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

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
Tell me about yourself.
Why do you want to work here?
What are your weaknesses?
What salary do you expect?
What do you think about your supervisors?
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
Describe an occasion when you exceeded expectations.
Describe a situation when your work was criticized.
What would you do if you disagreed with the boss?
What would you do if you learned a co-worker was criticizing your work behind your back?

21. Questions to ask an Interviewer
Are there opportunities for advancement?
Who would be my immediate supervisor?
Is there a probationary period? How long is it?
Is there a job orientation, or do you provide training on the job?
What are the most important demands/ challenges of this job?
When will you be making your decision?
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 Preparation Positive attitude Show respect Handshake
Questions
Dress code
Eye contact
Next step
Cell phone
Listen
Arrival
Make notes
Be honest
Ask for clarification
Thank you letter

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