Interview Skills

Developed by: Student Career and Employment Centre

Job Interviews

Why are job interviews difficult? What are Canadian job interviews like?

– How long?– How many interviewers?– Casual or formal?

Purpose of an Interview

Resume

Job Interview

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

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

Choosing Clothing• Clothing should be

ProfessionalComfortable Conservative

• Make sure clothing is ready the night beforeFits properly, ironed, clean, no tags

• Polish your shoes

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

Business Casual DressMen:Pants: Khaki pants, neatly pressed!Shirts: Polo shirts (tucked in); or a

buttoned down long-sleeve solid shirtSocks: Wear dark socks, mid-calf length so

skin is not visible when you sit downShoes: Shoes that are in good condition

should be worn. No sandals, athletic shoes or hiking boots

Attire for Men

Business Casual DressWoman: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.

Attire for Women

Personal Grooming

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

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

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

Words 7%

Body Language55%

Tone38%

Communication:

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

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

Interview Questions - Examples1) 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?

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

Sample Behavioural questions1) 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?

Questions to ask an Interviewer1. 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?

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

Unacceptable QuestionsEmployers can ask any questions about your

ability to do the job

Employers should not ask about:Gender Family Status AgeIncome Home country SizeReligion Military Service HealthPhotos Membership WCBSexual Orientation

Answering Unacceptable Questions

Do you feel comfortable? Is the interviewer making conversation? Ask why the information is needed?

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 codeNext step

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