Common interview questions

The interview gives the employer the opportunity to see how you react in various situations, especially stress-related ones. This is a chance not only to sell yourself, but also to convince and reassure the employer.

During the interview, give concrete examples to support your affirmations. And remember that being professional, natural, open-minded, attentive and enthusiastic will be to your advantage.

Because an interview is an opportunity to exchange information, you can also ask questions.

• Tell me about yourself.
  Answer concisely (two to three minutes). Memorize a short version of your CV, including your work objectives.
  
  
• What are your strong points?
  Prepare a list of your five best qualities.
  
  
• What are your flaws?
  When you are asked this question, mention a flaw that can also be a quality.

  For example, you could say that you expect a lot of yourself. The interviewer may then ask you to name a "real" flaw, in which case you should have a Plan B. It is important to show that you are aware of your flaws and that you are working on them.

  For example, you could say that you expect as much of others as you do of yourself. Say that you are working on improving this because you realize that not everyone has the same standards as you.

• Why should we hire you?
  Prepare a response that will highlight your good qualities, skills and competencies in terms of the position for which you are applying.
  
  
• Do you have any experience?
  If you acquired experience in a position similar to the one you want, say so. You could also mention some of your skills (e.g., you're resourceful and you enjoy challenges).

  It is important to show that you make a connection between your skills and the skills sought by the employer. You could cite some examples of personal experiences where you've developed skills that could help you land the job.

• Do you have any weak subjects in school?
  If you don't, say so immediately and tell the interviewer your grade point average. If you do, say that there are certain areas in which you are making progress, that you never miss an opportunity to improve and that you are working very hard.
  
  
• What interests you about our company?
  This is where the information you've gathered about the company will be useful. If you know the company's values and objectives, you can relate them to your motivations and interests. You can also mention how your experience matches the job you're trying for and what you could contribute to the company if you were hired.
  
  
• What is your career objective?
  You can make a connection between what you wrote as an objective in your CV and the role and responsibilities of the job.
  
  

The interviewer may describe a hypothetical situation regarding a challenge that could arise in the position and ask for your reaction to the challenge. In this case, remember the skill requirements and take them into consideration when you respond, highlighting your problem-solving abilities. If you don't have an answer, you could say that you would ask the advice of an experienced co-worker to find and apply the best solution.

Don’t hesitate to turn to your educational institution’s employment services or any other organization, such as the Carrefour jeunesse emploi. Often free of charge, these services offer workshops and abound in precious tools, especially regarding the main topics addressed during the interview. And above all, use these resources before your motivation sinks below zero due to unsuccessful job searching.