Interview

1. Interview Skills
Developed by:
Student Career and Employment Centre

2. Job Interviews
♦ Why are job interviews difficult?
♦ What are Canadian job interviews like?
– How long?
– How many interviewers?
– Casual or formal?

3. Purpose of an Interview
Resume
Job Interview

4. Purpose of the Interview
In the interview you:
♦ Explain why you are qualified
♦ Show you have the right personality
♦ Listen for information about the job and
the company
♦ Decide if it is the right job for you

5. Preparing for the Interview
• Read the job posting and understand the
position and the hours
• Practice interview questions
• Research the company
• Salary
• Know the name of the person who is
interviewing you

6. Choosing Clothing
• Clothing should be
Professional
Comfortable
Conservative
• Make sure clothing is ready the night
before
Fits properly, ironed, clean, no tags
• Polish your shoes

7. Type of Clothing
♦ In a formal interview for a professional
position you must wear a suit
♦ In an informal interview you should wear
business casual

8. Business Casual Dress
Men:
Pants: Khaki pants, neatly pressed!
Shirts: Polo shirts (tucked in); or a
buttoned down long-sleeve solid shirt
Socks: Wear dark socks, mid-calf length so
skin is not visible when you sit down
Shoes: Shoes that are in good condition
should be worn. No sandals, athletic shoes
or hiking boots

9. Attire for Men

10. Business Casual Dress
Woman:
Pants/Skirts: A woman can wear casual
pants or skirts. A knee-length skirt is
preferable
Shirts/Sweaters/Jackets: Tailored shirts or
blouses, tailored knit sweaters and sweater
sets are appropriate. A tailored jacket can
be worn
Shoes and Hosiery: Closed-toe shoes,
sandals which are neither extremely dressy
nor extremely casual are appropriate.
Hosiery should be considered with skirts.

11. Attire for Women

12. Personal Grooming
 Well-groomed hair
 Neat nails
 Jewellery – less is best
 No political or religious buttons
 Light perfume and make-up
 Fresh breath

13. Going to the Interview
♦Know the location and travel time
♦Arrive early
♦Know the name of the person who is
interviewing you
♦Bring your references and resume

14. Arriving at the Interview
♦ Do not bring anyone
♦ Do not bring coffee
♦ Turn off your cell phone
♦ Be VERY nice to the receptionist

15. Words
7%
Body Language
55%
Tone
38%
Communication:

16. Body Language: how to make
a good first impression?
♦ Shake hands (always)
♦ Smile
♦ Eye Contact
♦ Be: Positive / Enthusiastic/ Confident
♦ Good posture
♦ Voice / Tone
♦ Be aware of your hands

17. Answering Questions
♦ What information are they looking for?
♦ Take every opportunity to describe:
 Skills, training, experience
 Personality
 Suitability to the job
♦ Avoid “Yes” or “No” answers
♦ Be honest but focus on your strengths
♦ Finish your answers on a positive note
 Example: “I do not have experience but I am very eager
to learn”
♦ Ask for clarification

18. Interview Questions - Examples
1) Tell me about yourself.
2) Why do you want to work here?
3) What are your weaknesses?
4) What salary do you expect?
5) What do you think about your
supervisors?
6) What do you know about this company?

19. Behavioural Interview Questions?
♦ Take your time
♦ Answer honestly
♦ What information are they looking for?
♦ Which skills (hard and soft) did you use?
♦ What were the results?
♦ Did you learn from the situation?
♦ If you cannot remember a situation from the
past, answer as a hypothetical question

20. Sample Behavioural questions
1) Describe an occasion when you exceeded
expectations.
2) Describe a situation when your work was
criticized.
3) What would you do if you disagreed with
the boss?
4) What would you do if you learned a co-
worker was criticizing your work behind
your back?

21. Questions to ask an Interviewer
1. Are there opportunities for advancement?
2. Who would be my immediate supervisor?
3. Is there a probationary period? How long is it?
4. Is there a job orientation, or do you provide
training on the job?
5. What are the most important demands/
challenges of this job?
6. When will you be making your decision?
7. On what basis will my performance be
evaluated?

22. Closing
♦ Ask about the next step
♦ Shake hands and say “Thank you”
♦ Send a Thank You note

23. Unacceptable Questions
Employers can ask any questions about
your ability to do the job
Employers should not ask about:
Gender Family Status Age
Income Home country Size
Religion Military Service Health
Photos Membership WCB
Sexual Orientation

24. Answering Unacceptable Questions
♦Do you feel comfortable?
♦Is the interviewer making conversation?
♦Ask why the information is needed?

25. Interview Do’s
Cell phone
Eye contact
Preparation
Ask for clarification
Listen
Questions
Arrival Be honest Make notes
HandshakeShow respect
Positive attitude
Thank you letter
Dress code
Next step

26. Interview Don’ts
Arriving too early
Arriving too late
Falsified materials
Yes or no answers
Falsified answers
Chewing gum Bringing company
Cigarette smoke
Salary interest
Negative comments
Posture
Desperation