canada job sponsorship plus job interview guide

8/13/2019 Canada Job Sponsorship Plus Job Interview Guide

1/41

Welcome 3Documentation

3

Section 1, 4Getting Canadian Employers Interested in You 4Section 2, 5Where to find employment in Canada 5Next: 6How to approach Canadian Employers and how to get a Job Offer validatedby HRSDC 6Section 3, 6Getting a Job Offer validated by HRSDC 6

1

CANADIAN JOB

SPONSORSHIP +

JOB INTERVIEW

GUIDE

INFORMATION AND GUIDED

SUPPORT FOR:

GETTING YOUR RESUME IN

ORDER

WHERE TO FIND EMPLOYMENT

IN CANADA

HOW TO LIASON WITH

CANADIAN EMPLOYERS AND

HELP THEM VALIDATETHE JOBOFFER BY HRSDC

THE NEW RULES ANDNEW

DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS

FOR WORK PERMIT

CANADA JOB SPONSORSHIP+JOB INTERVIEW GUIDE JANUARY 2013


2/41

What can you do to Assist your Potential Employer in making his decisionto hire / sponsor an overseas worker 6Why is this important ? 6Categories of Occupations Generally Requiring LMO (Labour MarketOpinions) 7Section 4, 8Completing the Labour Market Opinion Application for Lower SkilledOccupations 8Section 5, 9Find out if you need a work permit to work in Canada 9If your job category is not listed below, you need a work permit 9Work permit applications can be found on the next page. 9Section 6, 10Application for Work Permit 10Section 7, 11Congratulations 11

2


3/41

Welcome

Having been through the whole immigration process ourselves, we understand howfrustrating and bewildering it can be, and hope that we can help you navigate throughthe legal hurdles & pathways to Immigrate to Canada and understand a little better whatsteps need to be taken in order to successfully qualify and apply for your CanadianWork Permit.

Documentation

Within this guide, you will find 4 key sections, followed by the appropriate forms,document checklist and sample forms or document, that you will be required tocomplete and submit to the relevant Employers / The Labour Department / Embassy

Please set aside enough time to familiarize yourself with the procedure, and all of therequired steps in order to obtain a Positive LMO / Job Offer / Work Permit from CIC.

3


4/41


5/41

Next:

Where and How to find Employment in Canada

Section 2,

Where to find employment in Canada

Canada announced they need more workers and immigrants

Jobs and economic growth on the rise, faster than in the U.S.

Free Public Healthcare & Life Expectancy of 81.23 years

Quality Education & Higher Standard of Living

Canada is among the most peaceful nations in the world

The Government is approving more than 260,000 applications a year.Finding employment in Canada is the KEY to Migration.

At ASKMigration.comwe feature thousands of Job Vacancies from major CanadianEmployers where you can apply for a Temporary/Permanent Job in Canada.

Our Canada Job Search Portal has new vacancies added each day, and with thousandsof job vacancies available at: http://askmigration.com/jobstheres bound to be one foryou.

There is also a list included of some of the most reputable recruitment agencies for youto search for positions, as well as some prominent companies in Canada for you to dosome research on, who have their own careers section on their websites so that youmay apply directly.

Through doing this, you will be tapping into the hidden job market in Canada, and youshould aim to spend equal amounts of time applying for jobs both through our own

Canada Job Search portal where new jobs are added daily, located at: http://askmigration.com/jobs and also through your own research, applying directly tocompanies in your field.

5
http://askmigration.com/jobshttp://askmigration.com/jobshttp://askmigration.com/jobshttp://askmigration.com/jobshttp://askmigration.com/jobshttp://askmigration.com/jobs


6/41

Next:How to approach Canadian Employers and how to get a Job Offer validated byHRSDC

Section 3,

Getting a Job Offer validated by HRSDC

Every year, Canadian Employers hire over 150,000 temporary workers with specificskills, including live-in caregivers

When the best skilled workers are willing to relocate, employers will always benefit!Government studies have shown that foreign skilled-workers contribute moreeconomically to employers than a local employee as they are more motivated anddriven to succeed.

Employers who wish to hire temporary foreign workers must first apply to ServiceCanada for a Labour Market Opinion.

The Labour Market Opinion (LMO) assesses the impact the foreign worker would haveon Canadas labour market or, in other words, how the offer of employment would likelyaffect Canadian jobs.

Your Potential Employer will need a positive Labour Market Opinion to hire you as atemporary foreign worker. You fill need to obtain a positive Labour Market Opinion inorder to apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for a work permit.

