Being shortlisted for a public sector post is an achievement, because many people apply for each vacancy. Government interviews are usually more structured than private-sector ones, which means you can prepare for them very effectively.

What to expect

  • A panel. You will normally face several interviewers, often including a human resources representative and the manager of the unit you would join.
  • The same questions for every candidate. Panels typically score each answer against set criteria taken from the advert, so a clear, relevant answer matters more than a clever one.
  • Possibly more than an interview. Depending on the post, you may also face a written exercise, a presentation or a practical test.
  • Checks afterwards. Qualification verification, reference checks and other pre-employment screening are common for public service posts.

Before the interview

Re-read the advert and the job requirements

Your answers should match what the post asks for. List each duty and requirement, and note an example from your life, studies or work that shows you can do it.

Research the department

Find the department's website and read about its mandate (what it exists to do), the programmes of the unit you would join, and its recent news. Annual reports are a good source. Being able to explain why you want to work for this department sets you apart from candidates who give a generic answer.

Know the values of public service

Public administration in South Africa is guided by the basic values and principles in Section 195 of the Constitution, and by the Batho Pele (“People First”) principles, which focus on serving citizens with courtesy, openness and value for money. Interviewers sometimes ask what these mean in practice, so be ready with a simple explanation and an example.

Prepare examples with the STAR method

Many questions ask for a real example. Structure your answer in four parts: Situation (the context), Task (what you needed to do), Action (what you did) and Result (what happened). For example, to answer “Tell us about a time you worked under pressure”, describe the deadline, your role, how you organised your work and the outcome, in about two minutes.

Questions you may be asked

  • Tell us about yourself and why you applied for this post.
  • What do you understand about the work of this department?
  • Describe a time you worked in a team to achieve a goal.
  • How do you handle pressure and tight deadlines?
  • What would you do if you disagreed with your supervisor?
  • How would you deal with a frustrated member of the public?
  • What do you understand by Batho Pele?
  • Where do you see yourself in five years?
  • Do you have any questions for us?

Always have one or two thoughtful questions ready of your own, such as what a typical first month in the post looks like.

What to bring and how to arrive

  • Your ID document and the interview invitation
  • Whatever the invitation asks for, such as original certificates or certified copies. Read it carefully, because requirements differ from one department to another
  • A spare copy of your CV, and a notepad and pen

Plan your route and transport the day before, and arrive early. Dress neatly and professionally, even if the post is not an office job.

During the interview

  • Greet the panel politely and wait to be invited to sit.
  • Listen to the whole question. It is fine to ask for it to be repeated, or to take a moment to think.
  • Answer the question you were asked, with specific examples, and keep to the point.
  • Be honest. If you do not know something, say so and explain how you would find out.
  • Thank the panel at the end.

After the interview

Public sector processes can take weeks or months, so keep applying elsewhere while you wait. If you are unsuccessful, you can politely ask whether feedback is available, and use it to improve next time.

Beware of scams

Genuine interview invitations come from official government email addresses or phone numbers. Nobody can sell you a government job, and nobody should ask you for money to “secure” an interview or an appointment. If an invitation looks suspicious, check it by calling the department's human resources office on the number listed on its official website, not the number in the message.

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