I’ve been on both sides of the job interview process more than a few times in both Europe and Canada. I’ve been through interview questions from part-time jobs at school, to straight-out-of-university graduate jobs, to now in a senior position in a big Canadian firm.
Being both the interviewee and interviewer in different companies, at different seniority levels, in different countries should make me well placed to help you understand what job interview questions you might get asked and how to structure your answers.
So while every job interview is going to be different, particularly across different fields and levels of experience, there are themes that persist across most types of interviews that can help you predict what Canada job interview questions you might get asked.
I’ll explain the types or categories of job interview questions you might come across, how to structure your interview answers for those types of questions and give you example Canadian interview questions for each type. So you’ll be well prepared with Canada job interview questions and answers.
I’ll also cover my top 10 common interview mistakes and some general interview tips that should help you ace the interview.
It’s worth pointing out that I’ve not seen a substantial difference in interview questions or interview structures between Europe and Canada. There are more tangible differences in interview style between the type of job you’re going for rather than just what country you’re going for it in.
Oh, and if you want to make sure your resume is the best it can be, you can read my article on how to write a knockout resume here.
So let’s get started…
Types of Canadian interview questions
These are what I see as the typical broad categories of Canada interview questions.
I’ve heard the types called different things by different people but, regardless of what you call each, the substance will be the same.
It’s handy to be familiar with the structure of job interview questions because you can then learn how to answer that type of question.
So while you’re not going to know the substance of the questions you’ll get asked, you can prepare for how to structure your answers for different types of questions.
Behavioural interview questions
These type of Canadian job interview questions are ones where the interviewer is trying to understand how you’ve handled situations in the past.
The interviewer is trying to use how you’ve handled situations in the past to determine how good you’d be at dealing with similar situations in their organisation.
So the question will start something along the lines of “Tell me about a time when…” or “Give me an example of a situation in which…”
Behavioural interview questions are, as far as I’m concerned, the same as competency questions – it’s just tell me about a time you’ve shown this skill/behaviour/competency.
The situation that they’ll ask you to describe will depend on what the important skills and behaviours for the job are.
So if it’s important for the job to be able to manage difficult customers then they might ask “Tell me about a time when you had to resolve an issue for a difficult customer.”
Or if it’s important for the job that you’re good at communicating technical issues to non-technical audiences they might ask “Tell me about a time when you had to explain a complex technical issues to someone outside your team and how you did it.”
We’ll cover how to anticipate what behaviours you’ll be asked about in the interview in the interview tips section below.
How to answer behavioural interview questions
If you’re asked a question that begins something like “Tell me about a time…” or “Give me an example of…” then it’s important that you talk about a specific example.
Don’t talk in general terms; pick one good example and talk about that.
It’s fine to preface the answer briefly by letting the interviewer know that you have to deal with that kind of thing a lot in your current job but then move on to “and one good example of that is”.
It should be fairly obvious in the question what behaviour or competency the interviewer is trying to gauge.
It might be teamwork, innovation, or conflict resolution as examples.
So pick out the skill or behaviour from the question and focus your answer on demonstrating that – don’t get caught up in technical details.
The best way to structure your response to behavioural interview questions is using the STAR method which I’ve explained in the section below.
Situational interview questions
Situational interview questions in Canada are similar to behavioural questions but rather than asking how you’ve dealt with something in the past, the interviewer will give you a scenario and ask how you’d deal with the situation.
Normally the scenario will be something that you would likely encounter in the role you’re applying for.
I’ve also seen these called case interview questions. But essentially, situational interview questions and case interview questions are the same: giving you a situation (or a case) and asking how you’d deal with it.
Depending on the job you’re applying for and the interviewer, this type of question could be looking to test your technical knowledge of the job field or it could be more of a soft skills type question.
So a job-specific technical one might be something like, “Someone from HR comes to tell you they’ve clicked on what might be a dodgy link in an email they received. Talk me through what you’d do.”
Whereas a soft skill more general one may be, “Someone in your team is struggling and it’s causing the team to miss deadlines. What would you do in this situation?”
Any situation you might encounter in your potential new role is fair game here so it will really probe your understanding of the job you’ve applied for.
How to answer situational interview questions
Obviously it’s important to explain clearly what you’d do in the situation but it’s even more important to talk through your thought process and reasoning.
Often there’s no one right answer to the question. Really what the interviewer wants to see is your critical thinking and logic.
It could be that the specifics is not quite what the interviewer was looking for but by explaining your reasoning they understand that you’ve picked up on the key points to consider in the situation and are applying sound reasoning.
The technical specifics in many jobs can be easily taught but reasoning skills cannot.
Don’t answer in such a way that it sounds like you’re passing the buck. Talk about what you’d do to resolve the situation.
That’s not to say you should always avoid saying that you’d inform your manager (and that kind of thing) as part of the answer but don’t go for the “Oh I’d just ask my manager what to do.”
