INTERVIEWING

FOR SUCCESS
Table of Contents

The Purpose of an Interview ........................................................................................................... 2

Types of Interview........................................................................................................................ 3-4

Effective Preparation ................................................................................................................... 4-5

Dressing for the Interview ........................................................................................................... 6-7

Before the Interview Starts ............................................................................................................. 8

During the Interview ....................................................................................................................... 9

After the Interview................................................................................................................... 10-12

Job Offers ................................................................................................................................. 13-14

Salary Expectations ....................................................................................................................... 15

Types of Interview Question .................................................................................................... 16-19

Sample Interview Questions .................................................................................................... 20-23

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The Purpose of an Interview

An interview is a meeting with an employer or company representative (e.g. Human

Resources), where, through a series of questions and answers and possible testing, your
suitability for the job is assessed. To ensure a successful outcome, preparation is key.

What do employers want?

Proof that you can do the job through:

• Work experience
• Education
• Extra-curricular activities
• Transferrable skills - e.g. communication, leadership, technical
• Knowledge skills - special knowledge that is discipline or industry specific
• Personal skills (also known as self-management skills) - personal qualities or traits
that are unique to you
Assurance that you will do the job
• Are you motivated? Are you excited about the job? Are you going to stick around?
That you will fit in
• Are you right for the company culture? Will you be part of the team? How well will
you interact with co-workers?

When does the interview start?

The interview starts as soon as you make contact with the employer. This can include:
• Online application; telephone call
• In-person at a coffee meeting/information interview
• Networking event; career fair
• Volunteer job
• LinkedIn connection request

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Types of Interview

There are a number of interview formats an employer may use in their recruitment process.
You may start with an interview with one person only (e.g. human resource advisor), and then
be short-listed for a second and even a third and fourth interview with other company
representatives. Listed below are the most common interview formats.

Interview Type Description

Screening This is usually a telephone interview conducted by a human resource
professional or hiring manager to screen out inappropriate candidates.

Telephone Conducted by a human resource professional or hiring manager to

screen out inappropriate candidates.

One-to-One This is the standard, most common interview. There is usually a pre-
designed structure that is followed.

Informal Informal or unstructured interviews are more relaxed and

conversational in approach, and may be conducted off-site (e.g.,
restaurant or coffee shop) so that an employer can assess your social
skills for fit with their company.

Behavioural Questions asked during this type of interview are focused on who you
are and your personality. It is expected that you respond using the
S.T.A.R technique.

Situational Situational interviews use a scenario or role-play to explore what you

would do in a real-life, job-related occurrence in order to explore your
personality and decision-making abilities.

Panel Panels gain multiple perspectives on you at once by using more than
one interviewer (generally two or more). The structure is similar to the
formal interview.

Group This is when you and other candidates are interviewed at the same time
(you are seated together, answering questions one at a time; a group
activity may be included).

Webcam Webcam interviews are a growing trend in which employers have you
log onto their website and be recorded answering questions with no
employer interaction.

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 SKYPE/Video Usually conducted online using a webcam to conduct the first interview.

Stress This interview style is meant to ‘put you on the spot’ through some
form of testing such as a question and answer test, role-play, on-the-
spot presentation or other activity.

Case Case questions are a specialized style of interviewing where the

employer has an opportunity to assess your ability to use logic, analyze
a situation, sort through a large amount of information as a well as your
ability to present recommendations to a group.

Technical This type of interview is conducted by a professional in the field and is

usually focused on knowledge specific to the industry.

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Effective Preparation

Know Yourself!

Know your skills and achievements and be ready to articulate how they relate to the position.
Be ready to speak about your functional, transferable and technical skills, personal attributes,
work values and future goals. This will help to keep you focused on your presentation, and be
able to answer the most important question “Why should I hire you?”
Transferrable skills are learned in one situation but can easily be applied in various settings. This
includes skills developed during coursework, academic projects, paid and unpaid work, co-op
placements, extra-curricular activities, study abroad experiences, campus and community
activities, student and professional organizations, leadership roles, and from personal interests.

