Introduction
Interviewing for jobs can be intimidating, nerve-wracking, and adrenaline-inducing. Feeling overwhelmed or would like some tips to start preparing? You’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we will explore how to present yourself as the ideal candidate, common interview questions to practice, and how to make a good first impression. Let's get started!
The Ideal Candidate
When preparing for a job interview, the first step is to research the industry and company you want to work in. This will prepare you for working at your desired company and having knowledge of the position demonstrates your interest to the interviewer.
When identifying a suitable position for yourself, consider your career trajectory, salary expectations, the hours that fit your schedule, and the distance required to travel to and from your job. This will allow you to determine the reasons for wanting the job position. Also, discover what kind of culture or environment you want to work in. Do you work best in a fast-paced environment or are you most productive in a slower, more relaxed space? As well, as an international student, ensure that your work adheres to the rules and regulations for working in Canada (click here!).
When you have decided on the industry you want to work in or identified a company you are interested in, consider what values are important to have. For example, if you want a job in the healthcare field, valuing compassion, integrity, and empathy is foundational. Your future employer will be looking for these qualities in an ideal candidate.
To convey your suitability for the position, identify what uniquely makes you the best candidate for the job. Review the job description to pick out keywords that specify the expected qualifications and the gap that you will fill by fulfilling this position.
Interview Questions
Ultimately, the purpose of the interview is to get to know you, as a potential employee, and establish why you should be hired. There are four types of interview questions: behavioural, directive, non-directive, and hypothetical.
To answer behavioural questions, cite stories from past experiences. When answering this type of question, using the STAR method may be helpful.
o Situation-scenario/problem
o Task-what your role in the situation is
o Action –what did you do
o Result-what the outcome of your reaction was
Common behavioural questions ask about leadership, teamwork, and problem solving.
Q: Talk about a time when you had to problem-solve with a team member.
A: Situation: Disagreed on how to complete an assigned task
Task: I was required to complete the task with a team member and submit it
Action: Had a discussion with team member outlining pros and cons of each way of completing the task
Result: Reached a consensus that was agreed upon by everyone and prompt completed the task
Directive questions are specific ones, relating to the job. The interviewer may ask what your salary expectations are for the job, so do your research of what the starting salary is for the position. This ensures that you are not paid a lower salary than you deserve!
Non-directive questions are open-ended, where you can respond from a broad range of past, personal experiences.
Q: Tell me about yourself.
A: I am in my third year of my undergraduate degree, pursuing a Bachelor of Science. I am majoring in Biology, which has allowed me to acquire volunteer experience in research laboratories, where I learned blotting techniques, cell culturing, and microscopic techniques.
Q: What are your strengths?
Outline strengths that will help you in the job you are applying for and explain how it will make you a great addition to the team
A: Time management allows me to delegate and organize tasks according to level of importance and their deadline. This prevents me from being flooded with work and allows me to complete assignments smoothly and efficiently.
Q: What is your greatest weakness?
Outline weaknesses and how you are attempting to overcome them.
A: I struggle with proper time management, but I am overcoming this by setting up a schedule before hand to ensure that I do not miss any meetings and stay on top of things.
Make a list of your strengths, drawing upon the experiences highlighted in your resume. Also, prepare for questions that highlight any weaknesses to your application. For example, if bilingualism is stated to be an asset for the job and you do not possess these skills, you could highlight another way in which you are a good communicator.
Hypothetical questions pose certain scenarios, asking how you would behave. You can use the STAR method outlined above to answer this question.
How would you de-escalate a situation involving an angry customer?
An additional type of question is a “stress” question that is unexpected and analyzes how well you can think on your feet (Career Centre, 2022). If you are interviewing for a position in a research lab, they may ask:
Q: Give a three minute pitch of a research topic you want to investigate.
