Interviewing
Presented by the Career Centre
Types of Interviews
Pre-Recorded Virtual Interviews
● Allows companies to prescreen many
candidates
● Typically, the screening platform will show
you the question, allow 30 seconds to think of
your answer, then begin recording with 2 – 4
minutes to answer.
● The process will continue until the end of the
interview questions.
● The employer will then be able to view the
interview on their end and determine the
next step
Two-Way Virtual Interviews
● A company may choose this type of interview
when distance is an issue, or it may simply be
the best option for the employer to gain a
first impression of the candidates.
● Performed over many different platforms, so
pay careful attention to any emails from the
employer.
● This interview style is very similar to an
in-person interview. The employer asks you
questions and you answer as you would in an
in-person interview.
Live Interviews
● Certain companies are providing In-Person interviews
● Be prepared to:
○ Inform yourself on your city’s health guidelines
○ Have a mask
○ Dress professionally (business formal)
○ Remember in-person etiquette, if appropriate (eye contact,
firm handshake, social distancing when possible, try not to
fidget, be aware of your posture)
○ It is okay to declare if you are not comfortable with a
gesture, like removing a mask or shaking hands
○ Prioritizing safety is a QUALITY
Before the Interview
What are the 3 R’s?
Research
Review
Rehearse
Research
● Company website
○ Mission, vision, values, about us, know facts
● Glassdoor
○ Inside information
● LinkedIn
○ Follow the company
○ Try to connect with someone that works there
● Internet search
○ News articles
○ Recent and upcoming events
Review
● Resources
○ Resume and Cover letter→ print out
○ Contact your references
● Tech
○ Confirm your platform
○ Test your device and internet
● Environment
○ Prepare your space and professional attire
○ Ensure that you will not be interrupted
Rehearse
● Book a mock interview
● Practice with friends and family
● Prepare end of interview questions
○ How would you describe the long-term plan of
the company?
○ Where have successful employees previously in
this position progressed within the company?
○ What types of projects will I be engaged in?
During the Interview
Good Practices
● Sit up straight
● Take your time; check notes discreetly (online)
● Make eye contact
● Avoid large gestures
● Speak clearly
● Be aware of non-verbal communication from the employer
● Try to show that you did research of the company through your
answers
● Wave “Hello” and “Bye
● Maintain your energy
(online)”
● Smile
Is it okay to ask:
1.
2.
3.
Can you please repeat the question?
Can I have a moment to think?
Can you please provide clarification of the questions.
Virtual Etiquette Tips
● Dress professional casual
● Try to occupy ⅓ of the screen with a simple background behind you (online)
● Have your cell phone muted
● Make sure the camera is positioned at a good angle with sufficient frontal lighting
(online)
Managing Technical Issues-Online Specific
● At the beginning of the call, discuss an alternate method in case of technical issues
● Who will reconnect if the call is dropped?
● Stay calm and do not show frustration, just continue when you reconnect
● If it is a pre-recorded virtual interviews and you are unable to finish, reach out to
your contact to let them know – communicating these issues will show initiative
After the Interview
After Interview Tips
● Ask prepared questions
● Ask what the next steps in the interview process are
● Provide references if asked
● Promptly send a follow-up thank you email
Types of Interview Questions
Directive Questions
● Specific interview questions that require
a response usually based on your resume
○ Example: How does your education
equip you for the job at hand?
○ Example: Why should we hire you?
Non-Directive Questions
● These interview questions are open-ended and give you the opportunity to decide
what direction you will take answering them
○ Example: Tell me about yourself?
Situational Questions
● Given a specific scenario and asked how you would handle it or
resolve the situation
○ Example: How would you deal with more than one professor or
manager requesting that you complete their assigned work first?
Technical Questions
● Questions that are asked to determine the extent of
your technical knowledge
○ Example: Tell me about when you used AutoCAD;
what did you use it for and what was the outcome?
Behavioral Questions
● Questions which ask you to describe specific past
experiences to predict future behavior
○ Example: Describe a time when you were faced with
a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping
skills?
Interview STAR Technique
What is the STAR technique?
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Situation or Task
● Describe the situation or task that you
experienced
● Provide sufficient detail so that the employer sees
the extent of your skills
● Use 60% of your response time on this section
Action
● Describe the specific action you took to handle the
situation or task
● If you were a member of a team, describe your
role within the team and how the team as a whole
reacted
● Use 25% of your response time on this section
Result
● Conclude by describing the end result to the
problem
● If the outcome was negative, let the employer
know how you would handle the situation
differently if encountered again
● Use 15% of your response time on this section
Example of STAR
● Situation
○ Group Member not contributing to their portion of a group project
● Task
○ Complete group assignment for grade
● Action
○ Talked to group member, stated group’s concern and actively listened to the
explanation provided, member explained they were overwhelmed with work and
unable to perform assigned section of project
● Result
○ Determined what work the individual could complete, and divided the remaining
work amongst group members to meet the assigned deadline
Now it’s your turn!
Choose a behavioural interview question. Take
a few moments to use the STAR method to
outline your response!
Be prepared to share!
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Now it’s your turn!
Question Examples:
Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation
that demonstrated your coping skills?
How do you accomplish tasks when under a tight deadline? Give
me an example.
Describe a time where you handled conflict with a colleague.
What was a time where you successfully demonstrated
leadership skills?
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Thank you for your time and attention!
Remember to Stay in Touch!
Twitter: @OT_CareerCentre
LinkedIn: Ontario Tech Career Centre
10K Coffees – www.ontariotechu.ca/mentorshipcafe
to help you with informational interviews
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