Achievements are occasions where you recognized a problem or a situation that could have
been improved, and you acted on it. They are an excellent way to identify your strengths.

Consider the following:

• Did you receive some form of recognition (award, title, trophy, etc.)?
• Did you intervene in a situation that could have been a problem had you not detected
it?
• Did you make a suggestion that was used by your classmates, team or co-workers?
• Did you satisfy a particularly demanding client, supervisor, professor?
• Did you initiate something? Have you trained or taught people?

The Top Abilities, Skills and Qualities Recruiters Most Want in Candidates

Yes No Yes No Yes No

Communications Problem-Solving Adaptability
Creativity Decision Making Detail-Oriented
Entrepreneurialism Project Management Flexibility
Innovation Research Initiative
Info Management Quantitative Analysis Risk-Taking
Interpersonal Strategic Planning Strong Work Ethic
Leadership Team Work Tactfulness
Organizational Technical/Computer

Adapted from: NACE (2016). Job Outlook 2016: The Attributes Employers Want to See on New College Graduates’
Résumé.

Note: Employers look for evidence that you can contribute to the workplace with the skills they
need. It is important to show them how through examples.

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Research the Company

Find out as much background information on the company and job as possible. Important
information found on most company websites and social media include the following:
• ‘About us’ – what the employer is best known for; services and products offered;
clients and competitors; reputation; industry awards
• History; mission statement; current company news; industry news
• Organizational structure; location(s); physical environment
• Company culture (does the organization’s practices and beliefs fit with your values?)

Other ways to gather research include:

• LinkedIn; Glassdoor • Professional/trade magazines
• Brochures • Press/media kits
• Annual reports • Corporate directories

Note: know which company location your interview will be at and how to get there. If possible,
plan your route (e.g. drive by the location a day or two before the interview). Remember to
check the weather and transit conditions the day of your interview.

Dressing for the Interview

Sources say that up to 55% of another person's perception of you is based on how you look, so
make the right impression at your interview. Although dressing and grooming appropriately
may not get you the job, it will give you a competitive edge and help to make a positive first
impression.

Always dress professionally for an interview. All candidates should have a neat, professional
hairstyle, manicured nails, cleaned and pressed clothing/shoes and a portfolio or briefcase.
Dress codes within organizations vary greatly. It is important to dress professionally for the
interview, even though the acceptable daily dress code may differ when hired.

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Business Professional Dress Code

This is the most conservative type of clothing expected as daily dress in businesses such as
financial firms.

Expectations for Women Expectations for Men

• Solid colour (black, grey, or navy being • Business suit (black, grey, or navy
the most common colors), being the most common colours) with
conservative dress/pant suit the jacket and pant fabric matching
• Skirt length - no more than two inches • Button-down white or light coloured
above the knee; wear nylons or tights long-sleeved shirt
• Coordinated shirt (solid neutral • Necktie with a conservative pattern
colour) –necklines should be near the
• Belt, socks and shoes should all match
collarbone
(dark colour)
• Appropriate business shoe
• Hair and facial hair should be clean
• Jewelry should be subtle not flashy and neat (shorter styles are more
common)
• Keep hair and nails neat and clean
• No aftershave or cologne
• No perfume or strong scents
• Jewelry should be subtle
Business Casual Dress Code

Business casual dress is slightly less conservative.

Expectations for Women Expectations for Men

• Dress pants/skirt in a conservative • Dress pants in dark or neutral colour
colour
• Button-down dress shirt, tucked in, with
• Skirt length - no more than two inches or without a tie; sweaters with a
above the knee (longer is acceptable) collared shirt beneath, and/or blazer
• Button-down shirts/blouses, sweaters • Jackets are optional
and/or jackets (fabric does not need to
• Belt, socks and shoes should all match
match); necklines should be near the
collarbone

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Casual Dress Code

Casual dress is less conservative type of business wear and is common as daily dress. We do
not recommend casual dress for career fairs or job interviews.

