When the connector didn’t connect

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Today’s story is about a young African professional from Kenya who has been following us closely.

He applied for a role we shared, got shortlisted, and faced the interview panel. We wanted to hear his experience, lessons, and advice for other young professionals preparing for interviews.

Meet Nicholas Amolo

Nicholas is a young Kenyan professional who was shortlisted for an interview with Mazi Mobility, a company dealing with electric vehicles and motorcycles in Kenya.
He says he handled many of the questions well but got stuck on one, a technical question about EVs.

My interview with him was meant to capture his general experience during the interview and highlight lessons that can help other young professionals preparing for interviews conducted by a green company.

During the interview, I learned something very important that, for a second, changed the trajectory of the conversation.

Nicholas holds Grade 2 and 3 Motor Vehicle Mechanic certifications (NYS Service, 2016–2017), trained at M-Gas Kenya Ltd on smart meters, customer-focused service, and innovation, and is currently taking an online course on EV charging & connectors.
He took that course on his own because EVs are the field he’s most passionate about, and that initiative stood out.

Nicholas recalls:

“I was asked about myself and why I wanted to work with them. I answered smoothly, but what I struggled with was a question I was asked about EV connectors.”

Q: Uuuh! Sounds like a bummer?
Nicholas: Yes, it really was, but it motivated me to take the online course even more seriously.

That moment was a setback, but one he’s treating as a lesson and a direct cue to prepare more deeply.

Q: What would you say to anyone reading this right now?
Nicholas: If you get a chance, take an online course and keep learning. Even if there is no job now, build those skills for the future.

Q: Based on your interview experience, do you have any other advice for young professionals?
Nicholas: Yes. To young professionals out there, in every interview there are basic standard questions: Tell us about yourself and Why do you want to join us? Before you attend any interview, know the company and what they do, plus the basics of the role. The question I struggled with was part of the role I was applying for.

Hello, did I hear know the basics of the role you are applying for? Is that you Unpacking a job ad segment? 😂 Yes, we always take you through the basics of these roles.

The future of transport is in electric vehicles, and youth should prepare by acquiring knowledge in this field. Environmental conservation should be a priority since young people are the future of the country and the world.

Nicholas’ passion is in the E-mobility sector. What can he do to nail his next interview? I’d like to hear from you, share your tips with him on LinkedIn.