Develop your strategy
What do you think interviewers will ask? Research the organization’s values, culture, and recent news to show genuine interest.
General tips & practice
- Listen carefully and take your time! It is okay to take a moment to collect your thoughts.
- Keep water handy. Do not chew gum or eat throughout the interview.
- Practice with Big Interview.
- Prepare short stories using the STAR formula (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to highlight your experiences.
- Review the Interview Tips: Common Questions tip sheet for strategies on answering common questions and structure your stories using STAR.
Delivery
Think about someone who has compelling delivery – what makes them engaging? Strong delivery combines verbal skills and body language.
Do:
- Practice how you will greet people, express thanks and say good-bye
- Pace yourself and vary your pitch
- Choose words you are comfortable with
- Show enthusiasm
Avoid:
- Use of slang
- Use of fillers such as ‘like’, ‘you know’ and ‘umm’
- Repetitive words or phrases
Do:
- Make eye contact with your interviewer
- Sit tall, lean slightly forward to show interest
- Smile
- Dress professionally
- Wait to be seated until directed
Avoid:
- Hunched posture, folded arms
- Chewing gum
- Fidgeting with paper/pens
In-Person Interview Tip
Bring the following to your interview:
- Several copies of your resume
- A notepad and pen (ask permission to jot down a few notes while the interviewer provides details of the opportunity)
- A typed list of professional references if possible
Virtual Interview Tips
Technology & environment preparation
- Know the platform (Zoom, MS Teams, phone, etc.) and test it in advance
- Have the interviewer’s contact info ready in case of tech issue
- Choose a quiet, well-lit space with a professional background
- Position your camera at eye level; centre head and shoulders on screen
- Turn off phone and email notifications
- Some companies may send you a link to record your interview
- If it is a video interview, find out how many chances you have to answer each question and if it is a timed response
During the interview
- Dress as you would for an in-person interview – from top to bottom!
- Be yourself. Remember to smile. This will project a positive tone in your voice
- Speak slowly and clearly. Pausing briefly before answering
- Keep your resume and key organization/industry facts within reach for easy reference
- Technical glitches are normal – stay calm
End of interview questions
You’ll usually be asked if you have questions at the end of an interview. The questions you ask can be as important as the answers you have provided up until this point. Have a list of prepared questions.
Do ask:
Job/organization/industry-related questions:
- If the responsibilities of the job are not clear, ask for clarification.
- How will success in the role be measured?
- How has a current event/market conditions impacted the department/organization?
- What is the workplace culture like in this company?
- What does a typical day look like?
Process-related questions:
- Be sure you know what the next steps are after the interview.
- Will you contact me, or should I follow up?
Don’t ask:
- About salary or benefits (vacation, holidays, sick days, etc.) in the first interview; wait until an offer is presented.
- About information on the company website (e.g. the organization’s mission, the basic tasks associated with the job).
- Personal questions about the interviewer (if you happened to find the interviewer’s personal social media, keep this to yourself).
- Condescending questions (questions that begin with ‘why don’t you…?’ can be viewed as demanding).
Final Tip
Remember: interviews are a two-way conversation. You’re not only being evaluated — you’re also deciding if the role and organization are the right fit for you.
Accommodation and disclosure
Disclosing a disability is a personal choice. Factors to consider when deciding include: impact to your work, if you require accommodations, or for health and safety. If you require an accommodation for the interview itself, you should consider disclosing at the time of application or when you are called to set up an interview. You do not need to disclose diagnosis at any time.
Remember to thank the interviewer
Sending a thank you letter or email is part of interview etiquette. Keep it brief, personalized and sent within 24 hours. In your letter you should:
- Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview
- Articulate your continued interest and enthusiasm for the position
- Recap your strengths
- Reference something specific from your conversation (e.g. a new product or system you discussed)