Preparing for Your Interview

Tips on how to prepare for a job interview.

Resources like employability services organizations (French only) and Services Québec employees can provide you with the help and advice you need to prepare for an interview.

• Carefully note the date, time and place.
• Try to find out how many people will be at the interview.
• Ask whether there will be a written exam or exercise.

You may also ask what specific types of tests will be used so that you can prepare better—e.g., tests related to intelligence, knowledge, aptitudes, personality, interests, physical aptitudes)

• Find out more about the company and the job available.
  • What are the company's activities?
    • Visit the company’s website.
    • Ask your friends, family and acquaintances for information.
  • Who are the company's clients?
    • Review your job search notes.
  • What skills is the employer looking for?
    • Reread the job offer.
  • What duties and responsibilities would you have?
    • For more information on the trade or occupation, see the Labour Market Information (LMI Online)  website.
• Anticipate the employer's questions and have answers prepared.
• Memorize your résumé so you can clearly describe your education, work experience and skills.
• Simulate interviews with your friends. Don't simply recite answers by heart. Instead, try to memorize the main points you want to bring up.
• Select appropriate clothing.
• Make sure you know how to get to the interview location and how long the trip takes. Applications like Google Maps  may come in handy. You may even want to make the trip once beforehand.

• Your résumé and cover letter—prepare a copy for each person at the interview
• Copies of your diplomas
• Your portfolio, if you have one
• A list of references
• Paper and a pen or pencil to note the names of the people present, the date and time of any subsequent interview, and any other pertinent information.