Things to avoid:
• Loud colors; busy designs
• Revealing fabrics (cleavage, chest hair)
• Shorts, capri pants, short skirts
• Mismatched, wrinkled, untucked, pilled/linty, tattered, faded, or stained clothing
• Open-toed footwear or athletic shoes
• Plastic or crafty jewelry
• Visible body art
• Strong scents
Before the Interview Starts
• Dress appropriately - when in doubt, dress on the conservative side (see section above)
• Bring the names of the interviewer(s), company address and phone number
• Bring extra copies of your resume, making sure it is the same one you originally
submitted; copies of your reference page; a portfolio of your work (if applicable); a list
of 4-6 questions to ask the employer at the end of the interview
• Make sure you have a good night’s rest the night before
• Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, coffee, eating garlic or other strong spices/herbs
before the interview
• Arrive 10 - 15 minutes early; a late arrival will most likely ensure you do not get the job
• If you are running late, call the employer and notify them immediately to confirm the
appointment or to reschedule it for a later date
• Do not bring anyone with you
• Be polite to all staff - remember that personnel may be observing you from the time you
arrive on the property, so act professionally and courteously
• When you meet the employer, smile, keep good eye contact, present a friendly manner,
and address the interviewer by name (e.g. Mr. or Ms. Jones)
• If the employer offers to shake your hand, provide a firm handshake
• If you are offered a drink, take water only
• Wait for the interviewer to ask you to be seated and to take the lead on the interview

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During the Interview
• Do no place anything on the desk between you and the interviewer such as a briefcase
or portfolio - it will appear to be a barrier
• Use direct eye contact, smile, maintain good posture, and don’t fidget
• It is important to ‘mirror’ the interviewer - if they are quiet and reserved, you may not
want to be too loud or overexcited
• Avoid excessive body language, such as tapping fingers, clicking a pen, rocking in the
chair or making excessive hand movements
• Avoid recessive body language, such as lack of facial expressions or external movements
(this can make you seem either disinterested, lacking in confidence, or difficult to
connect to as a potential employee)
• Listen carefully to the interviewer - do not interrupt before they finish a point or complete
their question
• Answer questions thoroughly and completely by being concise and factual; ask for
clarification if necessary; do not just give ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers
• Speed, volume, pacing, tone and vocal inflection all play a role - do not mumble or
sound monotone
• Give examples of your skills and accomplishments to provide proof of your abilities and
value to the employer
• If you feel that the interviewer has a concern with a particular area, ask them; this may
be your only chance to address it prior to the end of the interview
• Summarize why you are qualified for the position - this is the time to state strengths and
qualities you may have forgotten to emphasize earlier
• Clarify next steps. “When are you looking to fill the position?” “What is the next step in the
hiring process?”
• If you want the job, SAY SO! Many people will finish an interview, thank the interviewer
for their time and leave without asking for the “sale”
“I’d really like to work for your company. I think we are a great fit and I’m confident I
could do this job well. What is the next step in your selection process? When do you
expect to make a hiring decision for this position?
• Request a business card from each person present
• Ask if you can follow-up if you do not hear anything by the time they said the decision
would be made
• Thank the interviewer(s) for their time; shake hands confidently and leave a good last
impression

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After the Interview

A common mistake for interviewees is thinking that the interview is over once they leave the
employer’s office. Not so! There are still a few things you should do to ensure a successful
outcome.

• Make sure to ask for the interviewer’s business card or contact information before you
leave
• Follow-up with a thank you note (or email) to each person you met within 24 to 48
hours - it shows you are considerate of the employer’s time and that you are
professional and have a keen interest in the position
• Ensure you have the correct spelling of everyone’s name
• If you have not heard back from the interviewer after two or three weeks, do not be
afraid to place a follow-up call
• If the position has not been filled, restate your strong interest in being hired; if the
position was filled by another candidate, ask for feedback from the employer in order to
help you in future interviews (note: some employers may not be able to provide much
information)
• Take time to reflect on your performance - make notes immediately after the interview
for future reference

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Sample Interview Follow-up Thank-you Letter

Your Name
Your Address, City, Province, Postal Code Your Phone Number Your Email

Date

Name
Title
Organization
Address
City, Province, Postal Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

Thank you again for taking the time to sit down with me and discuss the __________________
position at ______________________ (name of organization). The job, based on both your
descriptions and my research, seems to be a good match for my skills as well as my interest and our
meeting has only further confirmed my desire to work with you.