What can you do to Assist your Potential Employer in making his decision tohire / sponsor an overseas worker

You will need to confirm that the position offered is skilled and the employer has beenadvertised the position in Canada, prior to considering an overseas candidate.

You will also need to let him know that you are strongly determined to relocate toCanada for work and that you already possess the knowledge and the documentsrequired to successfully apply for a Work Permit, once the employer has decided toconsider you for the position

Why is this important ?

Common concerns of Canadian Companies while reviewing Resumes of foreignworkers have been well documented in the past and you will need to communicate tothe Potential Employer that you understand the Magnitude of his/her responsibility,when considering Foreign Workers.

6


7/41

You should also point-out that as a foreign worker, you are prepared to perform all ofyour duties with great determination, much like a native Canadian employee, not lessbecause of your sheer determination and ambition to succeed in this new Economy, andmake a statement for yourself.

Categories of Occupations Generally Requiring LMO(Labour Market Opinions)

High-Skilled Occupations: Requests to hire skilled foreign workers (i.e., in high-skilledoccupations) usually require an LMO, but as previously noted, some categories of workdo not require an LMO.

Lower-Skilled Occupations: Requests to hire foreign workers in occupations that usuallyrequire at most a high school diploma or job-specific training will likely require an LMO.Seasonal Agricultural Workers: Requests to hire seasonal agricultural workers from any

foreign country will require an LMO.

Live-in Caregivers: Requests to hire live-in caregivers (i.e., under the Live-in CaregiverProgram) will require an LMO.

If the Job Offer Requires an LMO

Your employer will be required to complete an Application for a Labour Market Opinionand submit it to the appropriate Service Canada Centre serving his region.

Service Canada considers the following factors in an LMO application

The occupation in which the foreign worker will be employed

The wages and working conditions offered to the foreign worker

The employers advertisement and recruitment efforts to hire Canadians/permanent residents

The associated labour market benefits that may occur from hiring the foreign

worker (e.g., transfer of new skills/knowledge, creation/retention of jobs, etc.)

Consultations with organized labour if the position the foreign worker will fill ispart of a bargaining unit

Determination if the entry of the foreign worker is likely to affect the settlement ofan ongoing labour dispute

7
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/fwp_forms.shtmlhttp://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/fwp_forms.shtml


8/41

Please note that for certain occupations the employer may also be required tosubmit an employment contract which will be considered as part of the LMOassessment.

Section 4,Completing the Labour Market Opinion Application for

Lower Skilled Occupations

This form should be used by your employer to apply for a Labour Market Opinion (LMO)to hire temporary foreign workers under the Pilot Project for Occupations RequiringLower Levels of Formal Training (NOC C and D).

The application can be downloaded from: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/cgi-bin/search/eforms/index.cgi?app=prfl&frm=emp5517&ln=engand all other required documents must be submitted to Service Canada.

Next:

8
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/cgi-bin/search/eforms/index.cgi?app=prfl&frm=emp5517&ln=enghttp://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/cgi-bin/search/eforms/index.cgi?app=prfl&frm=emp5517&ln=enghttp://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/cgi-bin/search/eforms/index.cgi?app=prfl&frm=emp5517&ln=enghttp://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/cgi-bin/search/eforms/index.cgi?app=prfl&frm=emp5517&ln=enghttp://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/temp_assessment.shtmlhttp://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/temp_assessment.shtmlhttp://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/temp_assessment.shtmlhttp://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/temp_assessment.shtmlhttp://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/fwp_forms.shtmlhttp://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/fwp_forms.shtml


9/41

Find out if you need to apply for a work permit, after the LMO is

processed from HRSDC, and get the necessary Work Permit Forms.

Section 5,

Find out if you need a work permit to work in Canada

If your job category is listed below, you do not need a work permit.However, you may need to meet other requirements. Read the information carefully.

If your job category is not listed below, you need a work permitWork permit applications can be found on the next page.

Athletes and coaches

Aviation accident or incident investigators

Business visitors

Civil aviation inspectors

Clergy

Convention organizers

Crew members

Emergency service providers

Examiners and evaluators

Expert witnesses or investigators

Family members of foreign representatives

Foreign government officers

Foreign representatives

Health care students

Judges, referees and similar officials

Military personnel

News reporters, film and media crews

9


10/41

Performing artists

Public speakers

Students working on campus

Section 6,Application for Work Permit

A current copy of the Application for Work Permit can be downloaded from: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/work.aspand is for people who are notCanadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada and who wish to work temporarilyin Canada.

