Job Interview

Once you have received a call about an interview, you must prepare. Many job applicants spend very little time preparing for an interview and, unsurprisingly, this often leads to poor results. Thorough preparation will increase your confidence and help you improve your performance and job prospects. 

1. Know yourself: Review the self-assessment work you completed when writing your CV and cover letter. Carefully consider how you want to convey this information verbally and think of specific examples from your past experiences which highlight your skills, qualifications and achievements.

2. Research: Researching the industry, the employer and the position for which you are applying for, prior to an interview, is extremely important. It reflects well on your enthusiasm and the information you gain from professional organizations, business councils and relevant websites will help you prepare questions for the employer and give you a good sense of salary levels, working conditions and current market trends.

3. Practice: Prepare and practice answers to possible interview questions. You can schedule an appointment for a mock interview with a career advisor or you can practice with a friend to get feedback on your verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

4. Contact your references: It is a good idea to reconnect with your references during the job search process so that they know what positions you are applying for and are aware they may be contacted in the near future.

5. The day of the interview: Dress for success and bring along any documents or information you may need, such as extra copies of your CV and a list of references. Arrive ten to fifteen minutes prior to the interview and be friendly, respectful and positive with everyone you meet.

6. Follow-up: Once your interview is over, you can breathe more easily, but your work is not quite finished. Many candidates miss a valuable opportunity by failing to follow up with an organization after an interview. Send a thank-you note to the interviewers within a day or two to thank them for their time and indicate your continued interest in the position. Do not be afraid to follow up with the interviewers and inquire about the status of your application if you have not heard from them within the agreed time frame.

7. Need Help?: You may also want to attend the Interviewing workshops and meet with a career advisor for interviewing advice and practice. To make an appointment, call 514-398-3304.

8. Have concerns about a recent interview? See our Illegal Interview questions resource or contact CaPS.

Interviewing Resources

• How to Interview
  A guide on how to prepare for an interview.
• Common Interview Questions
  A list of questions you can expect in an interview.
• Handling Illegal Questions

Interview Guides (in French)

• L’entrevue d’emploi
• Questions couramment posées en entrevue

Recommended Books and Websites

• Types of Interviews (CareerOneStop)
  A list of different types of interviews.

Case Interview Guides

This is a popular form of interview that is used in hiring for management consulting or investment banking jobs. In a case interview the applicant is given a question, situation or problem and is asked to resolve the situation. To prepare a case interview:

• How to Prepare for a Case Interview
  A guide to help you prepare for a case interview.
• First Hand Interviewing Guides
• Case Interview Books (available in the McGill Library)
• GMCA Resources

There is a good chance that you will be asked to take tests as part of your job application or interview process. Some common interview tests employers use to assess job candidates include, psychometric tests, technical tests, and public service exams.

Psychometric Testing

One of the most commonly used tests in graduate recruitment sessions and is usually one part of a multi-stage recruitment process. The tests measure knowledge (attainment) and potential (aptitude). Psychometric testing may include: reasoning, numeracy skills, group and role-play exercises, panel interviews, presentations and personality questionnaires. For more information and sample tests:

• Psychometric Books (Available in the McGill Library)

Technical Testing

Oral or written tests used to assess the candidate's technical skills. This is common for jobs in the field of computer science.  For more information and books to practice technical questions:

• Technical Interview Books (Available in the McGill Library)

Canadian Public Service Exams

Written tests used by the governments in their hiring process.  For more information and sample test questions and materials:

• Public Service Commission Tests
  Language, skill level, oral and written communication sample tests, etc.
• Second Language Evaluation
  Information on all three second language test, including self-assessment tests.