Along with the skill sets we discussed in person during the interview, I will also bring to the position
my enthusiasm, attention to detail and organizational skills. I know my strong background in
coordinating multiple departments will help me to work seamlessly with the Secret Sauce Engineers
and Technicians already on staff.

I fully understand your need for an active, hands-on coordinator. As your company continues to
grow and evolve, my coordination and organization skills will not only help to streamline the process
but will also allow you the freedom and ability to focus on the larger issues at hand.

I fully enjoyed our time together but neglected to mention at the time that prior to my last position
as a ___________ (job title) specialist with the _____________ company, I spent six months working
as a professional ____________and _______________. This experience helped hone my
organizational skills as well as develop my book keeping and clerical skills.

Thank you again for your time and consideration. I am very interested in working with you and I
look forward to hearing from you regarding this position.

Sincerely,

Your Electronic Signature

Your Typed Name

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Sample Interview Follow-up Thank-you Email

Follow the same business-writing format used in cover letters.

Subject line: Thank you – Marketing Assistant Interview September 5, 20xx

Dear or Attention Mr./Ms. Last Name,

It was very nice to meet with you today about the Marketing Assistant position at the Just
Be Happy Agency. The job seems to be an excellent match for my skills and interests. The
creative approach to account management that you described confirmed my desire to work
with you.

In addition to my enthusiasm, I will bring to the position strong writing skills, assertiveness,
and the ability to encourage others to work cooperatively with the department.

I appreciate the time you took to interview me. I am very interested in working for you and
look forward to hearing from you regarding this position.

Sincerely,

Your Name
Phone Number
Email Address

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Job Offers

An offer for employment is typically delivered over the telephone by the primary contact
person involved in the recruiting process. Be sure to thank you for the offer and clarify when
you need to provide a decision. If you are confident this is the position you want, and the salary
package is acceptable,
you can accept the job
over the phone, but it
is totally acceptable to
ask for a bit of time
process the offer, to
prepare to negotiate or
turn down the offer.

“Thank you for the

offer. I’m excited
about this position
and the
opportunity to
work for your
company. Of
course, this is a
very important decision for me and I will need a bit of time to think it over. May I get back to
you with a decision?”

Salary Negotiation Tips

• Research typical salary ranges for similar positions

• The best time to negotiate is after an offer is made – always maintain your
professionalism
• Don’t negotiate just for the sake of it or too hard - aggressive negotiation tactics may
lead to a rescinded offer
• Avoid bringing your personal financial obligations into a salary discussion
• A peer’s higher offer is not sufficient reason to negotiate your offer
• Express your excitement about the offer during the negotiations
• Understand that your negotiation requests may be denied - decide which of your
requests is a ‘deal breaker’ and which are only on your ‘wish list’

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Evaluating the Offer

There are many issues to consider when assessing a job offer. It is not uncommon for new
questions to emerge as you evaluate the opportunity. Now is the time to ask the employer
about these issues – and do your own checking. Before you decide, make the effort to get
clarification. Talk with Career Centre staff, a current employee or alumnus that works for the
company or the recruiting contact.

Factors to Consider in an Offer

• Salary and benefits • Physical work environment
• Job/industry stability • Geographic location/possible
• Rewarding work, impact on society relocation/opportunities for travel
• Level of responsibility/autonomy • Size of the organization
• Opportunity for advancement • Non-profit vs public vs private sector
• Ability to use skills; challenge • Fit with co-workers
• Work hours/telecommuting

Handling Multiple Offers

Create a pros and cons list. Analyze the list as to what is most important to you. If the
opportunities seem genuinely equal, ask yourself what is important to you.