A work permit is issued if the application is accepted.

NEW: CIC has introduced a new Application for a Work Permit Made Outside of Canada[IMM1295] form.It comes with additional forms and an instruction guide.

Please read the guide carefully as it contains important information on how to completethe form.

All applicants must complete and sign their own individual form, including personstraveling as a family.

Applicants who are under the age of 18 years must have their form signed by a parentor guardian.

10
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/work.asphttp://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/work.asphttp://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/work.asphttp://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/work.asp


11/41

Section 7,Congratulations

If youre reading this, that means youve made it!

We share your excitement and sincerely believe that Canada is the best possible placeto relocate because of its excellent settlement services, the stability of the environmentand openness to those wishing to become part of its landscape.

Canada as a land of opportunity provides economic prosperity, easily accessible and

affordable education, one of the worlds best health care system and abundance of landand fresh water.

Now you and your family can share with Canadians and take part in continued creationof the worlds most admired and peaceful nation and country You can be proud to callYour home - Canada !

Yours in success!

The team at http://ASKMigration.com

11
http://askmigration.com/http://askmigration.com/http://askmigration.com/


12/41

YOUR GUIDE TO

INTERVIEW SUCCESS

By ResumeCompanion.com


13/41

YOUR GUIDE TO INTERVIEW SUCCESS

2

ResumeCompanion.com

Table of Contents

Before the Interview .......................................................................................... 3

Preparing for the Interview.......................................................................................................... 4Interview Strategies ..................................................................................................................... 6

Interview Questions You Need to Master ........................................................... 8

25 Basic Interview Questions ....................................................................................................... 9

20 Challenging Interview Questions .......................................................................................... 15

Interview Questions for Students .............................................................................................. 19

Interview Questions for Career Changers .................................................................................. 21

Interview Questions for re-entering the Job Market ................................................................. 22

Illegal Interview Questions ........................................................................................................ 23

After the Interview .......................................................................................... 25

Post interview Wrap Up ............................................................................................................. 26

Before you hear back ................................................................................................................. 27

Negotiation Tips ......................................................................................................................... 28
http://www.resumecompanion.com/http://www.resumecompanion.com/


14/41


3

ResumeCompanion.com

Before the Interview


15/41


4

ResumeCompanion.com

Preparing for the Interview

The sixty second pitch

The sixty second pitch is a clear and concise summary of who you are that you

should prepare and memorize. It should include:

Your current and/or target occupation Your most impressive and relevant qualifications and skills Your educational attainment

This pitch is invaluable when meeting prospective employers and for general

networking purposes.

Researching the employer

Researching the employer prior to an interview is critical. Although time

consuming, it will impress prospective employers and dramatically increase your

odds of a follow up interview. Basic information can be found on the employers

website. You should be come generally familiar with the companys:

Leadership/management team Products/services Recent company news and events Industry trends Top competitors

We recommend printing out the information above and having it ready to

reference back to during the initial phone interview.

First round interviews

Most first round interviews are conducted over the phone. An employer who is

interested in learning more about you may call you at any time. If you feel

unprepared it is acceptable to ask the interviewer if you can reschedule the

interview for a later time.


16/41


5

ResumeCompanion.com

Most often, however, the interviewer will schedule a time in advance that is

mutually convenient. During the interview, make sure you have a printed version

of your resume on hand and are ready to take notes. Talk confidently and slowly,

resisting the urge to answer quickly. Think through your answers it is

acceptable to ask for a moment while you think through your response.

As the phone interview comes to an end, reaffirm your interest by asking the

interviewer what the next step in the hiring process is and if there is anything you

can do to make yourself more competitive. Make sure to follow up with a thank

you note, just like you would after an in-person interview.

A note about professional references

Prepare a list of professional references at the onset of your job search. It willtake time for you to get permission from your references, so start early. Choose

two to three professional references from previous employers or from close

business associates. Other potential sources include previous clients, professors

and community leaders. Do not use friends and family members as professional

references.

References should never be included on your resume, but instead on a separate

document which should only be given out upon request with the implicit

understanding that your references may be contacted.


17/41


6

ResumeCompanion.com

Interview Strategies

Knowing in detailed fashion what is on your resume and practicing the interview

questions provided in this document will take you a long way in acing your nextinterview. You will notice a dramatic increase in your confidence knowing you

are prepared to answer any question that may come your way.

