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COOP Interviews Workbook
COOP Interviews Workbook
1.0
WORKBOOK
CO-OP Interviews V.1.0
Telephone: 613-562-5741
E-mail: coop@uOttawa.ca
Web site: www.coop.uOttawa.ca
https://twitter.com/uOttawaCOOP
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 2
WORKSHOP LEADER .................................................................................................................. 2
WORKSHOP GUIDELINES ........................................................................................................... 2
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................... 2
UNDERSTANDING INTERVIEWS..................................................................................................... 3
EMPLOYER’S MAJOR CONCERNS ................................................................................................ 3
EMPLOYER’S ASSESSMENT......................................................................................................... 3
SIX COMPONENTS OF SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW PREPARATION .................................................. 4
COMPONENT 1: ANALYZE THE JOB DESCRIPTION ................................................................... 5
COMPONENT 2: MATCH YOUR QUALIFICATIONS TO THE JOB ................................................ 10
COMPONENT 3: RESEARCH THE ORGANIZATION .................................................................. 12
COMPONENT 4: PREPARE ANSWERS TO INTERVIEW QUESTIONS .......................................... 13
COMPONENT 5: ANTICIPATE THE INTERVIEWERS’ STRATEGY ............................................... 21
COMPONENT 6: PREPARE QUESTIONS FOR INTERVIEWER(S) ................................................ 22
CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................. 30
CHECKLIST ............................................................................................................................. 30
WORKSHOP LEADER
• Professional Development Specialist
WORKSHOP GUIDELINES
• Arrive on time
• Sign the attendance list
• Participate actively
• Respect others
The results you get directly reflect the effort you put in.
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
• Understand how interviews are conducted and how you will be evaluated
• Learn to use a six component strategy to help you prepare adequately for interviews
• Gain knowledge of the CO-OP interview and matching process
Students will be encouraged to disclose disabilities and the Professional Development Specialists will
offer students the opportunity to talk through the issues that disclosure raises in a confidential
setting.
http://www.uottawa.ca/accessibility/policy.php
UNDERSTANDING INTERVIEWS
• Mutual exchange of information
• Very subjective
• Not standardized
• Interview performance determines job offers
NOTES
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• Can you do the job? Do you have the skills to do the job?
• Are you motivated to do the job? Are you genuinely interested in the job?
• Will you fit in with others?
• Will you do the job? Are you manageable?
EMPLOYER’S ASSESSMENT
Tests
• Technical and field-specific
ACTIVITY:
Purpose:
To practice analyzing job descriptions and consequently gain an accurate sense of employers’
requirements.
Rationale:
Accurately analyzing employers’ requirements helps you determine if you are a good candidate for
the job, match your skills to their needs, and prepare for potential interview questions.
Note: Many interview questions will be generated directly from the job description.
Activity: Individually
1. Turn to the sample job description that best matches your degree program.
a) Arts – pages 6 and 8
b) Engineering – pages 6 and 7
c) Management – pages 6 and 7
d) Civil Law – page 8
e) Science – page 8
f) Social Sciences – pages 6 and 8
g) Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies – page
3. Note the job requirements in the left-hand column of the chart on page 11.
NOTES
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Figure 1
CO-OP job no.: 399 Term: 2013, Summer
Contact name:
Organization: Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
Duration: 4 months Min. CGPA:
Job location: Ottawa No. of positions: 1
Program of studies: Communication, History, Lettres françaises, Political Science, Sociology, Commerce
Job language: Bilingual / Bilingue
Employer job no.: Security: Yes
Duties:
• Conduct media tracking and analysis
• Identify essential issues discussed in the media every day and analyze this information
• Write and edit texts for diverse information purposes
• Help with information research on the Internet
• Assist with various communications projects and perform support staff duties, as required
• Help the Public Affairs team with a wide variety of projects, including research, analysis, and writing/editing
Figure 2
CO-OP job no.: 114 Term: 2013, Summer
Contact name:
Organization: Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Duration: 4 months Min. CGPA:
Job location: No. of positions: 1
Program of studies: Computer Eng., Computer Science, Software Eng., Man. & Inf. Sys.
Job language: English or bilingual / Anglais ou bilingue
Employer job no.: 0640 Security: No
Job title:
Summary of duties:
• Develop, edit, and maintain Web pages using advanced skills in HTML, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, and other
graphic development/editing applications.
• Co-ordinate regular Web site updates.