Turning Down an Offer

Be tactful and timely when declining an offer for employment. It is very important not to ‘burn
bridges’. Decline the offer verbally and in writing.

“Thank you for offering me the position of Marketing Assistant with XYZ Company. Your
organization’s reputation for top rated in customer service was reflected in the courtesy and
professionalism provided to me throughout the interview process. However, after careful
consideration I have decided to accept another position that aligns more closely with my
skills and interests at this point in my career. Thank you for the opportunity to learn more
about your organization. I enjoyed meeting you and the other members of the team.”

Accepting the Offer

Get the offer in writing. In addition to a verbal offer, you should request a Letter of Offer that is
a written document that outlines the details of your employment offer as well as associated
benefits. Sign a copy for the employer and keep a copy for yourself. Thank your references and
others who have assisted you in your job search.

Note: do not accept an offer and continue job searching. If you would like to continue
interviewing with other companies or finish the interview process, ask for a deadline extension
to respond.

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Salary Expectations

Let the company initiate salary discussions. Typically, the salary discussion happens at the job
offer stage, however, it is always best to be prepared by knowing the appropriate salary range
for your industry.

Before you consider answering the question, it is important for you to know the going rate for
jobs in your field. We recommend you do some research to understand the market salary
range. Review wages on the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, Glassdoor.ca, Salary.com,
Payscale.com, or LinkedIn Salary Review.

“I’m more interested in finding a position that’s a good fit for my skills and interests. I’m
confident that you’re offering a salary that’s competitive in the current market.”

“According to my research and past experience, my understanding is that the [$$ - $$K] per
year is typical based on the role and requirements.”

“Since this position is not exactly the same as my current job, let’s discuss what my
responsibilities at this company will be and work together to determine a fair salary for this
position.”

Also, consider other incentives if the wage offered is lower than you expected:
• Performance bonuses, commission incentives
• Signing bonuses, future pay raises
• Benefits - health, retirement, tuition reimbursement, etc.
• Additional vacation days
• Company stock
• Flexible working hours/options
• Gym membership
• Location (cost of living, local job market)
• Opportunity to take on new responsibilities and gain experience

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Types of Interview Questions

Based on the skills or critical behaviours deemed necessary for the job, interviewers will usually
use a variety of questioning techniques, asking deliberate questions to determine whether you
possess those skills and experience sought. Always listen carefully to each question, keeping
your answers concise but complete (most answers should be between 30 seconds and two
minutes), while focusing on your strengths and putting a positive spin to your answers.

Experience Questions

Try to summarize information about yourself so that it relates to the requirements of the
position. Build on the examples you provided in your cover letter and resume.

“Tell me about yourself”

Briefly talk about these three areas:

• Your work experience, education and qualifications related to the position (90%)
• Your related attributes (5%)
• Your personal interests, community involvement and fitness (5%)

“I have an Associates of Arts in Environmental Science with one years’ experience in recording
and storing observations, samples and specimens in the lab and in fieldwork. I have well
developed research and analytical skills, I am proficient in computer applications including
computer modeling and GIS-Map information. In terms of my attributes, I am hardworking and
conscientious and really enjoy this field of work. On a personal note, I swim and cycle and
volunteer with a neighborhood association.”

“Tell me about your work experience with this type of work.”

If you have done this type of work before, state where and give examples of your
achievements. If you have no direct experience, state your transferable skills, show your
interest and willingness to learn, and mention other work-related attributes and skills.

“Yes, I worked at (name of company) from (year) to (year). The duties I performed were (list
duties) and my major achievements were (list results/achievements). My training in this field
includes (summarize training).

If you have no specific experience:

“My background includes (name related transferrable skills/training). I am quick to learn, I

take pride in meeting the goals and standards of an organization and once trained in your
specific (products/services/ procedures), I feel I would be an asset to your company.”

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Goals/Interests/Motivation Questions

These questions are designed to find out how the current position fits with your career goals.

“Where do you see yourself in three years?”

Keep your answer work related, with the focus on the organization rather than how the
experience will benefit you. State your interest and commitment in staying and growing in this
field of work.