Proper dress attire

Proper dress attire is an important detail not to be overlooked. Adhere to the

following dress attire rules:

Men: Wear a conservative, two-piece suit, white shirt, silk tie and lace upwing tip shoes.

Women: Wear a professional-looking dress or suit with low-heeled shoes. Impeccable grooming: Get a haircut; trim your nails, shave, etc.

Note: every company and occupation is different. Use your best judgment and

when in doubt, it is better to overdress than under.

A note about punctuality

Punctuality may be obvious but can be more challenging than expected when

traveling to an unknown destination for the first time. Give yourself ample time

in case you get lost, the bus is running late, your car runs out of gas, etc. By

planning to get to your destination 30 minutes in advance, you give yourself the

opportunity to review your resume and take a leisurely walk outside the building

to clear your mind. Do not go into the office 30 minutes in advance 10 minutes

is standard.


18/41


7

ResumeCompanion.com

What to bring

Prepare your documents in a clean and professional looking binder or folder.

Make sure you are not fumbling around with your things as you greet the

interviewer you want to be cool, confident, relaxed and in charge. Make sureyou bring:

Several unfolded copies of your resume and cover letter Notepad and pen Several copies of your list of professional references Examples of your work (writing samples, presentations, etc.)

Body language

You only get one chance to make a positive first impression. Practice the

following body language tips and youll exude confidence:

Smile when you meet Walk and talk with confidence Shake hands firmly Keep your documents and notepad organized and accessible without

difficulty

Let your eyes travel naturally to and from the interviewers face Remember the interviewers name and pronounce it with confidence


19/41


8

ResumeCompanion.com

Interview Questions You

Need to Master


20/41


9

ResumeCompanion.com

25 Basic Interview Questions

About the Job

Why do you want to work in this industry?

The key is to create a narrative of how you first became interested in this type of

work. Call out similarities between your current/past work and the job you are

now applying to. By demonstrating your passion for the work you differentiate

yourself from the other job candidates that are simply job shopping.

Why do you want to work here?

If you have done your initial research this should be easy. Describe one or two

things about the company that are special and caught your interest. Perhaps the

company has the best customer service in the industry. Or the company recently

came out with a new product that you personally have used and enjoy.

What skills do you think are most critical to this job?

Describe the key skills that are required for the position and how youve

demonstrated those skills in your current or past work. Make sure to describe

specific examples and avoid generalities.

Considering your own resume, what are your weaknesses in relation to

this job?

The trick here is to turn the question around and get the interviewer to disclose

what he or she believes may be your weaknesses. Ask the interviewer What are

you most concerned about? Similar to a sales rebuttal, once you have identified

the objection give an example of how you are suited for the job.

If I hired you today, what would you accomplish first?

This is a great question because it gives you the opportunity to demonstrate both

your knowledge of the industry as well as your skills. Talk about a specific project

that you would spearhead and how you would utilize your former experience to

get the job done.


21/41


10

ResumeCompanion.com

Your Career Path

Where do you want to be in five years?

Resist the urge to give specific job titles or time frames as you may end up

shooting yourself in the foot. Talk about your professional interests and how you

want to continue improving your skills in your chosen field or industry. Make

sure you focus on the specific field and industry you are applying for.

What are your long term career plans?

This is similar to the five year career path question but distinctly different. It is

reasonable to plan five years out but longer than that is difficult, given the

changing nature of businesses and the economy. Therefore, focus on the types

of experiences and accomplishments you wish to achieve. For example, talkabout how you want to become an expert in your field and obtain a respectable

position in management.

Why are you leaving your current job?

Focus on the lack of growth or challenge at your current job. Emphasize why you

think the position you are interviewing for would provide the challenge and

additional responsibilities you are seeking.

What are your salary expectations?

The key is to turn the question around. Ask the interviewer what the salary range

is for the position. Then ask the interviewer how your qualifications rate

compared to the average requirements for the position. The idea is to position

you towards the highest pay bracket as possible.


22/41


11

ResumeCompanion.com

Strengths and Accomplishments

Why should I hire you?

Resist the urge to repeat your resume verbatim. Instead, describe how you stand

apart from other job candidates and why you are passionate about the job. For

example, you might describe how youve used the companys products since

college. You might describe your participation in industry associations and

thought leadership in the field.

What are your strengths?

Describe one or two of your skills that are most relevant to the job. Describe

them in detail and how they could be applied to the new job. For example, you

might talk about your ability to communicate cross functionally and howimportant that will be for the position.

