Preparing for a job interview can feel overwhelming. Employers often ask a mix of common, tricky, and role-specific questions. The good news? Most interview questions follow predictable patterns - and with the right preparation, you can answer them with confidence.
In this guide, we’ll cover the Top 20 Interview Questions and Answers that every job seeker in Zambia should know. Use these examples to prepare your own personalised responses.
1. Tell me about yourself.
Answer Tip: Keep it professional. Focus on your background, experience, and skills relevant to the role.
Example Answer:
“I am a finance graduate with three years’ experience in accounting. In my current role at XYZ Company, I manage monthly budgets and reporting. I am passionate about accuracy and process improvement, and I’m excited about the opportunity to bring these skills to your team.”
2. Why do you want this job?
Answer Tip: Show knowledge of the company and link it to your goals.
Example Answer:
“I admire your company’s reputation for innovation in the banking sector. This role is a perfect match for my skills in financial analysis and my ambition to grow in a challenging environment.”
3. What are your strengths?
Answer Tip: Pick 2–3 strengths that are relevant to the job.
Example Answer:
“My biggest strengths are problem-solving and teamwork. For example, I worked with a cross-department team to cut expenses by 15% in my last role.”
4. What are your weaknesses?
Answer Tip: Be honest, but show improvement.
Example Answer:
“I used to struggle with public speaking, but I have been attending workshops and now lead team presentations confidently.”
5. Why should we hire you?
Answer Tip: Summarise your skills, achievements, and motivation.
Example Answer:
“With my background in customer service and proven ability to exceed sales targets, I believe I can bring both experience and energy to this role.”
6. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Answer Tip: Show ambition but align with the company.
Example Answer:
“In five years, I hope to be in a leadership role where I can contribute to strategy and mentor junior staff. This company’s growth makes it an ideal place to achieve that.”
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
Answer Tip: Stay positive, don’t criticise your employer.
Example Answer:
“I have learned a lot in my current position, but I am now looking for more responsibility and opportunities to grow, which I believe this role can offer.”
8. What do you know about our company?
Answer Tip: Research the company beforehand.
Example Answer:
“Your company is a leader in renewable energy in Zambia, known for community impact projects. I was impressed by your recent solar initiative in Eastern Province.”
9. Describe a challenge you faced at work and how you overcame it.
Answer Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Example Answer:
“In my last job, our system crashed during peak reporting season. I coordinated with IT, created manual workarounds, and ensured all reports were submitted on time.”
10. How do you handle stress or pressure?
Answer Tip: Show resilience and methods you use.
Example Answer:
“I stay organised and break large tasks into smaller steps. For example, during audits, I manage deadlines by prioritising and staying calm under pressure.”
11. Tell me about a time you worked in a team.
Answer Tip: Highlight collaboration and results.
Example Answer:
“In university, I worked with a team of five on a research project. We divided responsibilities, communicated effectively, and achieved the highest grade in our class.”
12. Do you prefer to work independently or in a team?
Answer Tip: Show flexibility.
Example Answer:
“I enjoy teamwork because of the shared ideas, but I can also work independently and stay productive without supervision.”
13. How do you prioritise your work?
Answer Tip: Show organisation skills.
Example Answer:
“I prioritise tasks by urgency and importance. I use to-do lists and digital tools to stay on top of deadlines.”
14. What motivates you?
Answer Tip: Connect to achievements and values.
Example Answer:
“I am motivated by achieving goals and seeing results. In my sales role, closing deals and helping clients succeed kept me energised.”
15. Tell me about a time you failed.
Answer Tip: Show learning and growth.
Example Answer:
“Early in my career, I underestimated how long a project would take. I learned to plan better, set realistic deadlines, and now deliver consistently.”
16. How do you handle conflict at work?
Answer Tip: Show diplomacy and problem-solving.
Example Answer:
“I believe in addressing issues quickly and respectfully. For example, when a colleague and I disagreed on approach, I suggested we both present our ideas to the manager, and we found a compromise.”
17. What salary are you expecting?
Answer Tip: Research market rates (use our Salary Benchmark guides) and give a range.
Example Answer:
“Based on my experience and the market rate for this position, I would expect something in the range of ZMW 10,000 – 12,000 per month, but I am open to discussion.”
18. What are your hobbies or interests?
Answer Tip: Keep it professional and positive.
Example Answer:
“I enjoy volunteering in community projects and reading about personal development, which helps me stay motivated and build new skills.”
19. Do you have any questions for us?
Answer Tip: Always ask something thoughtful.
Example Questions:
- “What does success look like in this role?”
- “What are the company’s growth plans in the next five years?”
20. When can you start?
Answer Tip: Be realistic and flexible.
Example Answer:
“I can start immediately, but I would like to give two weeks’ notice to my current employer to ensure a smooth handover.”
Final Tips for Interview Success
- Prepare and practise your answers — but don’t memorise word-for-word.
- Research the company and role before the interview.
- Dress appropriately and arrive on time.
- Be confident, polite, and enthusiastic.
👉 Use these Top 20 Interview Questions and Answers to get ready for your next interview - and give yourself the best chance of success.
