Common Job Interview Questions Asked by Canadian Employers
Even if employers strive to personalize each interview to the candidate and role, certain challenging interview questions come up repeatedly. These fundamental yet insightful questions are always relevant, regardless of the job in question.
We’ve chosen 16 common job interview questions asked by Canadian employers and provided solutions for effectively answering each one. If you’ve struggled with them before, don’t worry—these tips will help you successfully negotiate even the most difficult interviews.
Common Job Interview Questions Asked by Canadian Employers
1. Tell me a little about yourself.
This is a popular first-interview question in Canada. Instead of diving right into the interview, your interviewer asks you to identify yourself. Because this question is so wide, what they are asking is, “How well do you express yourself?”
Although there are numerous ways to answer this question, we recommend that you provide a quick outline of your career. Things to include are current jobs, skills, and certifications. You can conclude your response with a brief description of your interests, but this should not be the primary focus of your response.
What’s the best approach to prepare for this question? Prepare a brief (1 minute or less) job bio; you’ll be surprised at how frequently it comes in handy. Chances are, once you’ve finished, something you mentioned will prompt the interviewer’s next question.
2. What do you like about this job?
This interview question is designed to determine a) your enthusiasm for the job and b) whether you read and understand the job description. An answer that emphasizes a role or obligation from the job description is an excellent choice. If you’re stuck and can’t recall the specifics of the job, an answer about ‘the opportunity to put [insert talent you have] to use’ is always a good bet.
3. What are your biggest strengths?
This question will most certainly lead you astray if you try to judge your interviewer and say what you believe they want to hear. The best option is to be honest. Faking an answer to impress your interviewer can backfire. (And set you up for failure if you don’t follow through after getting hired.)
Though selecting specific abilities relevant to the job is preferable, your strengths can also be simple and applicable to any job. Universal strengths include being able to work well under pressure, having great communication skills, and being on time. These talents are always beneficial, regardless of the job.
4. What are your biggest weaknesses?
The opposite of the previous question, this one can be difficult because you cannot say something too harmful that would be a deal-breaker. In this scenario, being overly honest can be problematic. For example, admitting that you are a procrastinator who frequently misses deadlines may not go down well.
Instead, think about the helpful criticism you’ve received in the past and successfully addressed. Always keep track of how you are resolving the issue.
5. What do you know about this company?
This difficult interview question is an obvious attempt to determine whether you have done your study. Before your interview, conduct research on the firm to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position.
Your interviewer is unlikely to question you, so it can be as simple as visiting the firm’s website and conducting a fast Google search. Bringing up recent news, such as a leadership change, a major corporate event, or a new product launch, might earn you a gold star from your interviewer while also demonstrating that you know your stuff.
This question is an excellent opportunity to emphasize skills that are relevant to the position you’re interviewing for. If you can think of something that sets you apart from others in your field, the better. Avoid ‘you ‘-focused answers, such as ‘I’ve always wanted to work for X firm’ or ‘This position will help me take the next step in my career.’ Instead, attempt to focus on the value you provide to the position.
7. How do you differ from the other candidates?
Most candidates being interviewed have relatively similar qualifications; therefore, this question is essentially a variant of ‘Why should we hire you?’ Your approach to answering it should be consistent: showcase your abilities and explain how you will provide value to the organization. Highlighting certifications or multidisciplinary talents that are not common in your field is a fantastic technique here; just make sure you explain how they make you more qualified for the job.
8. Can you tell me about a work conflict you had and how it was resolved?
One of the most hated and tough interview questions on this list, recounting a disagreement, is difficult for two reasons. For starters, live storytelling is required. Second, it can reveal a weakness that you’d prefer not to acknowledge. It may seem obvious, but the best way to answer this question is to identify a conflict that ended happily, preferably one for which you were responsible.
12. how would your coworkers or boss describe you?
This question provides an excellent opportunity to promote strengths that may sound like bragging coming directly from you. For example, expressing that you are a hard worker may sound like an interview filler, but it is completely fine coming from a coworker. What is the best strategy? Consider the specific praise you’ve gotten from coworkers and clients.
13. What is your pay expectation?
At this point, you don’t want to commit to a precise price, so suggest a range that is comfortable for you. This not only gives your possible employer something to work with but also allows you to bargain before signing on the dotted line. It also puts the ball back in your potential employer’s court; it is up to them to make a persuasive offer within your budget. Remember, this is merely the first stage in the discussions. You do not have to accept the first offer.
It is also critical to conduct wage research before your interview. Before deciding on a number, compare several distinct resources. Also, keep in mind that salaries vary depending on where you live and your level of expertise.
14. if you were an animal, what would you be?
You may occasionally be asked strange brain-teaser questions like this one. The idea is to help you think on your feet. How quickly and inventively can you respond? Congratulations if you can come up with an answer that is relevant to the position, but don’t overthink it. These interview questions are designed to assess one’s personality. If you’re having difficulty thinking on the spot, give yourself some time to collect your ideas with an answer like, “That’s an interesting question. “I believe I would have to say…”
15. Do you think our company could do better?
This question is a fantastic opportunity for you to show genuine insight and demonstrate that you will bring valuable talents and experiences to bear on whatever challenge you present. Just make sure to conduct your study before the interview. If you are familiar with the company, you will be able to make a more accurate response. Never answer if you don’t have any ideas when asked this question.
