How to Prepare for a Job Interview in Canada (Complete Guide)

Getting an interview means the employer already likes what they saw on your resume. Now you need to show that you are reliable, that you understand the job and that you would fit in with the team. This guide follows the four stages that Job Bank, the Government of Canada’s employment service, uses to describe interview preparation: planning, interview materials, the interview itself and what to do afterwards. It also includes common questions for entry-level jobs and how to answer them.

Types of Interviews You May Have

• Phone or video interview – often a short first conversation to confirm your availability and interest.
• In-person interview – usually with a manager or supervisor at the store, restaurant or warehouse where you would work.
• Group interview – some retail and restaurant employers meet several candidates at the same time and watch how you communicate and work with others.

Whatever the format, prepare the same way: know the job, know your own experience and be ready to give real examples.

Stage 1: Planning

• Read the job posting again. Note the main duties, the schedule and the skills the employer asks for.
• Learn about the employer. Look at its website and, for stores or restaurants, visit the location if you can.
• Plan and practise your answers. Job Bank recommends rehearsing answers to likely questions and practising out loud, ideally with someone you trust.
• Confirm the details. Check the date, time and address, find out how long it takes to get there and, if possible, travel the route a day or two before.

Stage 2: Interview Materials

Job Bank suggests bringing a folder or envelope with:

• A copy of your resume for each interviewer
• Copies of your list of references
• Paper and a pen

It also helps to have your availability written down, including the days and hours you can work, and any certificates mentioned in the posting, such as a food handler certificate.

Stage 3: The Interview

• Arrive early and dress neatly, in clothes slightly more formal than the uniform of the job.
• Wait to be offered a seat, make eye contact and listen to the full question before answering.
• Ask for clarification if you do not understand a question. Job Bank notes that it is better to ask than to give an answer that does not fit.
• Use real examples. A simple way to structure them is the STAR method: describe the Situation, the Task you had, the Action you took and the Result.
• Talk about your own role. Say what you did, not only what the team did.

Common Questions for Entry-Level Jobs

• “Tell me about yourself.” Give a short summary of your experience, your main strengths and why you are interested in this job. Keep it to about one minute.
• “Why do you want to work here?” Mention something specific about the employer or the role, such as the type of work, the location or the chance to learn.
• “What is your availability?” Be clear and honest. Many retail, warehouse and restaurant jobs need evening, weekend or overnight shifts.
• “Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer.” Use the STAR method: what happened, what you did and how it ended.
• “How do you handle a busy or fast-paced shift?” Explain how you stay organised and prioritise tasks, with an example.
• “Do you have any questions for us?” Always say yes. Job Bank recommends preparing a couple of questions that show you have learned about the company.

Good Questions to Ask the Employer

• What does a typical shift look like in this role?
• What training do new employees receive?
• How are schedules set, and how far in advance are they shared?
• What do the best people in this role do well?
• What are the next steps in the hiring process?

Stage 4: After the Interview

• Send a thank-you message the same day, repeating that you are interested in the job.
• Think about how it went. Note which answers went well and which ones you could improve next time.
• Follow up if you hear nothing. Job Bank suggests calling to ask about the hiring process if you have not heard from the employer in about two weeks.

Your Rights During an Interview

Human rights laws in Canada protect job applicants from discrimination. Employers should not base hiring decisions on personal characteristics such as age, religion, marital or family status, or disability. If you need an accommodation for an interview, for example because of a disability, you can ask the employer in advance.

Source: Job Bank, Government of Canada – “Preparing for an interview”.