Before the Interview
**Research the company:** Visit their website, understand their products/services, know their presence in Tanzania, and check recent news or achievements.
**Understand the role:** Re-read the job description carefully. Prepare examples from your experience that match each requirement.
**Prepare your documents:** Bring printed copies of your CV, certificates, and references. Even if you applied digitally, having physical copies shows preparedness.
**Plan your route:** Dar es Salaam traffic is unpredictable. Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early. Know the exact building and floor.
**Prepare questions:** Having thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company demonstrates genuine interest.
Common Interview Questions in Tanzania
**"Tell me about yourself."** — Prepare a 2-minute professional summary. Focus on your career journey, key skills, and why you're interested in this role.
**"Why do you want to work here?"** — Reference specific things about the company that attract you. Connect their mission to your career goals.
**"What are your salary expectations?"** — Research market rates first. Give a range based on your experience and the role level. Be prepared to negotiate.
**"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"** — Show ambition but keep it realistic. Companies want to invest in people who plan to stay and grow.
**"Tell me about a challenge you've faced at work."** — Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Choose a relevant example with a positive outcome.
**"Why are you leaving your current job?"** — Always stay positive. Focus on growth opportunities, not complaints about your current employer.
Dress Code and Cultural Expectations
Tanzania's interview culture is generally formal:
**Men:** Dark suit, tie, polished shoes. For tech companies, a collared shirt without a tie is acceptable if the company culture is casual.
**Women:** Professional suit or dress, closed-toe shoes. Conservative and polished is the safe choice.
**Cultural notes:** - Greet everyone in the room with a handshake - Maintain eye contact but don't stare - Address interviewers formally until invited to use first names - Being humble while confident is valued - Arrive early — punctuality shows respect - Turn off your phone completely before entering
After the Interview
What you do after matters:
**Send a thank-you email** within 24 hours. Reference a specific topic discussed during the interview.
**Follow up politely** if you haven't heard back after 1 week. A brief email expressing continued interest is appropriate.
**Reflect on your performance.** Note questions that caught you off guard so you can prepare better next time.
**Don't stop applying.** Continue your job search until you have a signed offer letter.