Interviews

An interview is a conversation where an employer assesses whether you are a good fit for the role, and your opportunity to make a strong impression. The tips below will help you prepare, understand what to expect, and answer questions with confidence.

Interview Essentials

Once your interview is scheduled, find out the format so you can prepare for it. Common formats include:

In person: a face-to-face conversation where presence and punctuality matter
Phone: audio only, so your voice, tone, and pacing carry the message; often a first screening step
Video: a live online conversation, so test your technology ahead of time and look at the camera, not the screen
Recorded (one-way): you answer preset questions on your own within a time limit, with no live interviewer

You may also meet a single interviewer, a panel of several people at once, a group of other candidates, or a series of interviews across multiple rounds.

Most interviews mix a few kinds of questions, and knowing what each one is looking for helps you answer it well.

General questions: explore your background, interests, and motivation, and usually open the interview, for example “Why do you want to work here?”
Behavioural questions: ask about real past experiences and typically begin with “Tell me about a time...” or “Give me an example of...”; how you handled things before predicts how you will handle them next
Situational questions: ask how you would approach a hypothetical scenario, such as “What would you do if...?”
Assessments and practical tasks: may also come up, from written or technical tests to case studies, presentations, or simulations

Most interviews also end with a chance for you to ask questions. Have two or three ready that show genuine interest and are not covered on the employer's website, such as "What does success look like in this role?" or "What are the next steps?"

Preparation is not about memorizing answers. It is about understanding the role well enough to choose the right examples to share.

Research the role and employer: note the skills and keywords that come up most in the job posting, and learn what you can about the organization
Choose your examples: pick three to five from work, school, volunteering, or projects that show relevant skills, including one that involved a challenge or setback
Practise out loud: rehearse your answers, record yourself, or book a mock interview with our team
Confirm the logistics: the date, time, format, who you will meet, and any documents to bring
Request accommodations: if you need adjustments such as extra time or an alternative format, ask early, ideally when scheduling; you do not need to share medical details

What you do after an interview can set you apart from other candidates and helps you improve for next time.

Send a thank-you message: within 24 hours, email a brief note that mentions something specific from the conversation and reaffirms your interest; if you met several people, message each one
Follow up if you do not hear back: wait until any stated timeline has passed, or one to two weeks if none was given, then send a short, polite message asking about next steps
Reflect on how it went: note what went well and what you would do differently, and pick two or three things to adjust next time
Respond to the outcome: review an offer fully before accepting, and if you are not selected, ask for feedback when you can and keep applying

Interview Essentials

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Interviews

Interview Essentials

Types of interviews arrow_drop_down

Questions to expect arrow_drop_down

How to prepare arrow_drop_down

After the interview arrow_drop_down

Want to learn more?

Horizons Program

Resume Peer Group Schedule

Drop-in Sessions