Interview Tips

You will have the greatest success with interviews if you understand the organization, the position and yourself. With preparation, you can demonstrate to the interviewer that you have what it takes to do the job.

You will learn more when you attend an interview skills workshop, and you can practise your interview techniques in a videotaped mock interview.

Research and Prepare:

• Become familiar with the job description.
• Read work term reports by co-op students who’ve worked at the same organization; you’ll find them on Navigator.
• Visit the company’s website.
• Read annual reports and other company publications.
• Know the employer’s business, including its products or services, consumers or clients, and competition.
• Think of questions you might want to ask.
• Review your experience to find examples of your relevant skills and accomplishments.
  

"I suggest students research each company and try to memorize three key facts to mention during the interview, to show the employer you are interested."
Michael Stanko, co-op student

During the interview

• Dress professionally.
• Greet interviewers with a smile and a handshake.
• Use body language that shows you are alert, confident and comfortable.
• Keep answers concise and direct.
• Be prepared to both answer and ask questions.
• Use the STAR system to demonstrate how you have applied your skills.
  
  Situation: describe the situation
  Task: explain what you needed to accomplish
  Action: describe the action you took
  Result: summarize the positive results of your action

"The best advice that I can give about handling interviews is to be natural. Interviewers are trying to get a sense of who you are and how you would fit in the work environment. There is a much greater chance that your work term will turn out the way you anticipated if you turn out to be the person your employer expected!"
Rakhee Arora, co-op student.

After the interview

Please do not send a thank you note after interviews arranged through the Co-op Office.
(Our policy is that employers and students are not to contact one another until after the student has accepted a job offer.)

You may send a thank you note after any interview you have arranged through your personal job search.