Describe an improvement you personally initiated.

Make sure you have a specific example on hand. The interviewer wants a

concrete example of your initiative and your ability to work through a project

from start to finish.

Describe your leadership style.

There are many correct answers here. We prefer the tried and true lead by

example response. Make sure you can provide an example of how you took on

a leadership position by leading by example.

Tell me about a major accomplishment.

This is similar to the describing an improvement you personally initiated

question. You should have a specific example prepared. Walk the interviewer

through the steps you took, the role you played, and the result.


23/41


12

ResumeCompanion.com

Problem Solving

Tell me about the most difficult problem youve ever dealt with.

Prepare a specific problem in advance. Discuss the problem briefly and then

focus on what actions you took to solve the problem. Describe why this problem

was personally hard for you and what you did to remain objective and

professional.

Describe how youve used a problem solving process.

Describe step by step how you utilized a problem solving process and how you

saw it through to a successful conclusion. What measures did you use to control

or manage the process? What were the results?

Tell me about a problem you failed to anticipate.

The objective here is to demonstrate your ability to be humble. It is also a great

opportunity to relate an incident from which you learned an important lesson.

What warning signs should you have seen? How has your judgment improved as

a result of this experience?


24/41


13

ResumeCompanion.com

Interpersonal Skills

Tell me about your relationship with your previous bosses.

The interviewer is interested in whether you will work well with supervisors and

management. Describe the positive dynamic between you and your supervisors,

making specific mention of how you work well with managers that set clear

expectations and clear lines of communication.

Describe a time when you assisted a coworker.

Demonstrate your willingness to pitch in and get your hands dirty. It is a great

chance for you to demonstrate how you lead by example. Try to discuss a time

when your expertise produced a positive outcome for a coworker and for the

company as a whole.

What type of people do you work with most effectively?

You want to focus on the positive here. The interviewer wants to find out how

well you would fit in with the other personalities in the company. You cant go

wrong by saying you work well with various types of personalities, even difficult

ones, due to your patient and pleasant demeanor.

Personal Interests

What books do you keep on your desk?

The recruiter will be interested in determining how seriously you take your

profession. Make sure you are armed with two to three books that are relatable

and relevant to the job. Be honest you dont want to get caught not knowing

what a book entails if you say that you have it on your desk! Noting specific

websites is also a good substitute if you dont have any books to provide as an

example.

What do you do in your spare time?

The interviewer wants evidence that youre well rounded, not just one

dimensional. He or she is also looking for shared interests or common ground.

Try to relate your answer back to the job.


25/41


14

ResumeCompanion.com

Other

Have you ever been fired?

If youve never been fired this is an easy question to answer. But if you have

been fired youll need to be prepared to discuss the situation in detail and

possibly answer a series of follow up questions. If the termination was a result of

a situation beyond your control, such as corporate downsizing, most interviewers

will be very understanding. But if you were fired due to your performance or

some other problem, youll need to admit your fault and convince the

interviewer that youve corrected the issue. You should be completely honest - If

you arent and the recruiter finds out as much you will most likely be subject to

immediate dismissal or your job offer will be rescinded.

Why have you changed jobs so frequently?

Professional growth, a larger budget, or other career enhancing experiences are

all valid reasons for moving on. Convince the interviewer that youre interested

in his or her company for the long haul.

Why did you stay at your last job so long?

The interviewer may be concerned about your lack of interest in personal growth,

tackling new assignments and initiative. He or she may also be concerned about

whether you have a tendency to get too comfortable with the status quo.

Demonstrate how youve taken on new job responsibilities and challenges.


26/41


15

ResumeCompanion.com

20 Challenging Interview Questions

Through our collective experience as resume writers and career coaches weve

assembled 20 of the most challenging questions you might be asked during aninterview. If you can master these questions and answer intelligently and

confidently you will be able to gain a huge advantage over other job applicants.

Tell me about a project in which you were disappointed with your

personal performance.

Describe specific challenges and what youve done to get around them. Describe

what you would have done differently given the chance and what you have

learned from the experience. The key is to focus on your approach to problem

solving and what you have learned from the experience, all while staying positive.

What would you do if I told you that I thought you were giving a very poor

interview?

Ask the interviewer if there were specific areas of the interview that he or she

felt you did not address sufficiently. Tell the interviewer that you would be

happy to respond more fully and appropriately, given the opportunity.

Remember to stay calm, confident and relaxed.