“Why did you apply for this position?”

Recap the employer’s description of the job, meeting it point by point with descriptions of your
skills and
experiences, and
why you want to
work for them.

Company
Knowledge
Questions

Think about how

you would fit into
the organization,
making sure you
use your own
words when
describing how
you would make a
great fit. Express
what you know about the company – you can compliment the employer on such points as
reputation, services, products, location, community work, growth, etc. Link how your skills
match their job requirements.

“Your organization has a reputation for (list awards or recognition) and I am really interested
in utilizing my (list related to skills) with your team and growing with the company.”

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Behavioural Interview Questions

Behavioural interview questions work from the premise that how you behaved in the past is an
accurate indicator of how you will likely behave in the future, and what skills you will likely call
upon in response to a similar situation. The S.T.A.R. formula is recommended for answering
questions in which you are asked or expected to provide an example of a time when you
demonstrated a particular skill or asset.

S.T.A.R. Technique:

• Situation - in a short example, define the general context (who, what when
• Task - identify the key objective and issue that you addressed
• Action - describe the action steps you took or initiated, emphasizing the skills you used to
complete the task (what you did, why you did it, how you did it, what skills you used)
• Result - summarize the outcome (what was the improvement because of your actions?)
“Tell me about a situation where you had to solve a difficult problem. What did you do? What
was your thought process? What was the outcome?”

S: When I was working at Telus, I was assigned to help one of our biggest clients who was
dissatisfied with our firm’s services.
T: I identified that there were two issues, one was a technical issue that affected the client
and lack of communication in a timely manner.
A: As a new project leader, I pulled together a good team of talented programmers to solve
the technical issue and we rewrote the application. At the same time, I kept the client
up-to-date with our progress.
R: The customer was satisfaction, which resulted in an extension of the contract”
Negative Questions

Employers use these questions to gauge how you cope, overcome, problem-solve, and succeed
in the face of difficulty. Focus on skills, events, or subjects that are not key to the job goal or
about a specific person. For example, honestly describe a weakness that you are currently
working on and how it is improving – this will demonstrate your ability for self-improvement.
Have additional responses in case you are asked for another example: “What’s one weakness as
related to this position?”

“I’m eager to acquire more accounting software training, so I’m enrolling in a Simply
Accounting evening course next term.”

“Even though I have limited paid work experience, I am willing to take direction to help me fit
into your company’s needs.”

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Inappropriate or Illegal Questions

These questions include anything about your age, nationality, citizenship, gender, sexual
orientation, race/colour, religion, politics, marital/family status, health status, affiliations,
disabilities or arrest record. Below are examples of legal questions:

• Are you authorized to work in Canada? Are you between the ages of 18 and 64?
• What language do you read/speak/write fluently? (this question is okay only if this
ability is relevant to the performance of the job)
• Have you ever been convicted of _______________? (the crime named should be
reasonably related to the performance of the job in question)
• Are you able to work on Saturdays and Sundays, if needed?
• Would you be willing to relocate if necessary? Would you be able to travel as needed for
the job? Would you be able and willing to work overtime as necessary?
• Are you able to life a 30 kg weight and carry it 100 meters, as that is part of the job?
• Are you able to perform the essentials of this job? As part of the hiring process, after a
job offer has been made, you will be required to undergo a medical exam – (if essential
to performing the job).

Sample Interview Questions

General Open-ended Questions on Experience and Skills/Competencies

• Tell me about yourself.

• Name one of your strengths and describe how you used this strength effectively.
• Why do you want to work with this organization?
• What kind of people do you like to work with?
• What three words would your previous supervisor use to describe you?
• How do you handle working under pressure?
• How do you build and maintain effectively working relationships with co-workers?
• In your opinion, what contributes to a successful teamwork?
• Why are you the best person for the job?
• What do you do when you’re having trouble solving a problem?

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Behavioural Questions

1. Teamwork / Cooperation / Relationship Building

• Tell us about a time when you worked as part of a team to achieve a goal. What was
your role? What made it successful?
• Describe a time when you had to persuade a person/group to do something they
didn’t want to do. What was the result?

