Resources and Tools
Wage Comparison
Use the Monster.ca Salary Wizard to discover the average wage somebody in your field of work makes: http://monsterca.salary.com
Social Media Behavior Tips
Candidates are encouraged to:
- Ensure all social media sites represent you professionally
- Ensure LinkedIn represents you accurately
- Be polite and courteous in all social media posts and content
- Social Media such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other networks are an extension of you, ensure they represent you accurately
Interview Tips
You know you’re the best person for the job. So, how do you let the interviewer know that you’re the ideal employee? One way is to prepare in advance for your job interview. When you are prepared, you can better anticipate what you may experience during the interview process, which will make you feel much more comfortable and relaxed. Please take some time to browse through some of the interview tips we’ve compiled to help guide candidates through the interview process. Also, please remember that our experienced recruiters are recruitment specialists who are available to answer your recruitment and job interview questions.
- Resume Tips
- Interview Tips – Overview
- Selling Yourself
- Preparing for a Job Interview
- Interview Dos and Don’ts
- A Guide to Answering the Most Common Interview Questions
- Questions to Ask in an Interview
- Attributes Employers Desire
Types of Interview Questions
- Interview Questions: Directive
- Interview Questions: Non-Directive
- Interview Questions: Hypothetical or Behavioural
- Interview Questions: Job-Company-Industry
- Interview Questions: Location
- Interview Questions: Stress
Interview Tips – Overview
Expert interviewers know which questions to ask to find out not only about applicants’ skills but also about how they think, how they view the world, and how committed they are to getting the job done while still preserving some sense of balance in life.
However, an interview is not a one-way street. It is an exchange of information, providing you with an opportunity to learn about your potential employer and the position being offered.
Job interview tip #1: It is important to prepare yourself properly for an interview so that you will feel relaxed and confident, and will project your confidence to the employer.
Job interview tip #2: The interview is the most important event in the job search. The thirty minutes spent with the interviewer may determine the future course your career is to take. For this reason, the word “interview” makes many people nervous and insecure.
Job interview tip #3: Keep in mind that you are not asking for a job; you are actually trying to sell your services, a given quantity of useable energy of a certain quality, from which the employer can make a profit. An employer hires you not as a favor to you, but because he/she wants what you have to offer.
Job interview tip #4: An individual goes to a job interview with two objectives: to sell his/her services and to collect information concerning the job and the company. The interviewer also has two objectives: to collect information which will help in predicting the individual’s future performance, and to provide information about the job and company. Both have the further goal of checking personal chemistry: “Do I want to work with this person? Do our corporate philosophies fit?”
Job interview tip #5: The impression you leave with an interviewer should not end when the interview does. Send a thank you note! It is a simple way to stay fresh in the employer’s mind and to show good manners. It is also an excellent opportunity to reinforce a point, bring up anything you forgot in the anxiety of the interview, and again to emphasize how much you want the position.
Use a second paragraph in the note to remind the interviewer who you are. Maybe something was said during the interview that was unusual. This note is a second opportunity to make a mini sales call on the job interview.
Whether or not you get a particular job offer is not fully within your control; however, doing everything you can to portray yourself as a worthy candidate is something you can control.
Selling Yourself
Your chances of success will be noticeably improved if you spend time and effort ensuring that your presentation during a job interview is professionally executed.
For a moment, pretend you are an interviewer and ask yourself, “Do I consider this person (you) a worthy candidate for a position with my company?” If you say “Yes”, you obviously have some confidence, which is good, but not good enough if you want to outshine your competition.
Continuing in your pretend-role of interviewer, ask yourself, “In what ways does this person (yourself) stand out above all other people I’ve talked with?” Tough question? You bet! But it is one you should be ready to answer if you want the real interviewer, the one who will be judging you, to take you seriously.
To answer this and other difficult questions properly, you must invest the time and effort necessary to prepare yourself. Being prepared and selling yourself professionally during the interview will increase your chances of succeeding.
Since the product you are selling is yourself, you must know everything the interviewer could conceivably ask about you. You must become an expert on selling yourself. It’s not so very difficult, but it does require considerable effort and time.
