When applying for jobs in Canada, many employers may ask you to take part in an interview. Preparing ahead of time may help the experience feel less stressful and more manageable. Here are some tips to make things easier.
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1. Learn About the Employer and Role
- Search the company online: Planning ahead by learning about the employer before your interview can be helpful. You may want to review the company’s website or social media pages. This can give you a sense of what the organization does and how it describes its work.
- Study the job posting: It is also a good idea to read the job posting very carefully. Look for the skills and experience the employer is seeking. Think about how your own background relates to those needs. Examples from work, school, or volunteering may be useful.
- Reflect on past experiences: Thinking about examples from past work, studies, or volunteering may help you answer questions about problem-solving, teamwork, or communication. Many interviews include common questions, and preparing your responses in advance may help you feel more at ease. Aim to answer honestly and communicate your ideas clearly and professionally.
2. Getting Ready for the Interview
- Notebook and pen: It may be useful to bring a notebook and pen to any in-person interview. This allows you to write down important information, such as next steps or job details. It can also signal to the employer you are organized and paying attention.
- Updated resume copy: For in-person interviews, bring extra copies of your latest resume. This may also be helpful if more than one person is part of the interview.
- Supporting materials: Depending on the role, you may be asked to show additional documents. These could include personal identification, proof of eligibility to work in Canada, or training certificates. Organizing these items in advance may help you feel confident on the day of the interview.
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3. Take Care with Your Appearance and Setting
- Choosing what to wear: Professional attire is generally expected for job interviews in Canada. If you are unsure of the company’s dress code, more business attire may be a safe choice.
- Preparing for virtual interviews: For online interviews, choosing a quiet space with minimal distractions may help create a professional impression. Testing your internet connection, camera, and microphone ahead of time is a good idea to help avoid technical issues. A neutral background—real or virtual—may keep the focus on the conversation.
4. During the Interview
- Communicate clearly: Listening carefully to each question before responding may help ensure your answer is relevant. If a question is unclear, it is acceptable to ask for clarification. Taking a brief moment to organize your thoughts before speaking may help you respond more confidently.
- Be mindful of body language: Sitting upright, making eye contact, and maintaining a calm presence may support positive communication. For in-person interviews, a firm handshake may also convey confidence.
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5. Questions You May Want to Ask
Preparing a few questions for the interviewer may demonstrate interest and help you learn more about the role. Examples include:
- “How would you describe the team or workplace environment?”
- “What are the main priorities for this role in the first few months?”
- “What training or learning opportunities are available?”
These questions may also help you decide whether the position aligns with your goals.
6. After the Interview
- Send a brief thank-you note: Following up with a short email within a day of the interview may leave a positive impression. You may choose to thank the interviewer for their time and briefly refer to a topic discussed.
- Check in if needed: If you have not heard back after about a week, a polite follow-up message can show continued interest.
- Ask for feedback: If you are not selected for the role, requesting feedback—when appropriate—may provide insights that can be helpful for future interviews.
Preparing for an interview takes time, but it may help make the experience feel more manageable. With thoughtful preparation, newcomers may feel better equipped to present their skills and experience to Canadian employers.
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TD has a proud history of delivering financial solutions to Canadians for more than 160 years. TD also brings a century of experience helping newcomers navigate the unique challenges of the Canadian banking system.
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TD offers online support and resources of interest to newcomers on topics such as banking basics, moving to Canada, credit score essentials, and more. TD is open longer hours for your convenience and has thousands of ATMs across Canada to help you take care of your everyday banking needs quickly and easily.
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