For more information on preparing for a job interview, please contact one of the employment service agencies in Leeds & Grenville:

• Employment and Education Centre serving Brockville
• KEYS Employment Services serving Gananoque and the Kingston area
• CSE Consulting serving North and South Grenville

What is a job interview?

In Canada, before an employer will offer you a job, usually there is an interview process. After the employer reviews your resume and has an interest in hiring you, they will arrange a meeting with you. It is important to make a good impression on the employer at your interview. It is their chance to see if you have the skills and attitude they are looking for. It is also your chance to see if you want to work at the organization.

How to prepare for an interview?

The Laurier interview information for newcomers document provides detailed information on preparing for a job interview, including examples of interview questions, how to make a great first impression and what to do after the interview. Key points of the document are summarized below.

Research

Research the organization you will be interviewing with. If you can, find out some information on the interviewer. It may be helpful to know what role they hold in the company and if you would be working closely with them. From your research, develop a list of questions you will want to ask the interviewer about the organization and the available position.

What to wear?

You should look professional during your interview. You should dress in what is considered Canadian “business attire”. For men, this would mean a suit or dress pants, a shirt and a tie. For women this would mean a suit or a professional dress. Do not wear anything too distracting and try to wear dark or neutral colours. Samples of appropriate interview attire can be found here.

What to bring?

• a copy of your resume and cover letter
• the contact information of three references
• a list of questions you want to ask the interviewer
• samples of your work that are related to the job you are interviewing for (writing samples, outlines of projects you have organized, employee awards)

Other tips

• Arrive early for the interview
• Make sure your hands are clean
• Do not eat anything before the interview that would affect the smell of your breath
• Do not chew gum
• Make eye contact and smile with the interviewer(s)
• Take your time when answering questions. If you are unsure how to answer a question, it is acceptable to pause and think about your answer first.