16. How do you manage criticism?
This interview question, like conflict resolution questions, puts you on the spot about a potentially sensitive topic. Nobody likes being criticized, yet it is a fact of life in the job that must be addressed. Fortunately, there is only one acceptable response to this question: you take it constructively, not personally. If you can think of an example of how you used criticism to grow, that’s even better.
what are the 7 Most Common Interview Questions and Answers?
To help you prepare for your next job interview, we’ve produced a list of six typical questions. Please scroll down for sample replies and advice to help you create your reply.
1. Tell me about you and your qualifications.
The company asks this question to learn more about your talents and accomplishments, as well as why you believe you’d be a good fit. Your response should be concise and direct. Include details about your experience, notable achievements, and why you believe you are qualified for the open position.
Example response: “I’ve been a bookkeeper for three years, where I track accounts payable and receivable, as well as manage payroll.” I’ve been able to identify and resolve disparities between amounts owing and received, which has saved our organization thousands of dollars in unpaid payments. I recently received my CPA degree and believe that my bookkeeping experience and attention to detail would make me an excellent candidate for your open public accountant position.”
2. Why do you wish to work for this company?
Interviewers ask this question to determine whether you have researched the organization and considered how you would fit into its culture. The best approach to preparing for this issue is to research the prospective employer’s products, services, values, history, and culture. In your response, identify particular characteristics of the organization that are consistent with your values and career objectives.
Example response: “This company is always ahead of technological trends and looking for ways to improve their products, and that kind of innovative thinking inspires me.” I also appreciate how much this company has given back to the community, particularly through its efforts to manufacture more environmentally friendly products. I am continually searching for ways to reduce my carbon footprint.”
3. What aspects of this role pique your interest?
Hiring managers frequently use this question to ensure that you understand the role and provide you with an opportunity to highlight your relevant skills. Examine the job description thoroughly and compare its criteria to your qualifications and experience. In your response, focus on a few career duties that you would particularly enjoy and have experience handling.
Example answer: “According to the job description, this function would be in charge of onboarding new workers as well as producing and disseminating an updated employee handbook. In my current position, I like dealing with new workers to make them feel welcome and confident in their responsibilities. And I’ve discovered that an updated employee handbook may be a valuable resource for assisting employees in adapting to corporate policies, such as rules for hybrid jobs, and can often help people shift more rapidly.”
Employers ask this question to assess your self-awareness and verify that your motives are aligned with the role and the organization as a whole. To respond, be as precise as possible, use real-life examples, and relate your answer to the job role and/or the company’s objective. Consider asking yourself these three questions as you compose your response:
● What did a successful day at work look like in your former position, and why?
● What led you to choose your profession or field?
● What led you to apply for the position after reading the job description?
“Making a genuine difference in the lives of my patients and their families drives me to strive for excellence in everything I do.” I’m looking forward to watching how my patients react when we get a favorable result that will impact their lives forever. That’s why I became a nurse and am pursuing a position in pediatrics.”
5. What are your greatest strengths?
In your response to this question, please share your most relevant technical and soft talents. While it may be unpleasant to speak positively of oneself, remember that this is your chance to tell the hiring manager what makes you a strong candidate.
To answer, use the following formula:
1. Share one or two positive qualities and personal characteristics: “I’ve always been a natural leader and worked well in a fast-paced environment.”
2. Provide examples: “I have exceeded my KPIs every quarter and been promoted twice in the last five years.” I look back on those accomplishments and realize that I would not have achieved them if I hadn’t established and led teams of highly skilled and varied individuals. I’m proud of my ability to align cross-functional teams.”
3. Relate them to the position for which you’re interviewing: “I’ve also regularly honed my management skills through 360 reviews and candid sessions with my team, and I know continuing to build my leadership skills is something I want from my next role.”
6. What are your biggest weaknesses?
It can be unpleasant to disclose your weaknesses in a workplace where you are supposed to focus on your triumphs. However, when appropriately replied to, admitting your weaknesses demonstrates that you are self-aware and interested in ongoing growth and learning, both of which are desirable qualities for many companies.
Consider using the following calculation for your response:
1. Choose a real shortcoming (not a strength) that is honest but professionally relevant: “I’m naturally an introvert…”
2. Include the following context: “From my first job out of college, I tend to do well with little supervision and a high degree of independence.”
3. Give a particular example. “After being assigned to a team that needed to give monthly progress updates, I knew I owed it to my teammates and myself to learn how to collaborate better with others.”
4. Explain how you overcame it or are working to overcome it: “I took an online course on improving communication skills and learned how to reach out to my teammates with confidence. I also brush up on presentation skills to feel more relaxed when delivering a monthly presentation. ” I’m never going to be the most outspoken person in a meeting, but I can contribute to any conversation and be a valuable team member.”
Without a doubt, these are only a few of the common job interview questions asked by Canadian employers you’ll encounter throughout your career. Preparation is important when answering any interview question (whether on this list or not).
Interview questions typically fall into one of three categories: about the organization, about your career, and your skills. If you’re prepared to answer inquiries regarding these three themes, you’ll be able to answer almost any inquiry that comes your way.
Interviews are about determining the best fit between the company and the employee. Interviewers share your desire for success. They’re not attempting to fool you; they just want to be sure they’re hiring the correct individual! If you are honest and thoughtful, you will already be on the correct course.
