Job Interview: How To Interview For Government Jobs

By Selipha Kihagi

When called to a job interview, candidates are quick to preparation as they go through various interview questions, rehearse the answers and do background research on the hiring company. While some job seekers may have an idea of what to expect in the interview room, most are usually almost clueless and this explains the anxiety and uncertainty.

Job interviews, regardless of the company or organization, are usually more or less the same. However, when interviewing for government jobs, a job seeker should take their time in preparation as in most cases they end up being more complex.

What do I mean by complex? “When going to interview for a government job, job seekers should focus more on the current developments and changes in laws associated with their professions,” says Melody Mwendwa, a Career Advisor and CV writing expert at Corporate Staffing Services.

She adds that the government is an always changing scene with new laws and governing systems, and to be a suitable candidate, they will expect you to familiarize with current trends.

What to expect when interviewing for Government Jobs

1. You will be interviewed by a panel
When preparing for a job interview with a government institution, always go through questions and rehearse your answers like you are addressing a number of people rather than one person. Panel interviews can be intimidating, and if the job is with the government then expect to be grilled by a number of people.

“Government is focused on integrity, more so now with corruption incidences, hence the need for panel interviews,” says Melody.

2. You will be asked about vision 2030
If you have been invited to a government job interview and you are not familiar with Vision 2030 and its relation to your area of study, then it is time you got busy researching on it. Government functions are currently taking place under the Vision 2030 plan, meaning that all departments should work with this in mind.

Be knowledgeable on this to avoid blank glares at some of the questions.

3. You are required to know the various Acts and Laws in your field
When interviewing for a Procurement job, know about the Procurement Act and the various laws that govern procurement operations. The same applies to other professions and the various government bodies you are looking to join.

You will also be expected to know about the various committees their functions as well as any new changes to laws in your field and maybe even your opinions.

4. You will need to have your facts right
What this means is, as a job seeker looking for opportunities in the government you need to know about all the current developments in your field or the institution you wish to work in.

If somebody was fired for corruption you need to know about it and have an opinion, if a committee was disbanded you need to know for what reason and so on. This goes back to ensuring that you do extensive research.

Just like seen on TV when government is filling top positions, government job interviews are not always a walk in the park. Be well prepared.