This blog was written by Jacob Gee, placement student with Build ON
As you progress down the path to finding the right job in Canada, you will eventually be asked to come in for interviews. It is understandable if you are nervous and unsure of what to expect from your interviews, but don’t fear, Build ON is here! We will help prepare you for your first Canadian interview so there will be no surprises. To start, we will first explain the purpose of a Canadian interview.
In Canada, it is important that you have the formal qualifications, skills and education to do a job properly. This means if you have any certifications, portfolio of work or other documents that prove your knowledge and proficiency in your field, it is important to bring as much as you can to the interview. However, your interview begins as soon as you enter the building of your potential Canadian employer. As soon as you step into the building, your communication skills, attitude, problem-solving skills and behaviours are being assessed.
Employers want to know if you have the skills to do the job effectively, but they also want to make sure you will be a good fit for their team. This means from the moment you enter the door, you must be as professional as possible. Let`s start with some tips and tricks:
Interviews can be in many formats, such as one-on-one interviews, group interviews (multiple interviewees) or panel interviews (with multiple interviewers). You may be told the format of the interview or you may not. Therefore, you should bring multiple copies of your resume and professional references in order to be prepared for any scenario. The expected attire for men when going to an interview is business casual, which consists of dress shoes, dress pants, a button up collared shirt and a tie. For women it is appropriate to wear dress pants or a formal skirt, blouse, and professional closed toe shoes. Beyond your attire, it is important to have straight posture, positive facial expressions, keep your hair clean and tidy, have fresh breath, as well as overall clean hygiene when going to an interview. It is imperative you do not use perfume or Cologne in-case people in the building or your interviewer is allergic to it. First impressions are very important and all of these factors play into a potential employer’s perception of you, which can drastically impact your likelihood of being the chosen candidate.
There are many different things you can do to prepare for your exciting new interview! You can practice interview questions at home with friends or family. There is also the option of going to your local YMCA-YWCA and registering with their newcomer and employment services, where you can meet with an employment consultant and practice interviewing in a safe and professional environment. When preparing for an interview, it is also important to research the company in advance. A common question usually asked in most interviews is “What do you know about our company?” This is why doing your homework beforehand is helpful. Having information like this, or about the projects the interviewers are working on is another way you can stand out and separate yourself from the competition.
We hope that this post helped you to understand the basics regarding Canadian interviews and how to prepare for them. If you need more information, you can always ask your Build ON employment consultant. If you are not already a client, please click here to register today! We can offer you the advice and guidance that will give you the confidence to enter the Canadian workplace and ace your first interview!