Magazine Options Carrières.

I do agree it is too bad about Jpod is gone, but where do you think they were going in the next season?

Anyhow, I think one of the better job interviews I had was when I claimed to be PROACTIVE. Employers like that. And also it is nice when you respond to the interviewer. I once had an interview where I just listened to the woman tell me about her trip to the states. I made a comment here or there, but by then it wasn’t about me, it was about how well I could listen to her. I got the job.

I counsel high school students in many areas involving the transition to post-secondary, including interview preparation. This article is so funny, but it says what needs to be said. I will definitely be directing my students to this site.
Cheers!

In professional careers, it definitely pays to be assertive. Show interest in the job. This takes a bit of research, and the hubris to think that you have something to offer, such that they will talk about it. Be forward and direct about what you can offer to the company/firm, and why you think you are the best person for them.

The worst interview I ever had was at Citizenship and Immigration. I’d been referred to another interview by a human resources representative who couldn’t hire me but thought I’d be a good addition to another department. As soon as I walked in the door the interview went downhill. There were five people sitting around a table in an office decorated with art from cultures around the world. They all had my resume and were looking at it in confusion. “Do you have any experience with other languages?” French. “How about Mandarin or Arabic?” No. “How long have you worked as a personal assistant and how proficient are you with the Linux OS operating system?” I’ve never been a secretary and even Microsoft is difficult for me. “What education have you recieved?” I’m finishing my undergraduate degree in history. “Oh. No minor in public affairs or policy management?” No. There was a deathly silence. Then I said: “I don’t think I’d be a good fit here.” READ: You’re not going to hire me are you? They shook their heads in agreement. And I left, unable ever to look anyone emerging from the building in the eye ever again.

Best interview tips:
1) Always dress professionally. Ladies wear skirts and blouses and heels, hair and makeup done. Think any lady from CSI. Men wear dress pants and button up shirts with no sneakers. Think Tony Stark.
2) Smile. Smile. Smile.
3) Be enthusiastic. Like so enthusiastic you’ve been doing speed all day. “Couches?! I love couches! I love to get people excited about couches!”
4) Firm handshake. Offer your hand as soon as you see them, don’t wait for them to offer theirs. No limp fish handshakes. Shake their hand like the Terminator would.
5) Be early. But not awkwardly early, enough time so you can grab a coffee and relax.
6) Be polite. “It’s great to meet you!”
“Thanks for your time.”
7) Don’t be afraid to talk about yourself. Repeat: I am awesome and attractive and capable and experienced and you want to hire me. All hail the Hypnotoad!

Jpod is a great book and I like me some Douglas Coupland but like most things CBC produces these days, the show was pretty bad.

I definitely agree with your point about research. I once applied for a job in a coffee shop and when the interviewer asked me which of their drinks was my favorite, I realized I wouldn’t name a single signature drink. Not a good move. Looking for things like the company’s vision or mission statement on their website can be very helpful, particularly if you can explain how your skills would contribute to the company’s overall aims.
Also, obvious but sometimes overlooked, dress at least as well for the interview as you would expect to dress daily if you get the job. At the same time, be comfortable. Wearing those killer stilettos to an interview in the middle of a January snowstorm will unnecessarily up your stress levels. (seriously).
…And yes, it is a shame Jpod was cancelled.

Checking out the website of wherever you’re applying is great advice – but make sure you remember some of the basic details you’ve learned or it’ll just feel like time-wasted. Nothing like sitting down to an interview and feeling completely flatfooted when the interviewer asks you about the program you vaguely remember reading about online.

Interviewer: So, what do you know about our VistaItalia program?

Me: UHH. I remember it has something to do with children and….Italy?

Also, try REALLY hard to remember the interviewers name so you can thank them personally at the end (that one’s from the roomie, fortunately I have not experienced that one myself).

(P.S. Oh, man, my parents were crushed that Jpod was cancelled. CRUSHED. Maybe I should have watched it.)