How to Prepare for a Job Interview in Canada

Being new to Canada, one of the first things you will want to do when you arrive in the country is begin your job search. It can take some time before you get a call for an interview. But you can use this time to learn how to prepare for a job interview in Canada. Plus, this time will allow you to become familiar with how job interviews work in Canada and how they differ from your home country. 

Getting a job interview is exciting. It’s an opportunity for you to get your life rolling in Canada. But before you think too far ahead, you need to prepare for a successful interview that leads to a job offer. 

Understand the Job Interview Process

A job interview does not guarantee you will get the job. But it’s an important opportunity to show how your skills and experience make you a great candidate for the role. The interview process for Canadian companies is not always the same. However, you can expect many of the following practices. And some interviews may even combine some of these practices:

• Pre-screening telephone interview

• In-person interviews

• Video interview

• Panel interviews

• Skill and knowledge tests

• Writing tests

• Job offers and negotiation.

When you know what to expect and understand the process this will help you to prepare for your interview and focus your time and effort.

Understand the Job and What is Expected

The key to your interview success is having a clear understanding of what the job requires. This will help you to focus on how to prepare. For example, it’s vital to:

Read the job description carefully and highlight the skills and experience that you have

• Read through the company website to learn what makes it successful

• Understand where the job fits within the company hierarchy and the type of jobs it can lead to in the future 

• Look up information about the job title, such as duties, responsibilities, and salary.

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You can find helpful information about occupations, wages, job requirements, and more when you visit the Canada Job Bank.

Know What You Offer 

Interviewers will ask you different questions about your skills and experience. But what they want to know is why you are the best fit and what you can offer. To prepare for an interview ask yourself:

• Why am I the best candidate for this role?

• What skills and experience do I have that directly relate to the role?

• How can I help the company to achieve its goals?

• What makes me unique and different from other candidates? (i.e. international experience, language, etc)

• Why do I fit the company values and culture?

Practice to Prepare for a Successful Interview

You will get out of the experience what you put into it. So, if you invest time and effort to prepare for an interview, you will have a much greater chance of it leading to a job offer. 

• Review your resume and know it from top to bottom

• Look up interview questions that are common for the role

• Practice your answers

• Get a trusted friend to help you do a mock interview

• Get advice from a trusted friend or professional for how you can improve your interviewing.

Many settlement agencies offer job search services to help newcomers prepare for a successful job interview!

Take Care of Details the Day Before Your Interview

Here are some important details to handle the day before the interview:

• Review directions to the interview location so that you arrive on time

• Make sure you are familiar with the interview software (if it’s online)

• Ensure you have the interviewer’s contact information

• Select clothing that is appropriate for a job interview.

Taking care of these things will help you have a clear mind on the day of the interview. And this will help to put your best effort forward. Preparing for a job interview will give you the confidence you need to succeed. So put in the time and effort and give yourself the best chance to get the job you desire in Canada!

WRITTEN BY

Corinna Frattini

Senior Editor, Prepare for Canada

Corinna Frattini is the Senior Editor and Content Director for Prepare for Canada. She contributes articles to help newcomers achieve their goals in key areas related to living, working, and settling in Canada. With an extensive background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.

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