Lastly, if there are real-life examples of how you’ve dealt with a similar situation in the past, include that too.
Subject Matter Expert interview questions
These interview questions could be direct (i.e. non-situational) questions designed to see how much you know about the field you’re working in.
For example, what you know about a specific piece of new legislation that affects your industry.
Or what a particular component does in a computer network.
The job you’re going for doesn’t need to be technical for you to get these types of questions.
How to answer subject matter expert interview questions
First thing is don’t be afraid to take a minute to think through the answer before launching into it.
If you’re presented with something you don’t immediately recognise it’s easy to get flustered and start talking nonsense. But if you just take a minute to think about it you can often recollect something that didn’t immediately come to you.
Don’t be afraid to tell the interviewer you’re going to take a moment to collect your thoughts before you answer.
If you’re still not sure of the answer, explain what you think it might be and the reasoning why you think that.
It could be that the answer isn’t right but, by explaining your logic you demonstrate that you do have a decent knowledge of the subject even though you didn’t know that specific thing.
General interview questions
The interviewer will likely ask some more general interview questions such as where you see yourself in 5 years, why you applied for the role and to walk them through your resume. If you’re moving to Canada you might get an interview question on why you want to work in Canada.
Obviously how you answer these questions completely depends on the question, so I can’t really give specific advice.
But check out the Interview tips section below for some guidance to apply in answering Canadian interview questions in general.
General questions will sometimes focus on your knowledge of the organization you’ve applied to. Questions like “Why do you want to work here?” are an opportunity for you to show passion and to use research you’ve done about the organization.
My experience is that the bulk of Canada job interview questions will fit into the buckets above. However, keep in mind you could be asked whatever questions the interviewer fancies.
One last type of question that does warrant highlighting however is obscure problem-solving ones like “How many footballs could you fit in x stadium?”
The question might be obscure but the way of approaching it is not.
It’s the same as discussed above: talk through your thought process and logic.
The interviewer isn’t actually looking for a correct number of footballs; they’re just looking to understand your process/logic of how you’d go about solving it.
STAR method to answer interview questions
STAR is a handy acronym to help you structure your response to behavioural or competency job interview questions.
STAR stands for:
- Situation: describe the situation and set the scene for the example you’re going to give.
- Task: describe what the ask was and what your responsibility was.
- Action: describe what you did to address the task.
- Result: describe what end result your actions achieved.
Basically you just want to make sure you describe the specific situation, what you did in that situation and what the outcome of it was.
When you’re answering, make sure you use mostly I rather than we or the team: I did x and y.
While it’s good to talk about working as part of a team (especially when you’re trying to demonstrate teamwork), make sure you then talk about what you did in the team: how your contribution to the team resulted in you all succeeding.
Canada interview questions
Below is a collection of some of the most common Canadian job interview questions I’ve been asked and use myself in Canada.
I’ve split the job interview questions into the types that I’ve defined above – so your answers to the interview questions should be as described above.
For questions that would normally be industry specific (i.e. situational and subject matter expert), I’ve tried to show the structure of questions using text placeholders. So you’d just insert industry specific terms in the placeholders.
Typical job interview questions
- Talk me through your resume highlighting your experience relevant to this role.
- Tell me about yourself.
- What do you think are your greatest strengths?
- What are some of your development points you’re working on?
- What’s your understanding of the role?
- Why do you think you’d be a good fit for this role?
- Tell me what you know about the company.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Why do you want to leave your current job?
- What would you want to achieve in your first 30/60/90 days in the job?
- How would you improve our product/service?
- What do you like least about your current job?
- What have you read in the news recently about this organization?
- Do you have any questions for us?
Behavioural interview questions
- Tell me about a time when you developed a new approach or solution in your work.
- Have you ever been asked to do something that you thought was a conflict of interest or unethical? Tell me about it. What did you do?
- Give me an example of when you’ve had to deal with an angry customer. How did you resolve the situation?
- Give me an example of a time when you had to make a complex decision.
- Tell me about a time when you successfully managed differences of opinion in a team to achieve a goal.
- Give me an example of a time you had to work to meet a tight deadline. What steps did you take to make sure you met the deadline?
- Tell me about a time when you’ve delivered an exceptional result.
- Describe a time where you have demonstrated strong leadership skills.
- Tell me about a time you’ve changed a colleague’s/customer’s/boss’ opinion. How did you do it?
Follow up questions to behavioural questions:
Depending on whether you’ve covered enough of what the interviewer wants to hear, they might ask some pointed follow up questions like:
- What steps did you take?
- What challenges did you face?
- How did other people react to this?
- What would you do differently next time?
- What did you learn from the experience?
Situational interview questions
It’s difficult to give example technical-situational questions because they’re so specific to whatever industry or role you’re applying for.
