
- Government panel interview tips
- STAR method
- Full interview guide in the toolkit
Tell me about yourself
Answer in about a minute: what you do now, relevant experience or studies, and why you want this job. Example: "I completed my N4 in Business Management last year and have worked weekends at a supermarket, where I handled cash and customer queries. I want to grow in admin, and this role matches what I enjoy."
Why do you want to work here?
Show you've read the advert and the website. Link one thing about them to one thing about you.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Give a real strength with proof, and a real weakness with what you're doing about it.
Tell us about a time you solved a problem
Use STAR. Keep the result specific: time saved, complaint resolved, target met.
Government panel interviews
Panels score each answer against a memo. Expect questions on the duties in the advert, the department's mandate, relevant legislation and Batho Pele principles. Read the advert again the night before.
Do you have questions for us?
Always ask one or two: what success looks like in the first three months, or the next steps in the process.
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