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Job interviews are a vital step in the job-seeking process, but can be particularly challenging to master when applying for positions in a new country such as Canada.
The Canadian job market’s focus on work ethic and a diverse workforce translates into high expectations during all stages of recruitment – especially the interview stage.
It thus becomes vital to prepare for it in advance, which this article aims to assist you with by giving you tips on how to be a successful job interviewee in Canada.
1. Research the Company and Industry
It is essential to undertake comprehensive independent prep before the interview, which involves thorough research of the company and the industry it operates in.
This is because employers in Canada value candidates who show genuine interest in their business and can demonstrate that they possess a solid understanding of their operations – both on paper and in practice.
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Visit the company website, read their annual reports, and keep up with industry trends. It is also essential to delve into the company’s history, values, products, and services, so that you can show up to the interview with insightful questions that demonstrate in-depth knowledge about all aspects of the firm.
2. Display Your Soft Skills
In Canada, recruitment officers are not just looking for technical proficiency, but also the ability to collaborate effectively with coworkers and clients alike.
Soft skills such as teamwork, communication skills, adaptability, and problem-solving are thus all highly valued assets that individuals need to demonstrate right from the get-go when sitting for an interview.
Try using examples from your work/life experiences to demonstrate how you have applied these skills in the past.
For teamwork, for example, explain how you collaborated with or led diverse team members to achieve a goal, while for adaptability, highlight instances where you quickly understood how to deal with new challenges or changes at the workplace.
3. Showcase Your Cultural Sensitivity
Canadian workplaces often have a diverse mix of cultures and backgrounds. During your interview, you should:
- Mention any multicultural experiences you have had.
- Highlight your ability to work effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.
- Emphasize your respect for diversity and your adaptability to various work environments.
As an overseas job applicant, you are likely to have gathered a treasure of international cultural experience. It is your responsibility to channel that during your interview.
4. Highlight Your Educational Background
If you have an international education, explain how it has enriched your skills and perspectives.
Touch upon the role it may have played in preparing you for the job you are interested in, mention any certifications and/or qualifications you may have gathered and that are relevant to the role, and showcase how your diverse educational experiences can bring innovation and fresh ideas to the company.
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5. Tailor Your Resume to the Canadian Format
Your hiring manager would most likely have your resume in front of them when they interview you, which makes it vital that said resume is perfectly tailored to Canadian standards in presentation and content.
In Canada, resumes are typically shorter and more focused on your skills, achievements, and qualifications.
Ensure it highlights relevant experiences, certifications, and skills. Tailor it to include key-words matching the job description and emphasize qualifications that are most relevant to the role you are interested in.
6. Behavioral Interview Prep
It is common for Canadian employers to conduct behavioral interviews, wherein they assess your handling of specific situations in the past, focusing particularly on your actions, results, and learnings from them.
The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is suitable for structuring your responses during such exchanges. Practice answering questions about challenging situations you have encountered and how you have effectively resolved them.
7. Dress Professionally
Business-attires aligning with the company’s dress code are a must for most interviews, and it is better to stick with them than underdressing for an important interview.
It is also essential to engage in rigorous personal grooming prior to the interview, so that you look clean and presentable when you meet the recruiter.
8. Punctuality
Canadian workplaces value employees who respect time management, and it is thus very important that you arrive to the interview on time, or rather even a little early.
9. Prepare Questions to Ask the Interviewer
There is usually always a section at the end of every interview when the hiring manager give you the chance to ask any questions you may have for them.
It is a good idea to have some questions ready beforehand, as that shows your interest in the role and the company. Some question stems may be to ask about the company’s values, future plans, or how your role fits into the organization’s goals.