So as I said above, where the question is testing industry specific knowledge I’ve tried to show the structure of the question using text placeholders.
You can check the interview tips section below for how to anticipate what scenarios you might get asked and then use these examples applied to your situation.
- You’re assigned to work on a project to <something related to your field of expertise>. Walk me through how you would approach this. Where you would start and what questions would you ask initially?
- You’ve received a call from an irate customer who has <situation in your industry>. How would you deal with the situation?
- Two people who work for your team are not getting along and as a result, the team’s productivity is flagging. How would you approach the situation?
- You’re asked to look at the impact of a new <rule/procedure/proposal that means x and y e.g. new accounting rule where project resource costs are capitalized>. Talk me through how you’d approach this and what impact it would have on the company’s <something related to what you do e.g. financial statement>.
- You receive a call in <department you work in e.g helpdesk> from a customer saying that <a problem e.g. they can’t access the VPN>. How would you approach the situation?
- Your manager asks you to do a task that is several days’ work. But you think it is the wrong approach. What would you do?
- You are working in a team on a project with a tight deadline. Two of your team members are having a disagreement and it’s becoming heated, how would you manage this situation?
- Having reviewed a recent piece of work you have completed, you realize it contains a mistake. It has already been finalized and reworking it would mean a key deadline is missed. How would you deal with this situation?
Subject Matter Expert interview questions
These questions could take on the same format as situational ones referenced above but could be more direct questions like the ones below.
As with the situational questions, I’ve used text placeholders to make them more generic to help you apply them to your situation.
You can use formats that are relevant to you to help brainstorm some questions you might get.
- How will the upcoming <new-regulation> affect our business and how should we be preparing for it?
- What do you know about <new technology> and what impact will it have on our business?
- What do you see as some of the industry emerging trends and how do you think they’re going to affect our business?
- What do you think about <industry hot topic> and how it will affect our business?
- What does <particular network component> do in a computer network?
- What is a <industry term>? What topics would you expect it to cover?
- Explain how you would approach <performing a technical task> and how this would differ from <performing a similar but crucially different task>.
- Choose a <particular technical concept> and describe it to us in non-technical terms.
- Explain the three <records/documents/components/concepts e.g. financial statements> and how are they connected to each other.
- Can you describe the difference between <industry term> and <related industry term>?
Canada interview tips
Here’s 12 top tips that should help you answer Canada interview questions and ace your interview.
Tip 1: Research the company
Make sure you research the company you’re applying to.
At the very least, read their website and know their company values.
As a hiring manager, there are few things more irksome than a person who hasn’t even done basic research about the company.
When you’re asked a question like, “Why do you want to work here?”, it should be a slam-dunk of an easy question: talk about the information you’ve learned about the company and how that aligns with somewhere you’d like to work.
And try to weave in knowledge of the company in some other answers throughout the interview.
Tip 2: Study the job description
The job description is your best friend when it comes to anticipating what questions you might get asked in the interview.
Just like the job description helped you tailor your resume, it’ll help pre-empt what interview questions you might get.
If the job description talks about building relationships and working with others then you will likely get a behavioural question around stakeholder management.
If the job description talks about using a particular control framework then have ready when you’ve worked with that control framework before. If you’ve not worked with it before, what similar frameworks you have worked with and why you’re confident the skills are transferable.
If the job description has a skills and behaviours section (or similar), it’s even easier to anticipate what behaviours they’ll be asking you about.
Tip 3: It’s okay to take a moment
Don’t be afraid to take a few moments before you answer the question.
Silence is okay.
If you’re feeling nervous, it can help you gather your thoughts.
A short silence followed by a good answer is definitely better than a rambling answer. You can tell the interviewer you need a moment to think or structure your answer.
Tip 4: Demonstrate accountability
Try to demonstrate ownership and personal accountability in answering questions.
Don’t give answers that seem like you’re passing the buck.
It’s okay to say you’d involve your manager or others but make sure you stress that it’s only after you’ve thought through the problem. That you are going to them with possible solutions for a decision.
Tip 5: Research hot topics
Make sure you research hot topics and recent news in your industry.
You need to be able to show that you’re up to date on what’s happening.
I always ask a question to test if the interviewee is up to date on what’s happening in the industry. So something like “What effect do you think this new regulation will have on our business?”
Tip 6: Make your questions worthwhile
A great way to demonstrate passion and excitement for a role is to ask meaningful questions at the end of the interview.
But on the flip, it’s better to not ask any questions than ask pointless ones.
I’ve never not given someone a job because they didn’t ask a question at the end. But pointless questions at the end have solidified my leaning to not give a person a job.
Tip 7: Know your resume inside out
If you get asked something about your resume it should be a nice easy question.
So make sure you know the dates and the details of the experience you’ve put in your resume.
You don’t want to be stumbling over the simple stuff.
