1.
Human Resources
Lunch and Learn Series
Session 3: Other Interview Tips
TIPS FOR
SUCCESSFUL JOB
INTERVIEWING
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Session 1: Preparation
• Purpose of the interview
• What to expect from the interview
• How to put your best foot forward
Session 2: Interview Questions
• Types of Questions
• Behavioral Interviewing
Session 3: Interview Tips and Open Forum
Potential for additional sessions based on your feedback.
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Tips for Successful Jobs Interviewing

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Session 3 Agenda
Human Resources
Other interview tips and open forum.
• Competition Process
• Interview Etiquette and Additional Tips
• Open Forum

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Session 3 Cartoon
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• For Academic and Support Staff competitions, internal candidates
are reviewed and considered first.
You may have seen this wording on a Notice of Job Competition:
Internal/External (Employees who are full-time internal candidates, as
defined by the Support Staff Collective Agreement, will be given first
consideration.)
• If there are no qualified internal applicants, then hiring managers
will then have access to screen external applicants.
• Only candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted
by the hiring manager.
• Interviews, testing and reference checks will be conducted.
NOTE: These steps are all managed by the hiring department
• All applicants will be notified that the competition has been filled via
email automatic message.
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Competition Process Information
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Interview Etiquette
• Smile
• Make eye contact
• Firm handshake
• Sound enthusiastic
• Sound confident
• Sit up straight
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DOs DON’Ts
• Be too nervous
• Cross your arms in front of
you (negative body language)
• Mumble your answers
• Be a low talker
• Don’t lie or exaggerate

7.
• Selection committees are used, so be prepared to speak to a
small group.
• Pay attention to visual cues… if the committee has put down
their pens or are glancing at each other, it’s time to move on.
• The interview starts from the minute you arrive at the office - be
polite to everyone!
• Be friendly to everyone, but not their friend – stay professional.
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Interview Tips
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• Toward the end of an interview, most selection committees will
ask if you have any questions. If you say no, as some
applicants do, you’re turning down an opportunity to:
 make a positive impression on the employer
 decide if this job is a good fit for you
 use the information to summarize why you’re the best
candidate for the job
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Interview Tips
(Continued)

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Ask Questions
• Do you have any questions for the hiring committee?
• Be prepared.
• Ask the right questions
o Example "What are the long-term and short-term goals of the
department?“
• When you ask thoughtful questions, you show the selection
committee that you:
o care enough to do your research
o are very interested in the position
o are confident and able to assert yourself appropriately

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Human Resources
Feedback on Your Interview
The purpose of feedback, is to fine-tune your interviewing skills for
the next job you apply for.
Pay Attention, Be Polite
Listen carefully…and remember - don’t get defensive
Use Your Learnings Next Time Around

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Human Resources
Final Preparation
Expect the unexpected……..
1. Bring extra copies of your resume (just in case)
2. Plan for an early arrival
3. Double check your appearance (dress to impress!)
4. Have a list of references available
5. Bring your notes and a pen
6. Relax

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Human Resources
After the Interview
• Write down some notes on the questions asked and where you
thought you did well or poorly.
• Send a “thank you” e-mail to the interviewer(s).
• If you don't get the job, consider calling the hiring manager for
some feedback about the interview.
• Don't get discouraged! Interviews are about both parties finding
the right fit for the job. Doing better interviews is something that
can be developed through preparation and practice.

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It Is YOUR Interview as Well
It’s a two way street – you are learning just as
much about the team, department, and position,
as much as the selection committee is learning
about you.
Ask about the position or department. You want
to make sure that it is the right fit for both of
you.

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Human Resources
Open Forum
Would you like to share any interview best
practices, or interview stories?
Do you have any other questions?

15.
THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING
OUR LUNCH AND LEARN
SERIES
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