Master your Job Interview in Canada: Questions & Answers

As in many countries, in employment interviews in Canada, there are some key questions that, regardless of the vacancy, will be made by the interviewers to know you better and evaluate if you have the ideal profile for the company. This is why they are known as the most common questions in job interviews in Canada.

Therefore, think about preparing them a little more for that moment. We have separated the most common questions in job interviews in Canada made by recruiters. Of course, all the questions listed here are just examples and it is not recommended to memorize the answers. You need to evaluate them and prepare answers according to your reality.

Interview Question: Tell me about yourself

Purpose: To put you at ease and learn something about your background.

Suggestions: Briefly touch on the following three areas.

1. Your qualifications and experience related to the position.
2. Your attributes, including your ability to get along with others.
3. Some appropriate personal information to indicate stability and a well-rounded character, for example, personal, personal interests, community involvement, and fitness.

Be prepared to answer further questions from the interviewer about the interesting points you have made when answering these questions.

Interview Question: Tell me about your Experience with this type of Work

Purpose: To find out if you have the experience to do the job.

Suggestions:

1. If you have experience, education or training, the state where you received it and give specific examples including special achievements.
2. If you have related experience, education or training, the state where you received it and list your transferable skills.
3. If you don't have the experience, education or training, state your work-related skills and attributes and indicate your interest in on the job training. 

Interview Question: Why do You Want to Work here?

Purpose: To find out if you are genuinely interested in the position and what you know and like about the organization. This question also gives the employer an idea if you would be a long term employee. 

Suggestion:

1. Describe what you know about the organization. If you can honestly compliment the company on its reputation, service, products or growth, do so. 

Interview Question: How often were You absent from Work in your last Job?

Purpose: To find out if they can depend on you.

Suggestion:

1. If you have had an excellent attendance record, say so. If you had poor attendance and it was due to something that has now been resolved, briefly explain this to the employer.

Interview Question: Why did You Leave your last Job?

Purpose: To discover any problems you have had that would be a reason not to hire you and assess your attitude towards employers, supervisors, policies, etc.

Suggestions:

1. Find something positive to say about your former company, its products, services, and personnel. Briefly and matter-of-factly state your reasons for leaving. If you left on good terms, or have a letter of reference from your last job, say so. If you left on bad terms, keep in mind that your interviewer may check references. Mention what the employers appreciated about you, some of your work achievements and the good relationship you still have with some personnel.  

Interview Question: What is your Salary Expectation?

Purpose: To find out how close you come to what they are willing to pay and if you are realistic about current salary ranges and rates for the occupation.

Suggestions:

1. Politely say, "I'm really interested in finding out which salary range you are offering". They will often share this information.
2. Express your interest in working for them and request more specific information about the job description if you need it, stating that your responsibilities will influence salary.
3. If the employer is obviously interested in hiring you or insists on an answer, state a range that you know is real. Ask about benefit plans, raises, and opportunities for training and promotions.

Interview Question: When are You Available for Work?

Purpose: To find out how soon you can start and if you have any other commitments.

Suggestions:

1. If you are free to start immediately and you are keen to work for the company, say so. If you are working and need to give notice state the length of time you need.

Interview Question: What are your Greatest Strengths?

Purpose: To discover the reasons for hiring you and to see if you believe in yourself and are confident that you are the right person for the position. 

Suggestion:

1. State your greatest skills, education, training, and experience that you would contribute to the position and the company, If possible, and if there is time, back these attributes up with specific examples.

Interview Question: What are your Weaknesses?

Purpose: To discover if you are wrong for the job due to a lack of experience or training, poor attitude, laziness or an inability to cope with pressure.

Suggestions:

1. Describe a positive attribute that you know you have. For example, state that it is important to you to meet deadlines; maintain high standards; satisfy the customer; maintain the equipment, or see that all messages and answered. Then continue with a statement of reassurance such as, "I have to really make myself be patient when I see that this is not happening". Be ready to describe such a situation and how you effectively handled it.
2. Honestly state an obvious weakness or handicap, and then describe factors that compensate for it. Remember that once you have raised a doubt you have to explain it immediately.

Interview Question: What are your long-range Goals?

Purpose: To discover whether you will stay with the company, what it is you really want and identify your career goals.

Suggestions:

1. Keep your answer work-related and with this company in mind, state your interest in and commitment to staying and growing with the company.

Interview  Question: What Types of Office Equipment have You Worked with?

Purpose: To find out if you meet position requirements and can make a seamless transition to the new position.

Suggestions:

1. Name the job-related equipment you can operate giving specific types, brands, categories, sizes and where and how you used it. If you have not operated the equipment they have, assure them of experience on similar types of equipment and express a willingness to learn.

Interview Question: What is your Greatest Achievement?

Purpose: To discover if you are able to recognize and share your achievements and to provide even more reason to hire you. 

Suggestion:

1. Describe a work-related achievement that shows your knowledge and expertise in the field or in dealing with people or problem-solving. Give specifics and use examples. If you are new to the workforce or are re-entering it, take an example from school, volunteer or part-time work. Show how the skill is transferable to this job. It might demonstrate quick thinking, flexibility, leadership, creativity or dedication. 

Interview Question: How long have You been out of Work or Changed Jobs?

Purpose: To find out if you have a work-ready attitude and will be a reliable employee.

Suggestions:

1. State the length of time it has been since you left your last job, then, if it's true, point out that you have been working diligently at a full-time professional job search, doing career planning, interviewing people in the field and staying up to date with industry trends. 
2. Explain any good reason you had for changing jobs often. These could include moving, a recession, cutbacks, a health or family concern or contract work.

Interview Question: What Would You Do in "this situation"?

Purpose: To assess your ability to handle unexpected questions, real-life situations and your knowledge of company policies and procedures.

Strategy: Describe a time when you successfully dealt with a similar situation and mention your commitment to follow company guidelines and your willingness to consult your supervisor where appropriate.

Interview Question: What Would You Do if?

• You discover another employee was stealing from the organization, breaking important safety rules, breaking confidentiality
• You saw customer stealing
• Two different supervisors gave you conflicting instructions
• Fellow employees kept interrupting your work to discuss personal problems

Interview Question: What Questions do You Have?

Purpose: To indicate the interview is almost over and find out what you are interested in knowing.

Suggestion:

1. Keep questions brief and watch for non-verbal signs from the employer that it is time to end the interview. Show that you have listened to the employer and that you have already researched the company.