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Before the interview
Many interviews start with a short phone or video call. Someone may ask a few simple questions about you and your experience. Then you may have a longer interview, in person or online. It helps to read about the company first. Think about why you want this job. Prepare two or three short stories about your past work. Check the time, the place or the video link the day before. If you are not sure about something, it is okay to email and ask politely.
Thank you for contacting me. I'm happy to set up a time to talk.
Could you please confirm the time and the address for the interview?
Is the interview in person or online?
The first few minutes
Interviews often start with small talk. The interviewer may ask how your day is going or if you found the place easily. This is normal and friendly. Smile, make eye contact and give a short, positive answer. A light handshake is common in person. Then they may say, "Tell me about yourself." This is not about your whole life. Give a short summary of your work experience, your main skills and why you are interested in this role. Try to keep it to about a minute.
Nice to meet you. Thank you for having me today.
I found it easily, thanks. How has your day been?
I have experience in customer service, and I enjoy working with people.
Questions about your experience
Many interviewers in Canada ask about real situations from your past. They might say, "Tell me about a time when you solved a problem." These are often called behavioural questions. A simple way to answer is: the situation, what you did, and what happened in the end. Use examples from any country. Your overseas experience matters. Explain it clearly, because the interviewer may not know your old workplace. Talk about teamwork, being on time and learning new things.
In my last job, we had a problem with late orders, so I made a simple checklist.
Back home, I worked as a supervisor for a team of several people.
One thing I learned from that experience was to ask questions early.
When you don't understand
It is completely okay to ask the interviewer to repeat or explain a question. This shows you want to give a good answer. It is better than guessing. You can also take a short pause to think before you answer. Interviewers usually understand that English is your second language. Speak a little slower than normal and keep your sentences simple. If you make a mistake, just correct yourself calmly and keep going.
Sorry, could you repeat the question, please?
Just to check, do you mean my experience with customers?
Let me think about that for a moment.
Ending the interview
At the end, the interviewer often asks, "Do you have any questions for us?" It is a good idea to ask one or two. You can ask about the team, a normal day or the next steps. Thank them for their time. Many people send a short thank-you email later the same day or the next day. Keep it short and friendly. After that, wait patiently. Sometimes it takes a while to hear back.
What does a typical day look like in this role?
What are the next steps in the process?
Thank you for your time. I really enjoyed learning more about the team.
Common questions
What should I wear to an interview in Canada?
It depends on the job. For office jobs, people often wear neat, business casual clothes. For jobs in cafés, shops or trades, clean and tidy clothes are usually fine. If you are not sure, you can look at the company's photos online or dress a little more formally.
Is it okay to talk about my experience from another country?
Yes. Your experience from another country is valuable. Explain what you did clearly and simply, because the interviewer may not know your old company or system. Focus on your skills, your results and what you learned.
What if I feel very nervous?
Feeling nervous is normal for everyone. Practise your answers out loud before the day. Take slow breaths. If you need a moment, you can say, "Let me think about that." Most interviewers are patient and want you to do well.