You must also know about the company that is interviewing you. If you can’t visualize ways how you will enhance this company’s operations, chances are they won’t be able to visualize them either!
Remember, the better you know and sell yourself, and understand the position you are striving for, the more spontaneous and confident you will be.
Preparing for a Job Interview
One of the best ways to reduce nervous tension is to learn how to prepare for a job interview, both physically and intellectually.
- Be mentally fresh – get a good night’s sleep.
- Wear clothing appropriate to the company’s image and suitable to the job.
- Your appearance is important. You will be judged on your grooming and overall presentation before you even get a chance to speak. If you are a smoker, you should refrain from smoking just prior to the interview.
- Make sure that you have the correct address and time of the appointment so you do not arrive late and breathless for your interview.
- Remember that the receptionist may have been instructed to write down her impressions of you. Treat everyone you encounter with friendliness and respect.
- Be sure you know the name and correct pronunciation of the person or persons who will be interviewing you.
- Develop a firm but not bone-crushing handshake.
- In preparing for an interview, take only those things you need – two copies of your resume, a list of references, important work samples, a reliable pen and a note pad – all of which should fit neatly into a large envelope or briefcase.
- Thoroughly review the research you have done on the company, the interviewer(s) and the position so that you can discuss the position you are applying for in a knowledgeable manner.
Job Interview Dos and Don’ts
- Think before you answer. It is quite acceptable to pause to organize your thoughts before responding.
- If you are asked a question that you don’t understand, ask for clarification.
- Answer truthfully. After all, if you are playing a game in order to get hired and are successful, the employer will undoubtedly discover any misrepresentation once you are on the job. Most companies make it a standard practice to check out information (educational information, transcripts, references, work history, etc.) that you have provided.
- Body language is a serious part of any interview. Sit up straight, not too relaxed in your chair. Avoid nervous habits such as twisting hair or tapping fingers. Appear alert, attentive and enthusiastic. Above all, maintain eye contact with your interviewers.
- A good method to see whether the interviewer understands your answers is to observe his/her body language. If you are unsure, ask directly whether you have adequately answered his/her questions.
- Occasionally, you will be interviewed by someone less experienced who asks only ‘closed-ended’ questions – ones which evoke a “Yes” or “No” answer. Whenever possible, try to expand and give an example of why you answered the way you did. If the interviewer does most of the talking, you won’t get a chance to convey who you really are and the company will lack the information they need to make an informed decision.
- Don’t be afraid to let people know you are interested in the job – if you want the job, ask for it!One candidate came back to the recruitment consultant after an interview and said the job was exactly what he wanted. When the consultant spoke to the supervisor, he said, “I wish I had known that. He was excellent and I would have hired him on the spot; but I couldn’t read his interest level. He seemed bored. Right after he left, my second choice called to say that he really appreciated the time spent with him and that he really wanted the job, and so I offered the position to him instead.”
- If your nerves get the best of you at interviews, you may leave the wrong impression. If you are not a good communicator, tell the interviewer that you are good at what you do, but not as comfortable interviewing. That way you break the awkwardness by making an honest statement.
A Guide to Answering the Most Common Interview Questions
Be prepared to discuss each interview question. The appropriate responses will depend on your unique situation, but generally, keep your answers to employment-related scenarios.
As a rule of thumb, supply more positive examples than negative when answering all interview questions. For example, when discussing your weaknesses and strengths, provide no more than one weakness compared to three strengths.
- Interview Question #1: Tell me about yourself? – Keep your answers to one or two minutes. Do not ramble. Cover four segments only: early years, education, work experience and recent times, with emphasis on the latter.
- Interview Question #2: What do you know about our company? - Know the company’s products, size, reputation, image, goals, problems, management talent, management style, people skills, history, competitors and philosophy. Avoid saying that you don’t know much. State that you would like to know more.
- Interview Question #3: Why do you want to work for us? – It could be that you wish to be a part of a company project, you would like to solve a company problem, or you can make a definite contribution to specific company goals.
- Interview Question #4: What can you do for us that someone else cannot do? – Relate past experience that represents success in solving previous employer problems that may be similar to those of the prospective employer. Reflect your positive “can do” attitude.
