5 Mistakes Job Seekers Make in Interviews — And How to Avoid Them

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After placing hundreds of candidates across Kenya, our team at Engage Sourcing has seen the same avoidable mistakes cost qualified candidates excellent opportunities. Here are the five most common ones — and how to overcome them.

Mistake 1 — Not Researching the Organisation

One of the first things interviewers assess is whether you have taken the time to learn about them. Candidates who cannot answer "What do you know about us?" leave a poor first impression.

Fix: Before any interview, spend 20 minutes researching the organisation — their services, location, size, recent news, and any challenges they face. For hospitals, know their departments. For schools, know their curriculum and motto.

Mistake 2 — Vague Answers to Experience Questions

Saying "I have experience in maternity care" tells an interviewer very little. Vague answers suggest a lack of confidence or depth of experience.

Fix: Use the STAR method — Situation, Task, Action, Result. "At Kitale County Hospital, our ward was understaffed during a night shift. I triaged 12 patients, prioritised two high-risk deliveries, and coordinated with the on-call doctor to ensure both mothers delivered safely." That is memorable.

Mistake 3 — Arriving Unprepared on Documents

In Kenya's healthcare and education sectors especially, interviewers often ask to see original documents on the spot. Candidates who arrive without their NCK licence, TSC certificate, or academic transcripts are sometimes turned away immediately.

Fix: Always carry a professional folder to every interview containing: originals and copies of all certificates, your ID, clearance certificates, and your CV. Have a digital backup on your phone as well.

Mistake 4 — Not Asking Any Questions

When an interviewer asks "Do you have any questions for us?" and the answer is "No" — it signals low interest or low preparation. Employers want candidates who are genuinely invested.

Fix: Prepare 2–3 genuine questions. Examples: "What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?" or "What are the biggest challenges the team is currently facing?" or "What are the opportunities for professional development here?"

Mistake 5 — Poor Communication About Salary

Many Kenyan candidates either refuse to discuss salary expectations or name a figure with no basis — both approaches create awkwardness. Employers need to know if there is alignment before investing further time.

Fix: Research market rates for your role and experience level before the interview. When asked, give a range confidently: "Based on my experience and research, I am looking at between KES X and KES Y, though I am open to discussing the full package." This shows professionalism and preparation.

Final Thought

Interviews are conversations, not interrogations. The employer is assessing fit just as much as you are. Preparation, confidence, and genuine engagement with the organisation go further than a perfect answer to every question.