A: I was watching the Figure Skating portion of the 2022 Olympics, where a quadruple jump was performed for the first time. Those of a smaller body mass have an advantage because they can rotate their bodies faster per unit time. There has been controversy over scoring these jumps in the women’s category, particularly because the nature of their monthly hormonal cycle causes their weight to fluctuate. So far, only pre-pubescent teenage girls have been able to consistently land quadruple jumps. Thus, I would like to do a physiological study on adult women with menstrual cycles, to discover how they can execute quadruple jumps safely.
At the end of the interview, prepare some questions that you want to ask the interviewer. This could involve anything pertaining to your career path, the particular company, or the industry you want to work in. This will demonstrate to the interviewer that you have researched the company and are interested in learning more about it. You could even ask the interviewer what they think the ideal candidate is.
It is okay if you do not know the answer to every question. Prepare some stories ahead of time that can apply to multiple scenarios and can save you from having to improvise an answer.
Mock Interviews
Your answers must not seem too rehearsed or robotic. Practice in advance so you can deliver your answers smoothly and confidently. To simulate the real interview, you must first know the type of interview it will be. For example, you could be expected to complete a panel interview, a group interview, a one-on-one interview, and the medium of the interview: in-person, by phone, or virtual.
If you want to practice with a professional interviewer, the University of Alberta’s Career Centre offers a mock interview session.
Making a Good First Impression
First impressions matter when at an interview, particularly when you first meet the interviewer. Dress professionally, planning your outfit and hairstyle in advance. Whether it is in a law firm or a grocery store, you should still show up to the interview well-groomed and tidy.
Prior to the interview, input the time and place of the interview into your calendar so you do not miss the interview or arrive late. If the interview is virtual, ensure you have a strong internet connection, are in a quiet space, and there are no offensive or distracting images in the background. Make sure you map out the location of the interview beforehand if it is in person, so you are not lost or tardy on the day of the interview.
Your tone, body language, facial expression, and eye contact are paramount to a first impression. Be sure to be attentive, smile, and make eye contact. Averting one’s eyes may be considered rude in Canada and this may leave a negative impression. It is also good practice to disclose your pronouns and ask the interviewer how they should be addressed as well.
Bring a copy of your resume, as this will save potential employers from the burden of sifting through every candidate to find yours. It will also convey that you are organized and proactive. You should also have a pen and paper ready, if you need to take notes or need to write anything down.
Interviews may offer to shake your hand when first meeting with you. If you are not comfortable with this gesture, politely indicate this and offer an alternative way to greet them respectfully.
Thank You notes, while not always an expected courtesy in Canada, can still be done after your interview has completed. In your note, hand-written or by email, thank the interviewer for their time and for considering you. Then, reiterate your interest in the job and your qualifications.
This will allow them to remember you apart from the other candidates and is your chance to leave a lasting impression.
These strategies demonstrate your forethought in preparing for your interview and this will leave a positive impact on your potential employers, who will then perceive this as indication for how you will be as an employee.
Need a quick recap? Check out our infographic!
References
41 behavioural interview questions you must know (best answers included). AI-powered Content Marketing Platform. (2022). Retrieved August 8, 2022, from https://www.themartec.com/insidelook/behavioral-interview-questions
Career Centre. (2022). Preparing for job interviews. Interviews | Career Centre. Retrieved August 8, 2022, from https://www.ualberta.ca/career-centre/resources/interviews.html
Doyle, A. (2022, May 24). How to prepare for a job interview. The Balance Careers. Retrieved August 8, 2022, from https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-job-interview-2061361
Indeed Editorial Team. (2022). How to prepare for a job interview. Indeed Career Guide. Retrieved August 8, 2022, from https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-to-prepare-for-a-job-interview
Kohler, C. (2021, December 16). 7 networking tips for college students. TopResume. Retrieved August 8, 2022, from https://ca.topresume.com/career-advice/networking-tips-for-college-students
The Muse Editors. (2022, June 24). Your ultimate interview prep guide. The Muse. Retrieved August 8, 2022, from https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-ultimate-interview-guide-30-prep-tips-for-job-interview-success