Welcome to your Job Interview
Everyone knows how stressful job interviews can be. A lot of preparation is required to do well, and even with all the preparation practiced beforehand, it is essential to make the best impression on your potential boss and stand out as a candidate. Despite all this, there are many ways we can help you prepare for your job interview as we have a list of job interview tips and answers that can help prepare you for your important day.
Where to find a job?
The first step before signing up for a job is figuring out where you can apply. There are many places online where you can send in your resume, cover letter, and other important information. Here are some popular sites that post job offerings:
- Indeed
- Craigslist
- Official Sites
- In-person
How to prepare for a job interview
Additionally, the job interview itself may be very important, but there are a lot of important steps one must take before your big day. Many people should understand that although job interviews themselves are important, you must do the correct research and learn about the potential job before going in for the interview.
Although they are the ones learning about you, it is important to learn more about them, as interviewees deserve to know what they are getting into. Here is a list of things to take into consideration before your interview.
- Prepare questions before the interview.
- Research the company
- Research previous workers’ opinions on what they thought of their old job position, or why they left.
- Wear appropriate attire for the interview
- Write a follow-up email or message.
Click here if you would like to learn more about where to find jobs and other important tips before and after a job interview.
Top Common 21 Job Interview Questions and Model Answers
- Tell me a bit more about yourself
This may seem like a fundamental question at first glance, but many people make the mistake of answering the question focusing on the wrong topics. This may leave a bad impression on your potential boss, or maybe not make you stand out compared to others. Here is a list of answers that are highly recommended:
- Introduce yourself, along with your current goals in life. Try relating it to the position you are applying for.
- Talk about your job experiences and how it relates to the current job you are applying to
- Talk about your current qualifications, and how it matches the jobs required skills
- Tell the interviewer why your skills will benefit their company.
All of these answers are acceptable to use for this question. You do not have to use all these examples at once if you choose not to, as it is best to keep answers brief, yet impactful. Normally, 3 minutes or less is the acceptable amount. Overall, try avoiding irrelevant topics to make your answer stand out better than others.
- What is something you didn’t like about your previous job?
This question is a big test to observe how the interviewee speaks of others, and how professional they are as a person. There is a reason everyone has left their previous job. We all understand that one may leave a job due to personal reasons, lack of pay, toxic co-workers/environment, and more.
When the interviewer is asking the interviewee their honest opinions on why they left their previous job, the last thing you want to do is talk negatively about your previous job. It can be seen as very unprofessional and disrespectful, even if your explanations are true. It is in the interviewee’s best interest to still explain honestly but in a kind and professional way.
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Once again, a question like this can tell someone a lot about you, your future goals, and how serious you are about the job role you are applying for. It is important to remember that no one truly knows where they will be in 5 years. This is what makes this question truly difficult. Here are some potential ways to answer this question.
- Mention certain skills you would like to obtain by then
- Do not get too specific with what job title you would like to earn in 5 years.
- Explain you would like to be long-term in a company
- Show enthusiasm and passion in the potential job position you are interested in
- Remember to give an actual answer, rather than just telling the interviewer they are not sure. Any answer is better than no answer.
- From your resume, it seems like you took a gap year. Could you please elaborate on why?
Taking a gap year is common for a lot of people. Reasons can vary due to family reasons, education, travelling, etc. It may sound shocking, but gap years have the potential to make people grow stronger as a person, can allow them to discover new skills, and develop independence.
Remember to emphasize why taking a gap year has been a positive thing for you. You could always talk about your personal growth, build essential qualities that you didn’t previously have, or explain how your time was spent learning new skills such as certifications and licensing.
If you want to learn more and practice?
Please visit our job interview Q&A example and check the top common 21 job interview questions and model answers with voice. You can practice and learn real Canadian pronunciations. Although there can be multiple correct answers for these interviews, it is important to choose your words carefully and have your answers stand out.
Overall, do the best you can!
Many of these questions can prove to be stressful to prepare for. Job interviews are supposed to make you think on your feet and make you prepare as much as possible. However, interviews are difficult because they are trying to find the perfect candidate for the open position. It is important to understand to do your best, and have a positive attitude. In the worst-case scenario, you may not get the job, but interviews are an incredible way to learn what to do, and what not to do. Do not give up, and always give it your all.
Best of luck to you in your job-hunting process, and future interviews!
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