Excerpted from the Canada Career Guide

Many settlement services, government employment offices and even libraries across Canada offer programs and workshops to help jobseekers improve their interview skills; many of these are free.

Pre-Interview Preparation

In preparing for an interview, applicants are expected to thoroughly research the company and its competitors, as well the corporate culture of the company. This research should provide the information necessary to use terms that are specific to the organization or industry during the interview and dress accordingly. It is also recommended to prepare several examples drawn from prior experiences to respond to behavioral-based questions. Employers will often ask about positive and challenging past experiences, so it is best to have examples prepared for both. Applicants should also bring extra copies of their resume, a reference list and portfolio (if required) to the interview.

Interview Conduct

Punctuality is the norm in Canada and arriving late for a job interview is viewed as extremely unprofessional. Always allow plenty of time to arrive at the interviewer’s office at least 10 minutes early. If unfamiliar with the location, it is best to visit the place the day before. Be sure to factor traffic or transit delays into your travel time for business appointments; winter storms can dramatically increase your commuting time.

The Interview

Job interviewing in Canada has very few guidelines, although applicants should expect to go through at least two interviews before being offered a job. Interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone or through video conferencing. It is also common for employers to conduct a panel interview in which a representative from HR, the manager and a co-worker are present. A single interview will typically be an hour long and will focus on learning more about the applicant’s past experiences and work habits.

Post-Interview

It is customary for an applicant to send a thank you note to the contact and/or interviewer(s) within one to two days after each interview. The card or email should address each person by name.

This is just a short sample of what you’ll find in over 100 pages of information in the complete Canada Guide.