- Interview Question #5: What do you look for in a job? – Keep your answer opportunity-oriented.
Talk about the opportunity to perform and to be recognized. - Interview Question #6: How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm? -
Be realistic (3-6 months to 1 year). - Interview Question #7: How long would you stay with us? - A good answer could be, “As long as we both feel challenge and achievement”.
- Interview Question #8: You seem overqualified or too experienced for the position we have to offer. -
A response could be one of the following,
- “Strong companies need strong people”
- “Experienced executives are at a premium today”
- “You will get a faster return on your investment because I have more experience than is required”
- “A growing company needs people with experience that can help them reach their goals”Emphasize your interest in a long-term association. - Interview Question #9: Why are you leaving your present job? - Stick to one response – don’t change answers during the interview. If possible, give an answer that portrays a group perspective. For example, “Our office is closing”.
- Interview Question #10: How do you feel about leaving all of your benefits?- A possible response,
“Benefits are important but not the main focus in making my decision. I am looking for the right opportunity and environment where I can be challenged.” - Interview Question #11: Describe what you feel to be an ideal working environment? - Be prepared
to answer, as it would pertain to your particular job and circumstances. - Interview Question #12: How would you evaluate your present firm? – “An excellent company that afforded me many fine experiences”. It is important not to bad-mouth past employers or bosses. Bad-mouthing tends to reveal more about you than those who are the objects of your comments.
- Interview Question #13: Why haven’t you found a new position before now? - “Finding the ‘right’ job requires considerable time and study”.
- Interview Question #14: Had you thought of leaving your present position before? If so, what do you think held you there? - “Challenge, but now it is gone” is a good response.
- Interview Question #15: If I spoke to your previous boss, what would he/she say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? - This is a “threat of reference check” question that is popular today. It is designed to produce not only honesty but also perspiration. It is important that your response be honest, but not too negative.
Questions to Ask in an Interview
The questions you ask in an interview regarding a prospective position are as indicative of your attitude and competence as the answers you provide in response to the interview questions. By asking the right questions, you can emphasize your desire to understand the organization’s expectations, determine if the work will be challenging, and analyze whether the work is appropriate to your strengths. With proper interview questioning techniques, you may be able to identify major contributions you might make.
- What are the main responsibilities of the position we are discussing?
Who would be my key associates?
To whom would I report?
Whom would I supervise?
What would be the extent of my authority in carrying out these responsibilities?
Who held the position before, how long did they hold it, and why is the position vacant?
What are the capabilities of the individuals who would report to me? - What objectives do you have in mind that must be met or surpassed for the person who is hired?
Where can this position lead, and in what time frame?
How would I best learn the practices, policies, and corporate expectations that will enable me to function successfully?
Six months from now, how will you know you hired the right person for this job? One year from now? Two years?
Are there any special requirements, such as public speaking, community participation, club memberships, or travel?
How would you describe your company’s culture? What is the management style of the person to whom this position reports? - What are the challenges I would face in this position? (Troublesome or demanding individuals, poor working environment, etc.)
- What are you personally looking for in the successful candidate?
What capabilities do you feel have the most importance?
Am I telling you those things that are of greatest help in making a decision? - When will you be making a decision regarding this position?
May I call you by __ (date) _if I have not heard from you?
The right questions asked in an interview will provide you with information you need to evaluate the position and will improve your negotiating situation once an offer has been made.
Avoid asking about salary and benefits until you get an offer. Let the employer bring up the subject first. Focus on the job responsibilities, who will train you and what they consider a typical day.
Also, be careful not to make an employer feel like you are the one conducting the interview. Prepare interview questions, but do not start out with them.
Attributes Employers Desire
- Positive, enthusiastic attitude
- Skill and experience related to the job
- Ability to communicate
-Ability to adapt positively to change - Flexibility
-Ability to adapt well to change - Energy
-”Go-getter” type of personality - Motivation and goals
-Commitment to the job - Initiative
-Ability to anticipate work and take action to get things done - Team worker
-Ability to energize and motivate others - Diplomacy
-Sensitivity to others - Organization
-Ability to plan work to meet timelines - High personal standards
-Trustworthiness, stability, punctuality, neatness and industriousness - Self-confidence
-Ability to demonstrate a sense of maturity which enables you to deal with situations and people, positively and effectively - Intelligence
- Assertiveness
- Leadership skills
- Analytical skills
Interview Questions: Directive
These are specific interview questions that require you to respond with a precise answer.
