How to prepare for a job interview
Updated
Most interviews follow a pattern: a few questions about you, several about how you handled real situations, and time for your questions. Preparing for that pattern beats memorizing answers.
Before the interview
- Re-read the posting and list the three skills it stresses most
- Look at the employer’s website, recent news and the team you would join
- Prepare a 60-second answer to “Tell me about yourself” that ends with why you want this job
- Test your camera, microphone and link if the interview is online
Answer with the STAR method
For “Tell me about a time when…” questions, describe the Situation, the Task, the Action you took and the Result. Keep it under two minutes and make the result specific.
Questions to ask them
- What does success look like in the first three months?
- What is the team like, and who would I work with most?
- What are the next steps, and when should I expect to hear back?
Salary questions
Know the pay range before you go in. Many Canadian postings now list pay, and Jobsy’s salary pages show the median advertised pay for each role. If asked, give a range based on that data.
After the interview
Send a short thank-you email the same day that mentions one thing you discussed. If you have not heard back by the date they gave you, a polite follow-up is fine.
Common questions
What should I wear to an interview?
Match or slightly exceed what the team wears day to day. When unsure, business casual is a safe choice.
How early should I arrive?
Ten minutes early for in-person interviews. Join online interviews two or three minutes early.
Is it okay to ask about pay in an interview?
Yes, especially near the end of a first interview or once they show interest. Many Canadian employers include pay in the posting.