• Assist in GIS tasks that include map production and output.
• Digitize maps and acquire data from external sources.
• Data manipulation, exporting, and administration.
• Spatial analysis using Arcview, Idrisi and/or other similar GIS/spatial analysis/database software.
The candidate will be required to work independently, be a self-starter, and show initiative to complete tasks under tight
timelines.
Figure 3
CO-OP job no.: 615 Term: 2013, Summer
Contact name:
Organization: Canadian International Development Agency
Duration: 4 months Min. CGPA:
Job location: Gatineau No. of positions: 1
Program of studies: Economics, Finance, Commerce, Accounting
Job language: Bilingual / Bilingue Security: Yes
Employer job no.:
This training offers the opportunity to acquire a very good experience in the field of financial audit. In fact, the trainee will
be in contact with representatives of major national accounting firms as well as Consulting and Audit Canada. He/she will
also deal with regional accounting firms as well as with many employees of CIDA’s program’s Branches, namely Africa,
Asia and Americas as well as Partnership and Multilateral programs. His/her duties in the Financial Compliance Unit will be
to prepare and issue financial audit assignments, organize and participate in meetings and update the annual audit plan
of the Unit. The trainee should be able to analyze, reconcile and interpret collected data for the preparation of files.
Figure 4
CO-OP job no.: 624 Term: 2013, Summer
Contact name:
Organization: TransCanada PipeLines Limited
Duration: 4 months Min. CGPA:
Job location: Calgary No. of positions: 1
Program of studies: Chemical Eng., Civil Eng., Mechanical Eng.
Job language: English or bilingual / Anglais ou bilingue Security:
Employer job no.:
This posting is in Calgary, Alberta—A COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED AT THE CO-OP OFFICE NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2. PLEASE INDICATE JOB NO. 624 ON THE TOP LEFT-HAND CORNER OF YOUR COVER LETTER.
TransCanada is a leading North American energy company that specializes in power generation and natural gas
transmission. We build, own and operate some of the most efficient power plants in North America, and we are the
largest pipeline company in Canada. The following CO-OP work-term position is available in the Liquefied Natural Gas
(LNG) Department to support the Cacouna Energy Project. TransCanada is one of the most highly automated natural gas
transmission systems in the world. Duties of major importance: • Assist the Technical Services Manager and Lead
Engineers with preparation and development of technical procedures and processes for the Front-End Engineering Design
(FEED) and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) phases of the Cacouna Energy Project • Preparation of
technical team reports and presentations, including contractor progress monitoring • Provide input and support to the
stakeholder and regulatory teams, responding to information requests • Assist with development of engineering and
construction cost estimates • Support technical team with contract management including preparation of work
authorizations and change orders as required for FEED and EPC work • Preparation of project data books • Site services
support in Québec for field programs • Liaison between the technical team and other Cacouna Energy project teams and
other TransCanada departments • General administrative and commercial support to the project team. As the ideal
candidate, you will have: • Well-developed analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills • Ability to quickly learn,
understand and implement new concepts • Strong team orientation, demonstrating a high level of cooperation, with the
ability to work independently when required • Intermediate to advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Excel
(or similar spreadsheet software), and Microsoft Project • Ability to work in both English and French is essential.
Education: • 2nd or 3rd year Engineering program with a preference for students in Mechanical, Civil or Chemical/Process
Engineering disciplines.
Figure 5
CO-OP job no.: 615 Term: 2013, Fall
Contact name:
Organization: Health Canada
Duration: 4 months Min. CGPA:
Job location: Ottawa No. of positions: 1
Program of studies: Biochemistry, Biology, Biophar. Science, Chemistry
Job language: English or bilingual / Anglais ou bilingue Security: Yes
Employer job no.: 2008/09/008
Description: The student will carry out the identification of hazardous substances being used, produced, emitted,
discharged and disposed of at Health Canada facilities/labs. This work requires developing a proposed detailed approach
to follow, for review and approval by the manager of the Office of Sustainable Development, and carrying out the related
work which includes consultation and coordination work with key laboratory staff and managers. The student would
inventory these substances and then categorize them based on their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity in the
environment and humans. Qualifications: Student will have completed a minimum of two years in a science discipline.
