Job-seekers are understandably nervous when facing an interview because they want to make sure they make the right first impression. However, 90% of interviewees unintentionally “strike out” in this crucial phase of landing a job.(*) In this article, we will explore the 6 most common interview questions that you may encounter in the interview – along with questions that you can certainly pose (believe it or not!) – so that you can breeze through the interview. Also included are tips on how to recognize behavioural interview questions.
The 6 most common in interview questions is as follows:
#1: Can you tell me a little about yourself?
#2: Why do you wish to leave your present employer?
#3: When would you be available to begin working for us?
#4: Why would you like to work for us?
#5: What do you consider your strongest points?
#6: What do you believe to be your weakest points?
Job Interview Questions That Are Illegal
While job interviews are meant to assess your fit for a role, sometimes they drift into territory that’s not just uncomfortable — it’s actually illegal. In Canada, employers are prohibited from asking questions that touch on things like your age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, or whether you plan to have children. These types of questions go against the Canadian Human Rights Act and various provincial employment laws, which aim to prevent discrimination in hiring practices. Still, these questions do pop up — sometimes out of ignorance, sometimes intentionally. As an example, the following 6 interview questions provides examples of illegal interview questions in Canada.
#1: What is your marital status?
#2: Do you own or rent your own home?
#3: How old are your children?
#4: That’s an interesting last name?
#5: What religion are you?
#6: Do you have – or have ever had – problems with drugs, alcohol, or gambling?
To uncover more information on what is deemed illegal and discriminatory, please visit the Ontario Human Rights Code
Safe questions that you can ask in an interview
Some questions are safe to ask during a first or second interview, while others are simply best left unasked until a job has actually been offered to you. Each of the following questions could be appropriate during a first, second, or third interview.
Questions About the Organization:
- How would you compare this organization to others you’ve worked for?
- What types of people seem to do well in this department / organization?
- What opportunities do you see for this department / organization in the next year or so?
- What do you like about working for this organization?
- What are the challenges facing this organization?
- What would you change about this organization if you could?
- What growth opportunities do you see for yourself?
- How would you rate top management? What vision do they have for the future?
- What are the current plans for expansions or cutbacks?
- How strongly does this organization aim to promote from within?
Questions about the job to be filled:
- Why is this position available?
- How many people have held this position in the last 3 years? (If the turnover rate seems high, ask why.)
- What are the challenges that have to be faced?
- What would my first assignment be?
- Where is the person who had this position before? (If said person was promoted, ask where they are now; if fired, ask why.)
Note: All of these questions are basically neutral. They don’t reveal a preference on your part; rather, you simply want to know. This is unlike such questions as, “Is there a lot of overtime”? / “Is there a lot of travel?” / “Am I likely to be relocated?” These 3 questions raise red flags about you. Even if you are unlikely to be relocated, merely asking questions like this raises concern about your flexibility and ambition.
Recognize behavioral interview questions:
… by such introductory phrases as:
- Tell me about a time when you …
- Describe a situation where you …
- Give me an example of …
- In the past, how have you handled … ?
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- We have faithfully served thousands and thousands of clients since 1985.
- We offer Canada’s only while-you-wait resume writing service. Why wait anywhere from 2-6 weeks to receive the first draft of your resume? By contrast, we will complete a “top-notch” resume and cover letter for you in mere hours!
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Did you know that 90% of interviewees are unprepared? This action can cost the job-seeker lots of plum opportunities.
Having coached hundreds of interviewees since 2001, I specialize in helping my clients ace the interview by composing the scripts that equip them to answer tough questions.
WANT TO STAND OUT AMONG POTENTIALLY HUNDREDS OF OTHER JOB APPLICANTS? Then call us at 905.841.7120, email marian@resumeexpert.ca, or complete the form on our contact page today. Let us help you take the next step in your career!
