Interview advice
 

Hoping someone can help!

I have an interview with a recruiter in a couple of weeks. It's my first interview in Canada and I'm basically preparing to apply for the IEC next year.

This may sound a bit of strange question but I've read mixed opinions on interview attire. I have a grey suit that is for best (special occasions etc). My black suit I use for work and am usually found crawling under desks with ethernet cables (work in IT!) so don't want to wear that.

Will I be aright in a grey suit, white shirt, dark plain tie?

Any tips for what to expect? I am gathering questions to ask etc and the recruiter has a copy of my résumé already. So am thinking of taking another print out copy to go with (slightly updated)?

Re: Interview advice
 

Be punctual.

I would not be the least concerned with the attire provided what you wear is clean and pressed.

What to expect?

Your résumé should be free of typos, spelling mistakes, and it should show that you are capable of using good grammar.

In your conversation, stick to the facts the facts, be articulate, and provide brief honest answers and comments. Do not exaggerate but do not be too modest either. Do not over explain. Keep your questions for later as the recruiter has his or her agenda and you are presumably not the only candidate to be dealt with.

One of the favorite ploys these recruiters use is to ask 'what are your greatest weaknesses?'. The answer I have used is rather neutral: 'I am sometimes too impatient.' The recruiter probably does not give a damn and the true intent is a test to see if you can get unnerved.

Do not evade this question, since an intelligent response is expected

When you are all done, it is not a good idea to ask when you will get news. It is one thing to show enthusiasm, but do not come across as overly anxious. If they are interested in you they will call, if not then they won't.

Re: Interview advice
 

It's a recruiter FFS. Stop fretting.

Having said that, a grey suit is inappropriate. It suggests greyness. And a plain tie is always a bad idea. Don't you have a college, or a club tie?

Tut, tut.

Re: Interview advice
 

I have had a number of interviews in Ontario in last two years and only wore my suit once. First thing the guy said was "you didn't have to wear a suit". All the rest I dressed smart casual. Not to do with the dress code im sure but had 3 job offers.

I'm a big believer that you only get one chance to make a first impression. But it's just different in Canada from my experience. far more laid back and less formal than UK. Same goes for CV/Resume. All they want to know is if you can do the job. Which imo is how it should be.

Having said that ive never had an interview with a recruiter. So dont know if any of that will help.

Goodluck.

Andy

Re: Interview advice
 

Grey suit will be fine, especially if that is what you feel smartest in. Good luck.

Re: Interview advice
 

every interview i have had has started with the question:

"so tell me about yourself"

I have interviewed for several big corporate companies and have yet to see a tie let alone full suit. It was a bit strange sitting down at a table with all of management team and the men were all wearing a shirt with no tie. Women were similarly business casual.

that said better to go too formal than too casual to make a good impression

Re: Interview advice
 

I can't remember who, but someone on here when asked 'what's your greatest weakness'? Replied 'Chocolate'! I thought it was brilliant, if not appropriate!

Make sure your shoes are polished, and that you just look well scrubbed, I presently work with a young man that I constantly want to apply a flannel and soap to.

Well done you Leaf, you are getting yourself all ready to succeed! Best of luck:thumbup:

Re: Interview advice
 

This may sound inviting and innocent but it can be nasty.

It can be a trap

Be factual and not overly modest

What you say should tie in to the job you are seeking, in other words it should show potential and promise.

An interview is nothing but a sales job.

You must market yourself.

Emphasize past accomplishments, even minor ones

Avoid personal items such as discussing sexual preferences, religion or lack thereof, and politics since these may simply lead to trouble

Re: Interview advice
 

I hate that question, I honestly have an incredibly hard time answering it.

I also hate the name your accomplishments, well not everyone has any, I've never accomplished anything of value, so I never have answer for it.

Generally any interview where they ask questions about me, I am bound to loose..lol

Re: Interview advice
 

The toughest interview questions these days are an extension of this, the so called competency / behavioural questions such as "describe a situation where you overcame negative change". There is a method to preparing for these types of questions (star method) but nevertheless, if you are cynical about HR and not of the blow your own trumpet persuasion, they can be tough to answer.

Re: Interview advice
 

I hate behavioral interview questions, I've excused myself from interviews before because I simply had no answer to give them, and I am not all that creative at making something up that sounds truthful.

But all the jobs I have gotten, have been very simple conversational interviews with no specific questions asked other then where did you work, what did you do type questions, or they were mass hires and the company just needed warm bodies.

Re: Interview advice
 

agreed, my tactic is to briefly summarize my career to date in a way in which highlights my strong points and reasons why i want this particular position.

Regarding behavioural questions - you need to practice as many as possible using the star method in advance. Make a list of scenarios that would be useful for lots of questions.

The other day i had 4 interviews for a job, over 3 hours, that consisted almost entirely of behavioural questions. It would have been horrible if i hadnt been practising