GUIDE TO PREPARING FOR THE AJIRA PORTAL INTERVIEW AND HOW TO SUCCEED
BEFORE PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE FOLLOWING PREPARATIONS THAT WILL ALLOW YOU TO ATTEND THE INTERVIEW
- Ensure you have all your Original certificates, not copies. Even if a copy has a Lawyer’s stamp, you will not be allowed to attend the interview.
- Make sure you have an Affidavit or Deed Poll if the names on your certificates differ. You will not be allowed to attend the interview if your names are inconsistent.
- Ensure you have all the required certificates as per the job you applied for through the system, such as College Certificate and Transcript, Form 4 and Form 6 Certificates (if applicable), Birth Certificate, and License or Registration Certificate.
- Make sure you have your National ID, not just the number or a copy. Without the physical ID, you will not be allowed to attend the interview.
HOW TO STUDY OR PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW STAGE
The Ajira Portal Interview is divided into three categories:
- SCREENING INTERVIEW
- PRACTICAL INTERVIEW (rare and for specific fields)
- ORAL INTERVIEW
SCREENING INTERVIEW
This is the most difficult interview because all candidates who meet the qualifications are called. This interview does not look for those who have merely passed but for the best performer or top scorer. For example, even if everyone scores above 90%, only the top performers will be selected. Therefore, the focus is not just on passing but on leading.
HOW SCREENING INTERVIEWS ARE CONDUCTED IN AJIRA PORTAL
When there are many candidates, as in mass recruitment exercises, the screening interview is usually in Multiple Choice format, often consisting of 45 to 50 questions depending on the case.
The Screening Interview may be conducted through an ONLINE APTITUDE TEST or HANDWRITTEN TEST. In most mass recruitment exercises, Degree holders and above take ONLINE APTITUDE TESTS while Diploma and below take HANDWRITTEN TESTS. However, this depends on the year — in 2024/2025, that was the format used.
Regardless of the method, the type of questions remains the same.
HOW TO STUDY FOR THE SCREENING INTERVIEW
The truth is there is a lot to study; you cannot study everything from Primary School to University. However, do the following to prepare effectively:
- Take the job advertisement as published by the Public Service Recruitment Secretariat, go to your specific position (e.g., TEACHER III – CHEMISTRY), and note the Duties and Responsibilities listed. These are usually general, so use them as your study guide by researching related resources such as NOTES, the INTERNET, or AI. You can also join our prepared WhatsApp Channel.
- Read all notes or materials using skimming—go through everything quickly to cover all areas. Don’t study too deeply because you don’t know which section questions will come from.
- If you applied to a specific institution, ensure you know what that institution does.
- Join discussion groups. Even if you don’t study much, you’ll get hints and preparation ideas from others who have experience. AjiraCoach has discussion groups for every profession — join yours.
- Study as much as you can but don’t overstrain yourself. Do your best, then leave the rest to God while praying.
PRACTICAL INTERVIEW
This is conducted for certain professions, such as Laboratory Technicians, Drivers, etc., but it is rare in mass recruitment.
To succeed in a practical interview, research the company or institution. For example, if you’re in a lab field, study the EQUIPMENT and TESTS used before attending the interview — it will help you a lot.
ORAL INTERVIEW
If you reach this stage, first thank God and congratulate yourself. The Oral Interview has the following characteristics:
- The pass mark is from 50%
- If you pass, your name remains in the database for one year
- It is conducted face-to-face
- The number of interviewees is limited, usually three people per position. For example, if there are 3 positions and over 1000 attended the screening interview, only 9 candidates will be called for the oral interview. So, congratulate yourself for reaching this far.
HOW TO PREPARE AND SUCCEED IN THE INTERVIEW
- Study the Job Description, Duties, and Responsibilities listed in the advertisement, and convert them into potential questions, as 90% of interview questions come directly from them (even if rephrased).
- Prepare for the question “Tell me/us about yourself/History/Background.” This question is always asked in English regardless of your profession. Visit AjiraCoach for the marking scheme and guidance on how to answer this question. Believe that even if you only answer this question well and miss others, you can still get hired.
- Study other topics relevant to your profession.
NB: Passing the oral interview is not purely academic — sometimes someone who doesn’t answer well may pass, while another who answers perfectly may not be selected.
SUMMARY: Focus on two key areas
- The “Tell me about yourself” question
- Duties and Responsibilities from the job advertisement
If you master these two areas, you’ve already succeeded in the interview. Everything has been explained in detail through the AjiraCoach Platform.
OTHER MINOR BUT IMPORTANT THINGS
Remember, the oral interview is face-to-face, and sometimes success depends on how the interviewer perceives you. Remember, they are human — they have compassion and emotions. So, do the following:
- Dress well and follow public service dressing codes.
- Do not sit down unless invited to do so.
- Answer questions loudly and clearly.
- Be cheerful and confident.
- Prepare yourself well and express yourself — sometimes compassion can influence the decision.
IMPORTANT: If you are older, make sure you attend the oral interview in person — sometimes human compassion plays a role.
I hope you have understood this little information I have shared with you. This is based on my experience. Join AjiraCoach Platforms for more helpful hints like these. Thank you.