JOB INTERVIEWS (Senior)

Here are some questions you should be comfortable answering:

1. Why do you want this job?
2. How did you become interested in this field of work?
3. What do you have to offer this organization?
4. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?
5. What do you see yourself doing in five years?

Strengthen Your Answers:

• Review your experiences at work, at school, and in volunteer activities.
• Think of examples and situations that demonstrate your abilities or strengths.
• Make a list of your accomplishments or achievements.
• Think about challenges you’ve faced in the past and how you dealt with them.

1. On a blank Word document, answer the five questions above in full sentences using
the “strengthening” techniques to elaborate. Each answer should be between 3-5
sentences in length.

2. Submit your answers to mlcpcivics@outlook.com for me to review, using “your
name: job interview assignment” as the subject line. You will receive a completion
grade out of 10 (2 marks per question)

Top Tips:
1. Know the company and the position you’re interviewing for. It seems simple but
knowing the values, mission and historical actions of a company will help you tailor your
answers to the specific interview.
2. Dress for success. Professional business clothes are always appropriate, regardless of the
type of job you are interviewing for. Proper hygiene and a tidy appearance are important.
3. Be there on time. Try to arrive 5 or 10 minutes early to be safe.
4. Let your personality shine. If you’re excited about the job, don’t be afraid to show it. Just
remember to always keep it professional.
5. Be confident. Feeling nervous in an interview is perfectly normal; just don’t let your
nerves overpower your interview. Eye contact and a calm, clear speaking voice are
excellent ways to show your confidence.
6. During your interview, relax and sit naturally, but don't slouch in your chair or lean on
the interviewer's desk. Avoid chewing gum or fidgeting.
7. Begin with a smile and a firm handshake. Remember, this is your first introduction to the
organization, so be polite to everyone you meet and turn off your cell phone.
8. Listen carefully to the interview questions so that you actually answer the question, and
never interrupt. If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.
9. Talk about your past experiences and accomplishments without bragging, and tie those
experiences to how they can help you contribute.
10. Think before you speak. Although you want to be open and honest in your interview,
avoid talking about your personal or financial problems.
11. Don’t be afraid to ask your potential employer questions! This shows your interest as
well as helps you judge the fit of the company for you.
12. Leave as soon as the interview is over, making sure you don’t linger. Shake the
interviewer’s hand again, restate your interest in working for the organization, and thank
them for the interview.

Further thinking:

1. Plan an outfit that you would wear to a job interview for the career you wrote your
resume for before March Break. Point form is fine
2. Research a company that your chosen career would fit with. Locate and describe
their mission statement, any historical highlights (such as when it was founded or
any major actions), where their headquarters are and how many people they
employ (Canada or world-wide). If using point form, make sure you have headings
for each aspect.
3. List three ways someone could mess up their interviews and not get hired.

Be prepared to discuss these answers with the class the week of April 15 (you do not need to
submit these). If you have questions please email me at mlcpcivics@outlook.com and I will
respond within 24 hours.