In an interview, an employer is looking to determine factors such as skills and abilities, experience, company fit, personal qualities, and interests. If you have already secured an interview, be confident in the fact that you already have the basic skills and qualifications an employer is looking for.
One-on-ones are the most common interview format, where you meet individually with an employer or recruiter.
At the start of the interview, break the ice by asking casual questions or making small talk. For example, ask how they are doing, thank them for taking the time to meet with you or make a comment about your environment. This will help you relax and connect with the employer.
Panel interviews consist of two or more interviewers taking turns asking questions.
Try to make eye contact with all the interviewers when answering a question, not just the individual who asked it.
Employers may hold group interviews to screen multiple candidates at once. These interviews may also involve a group activity that requires applicants to work together to solve a problem or complete a task.
Don’t think of it as a competition, but rather an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to work in a team environment. Listen to your fellow interviewees and be open to their ideas.
Phone or video interviews are typically used to pre-screen candidates, but they can also be used when interviews take place in other locations.
Verbal communication skills are especially important in this format because the employer can’t see your facial expressions or gestures.
Smile when speaking into the phone to help convey enthusiasm through your voice.
Dress professionally as you would for an in-person interview to put yourself in an interview frame of mind.
It is important that you understand what the role is like, in addition to company values and the work you will be doing.
Review the position description and highlight specific skills or personal qualities that the employer mentions. Prepare stories and responses to address these concerns.
Review the company website and social media pages to equip yourself with an understanding of current goals or priorities. Researching the company or organization will help you gain a better understanding of who they are and what they do. Make sure you also prepare questions about the organization, role, or team culture to ask during the interview
Interviewing is a learned skill that can be improved with practice. Practice your responses to typical interview questions with a friend or family member; get comfortable telling your stories and answering questions about your experiences.
It can help if you research potential questions online and jot down sample responses or examples from your past experiences.
Bring extra copies of your resume, and have a list of your references on a separate sheet of paper ready to hand over.
You may want to bring a pen and notebook to jot down any important notes. In some cases, you may wish to bring a tablet or laptop to show your digital portfolio in person.
Plan your route to the interview beforehand; double-check the location and map your route via public transit or figure out where to park before the interview.
Arrive 5-10 minutes before the start of your interview. Arriving too early can be bothersome to employers, who may have other interviews and appointments before you, and waiting too long can increase your nervousness.
First impressions count! In general, dress one step up from what the organization’s employees wear on a typical day; when in doubt, dress more formally.
Be conservative and detail-oriented (e.g., polished shoes, neat hair, no colognes or perfumes).
Employers often begin an interview by asking you to say something about yourself. Your response should be brief but thoughtful. Aim for 1-2 minutes.
Consider using the PAWS formula:
Under the Employment Standards Act of BC, questions pertaining to age, race, ancestry, religion, sex, marital status, physical/mental disability, place of origin, political beliefs, family status, and sexual orientation are illegal (unless directly related to the position).
You do not need to answer questions about these things. If you are asked a question you believe is illegal, a good tactic is to reply with a question that helps you clarify what the employer is trying to learn. For example, an employer may carelessly ask your age or if you are physically fit because they want to know if you will be able to handle how active the role is. By clarifying their motivation for asking the question, you can then respond by letting them know you have no concerns about being able to perform the physical requirements of the job but would prefer not to disclose your age or other personal information.
These questions require you to tell a “story” from your past experience to demonstrate how you handled a particular situation. Employers ask these questions to assess how you might act in similar situations in the future. The following are common examples:
Answer behavioural-based questions by using the STARR formula:
You should have some questions ready to ask the employer at the end of the interview to demonstrate your level of preparation and interest. Discover if the organization and position is a good fit for, and further assert your ability to meet their needs by asking questions like:
Be careful not to ask too many questions about salary and benefits. Some employers prefer to disclose this information in a subsequent interview or discussion.
Send a thank-you card or email to your interviewer(s). Address each interviewer individually by name. If you are unsure or have forgotten their names, look online or phone to find out.
Access the online job and volunteer board for UBC students and alumni.
Whether you're looking to improve your job applications or explore your career, UBC has events and workshops to support you.
Contact the Centre for Student Involvement and Careers for career-related information, or to drop in to career advising.
