During interviews in Canada, you will be asked various questions to determine whether you are suitable for a particular position. However, do not be concerned, as it is not an interrogation, but rather a conversation. It is important to be confident. To achieve this, you should prepare for the interview. In order to prepare, you should be aware of the questions that are typically asked during interviews.
Types of interviews
First of all, you need to understand that there are several types of interviews in Canada:
- In professional (technical) interviews, you will be asked about your skills and experience.
- In behavioral (psychological) interviews, they look at how you react to different situations.
- In mixed interviews, they will ask you about your work and study your character. Mixed interviews usually involve two people: one specialist in your field and one HR representative who will pay attention to your behavior. Before the interview, it is best to prepare for all possible types of questions. You never know for sure what they will ask. They may ask about your work or your life. Therefore, be prepared for both technical and psychological questions.
What do they ask at interviews?
Now let's talk about specific questions. Here's what they might ask:
- About your work experience. You will need to tell them where you worked, what you did, and what projects you were involved in. Don't forget to boast about your achievements, but without exaggerating.
- About your skills. If you are a programmer, for example, you may be asked to write some code on the spot. If you are an accountant, you may be asked to solve a tax problem. If you are applying for a job in a store or hotel, they may describe a situation and ask how you would handle it.
- About your strengths and weaknesses. The main thing here is to be honest, but not too much. Talk confidently about your strengths, and about your weaknesses in a way that shows you are working on them.
- Situational questions. For example, “What would you do if your colleague was always late?” Here you need to show that you can solve problems constructively.
- About the company. They may ask what you know about them. Therefore, before the interview, you should google the company and check their website.
- About your goals. Where do you want to go next, what are your plans for the future?
- Why do you want to work for them? Here you need to show that you are not just looking for any job, but are interested in this particular company.
What not to ask in an interview
After they ask you questions, it will be your turn. You should ask a few questions to show your interest. But there are some topics that are better not to bring up so as not to spoil the impression:
- “How long does it take to get a promotion?” This makes it look like you are only interested in your career, not the job itself, and if you don't get promoted quickly, you will start looking for another job.
- “How often do you have to work overtime?” This question may show that you are not ready to give your all.
What is better to ask
Instead of these questions, it is better to ask:
- About a typical working day at the company.
- What the corporate culture is like at the company.
- What opportunities there are for professional development.
- What team you will be working with.
The main thing is to show that you are interested in the job and are ready to work hard. Remember, an interview is not just about being evaluated. It is also your chance to evaluate the company and understand whether you want to work there. So be confident, honest, and open. Show yourself in the best light, but don't try to be someone else.