2. Customer Service
• Have you ever encountered an irate customer? How did you resolve their problem?
• Give me an example of when you initiated a change in process or operations in
response to customer feedback.

3. Commitment to Quality Improvement

• Describe a time when you worked on multiple projects concurrently? What
strategies did you use to keep on track?
• What is a suggestion you’ve made at work that was implemented?

4. Creativity / Innovation
• Describe a time when you took initiative.
• Can you think of a situation where innovation was required at work? What did you do
in this situation?

5. Flexibility
• What do you do when priorities change quickly? Provide a recent example.
• When was the last time you felt pressure on a job? How did the situation come
about? How did you react? What effect, if any, did this have on your other
responsibilities?

6. Problem Solving / Continuous Learning

• Tell me about a situation where you had to solve a difficult problem. What did you
do? What was your thought process? What was the outcome? What do you wish
you had done differently?
• Give me a specific example of when you used good judgement in solving a problem.

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7. Leadership / Initiative
• What are three leadership qualities you think are critical? How have you
demonstrated these qualities?
• Describe an event or experience where you did made an impact on someone.

8. Interpersonal
• Tell me about a time when you had to resolve a difference of opinion with a co-
worker, customer or supervisor.

9. Sensitivity to Diversity
• What have you done to make another person feel accepted in an environment that
was uncomfortable for them?

10. Honesty / Equality

• Tell me about a specific time when you had to handle a tough problem that
challenged fairness or ethical issues.

11. Conflict Resolution

• Tell me about a time when you and your supervisor disagreed but you still found a
way to convey your point.
• Your co-worker is consistently missing deadlines or asking for help at the last
minute. What do you do about this?
12. Planning / Organization / Prioritizing / Time Management
• How would you handle a situation where you have several looming deadlines and
know you cannot complete all the work within the time allotted?

13. Decision Making / Problem Solving

• Describe an experience when you had limited time to make a difficult decision. What
was the decision and outcome?
• What would you do if you had to make an important decision and your direct
supervisor was not available?

14. Goals, Interests and Motivation

• Where do you see yourself in three years?
• How would you describe your ideal work environment?

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15. Your Knowledge of the Organization
• What do you know about our organization?

16. Questions Asking for Negative Information

• What is one of your biggest challenges/weaknesses?
• Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your supervisor.

17. Tricky/Creative Questions or Analytical Questions

• If you could be an animal or something in nature, what would it be and why?
• How many widgets does it take to build a ship?
• If you were the Prime Minister of Canada, what issue would you tackle first?
Questions to Ask Employers

Ask questions that you are genuinely interested in knowing the answer to. Be curious and
authentic. Think about what influences will bring you fulfillment in your work and then ask the
questions that will help you determine if this job and the organization will be a good fit for you.

Avoid asking questions about salary, vacation, or benefits until you are offered the job, as well
as questions that put the interviewer on the spot, or probe into sensitive or confidential issues.
Ask questions that will help you to understand their recruitment process so that you can plan
your follow-up strategy.

Position Description
• Can you describe the activities of a typical day in this position?
• What are your expectations for new hires? Is travel involved in the job?
• Is this a newly created position? If not, how long has it been vacant?

Judgement
• What have been some of the best results accomplished by people in this position?
• What are your projections for this department/position in the next year?

Education & Professional Development

• What additional training might be necessary for this position?
• Are there training programs available to me so that I can learn and grow professionally?

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About the Organization
• What are some of the major short-and-long-range goals for the company?
• What is your corporate culture like? What makes your organization different from its
competitors?
• What are three characteristics the company considers unique about itself?
• What are some of the common denominators among the most successful employees?

About the Team

• Can you describe the team I would be working with?
• What do you like most about your team?

Career Paths
• Could you tell me about the people who have preceded me in this position and in the
department? Where are they now, and what are they doing?
• Assuming I was hired and performed well for several years, what additional
opportunities might this job lead to? Can you tell me about the career path this position
offers?

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