Tell me about your most difficult work or personal experience.

Describe a specific experience and how you were able to overcome the problem.

If you cannot think of an extremely difficult situation, use a more commonplace

challenge. Tell the interviewer that although this may not be the most difficult

situation you have encountered, it did require you to take the following steps to

work through the problem. Then describe the steps you took.

If this were your first annual performance review, what would I be telling

you right now?

Tell the interviewer that he or she would be thanking you for all of the dedication

and hard work. Mention one or two of your selling points from your resume.


27/41


16

ResumeCompanion.com

Give an example of a time when you were asked to accomplish a task but

werent given enough information. How did you resolve the problem?

The key is to demonstrate your problem solving ability and initiative. Think of an

example where you thought outside the box to solve a problem.

Describe a time when you failed to resolve a conflict.

The key is to describe a conflict that was not yours to solve in the first place (e.g.;

downsizing of an adjacent division). If you must discuss a personal conflict,

choose a lighthearted one and focus on the positive steps youd take if you could

go back and do it over again. Describe what you have learned as a result of the

conflict.

How have you handled criticism of your work?

Demonstrate your accountability and professionalism. Describe a specific project

that caused you a problem and the steps you took to overcome it. You might also

describe a time you responded objectively and professionally to particularly

harsh or unreasonable criticism of your work.

Tell me about the last time you put your foot in your mouth.

The interviewer is looking for your sense of right and wrong, and your ability to

be responsible for your mistakes. Use an example that did not cause serious or

long term damage, especially in the work place.

What might your current boss want to change about your work habits?

The correct way to answer this question is to point out minor differences that are

inconsequential to the actual performance of your work. For example, you might

like to work early in the morning while your supervisor likes to come in later and

work until seven oclock.

Tell me about two or three aspects of your last job youd never want to

repeat.

Describe specific things youve done in your previous job that you did not

particularly enjoy but completed anyways in order to help the entire team reach

its goals. This is a great opportunity to showcase your determination, initiative

and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done.


28/41


17

ResumeCompanion.com

Tell me about a situation that frustrated you at work.

Try to describe a situation that was outside of your control but how you were

able to work through it with professionalism and poise. This is a great

opportunity to give an example of how you were able to resolve a problem.

Tell me about one of your projects that failed.

Use an example that did not cause significant or long lasting damage. You can

also use this opportunity to describe one of your positive traits. For example, you

could say that you used to have a tendency to take on too many tasks at once,

and that in hindsight it would have been better to delegate work in order to meet

aggressive deadlines.

Tell me about a time when your employer wasnt happy with your job

performance.

Discuss a relatively minor evident. Show a willingness to accept responsibility for

the problem dont push blame onto others. By making sure you describe either

what you learned from the experience or how you were able to overcome it, you

are able to keep the discussion positive.

Have you ever been passed up for a promotion that you felt you

deserved?

The correct answer is to provide evidence that you possess patience and

maturity. Describe how you believe that the quality of your work and your

actions has always been recognized by your peers and supervisors.

Tell me about a problem youve had getting along with a colleague.

Dont discuss a personality clash; focus instead on a difference in work ethic

between you and a colleague. For example, you might say that you worked with

a colleague that cut corners with his or her work which ultimately led to their

dismissal. The interviewer will empathize and you will have demonstrated yourown work ethic.

Tell me about your least favorite manager or professor.

What the interviewer really wants to know is the way in which you speak about

your previous supervisors or teachers. The interviewer is trying to bait you to


29/41


18

ResumeCompanion.com

speak negatively about them dont fall for it! The best answer is to choose an

example that is not overtly negative. Touch upon it briefly, and then focus the

rest of your answer on what you learned from the experience.

Whos the toughest employer youve ever had, and why?Again, you should avoid speaking negatively about your previous employers, at all

costs. Instead, turn the question around with a positive and upbeat response.

Give an example of a time management skill youve learned and applied

at work.

Describe a time management technique youve applied at work thats allowed

you to save time and resources. Describe how you are able to utilize this

technique to boost productivity and get things done, especially under tight

deadlines.

Would you be able to work extended hours as necessary to perform the

job?

Your response should match closely the position youre applying for and should

reflect a realistic understanding of the work and time required. Of course,

showing a willingness to work extended hours can only help your cause.

Prove to me that your interest is sincere.

Be unprepared for this question at your own peril. If you have done your

homework and understand the companys products, services and market you will

be prepared to give an insightful answer to this question. This is a great

opportunity to sell yourself and tell the employer why you would be perfect for

the job.

