Hiring the wrong employee can cost your business dearly—in time, resources, and morale. A good interview doesn’t just assess qualifications; it uncovers personality, work ethic, adaptability, and cultural fit. Whether you’re hiring for a corporate office in Westlands or a retail shop in Kisumu, the questions you ask can make all the difference.
Here’s a curated list of 19 best interview questions Kenyan employers can use to identify great talent—plus tips to help you dig deeper and avoid common hiring mistakes.
1. Tell me about yourself.
This open-ended question sets the tone. Listen for a structured response that gives insight into the candidate’s background, career journey, and personality.
🔍 Tip: A candidate who speaks confidently and connects their past roles to your position is likely well-prepared.
2. What do you know about our company?
This tests the candidate’s interest and initiative. Someone serious about the role will have done their research.
🔍 Tip: If they’ve clearly looked at your website or recent campaigns, that’s a good sign of genuine enthusiasm.
3. Why are you leaving your current job?
This helps uncover possible red flags or patterns (e.g., job-hopping, workplace conflicts) and gives insight into their career goals.
✅ Look for: Honest but professional answers focused on growth, not gossip.
4. Can you describe a challenge you faced at work and how you overcame it?
A classic behavioral question that reveals problem-solving, resilience, and initiative.
✅ Look for: A clear situation, action, and outcome. This shows structured thinking and accountability.
5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Avoid cliché answers like “I’m a perfectionist.” Look for self-awareness and a growth mindset.
✅ Good response: “One area I’m working on is delegating more, especially when managing junior staff. I’ve started using checklists to improve trust and follow-up.”
6. Tell us about a time you worked in a team. What role did you play?
This is especially useful for customer service, sales, and hospitality roles where teamwork is essential.
🔍 Tip: Candidates who understand team dynamics and share credit are often strong collaborators.
7. How do you prioritize tasks when under pressure?
A great question for fast-paced work environments. Listen for time management strategies, communication, and calm under pressure.
✅ Look for: Candidates who stay organized and communicate proactively with their supervisors.
8. What do you expect from a manager or supervisor?
This question helps assess fit with your leadership style. Some employees thrive under structure, others prefer flexibility.
🔍 Tip: Compare their expectations with the management culture in your business.
9. Where do you see yourself in 2–3 years?
This reveals ambition and whether the role aligns with their long-term goals.
✅ Look for: Answers that show vision but also relevance to your business needs.
10. Do you have any questions for us?
Great candidates always ask questions. It shows they’re considering fit from their end too.
✅ Examples: “What does success look like in this role?” or “How would you describe your team culture?”
11. How would your previous colleagues describe you?
This reveals soft skills and how the candidate sees their own contribution to a team.
✅ Look for: Keywords like reliable, cooperative, focused, or resourceful.
12. How do you handle criticism or feedback?
Critical for roles that require constant improvement or supervision.
🔍 Tip: Candidates who welcome feedback and give examples of how they’ve used it to grow are usually strong hires.
13. What’s your ideal work environment?
Helps assess if they’ll thrive in your specific setup—whether it’s structured, casual, or high-pressure.
✅ Look for: Compatibility with your culture.
14. Describe a time when you disagreed with a colleague. How did you handle it?
This tests emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills.
✅ Look for: Calmness, professionalism, and willingness to collaborate.
15. What motivates you at work?
Understanding their drivers helps align their goals with your company’s objectives.
✅ Good responses: Recognition, learning opportunities, targets, purpose.
16. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
This highlights what the candidate values and gives you a deeper look into their potential.
🔍 Tip: Listen for ownership and a clear sense of impact.
17. What would you do in your first 30 days if hired?
Tests initiative and preparation. Candidates with a plan show they’ve thought beyond the interview.
✅ Look for: Listening, learning, understanding the team and workflow.
18. How do you stay updated in your field?
Whether it’s tech, sales, hospitality, or HR—continuous learning is key.
✅ Look for: Reading industry blogs, attending workshops, or certifications.
19. What is your expected salary and notice period?
Important for logistical alignment. Ask this toward the end to avoid biasing the rest of the interview.
🔍 Tip: Always benchmark with market rates to ensure fairness and competitiveness.
Partnering for Smarter Hiring
Many small and medium businesses in Kenya miss great hires by rushing interviews or asking irrelevant questions. If you want a more structured, professional hiring process, Stellar HR Solutions can help. Their trained recruiters conduct in-depth, competency-based interviews tailored to your industry—saving you time and helping you avoid costly mis-hires.
With deep market insight and an extensive talent pool, Stellar HR Solutions ensures you ask the right questions—and hire the right people.
Conclusion
Interviews are more than a formality—they’re your front line in finding the best people to grow your business. These 19 questions, when used correctly, will help you identify not just the most qualified candidates but also the best fit for your company culture.
Need help running professional interviews, preparing evaluation scorecards, or refining your recruitment process? Talk to Stellar HR Solutions—your reliable HR partner in Kenya.
