Likely Interview Questions – General & Motivation

These questions assess your motivation, values, and understanding of the public sector.

• Why are you interested in the National Treasury Internship Programme?
• What do you understand about the role of National Treasury in South Africa?
• Why did you choose your field of study, and how does it relate to public service?
• What skills or qualities do you believe are important when working in government?
• What do you hope to gain from this 24-month internship programme?

Role-Specific Interview Questions

These questions test foundational knowledge and practical thinking relevant across Treasury functions.

• How would you apply what you learned during your studies in a government or policy-driven environment?
• Can you explain a basic concept from your field of study that could support decision-making or service delivery?
• How do you ensure accuracy, ethics, and accountability in your work?
• What experience do you have working with data, reports, research, or documentation?
• How would you handle confidential or sensitive information?
• Why is compliance with legislation and policy important in the public sector?

Behavioural Interview Questions (STAR-Based)

You can answer these using examples from academic work, group projects, or community involvement.

• Tell us about a time you worked in a team to complete a project or assignment.
• Describe a situation where you had to analyse information and present your findings.
• Give an example of a challenge you faced during your studies and how you handled it.
• Tell us about a time you had to follow rules, procedures, or guidelines to complete a task.

How to Answer Using the STAR Method

The STAR method helps you give structured and clear answers:

1. Situation: Explain the background or context.
2. Task: Describe what you were required to do.
3. Action: Explain the steps you took.
4. Result: Share the outcome and what you learned.

Sample STAR Answer (Graduate Level):

1. Situation: During my final year, I completed a research assignment related to public finance.
2. Task: I was required to analyse data and present recommendations.
3. Action: I gathered relevant information, applied concepts from my coursework, and ensured my work followed academic and ethical guidelines.
4. Result: The assignment was well received, and I strengthened my research, analysis, and reporting skills.

If You Have No Work Experience

Formal work experience is not required for this internship. You may use examples from:

• University or college assignments
• Research projects or dissertations
• Group work or presentations
• Student leadership or society roles
• Volunteering or community projects
• Part-time or casual work

Focus on skills gained, problem-solving, and professional behaviour.

Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid

• Not understanding the role of National Treasury
• Giving vague answers without examples
• Focusing only on qualifications and not on values or ethics
• Failing to explain your contribution in group work
• Arriving unprepared or unfamiliar with your CV

Quick Interview Preparation Checklist

• Research the role and mandate of the National Treasury
• Review your qualification and key academic projects
• Prepare 2–3 examples you can adapt to different questions
• Practice explaining your studies in clear, simple terms
• Dress professionally and plan interview logistics
• Prepare a thoughtful question about the internship programme

Here's a list of customised interview questions grouped by qualification clusters.

Finance, Accounting & Risk

Qualifications include: Accounting, Financial Accounting, Financial Management, Management Accounting, Finance, Public Finance, Investment Management, Financial Risk Management, Risk Management, Taxation, Internal Audit, Forensic Auditing, Investigative & Forensic Accounting

• How does sound financial management support accountability in government?
• Can you explain a basic accounting or finance concept and its relevance to public funds?
• How would you ensure accuracy and ethical conduct when working with financial data?
• What experience do you have with budgets, financial reports, or audits during your studies?
• Why is risk management important in the public sector?

Economics, Policy & Research

Qualifications include: Economics, Econometrics, Development Economics, Development Finance, Development Studies, Public Policy, Political Science, Sociology, Statistics, Mathematics

• How can economic or policy analysis support government decision-making?
• Can you describe a research or data analysis project you worked on during your studies?
• How would you explain complex economic or statistical findings to non-technical audiences?
• Why is evidence-based policy important in the public sector?
• How do you ensure objectivity and accuracy in research work?

Information Technology, Data & Systems

Qualifications include: Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Informatics, Business Intelligence, Data Science, Data Management, Information Management, Financial Information Systems

• How can IT systems and data improve efficiency and transparency in government?
• Can you describe a system, application, or data project you worked on during your studies?
• How do you ensure data accuracy, security, and confidentiality?
• How would you approach learning a new system or technology in the workplace?
• Why is reliable information critical for public-sector decision-making?

Supply Chain, Logistics & Procurement

Qualifications include: Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Public Procurement, Purchasing Management

• How does effective supply chain management support service delivery in government?
• Can you explain a basic procurement or logistics concept you studied?
• Why is transparency important in public procurement processes?
• How would you ensure compliance with procedures and regulations?
• How do planning and coordination impact supply chain performance?

Human Resources, Psychology & Social Services

Qualifications include: Human Resources Management, Human Resources Development, Industrial Psychology, Psychology, Social Work, Public Management, Public Administration

• How does effective human resource management support public-sector performance?
• What role does ethics and professionalism play in HR or social services?
• Can you describe a situation where you supported or worked with people from diverse backgrounds?
• How would you handle confidential or sensitive information?
• Why is employee development important in government institutions?

Law, Governance & Compliance

Qualifications include: Law / LLB, LLB specialising in Tax or Environmental Law, Paralegal, Forensic Investigation & Criminal Justice

• Why is compliance with legislation essential in the public sector?
• How would you apply legal principles in a practical government environment?
• Can you explain a legal concept relevant to finance, tax, or governance?
• How do ethics and accountability influence legal work in government?
• How would you manage confidential legal information?

Communications, Media & Design

Qualifications include: Communication Studies, Journalism, Media Studies, Marketing Management, Graphic Design, Visual Communications

• How does clear communication support transparency and public trust?
• Can you describe a communication, media, or design project you worked on during your studies?
• How would you adapt complex information for different audiences?
• Why is accuracy important in public-sector communication?
• How do branding and messaging apply within government institutions?

Administration & Office Support 

Qualifications include: Administrative Management, Office Administration, Information Management

• How does effective administration support government operations?
• What organisational or documentation skills did you develop during your studies?
• How do you prioritise tasks in a structured environment?
• Why is record-keeping important in the public sector?
• How would you support a team or department effectively?

Important Tips (Applies to All Clusters)

• Link your qualification to public service outcomes
• Demonstrate ethics, accountability, and willingness to learn
• Use examples from academic work, research, or community involvement