Note: If asked an impossible or tough question that you cannot answer: Think

about it for several seconds, then with a winning smile and without apology, say: I

dont know, but given the opportunity I am certain I can get the answer for you.


30/41


19

ResumeCompanion.com

Interview Questions for Students

Why werent your grades better?

Chances are that if youve made it this far you will have fulfilled the basic criteriafor the position, including the educational requirements. The interviewer is

trying to judge how well you handle adversity, so its important not to get

defensive when faced with this question. Instead, try to put a positive spin on

the question by concentrating on what you learned and the extra effort you put

in, rather than on the grades you received.

Why did you decide on your college major?

Demonstrate that you have well thought out and logical reasons for choosing

your major. In failing to do so, the interviewer will wonder how much thought

youve put into choosing your career. Be sure that your reasons for choosing

your major are compatible with your career choice. For example, dont say you

were you a music major because you love to play the guitar if youre applying for

a position as a banker.

Was there a course that you found particularly challenging?

The interviewer will want to see how well you respond to difficult situations.

Demonstrate that you wont fold in the face of difficulty, and that youre willing

to put in the extra effort to meet any challenges that arise.

Why didnt you participate in more extracurricular activities?

The interviewer is worried that if you dont have many outside interests, you may

suffer from burnout. Employers like candidates that are well rounded and have

interests outside of work. If you didnt participate in formal extracurricular

activities, you still want to talk about your interests, such as cooking or reading,

which you participated in on a more informal level.


31/41


20

ResumeCompanion.com

Since this will be your first job, how do you know youll like the career

path?

Discuss relevant internship or conversations with industry insiders thats allowed

you to preview the work involved. Describe other people in the profession who

have been mentors or who have taught you about the field. Bring up what you

have learned about the industry and how you stay current with trends.


32/41


21

ResumeCompanion.com

Interview Questions for Career Changers

Why do you want to leave your current position?

The interviewer wants to know why you want to change careers. Show theinterviewer that you arrived at your decision through careful consideration.

Explain why you decided upon this particular position and how the position will

allow you to pursue your passion and interests.

Why would you want to leave an established career for an entry level

position?

The interviewer wants to determine your motivation for choosing a new career

and the likelihood that you will be comfortable in a position where you will

probably have less responsibility compared to previous jobs. Discuss your

reasons for switching careers and show that you have a solid understanding of

the position and the industry in general.


33/41


22

ResumeCompanion.com

Interview Questions for re-entering the Job

Market

Your resume doesnt list any job experience in the past few years. Why

not?

Whatever the reason for your hiatus, be honest. Discuss the decisions behind

your absence, whether they were to stay home and raise a family or to

recuperate from an injury. Tell the interviewer why youre now ready to return

to work. The key here is to emphasize your eagerness to resume your career and

your specific interest in this position.


34/41


23

ResumeCompanion.com

Illegal Interview Questions

What religion do you practice?

Answer 1: I do not mix my personal beliefs with my work. I assure you that Ivalue my career too much for that.

Answer 2: Im not quite sure I understand the purpose of this question. Would

you please explain to me how this issue is relevant to the position?

Answer 3: That question makes me uncomfortable. Id prefer to not answer it.

How old are you?

Answer 1: I am in my fifties and possess over 30 years of experience in thisindustry. My qualifications include

Answer 2: Im too young to retire, but Im old enough to know better than to

answer a question like that.




Are you married?

Answer 1: No

Answer 2: Yes I am, but I keep my family life separate from my work life so that I

can put all of my effort into my job. Im flexible when it comes to travel and late

hours, as my references can confirm.





35/41


24

ResumeCompanion.com

Do you have children?

Answer 1: No

Answer 2: Yes I do, but I keep my family life separate from my work life so that I

can put all of my effort into my job. Im flexible when it comes to travel and late

hours, as my references can confirm.





36/41


25

ResumeCompanion.com

After the Interview


37/41


26

ResumeCompanion.com

Post Interview Wrap Up

Write down your thoughts

It is important to get down to paper what was just covered during the interview

while it is still fresh in your mind. Ask yourself these key questions:

What does the position actually entail? What do you like in particular about the position and company? What

dont you like?

What mistakes did you make during the interview? How could you improve your overall interview technique?

This post interview retrospective will help you to narrow down between positions

if it comes down to that, and it will also help you to improve your overall

interview skills.

