Job interviews can be exciting and stressful at the same time. You are looking forward to your professional journey in Canada, but you may be anxious about how to make it through every step of the hiring process. Preparing for your job interview will make the process less intimidating, while also increase the chances of landing your desired job in Canada.

Making a lasting first impression is all about giving crisp, thoughtful answers, asking intelligent and pertinent questions, and showing a genuine interest in the company. Hence, a little prep for the interview will go a long way in increasing:

• Your knowledge about the job and the company where you are seeking employment
• Your confidence and ability to give effective answers
• Your chances of success in your job search

Tips for Before the Interview

Whether it is a telephonic discussion, video conference, or an in-person interview, here are some things you may want to consider before the meeting:

• Go through the job description in detail and research the company, its businesses, as well as information about your interviewers’ roles (if you know who will be interviewing you).
• Read up employee reviews (Glassdoor, LinkedIn) to learn more about their corporate culture and employee practices, as well as recruitment practices and likely interview questions.
• Prepare your answers for the anticipated questions and ensure that you can articulate your skills and experience in a crisp and concise manner.
• Prepare specific examples using the Situation Task Action Results (STAR) method to highlight your experience, accomplishments, or specific competencies that are relevant to the job.
• Plan your attire carefully for an impressive professional appearance.

Tips for During the Interview

• If this is an in-person interview, arrive early. For online ones, make sure your connections are up and running before time.
• Greet your interviewer/(s), make eye-contact, smile, and maintain non-verbal communication through body language. Ensure a firm handshake during an in-person meeting.
• Maintain a positive and enthusiastic demeanor. Interviewers often emphasize attitude over credentials, skills, or experience.
• Answer politely, respectfully, and concisely. Ensure that you do not deviate from the topic. Follow the lead of the interviewer and ask for clarifications wherever necessary.
• Provide concrete examples that support your responses and give the interviewers further insights into your skills or capabilities. Try not to repeat the same things that are already on your resume.
• Do not hesitate to ask your prepared questions when interviewers give you the opportunity. This is a great time to learn more about the company culture, day-to-day job responsibilities, performance measurement criteria, or other aspects relevant to the role.
• If the interviewer has not clearly specified this part then find out next steps in the process, before you thank them for their time and say goodbye.

Tips for After the Interview

• Make notes about the job, company, and how you responded to the questions. This may come in handy if they put you through further interviews or assessments in the hiring process.
• Send a thank-you note within 24 to 48 hours of your meeting/ discussion.
• Follow-up in a week or two by email or phone if you have not heard back.
• If you are not selected for the job, ask for feedback about your performance during the interview and keep an open line of communication to show your interest for future opportunities.

We Set You Up for Success in Your Canadian Job Search

At Newcomers Canada, we are passionate about supporting new immigrants, permanent residents, and foreign professionals throughout their transition in Canada. Whether it is for work permits, job search, entrepreneurial ventures, healthcare, cultural assimilation, or some other aspect, we support you with all the relevant information you require to live well, work profitably, and thrive in Canada.

Get in touch with us to learn more about handling job interviews in Canada and get tips on how to succeed.