You've landed an interview: your résumé made a strong impression. Now you need to show the employer that they can count on you. An interview takes preparation, just like an exam. Here is how to go about it, before, during and after.
Before the interview: getting prepared
Get to know the company
Take the time to read the company's website, its social media pages and recent news about it. What does it do? Who are its clients? What are its values? A candidate who knows the company shows a genuine interest in it.
Reread the job posting
Note the three or four most important skills for the position. For each one, prepare an example from your experience.
Prepare your examples using the STAR method
Quebec employers often ask behavioural questions: "Tell me about a time when…". To answer clearly, structure your examples in four parts:
- Situation: the context, in one or two sentences.
- Task: what you needed to accomplish.
- Action: what you did, you personally.
- Result: what came of it, with a number if possible.
Prepare for the classic questions
Practise out loud, ideally with another person:
- "Tell me about yourself." Answer in two minutes: your background, your strengths, and why this position interests you.
- "Why do you want to work for us?"
- "What are your strengths and areas for improvement?"
- "Tell me about a conflict at work and how you resolved it."
- "What are your salary expectations?" Research market salaries for this position and propose a realistic range.
On the day of the interview
Punctuality
In Quebec, being on time is a sign of respect. Arrive five to ten minutes early. For a video interview, log in a few minutes early and check your camera, microphone and connection.
Attire
Adapt to the workplace: neat, simple attire is almost always appropriate. If in doubt, it's better to be slightly more dressed up than the company's employees.
Tone
Quebec workplaces are often fairly direct and relaxed. It's not unusual for a recruiter to address you informally or use your first name. Stay polite and use the formal "vous" with your interviewer, unless they invite you to use the informal "tu". Look the person in the eye, smile and shake their hand if you are meeting in person.
Precise answers
Answer the question that was asked, with concrete examples. Talk about what you did, not only what your team did. If you don't understand a question, it's perfectly normal to ask for it to be rephrased.
Questions an employer cannot ask you
In Quebec, section 18.1 of the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms prohibits an employer from asking you, in an interview or on a form, about grounds of discrimination: your age, civil status, pregnancy or plans to have children, religion, sexual orientation, ethnic or national origin, political convictions or a disability, unless that information is genuinely required for the position.
If you are asked such a question, you can politely respond that you would prefer to talk about your skills for the position. The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse publishes a guide on the information an employer may request.
Your questions at the end of the interview
You will almost always be asked if you have any questions. Have two or three ready. They show your interest:
- "What does a typical day look like in this position?"
- "How does onboarding work for new employees?"
- "What are the next steps in the process?"
After the interview
Send a short thank-you email the same day or the next day. Thank the person for their time, remind them in one sentence why the position interests you, and remain available for any additional information. Few candidates do this: it's a simple way to stand out.
If you haven't heard back by the announced date, a polite follow-up email is well received.
How 2AF can help you
- 2AF Solutions RH prepares the candidates it presents to employers: we explain the position, the company and how the interview will unfold.
- Recru2af.com brings together our clients' job postings in Quebec. Create your profile to be contacted when a position matches your skills.
- Alex, the 2AF assistant on WhatsApp, answers your questions about job postings and the next steps in your application.