If you are about to embark on an interview in Canada, you will undoubtedly understand how important it is to prepare fully. By preparing for your interview, you can help combat your nerves, build your confidence, and improve your overall interview performance.
Tips to Ensure Interview Success in Canada
Ask Informed Questions
When you are given a chance to ask your interviewer questions, don’t ask boring or off-target subjects. Don’t ask questions about routine elements or functions of the company, but do ask intelligent, well-prepared questions.
You don’t want to make your interviewer think you will waste valuable company time on unimportant matters. This is also not the time to ask about salary expectations, vacation time, and other matters of this nature.
Discuss these topics after you are offered the position. Use this time to ask essential questions about the position and the company – ensure they are questions that have not already been covered in the interview or can be found on the company website.
Do Your Homework
The interview is a chance for you to put your best foot forward and impress your potential employer with your skills and knowledge. Don’t waste the opportunity with random chit-chat. Instead, talk about subjects related to the company, the field, and how your professional experiences can help the company improve in the area you are applying. You are trying to sell yourself to the company, and a huge part of this is showing the company how your skills and talents can help them in their business.
Bring Your Career Portfolio
A great way to show proof of your professional excellence is to bring examples of past successes. A portfolio is an essential selling feature, especially for certain occupations.
Include your academic credentials, a copy of your resume and cover letter, a professional biography, professional licenses, and examples of past work and projects that were highly successful in your past positions.
Make sure to organize it and have it in excellent condition – this will show that you take pride in and take good care of your own work.
Dress for Success
As this is your first impression and probably the first time you will meet your potential future employer, what you wear says a lot about how seriously you take the opportunity and the company. Shine your shoes, dry clean your suit, dress modestly, and look professional.
Be Pleasant and Have a Positive Attitude
Your interviewer is looking for someone who will take on challenges with aplomb; don’t disappoint them with a nay-saying attitude. Watch your tone of voice as well. If your interviewer asks you a question which you think is common knowledge, don’t answer it with exasperation; answer it with authority.
If you have a bad attitude in the interview, the hiring staff will connect to how you will act in the office. Nobody wants an employee with a bad attitude.
If you follow these five steps, then you will be on your way to conducting an effective and impressive interview.
If you have more tips for having a successful interview in Canada, please share. I’d love to hear them!