HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE AJIRA PORTAL INTERVIEW AND SUCCESSFULLY PASS
Before Preparing for the Interview, Ensure the Following Requirements Are in Place:
- Ensure you have all your Original certificates and not copies. Even if the copy is stamped by an Advocate, you will not be allowed to attend the interview without originals.
- Ensure you have an Affidavit if the names on your certificates differ. You will not be allowed to attend the interview if your certificate names are inconsistent.
- Ensure you have all the required certificates as indicated in the job application, such as College Certificate and Transcript, Form Four and Form Six Certificates if applicable, Birth Certificate, and Driving License or Registration Certificate.
- Ensure you have a National Identification Card (NIDA) and not only the number or a copy. Without the actual ID, you will not be allowed to attend the interview.
HOW TO STUDY OR PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW SESSION
The Ajira Portal interview is divided into three categories:
- Screening Interview
- Practical Interview (rare and for specific fields)
- Oral Interview (Face-to-Face)
SCREENING INTERVIEW
This is the most challenging stage because all applicants who meet the criteria are invited. The purpose here is not simply to see who passed, but to select the top performers. Even if many candidates score above 90%, only those with the highest scores will be selected.
Screening interviews, especially for mass recruitment, are usually Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) consisting of around 45 to 50 questions.
The Screening Interview may be conducted either through an Online Aptitude Test or Handwriting. In most mass recruitments, Degree holders and above often sit for Online Aptitude Tests, while Diploma and below often sit for Handwriting tests. However, this may vary, but this was the case in the 2024/2025 recruitment.
Regardless of the method, the nature of the questions is similar.
HOW TO STUDY FOR THE SCREENING INTERVIEW
The reality is that there is a lot to study, and it is impossible to study everything from Primary to University level. Therefore, do the following:
- Take the job announcement as provided by the Public Service Recruitment Secretariat and review the position you applied for. For example: TEACHER IIIC CHEMISTRY. Identify the Duties and Responsibilities listed. They are usually general, but use them as a guide to determine what to study from various resources such as Notes, Internet, or AI. Join the prepared WhatsApp Channel for assistance.
- Read all Notes or Materials by skimming. Make sure you go through everything briefly to cover all possible areas. Do not go into deep detail because you do not know where the questions will come from.
- If you applied to a specific institution, ensure you know what the institution is responsible for.
- Join discussion groups. Even if you do not study much yourself, you will receive hints and preparation tips from others who have done the interview before. AjiraCoach has groups for every profession; join the one for your field.
- Try your best to study within your capacity. Do not overload yourself. Study what you can and leave the rest to God while praying.
PRACTICAL INTERVIEW
This applies only to certain professions, such as Laboratory Personnel, Drivers, etc., and in most mass recruitment cases, it may not be included.
To pass a Practical Interview, conduct research on the institution or company. For example, if you are in the Laboratory field, research the equipment and tests conducted before attending. This will help you greatly.
ORAL INTERVIEW (FACE-TO-FACE)
If you reach this stage, first thank God and congratulate yourself. This stage has the following characteristics:
- The pass mark starts from 50%
- If you pass, your name remains in the database for one year
- The interview is face-to-face
- Only a limited number of applicants are selected for this stage, usually three candidates per one job position. For example, if there are 3 available positions and 1,000 applicants passed the Screening Interview, only 9 candidates will be selected for the Oral Interview.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE ORAL INTERVIEW AND PASS
- Study the Job Description and Duties and Responsibilities from the job advertisement and convert them into potential interview questions. About 90% of oral interview questions come from the Duties and Responsibilities, even if the language is rephrased.
- Prepare for the question: "Tell me/us about yourself / History / Background." This question is asked to everyone regardless of their field, and it is asked in English. AjiraCoach provides the marking scheme and guidance on how to answer this question. You can even answer this one question correctly and miss others but still be selected.
- Study and revise additional subjects related to your professional field.
NOTE:
Passing the Oral Interview is not purely based on academic knowledge. Someone may answer poorly but still be selected, while another may answer well but not be chosen.
Focus on two main things:
- The "Tell me about yourself" question
- Duties and Responsibilities listed in the job advertisement
If you become strong in these two areas, you have already passed the interview.
OTHER MINOR BUT IMPORTANT POINTS
Remember this stage involves face-to-face interaction, and sometimes selection is influenced by the impression the interviewer has of you. Interviewers are human; they can have empathy or anger. Therefore:
- Dress well and follow the official dress code for public service.
- Do not sit unless you are instructed to sit.
- Answer questions clearly and audibly.
- Be confident and pleasant.
- Present yourself well because beyond competence, you may also benefit from human compassion.
IMPORTANT:
If you are of an older age, ensure you reach the Oral Interview stage because human empathy may work in your favor.
I hope you have understood this small experience I have shared. Join AjiraCoach platforms for more useful preparation guidance.