Key Takeaways: It’s About Attitude, Not Experience
- The Secret: Interviewers know you have no experience. They are not looking for “job skills”; they are looking for Attitude, Reliability, and Hunger.
- The “Tell Me About Yourself” Formula: Present + Past + Future. Do not tell your whole life story.
- The Trap Question: “What will you do if a university accepts you next month?” (They are testing your commitment).
- The “Weakness” Question: Never say “I have no weaknesses” or “I work too hard.” Be honest but show how you are fixing it.
- Questions to Ask: Always have a question ready for them at the end. It shows you are intelligent.
You got the call. You have an interview for the Clicks Pharmacy Learnership or the Capitec Bank Service Consultant role.
Panic sets in. What do I say? I’ve never worked a day in my life. My CV is empty.
Relax. The recruiters for learnerships are specifically looking for Youth. They don’t expect you to know how to use SAP or manage a budget. They are looking for one thing: Will this person show up on Monday, or will they ghost us?
Here is your script for the 2026 Learnership Interview season.
1. The Ice Breaker: “Tell Me About Yourself”
This is always the first question. Do not ramble about your family or where you were born.
The Strategy: Use the P-P-F (Present, Past, Future) structure.
Bad Answer:
“My name is Thabo, I am from Soweto. I have two brothers. I like playing soccer and listening to Amapiano. I am looking for a job because I need money.”
Good Answer (The Script):
“I am a recent Matriculant from [High School Name], Class of 2025 (Present). During my time at school, I was involved in the debating team and community service, where I learned how to communicate well and be disciplined with my time (Past). Now, I am looking for an opportunity to launch my career in the [Retail/Banking] sector because I am eager to learn and willing to start from the bottom to build my skills (Future).”
2. The Motivation: “Why Do You Want This Learnership?”
They want to know if you actually want this job, or if you just applied for everything.
Bad Answer:
“I have been sitting at home for 6 months and I need a stipend.”
Good Answer (The Script):
“I applied for this Clicks Pharmacy Learnership because I have a strong interest in healthcare and helping people. I know that this learnership combines theory with practical work, and I learn best by doing. I want to become a qualified Pharmacist Assistant, and I know Clicks is the best place to get that training.”
Tip: Mention the company name. It proves you aren’t copy-pasting answers.
3. The Trap: “Where Do You See Yourself in 1 Year?”
The Trap: Many learners quit halfway through the year because they get a late acceptance letter from a university or NSFAS. The interviewer is terrified of this because they lose their tax grant if you quit.
The Wrong Answer:
“I am hoping to go to UJ next year to study Law.” (You just failed the interview).
The Right Answer:
“In one year, I see myself having successfully completed this learnership with a competent understanding of the workplace. I hope to be employed here permanently, but my primary goal is to finish this qualification and prove that I am a valuable employee.”
4. The Strength & Weakness Combo
Question: “What is your greatest strength?”
Script:
“I am extremely reliable. During Matric, I never missed a day of school and I always handed my assignments in on time. I take commitment seriously.” (This is the #1 thing employers want to hear).
Question: “What is your greatest weakness?”
Script:
“I sometimes struggle with public speaking because I get nervous. However, I am working on this by forcing myself to ask questions in group settings and practicing my communication skills, which is why I am excited about this role involving customer service.”
5. The Scenario: “How Would You Handle an Angry Customer?”
If you apply for Retail or Banking, this question is guaranteed.
The Strategy: Listen > Apologize > Solve.
The Script:
“First, I would listen to the customer without interrupting so they feel heard. I would not take their anger personally. I would apologize for the inconvenience, and then I would try to solve their problem immediately. If I couldn’t solve it, I would calmly call my supervisor for help.”
6. The “Gap” Question
Question: “I see you finished Matric in 2024. What have you been doing for the last year?”
Bad Answer: “Nothing, just waiting.”
Good Answer:
“It has been a difficult job market, but I haven’t been idle. I have been helping my community by [volunteering / helping neighbors]. I also completed a free online course in [Computer Skills / Customer Service] to make sure my brain stayed active while I applied for roles.”
7. Questions YOU Should Ask Them
At the end, they will ask: “Do you have any questions for us?”
If you say “No,” you look uninterested. Ask one of these:
- “What does a successful learner look like to you?” (Shows you want to succeed).
- “Is there an opportunity for permanent employment after the 12 months?” (Shows you are thinking long-term).
- “When can I expect to hear back from you?”
8. Body Language Checklist
- Eye Contact: Look them in the eye. Looking at the floor makes you look dishonest or scared.
- The Handshake: Firm, but not bone-crushing. (If in person).
- Posture: Sit up straight. Do not slouch in the chair.
- Dress Code:
- Men: Collared shirt and neat trousers. Tuck your shirt in. No takkies if possible.
- Women: Neat blouse and skirt/pants. Modest and professional.
- Note: You don’t need a suit, but you must look tidy.
Summary: Be the “Safe Bet”
Remember, the interviewer is scared too. They are scared of hiring a lazy, unreliable teenager who will steal stock or sleep in the storeroom.
Your job in the interview is to make them feel Safe. Show them you are polite, punctual, and eager to work.
Action: Practice the “Tell Me About Yourself” script in the mirror tonight. Say it out loud until it feels natural.
Disclaimer: These are sample answers. Always adapt them to your own life story and be honest.