Géopolotique du Canada

INTERVIEW PREPARATION

Typical interview questions you should prepare perfectly. Find a concrete example for each one of them.

• Why do you want this internship?
• What qualities do you think will be required for this position?
• Why do you want to work for our company? What do you know about us?
• What did you do to prepare for this interview?
• Can you tell me something interesting you have read about our company in the news?
• Talk me through your work experience to date. => Bring them into your story, be concrete, give examples, argue your choices, explain your path with critical analysis (challenges, what did you like, dislike, what brings you to apply to this X company … => should be obvious, logical)
• What do you think this job will involve exactly?
• You have not done this sort of job before. How will you cope/succeed?
• What do you like and dislike about the job we are discussing? Ask questions about what you possibly dislike. Stay POSITIVE about it.
• Why do you choose a career in…
• What do you think of the last company you worked for?
• What would be your ideal job?
• How would you describe yourself? How would others describe you?
• How could you improve yourself?
• How do you handle criticism? Pressure?
• Can you talk about a business that's doing well? Which three things do you consider key to their success?
• Are you accepted in a team quickly? (Hopefully yes!)
• Can you act on your own initiative?
• How many hours are you prepared to work?
• What are your career goals? Where do you see yourself in 2 years’ time?
• What interests do you have outside work?
• What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of?
• What was the most creative thing you did in your previous role?
• Are you considering other internships at the moment?
• Why should we employ you? => your chance to shine

"Competency-based questions":

• Tell me about a time you have had to deal with a difficult customer? How did you diffuse the situation?
• Tell me about a time you had to work in a group and someone did not do their part.
• Talk about a time you have managed multiple tasks to finish a project for a deadline.
• Talk about a time you worked in a team where there were communication problems. How did you help resolve them?
• Describe a challenge you had to face. What was the outcome?
• Tell me about a situation where you made a mistake. What did you do to fix it?
• Can you give an example of a time when you have had to communicate an idea persuasively in writing?
• Can you tell me about a time you felt bored at work? How did you make the job more interesting?

The Essential "Day Before" checklist

• Business Dress Code
• Several copies of your CV
• Figure out where you are going and how you are getting there
• Bring a notepad, and take notes

Prepare questions for your interviewers and ask them

  DURING THE INTERVIEW

• Build a strong narrative, give concrete examples of skills and experiences that relate directly to the position. Do your best to pique the recruiter's interest.
• Smile! Smiling is a powerful part of your first impression.
• Believe in yourself! Have no doubt that, deep inside, you are the perfect candidate for the position.
• Be at your best, the competition is fierce.
• Use your active listening skills! Ask relevant, open-ended questions to show you are listening and interested.
• Anticipate what will be asked. Put yourself in your recruiters' shoes and give them answers before they ask the questions.
• BE YOURSELF!

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