These interview questions are usually based on your resume.
- What kinds of work have you done which would prepare you for the duties of this position?
- What kinds of machines/equipment can you operate?
- How does your education equip you for the job at hand?
Regardless of the approach or structure of interview questions asked, the interviewers will be trying to relate your past experiences – education, work, and non-work, to your ability to perform the immediate job and to estimate your potential for future performance or promotion.
Interview Questions: Non-Directive
These interview questions are open-ended and give you the opportunity to decide what direction you will take in answering them.
- Tell me about yourself?
- What are your long-term goals?
- How do you define success?
- What is your philosophy of life?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses? Please give examples.
- Why do you want this job?
Regardless of the approach or structure of interview questions asked, the interviewers will be trying to relate your past experiences – education, work and non-work, to your ability to perform the immediate job and to estimate your potential for future performance or promotion.
Interview Questions: Hypothetical or Behavioral
The interviewer uses these interview questions in an attempt to assess how you might perform on the job. These interview questions are usually presented in two parts. The first part presents a possible job situation. The second part asks how you would deal with the situation.
- One of the job functions in this position is supervision of two clerk-typists. A conflict between these two people has arisen which is affecting office morale and job performance. How would you handle this situation?
Regardless of the approach or structure of interview questions asked, the interviewers will be trying to relate your past experiences – education, work and non-work, to your ability to perform the immediate job and to estimate your potential for future performance or promotion.
Interview Questions: Job-Company-Industry
- Why are you interested in Sales/Marketing/Accounting/etc.?
- What do you think you will be doing in this job you are applying for? What do you think this job requires, and how do you match those requirements? What do you think the duties of someone who holds this job are?
- How do you foresee the future of this industry?
- Do you think a training program is useful? How do you evaluate a business?
- Why should we hire you?Based on this interview, what questions do you have about the company?
Regardless of the approach or structure of interview questions asked, the interviewers will be trying to relate your past experiences – education, work and non-work, to your ability to perform the immediate job and to estimate your potential for future performance or promotion.
Interview Questions: Location
- Are you free to relocate? What constraints do you have?
- How do you feel about job-related travel?
- How does your family feel about your traveling?
These interview questions are designed to obtain your personal data in a quick and non-threatening way. Provide your answers truthfully in order to avoid future conflicts related to working situations and job compatibility.
Interview Questions: Stress
In dealing with stress interviews, it is usually advantageous to meet the interview questions head-on. Show the interviewer you understand that the purpose of the exercise is to determine whether you are able to deal with sensitive situations that create stress. Remember, you should not put up with impolite behavior or answer humiliating questions.
Many of these interview questions have been discussed above, but are grouped here to help you to understand that they cause stress, and to help you avoid generating your own stress…
- What do you look for in a job?
- Why are you leaving your present position?
- What is your philosophy of management?
- What kind of salary are you worth?
- How long would it take you to make a contribution to our firm?
- How long would you stay with us?
- What new goals or objectives have you established recently?
- What do (did) you think of your boss?
- Would you describe a few situations in which your work was criticized?
- How would you evaluate your present firm?
- Do you generally speak to people before they speak to you?
- In your present position, what problems have you identified that had been overlooked?
- Why aren’t you earning more at your age?
- Will you be out to take your boss’s job?
- Are you creative? (Give an example)
- Are you analytical? (Give an example)
- Are you a good manager? (Give an example)
- Have you helped increase sales? Profits? How?
- Tell me what your subordinates/manager would say of you.
- Have you fired people before? How did you prepare for it?
- Have you hired people before? What do you look for?
- If you had your choice of jobs and companies, where would you go?
- How have you changed the nature of your job?
- Why haven’t you obtained a job so far?
- What was the last book you read? …Movie you saw? …Sporting event you attended?
Be prepared to back up these answers with examples when asked.