Tip 8: Prepare some answers
Using the job description (tip 2) and your own personal experience, think about what scenarios/skills/behaviours they might ask you about.
Then list out some good examples you could use to answer them.
Often the good examples you come up with can be used to answer different types of questions depending on what aspect you’re talking about.
For example, that time you developed a new, streamlined way of doing a business process involved: teamwork, conflict management, deep technical knowledge of x, problem solving, stakeholder management, etc. So you could use that example for a whole host of questions.
For the avoidance of doubt, if possible don’t use the same situation to answer more than one question – I just mean you have that example ready to fit whatever question you want.
Some common competencies that hiring managers often like to ask about are conflict management, managing difficult clients/colleagues, teamwork, problem solving, delivering customer excellence and going above and beyond.
Tip 9: Focus your answers
When you’re asked a behavioural question or competency question think about what behaviour/competency the interview is trying to rate you on.
So if the question is asking for an example when you developed a “new approach” or “new solution” it’s likely that they’re looking at your ability to innovate or think creatively. So focus your answer around demonstrating you have those skills.
Tip 10: Phrase answers to highlight good behaviours
Always think how you can answer that highlights your best qualities.
For example, when you’re asked a behavioural question answer in such a way as to emphasise that you act without having to be prompted.
So if you’re asked for a time you developed a new approach. Don’t phrase it like “I was asked to fix this problem”; phrase it that you identified that something wasn’t working as well as it should be so you developed a new approach to make it better.
By answering the first way you’re highlighting that you don’t act unless prompted; the second way highlights that you take initiative.
Tip 11: Be honest about weaknesses
If you’re asked about your personal weaknesses strike the balance between “I don’t have any” and “I’m really hopeless at time management”.
Pick something that you know you need to improve on and are actively doing something to improve on it. Then focus your answer around what you’re doing to improve.
Candidates who are honest and genuine often stand out.
Tip 12: Get comfortable
Try and get comfortable in the interview process.
A bit of nerves is normal but remember the person interviewing you wants you to be the right person for the role.
Interviewing is time consuming, expensive and, a little monotonous for hiring managers so the sooner they can find the right person for the role the better.
So keep that in mind in the interview – the person on the other side of the desk has a vested interest in this going well too.
Top 10: job interview common mistakes
Like many hiring managers, I’ve seen my fair share of bad interviews. So while the tips above should help you put in a strong performance in the interview, here’s what to avoid doing when answering Canadian interview questions.
These are the top 10 most common Canadian job interview mistakes I see.
Mistake 1: Being under-confident
Some good candidates fail interviews because they’re too humble and don’t sell themselves enough.
You’re there to emphasise your strengths so be bold and sell yourself!
Mistake 2: Being over-confident
Equally, other candidates can take confidence too far and can come across as arrogant.
Strike the right balance of confidence in your abilities without arrogance.
Mistake 3: Rambling
A rambling answer obscures the behaviours and skills that you’re trying to demonstrate in your answer.
Give comprehensive but concise answers.
Mistake 4: No examples
This is the number one mistake I see candidates make.
Where it is appropriate, give specific examples: they provide evidence to the interviewer and give your answers weight.
Mistake 5: Being unprofessional
Being unprofessional or inappropriate sets the wrong tone.
Don’t make inappropriate or insensitive comments, and dress appropriately for the organization you’re applying for.
Mistake 6: Obvious exaggeration
Whilst it’s important to emphasize your positive skills and behaviours, some candidates will obviously overstate, or worse lie, about their previous experience. This is easy to spot by the interviewer and won’t do you any favours..
Sell yourself but be honest.
Mistake 7: Being underprepared
Not showing knowledge of the company, role or the industry trends is a common mistake candidates make.
Make sure you do your research and go ready to demonstrate your knowledge.
Mistake 8: Lack of passion
Passive or boring candidates don’t stand out.
Showing the interviewer how keen, enthusiastic and energetic about the role you are will make you more memorable as a candidate.
Mistake 9: Filling the silence
Some candidates get freaked out and start talking when the interviewer is taking notes or there is a natural pause.
Don’t be afraid of pauses and resist the urge to extend your answers if there’s a natural silence.
Mistake 10: Demanding pay/perks upfront
Some candidates will demand certain pay and conditions before the interview has even begun.
Negotiating pay is important but don’t start that conversation unless the interviewer invites it.
And finally…
Good luck!
I hope you’ve found my insight into Canada job interview questions and answers helpful.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below about how you get on.
I hope you get the job you’re going for. But if you don’t, don’t beat yourself up.
It took me and my colleagues many attempts to get the job we wanted.
If you’re not successful, pick yourself up and try again.
Treat unsuccessful interview attempts as learning experiences and focus on the things you can improve on for next time.
And if you’re new to Canada the Government of Canada has lots of resources to help you get on the job ladder.