Ever been in a matatu where the conductor is rude and the whole journey feels off? That’s the power of attitude. “I will hire anybody with a great attitude” means skills can be taught, but how you show up is everything.
We’ll break down what a great attitude really looks like in our Kenyan workplaces and why it’s your secret weapon for landing that job, even when the competition is stiff. It’s about more than just a smile.
What Does “Great Attitude” Actually Mean in Kenya?
In our context, a great attitude isn’t just being polite. It’s a proactive mindset of ownership, resilience, and teamwork. A common misconception is that it means agreeing with everything the boss says—sawa, that’s not it. It’s about bringing solutions, not just pointing out problems, even when the work is tough.
Taking Initiative Beyond the Job Description
This means seeing what needs to be done and doing it without waiting to be told. Think of a waiter at a Nairobi restaurant who notices a customer struggling with the eCitizen portal on their phone and offers a quick, helpful tip. That employee isn’t just serving food; they’re solving a real Kenyan problem and representing their employer well.
The Resilience to Handle Setbacks
Kenyan work environments can be unpredictable. A great attitude here means staying focused and positive when systems like KRA’s iTax are down or a client is being difficult. The key is not letting frustration dictate your actions. You acknowledge the challenge (“Pole, the system is slow today”) but keep working towards a solution.
How a Great Attitude Gets You Hired in Kenya
Employers actively look for this attitude during the hiring process, often valuing it over specific technical skills they can teach. It shows up in how you handle the entire application journey, from your cover letter to the final interview. Ignoring this can mean missing out, even with a perfect CV from a top university.
Here is how you demonstrate it at each stage:
- The Application: Tailor your cover letter. If applying for a customer service role at a company like Safaricom, show you understand their “Customer Obsession” value. Mention a specific time you calmly resolved a conflict, maybe with a boda boda rider or a landlord.
- The Interview: Your energy matters. Be the candidate who greets the security guard politely. When asked about a challenge, don’t just complain about the high cost of data bundles; explain a creative, low-cost solution you used to complete a project.
- The Follow-up: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Reference a specific point from your conversation, like the interviewer’s mention of the company’s new branch in Nakuru. This shows genuine engagement, not just a generic template.
Common Attitude Pitfalls That Can Cost You the Job
Mistaking “Yes-Man” Behavior for a Good Attitude
Many think agreeing with everything shows a good attitude. Wrong. Employers need thinkers. Instead of just saying “sawa” to every instruction, ask clarifying questions like, “To achieve that target, should I prioritize speed or client detail?” This shows engagement.
Letting “Tafadhali Naomba” Define Your Entire Persona
While politeness is key, being overly submissive or hesitant makes you seem unsure. In a panel interview, speak with confidence about your past achievements. Use “I led” or “I implemented” instead of only “I was part of.” Own your contributions.
Showing Up Only When Being Watched
Your attitude is judged constantly, not just in the boss’s presence. How you treat the office assistant or react when the NTSA system delays your commute matters. That frustration shouldn’t walk into the office with you. Reset your mood at the door.
Confusing Hustle with Sustainable Effort
Some burn out trying to prove themselves in the first week by working until 9 PM daily. A great attitude is about consistent, reliable effort. It’s better to deliver quality work by 5:30 PM daily than to be exhausted and error-prone by Wednesday.
Kenyan Nuances: Where Attitude Meets Our Reality
In Kenya, a great attitude is tested by our daily realities. It’s easy to be positive in a perfect office, but the true test is during the rainy season when floods disrupt your commute, or when dealing with a slow government process. Your reaction in these moments defines you.
Consider the common scenario of a follow-up interview requiring a trip to the CBD. A candidate with a great attitude plans for Nairobi traffic. They might leave their home in Kitengela by 6:00 AM, budget for an extra KES 500 for a bolt if matatus are stuck, and still arrive 15 minutes early, calm and prepared. They don’t blame “Nairobi traffic” for their lateness; they outsmart it.
Another key area is navigating bureaucracy. If an employer asks for a certificate of good conduct or a KRA PIN certificate, show initiative. Don’t just say “the eCitizen queue is long.” Instead, say, “I have applied online, and the status is currently being processed. I can share the application reference now and will forward the certificate immediately upon receipt.” This shows resourcefulness and of how things actually work here.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, a great attitude is your most powerful, non-negotiable asset in the Kenyan job market. It’s the difference between being a qualified candidate and being the one who actually gets hired and thrives. Skills get your foot in the door, but your mindset gets you the seat at the table.
Start today: before your next application, audit your last interaction—with a shopkeeper, a colleague, or a family member. Was it helpful, patient, and solution-oriented? That’s the energy you need to bring. Then, share this article with one friend who is on the job hunt and needs this reminder.
Frequently Asked Questions About I will hire anybody with a great attitude in Kenya
Can a great attitude make up for lacking a specific university degree?
In many roles, especially entry-level or sales positions, yes. Employers like those in retail or hospitality often prioritize trainable enthusiasm over a specific diploma. They value someone who can connect with customers and solve problems on the spot.
However, for regulated professions like accounting or engineering, the required professional certifications from bodies like ICPAK are non-negotiable. Your attitude then becomes what makes you stand out among other qualified candidates.
What if I have a bad day during the interview process? Can I recover?
Absolutely. Authenticity matters. If you sense you came off as stressed or flustered, address it professionally. In your follow-up thank-you email, you can briefly acknowledge it: “I was very keen on this opportunity and apologize if my nerves showed.”
This demonstrates self-awareness and emotional intelligence, which are key parts of a resilient attitude. It’s a more powerful move than pretending nothing happened.
Does this mean I should work for free or accept a very low salary to prove my attitude?
No. A great attitude includes knowing your worth and setting professional boundaries. You can be enthusiastic while still negotiating a fair market rate. Accepting a salary below KES 20,000 for a demanding professional role in Nairobi, for example, often leads to quick burnout.
Your positive mindset should be reflected in how you discuss compensation—focusing on the value you will bring, not just desperation for the job.
How can I show a great attitude if the interview is fully online on platforms like Zoom?
Treat it with the same seriousness as an in-person meeting. Ensure your background is tidy, test your internet connection early, and dress professionally. Be fully present—avoid looking at your phone or another screen.
Small gestures matter: log in 5 minutes early, use the interviewer’s name, and give clear verbal cues like “That’s a great question” to show you are actively listening, despite the digital barrier.
What if my current workplace doesn’t value my positive attitude and effort?
This is a common frustration. Use your attitude as fuel for your exit strategy. Document your achievements and solutions you’ve implemented. This evidence becomes powerful content for your CV and interviews for your next role.
Start discreetly looking for a new opportunity where your mindset will be an asset, not taken for granted. A great attitude is also about making strategic moves for your own growth.
