Types of Interviews

In order to be prepared, it helps to ask what format your interview will be and who will be conducting it (number of interviewers, names, and titles). The most common types of interviews are:

• panel interviews (more than one interviewer)
• one-on-one interviews
• stress interviews (interviewers deliberately introduce stress into the experience — not common)
• telephone interviews
• case interviews (commonly used in fields like consulting and investment banking)

Typical Questions

In most interviews, regardless of the format, there is a common underlying structure. Here are some examples of questions you may encounter at each interview stage.

The icebreaker and introduction
Good interviewers wants you to be comfortable and relaxed. To establish this sort of atmosphere, they will use rapport-building statements such as "I notice you’re a squash player. So am I". They might also ask small-talk questions such as "Did you have any trouble finding our offices?"

Questions about you
You will be asked general questions about your skills and experiences:

• What are your major strengths and weaknesses?
• Why did you choose your program of study?
• Why should we consider you for this position?

You will also encounter questions that ask you to specifically relate your skills to the various duties and responsibilities of the position:

• How long would it take you to edit a 2000 word article?
• How would you analyze current economic and market conditions in Japan?

Behavioural questions
This type of question is quite common. Interviewers want to determine how you will react in situations based on your performance. Here are some sample questions.

• Describe a time when you faced a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.
• Give me an example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.
• Describe a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.
• Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker.

Prepare your answers by choosing at least two relevant examples of your skills and accomplishments — preferably work-related. Write your answers using the S.T.A.R. method: describe the Situation, the Task (or problem), your Action (what you said or did), and the Results (what was accomplished).

Case interview questions
The questions are geared around solving problems on the spot. The interviewer is trying to judge your logical thought process, general business knowledge and acumen, general knowledge, comfort with quantitative analysis, creativity, and communication skills. Case interview questions generally fall into three formats:

• Brain teasers — There are eight balls, one of which is slightly heavier than the others. You have a scale that you can use for weighing, but you are only allowed to use it twice. How do you find the heavier ball?
• Market sizing — How many golf balls were lost in England this year? How many Air Canada Aeroplan miles are outstanding?
• Project — The largest supermarket chain in the country is considering opening its own bank branches in its supermarket locations. What is your advice?

Questions YOU could ask
In all types of interviews, the interviewer will give you a chance to ask some of your own questions. This is your chance to ask thoughtful and intelligent questions that involve the interviewer in discussion and reflect how in-depth your company research has been. It also gives you a final opportunity to articulate why you are the best person for the position. Potential questions could include:

• Could you describe a typical day on the job?
• How does the firm handle recognition for a job well done?

For further information on the different types of interviews, and more sample questions, consult the books and websites listed on the right side of this page.

Tips for Doing Your Best

• Do a practice interview first with someone you know acting as the interviewer, to rehearse possible answers. You can also sign up for a practice interview with a career counsellor.
• Stay calm! To compose yourself, arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled interview time. Take a few deep breaths and relax. This will greatly improve your performance and help make a positive first impression.
• During the interview, you will be judged by your presentation skills and how effectively you communicate. Make frequent eye contact, smile, and don’t fidget.
• Before you answer each question, take a moment to think about what skills the interviewer is really looking for. Ask for clarification if you are unsure what a question means.
• Canadian employers are limited as to the type of questions they can ask. For example, questions about marital status or country of origin are illegal in Canada. For more information read the Job Search Rights guide.
• Make sure you follow up after the interview. This is also an opportunity for you to clarify or add to anything you said in the interview, and if relevant to restate your interest in the position.

Pre-Employment Tests

The tests are often included in the screening process – sometimes even unannounced. Do your best to ascertain if there will be a test and what it will focus on so you can prepare. Check out books like How to Pass Selection Tests and Ace the Corporate Personality Test in the Career Resource Library for advice and sample questions to practice. You may also find the following web articles helpful:

• Employment Tests: Get and Edge – Ask the Headhunter
• Tests and Assessments – College Grad.com
• Test Taking Skills – Amby’s Work Site

For those applying for government work through the Public Service Commission, you may be required to take a number of specific tests. These sites offer advice and test questions:

• Test Information – Public Service Recruitment
• Foreign Service Exam