Thank you letter

While a Thank you letter probably wont help you secure the job, not sending one

will most certainly hurt your chances. You should send a thank you letter

immediately after the interview to everyone that you met with. Personalize eachthank you letter and keep the entire letter to no more than two or three

paragraphs. You should include:

Your gratitude for the opportunity to interview with the employer Your increased enthusiasm for the position and the company in general Call to action for the next step in the selection process


38/41


27

ResumeCompanion.com

Before You Hear Back

Keeping in touch

It is important to keep your candidacy fresh in the interviewers mind. Be

proactive and send work that may intrigue the interviewer. If during the

interview you discovered a common interest, such as traveling in Italy, send the

person a great article you just found on the topic. This will create a sense of

camaraderie and help to distinguish you from the other candidates.

If you dont hear back

You should give the interviewer up to 10 business days to contact you afterreceiving your thank you letter. If you dont hear back within that time period,

you should follow up with a phone call or follow up email. But dont get

discouraged if you dont receive an immediate response. Most companies will

interview several candidates before making a decision as to who to invite to the

next stage of the selection process.

Handling rejection

Rejection is bound to happen, so the key is to take it in stride and dont take itpersonally. What you should do is contact each interviewer that sends you a

rejection letter. Thank your contact for considering you for the position and

request that he or she keep you in mind for future openings. You may want to

ask the interviewer for suggestions to help you improve your chances of getting a

job in that industry or for the contact information of people who might be

looking for someone with your skills.

Send your response letter within one to two days of the rejection, expressing

your disappointment in not being offered the job but also your gratitude for the

companys time and consideration. Stay upbeat in your letter and you may be

surprised at what opportunities may arise from being proactive.


39/41


28

ResumeCompanion.com

Negotiation Tips

What to consider

While starting salary is often the most important criteria when considering a job

offer, you should also take into consideration whether or not the job will help in

your overall career development. This in turn has an effect on your overall job

satisfaction, lifetime earning potential and future marketability. In some

organizations, you may be given a lot of responsibility right away but then find

your upward progress blocked. Make sure you know if there are opportunities

for advancement. Ask about performance reviews how often are they

conducted?

Other information you should have in order to make an informed decision

include:

Start date Job title, and associated responsibilities Salary, overtime, and compensation Bonus structure Tuition reimbursement Vacation and parental-leave policy Life, medical and dental insurance coverage Pension plan Travel requirements


40/41


29

ResumeCompanion.com

Salary and benefits

Dont make the mistake of accepting a job that youre not enthusiastic about

simply because the starting salary is a few thousand dollars higher than what

youre currently making. Ask yourself whether the position presents a careerpath with upward mobility and long range income potential.

Benefits can make a big difference in your compensation package, so dont

overlook them. With health insurance costs at an all time high in the United

States, you should find out if the company covers these costs in full. If the

company only pays only a portion of these costs, make certain that you can

afford to pay the difference out of your own pocket.

Negotiating the offer

Never try to negotiate salary or benefits until after youve gotten an offer. Try it,

and youll look as if you care more about money than putting your skills to work

for the company. Your goals at an interview are twofold:

1. Prove to the recruiter that youre well suited to the job.2. Make sure that you feel comfortable with the prospect of performing the

job and working in the environment the company offers.

If youve been offered a position, the hard part is over! Dont worry about the

company withdrawing the offer if you ask if the offer is firm. The worst case

might be that employer tells you that your salary is set by company policy and

theres really no room to negotiate. But the employer is equally likely to tell you

that he or she cant give you an immediate answer and will have to get back to

you.


41/41

YOUR GUIDE TO INTERVIEW SUCCESSResumeCompanion.com

Determining appropriate salary

Do your research using salary calculators such as salary.com or payscale.com.

Make sure you account for regional differences in salary. For example, the same

position may pay 20% more in New York City than in Dallas.

If you are an entry level or recent college graduate make sure you set realistic

salary expectations. With limited work experience employers are taking a leap of

faith based on the potential youve demonstrated in classes, internships,

volunteer work, and extracurricular activities.

If you are an experienced hire, your negotiating power might be much greater.

After finding out if the offer is firm, you may be asked to supply a target salary

figure. Dont paint yourself into a corner by providing a concrete number.Instead, say something like, Based on my experience and the stated

responsibilities of the position, Id expect to receive compensation that is

competitive and appropriate in this industry. Can you give me some idea of what

range you have in mind?

canada job sponsorship plus job interview guide

Documents