Required skills: • knowledge of safe handling, storage and disposal procedures for chemicals • proper research
methodology and report preparation techniques • analytical skills • creating/implementing project timelines and roll-outs •
effective communication skills • knowledge of computer applications including: word processors, spreadsheets and
databases • knowledge of Health Canada’s mission and vision • knowledge of SD and its principles • personal suitability •
works as a team member • shows initiative, motivation and good judgment • Dependable organization: The Office of
Sustainable Development, Health Canada. The Office of Sustainable Development (OSD) is responsible for coordinating
the preparation of the Department’s Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS). OSD monitors departmental compliance to
sustainable development related statutory requirements and compiles progress reports. OSD coordinates the
implementation, training and communication aspects of sustainable development on behalf of the Department.
Figure 6
CO-OP job no.: 861 Term: 2013, Fall
Contact name:
Organization: Justice Canada
Duration: 4 months Min. CGPA:
Job location: Ottawa No. of positions: 1
Program of studies: Communication, English, French, Lettres françaises, Translation, Economics, Information
Studies, Civil Law, Anthropology, Political Science, Sociology
Job language: Bilingual Security: Enhanced Reliability Status
Employer job no.:
Job description: As part of the Department’s mandate to promote and develop Canadian legal dualism, the student will be
involved in researching and writing about various issues dealing with the relationships between groups of legal standards
of diverse origins. Legal dualism calls upon a variety of disciplines; the student will have an opportunity to broaden his or
her intellectual horizons by working with experts not only in law, but also in linguistics and social sciences. More
specifically, the student will be required to read, describe and organize informative texts used in the compilation of a legal
dictionary of property. Such texts will deal not only with property law as it pertains to civil law and common law, but also
with linguistic pragmatics and the epistemology of social sciences. The student will be called upon to write or help write
description sheets, summaries and draft definitions in property law and other areas. He or she will also write document
reviews, bibliographies and other informative texts upon request.
Figure 7
CO-OP job no.: 289 Term: 2013, Summer
Contact name:
Organization: Archives Information Centre
Duration: 4 months Min. CGPA:
Job location: Nepean No. of positions: 2
Program of studies: Master’s in Information Studies
Job language: English or Bilingual Security: No
Employer job no.: 14556
Job duties:
The intern will assist in creating and developing a new Web site as well as related informative brochures announcing our
newly accessible online collection of historical records materials and other Depression era publications.
We are looking for an intern with creative ideas, a firm grounding in the history of Canada during this era, the ability to
communicate both orally and in writing, and an interest in developing Web-based reference materials.
The intern will expand the AIC online library catalogue using information to make the searchable catalogue more
functional to archivists and researchers by adding links to full-text versions and to biographical materials. The intern will
work with the Systems Manager to edit data in the library's Magistrar catalogue through detailed review and analysis of
the current online information to locate non-standard entries.
We are looking for an intern with at least 1 year completed of a Master’s Program in Information Studies, as well as an
interest in Web-based information.
In order to qualify, you must also apply directly to our Web site at: www.archivescentre.org by April 30 at 4 p.m. Please
also include a cover letter detailing specifically how you are able to fill all of our requirements.
ACTIVITY:
Purpose:
To practice finding a match between your qualifications and the job requirements.
Rationale:
Finding a match between your qualifications and the job requirements ensures that you articulate
why you are a good candidate for the job. This process enables you to generate and develop answers
to possible interview questions.
Activity:
Part 1 – Individually
Match your qualifications to the employers’ requirements in the right-hand column of the chart on
page 11.
NOTES
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Now that you’ve identified the employer’s requirements, match your qualifications to the job by listing
your relevant information.
Other Other
Rationale: Employers are more likely to favour candidates who clearly understand the employers’ companies and their
businesses. As well, candidates who have researched a company thoroughly show that they are genuinely interested in a
job, another important hiring-decision factor.
HERE ARE EXAMPLES OF QUESTIONS YOU MAY BE ASKED RELATED TO YOUR RESEARCH:
GENERIC
• Why are you interested in this particular job or in our organization?
• What do you know about our organization?
• Why should we hire you?
• What do you think are the advantages of joining our organization?
• What do you think is going to happen to our industry in the future?
• What do you think it takes to be successful in our organization?
• How do you think you can contribute to our organization?
Purpose:
To develop strategies to answer general interview questions.
Rationale:
Although general interview questions appear easy, they can be some of the most difficult to answer
successfully. The quality of your answers to these questions will be just as important as your answers
to technical questions—if not more important.
Activity:
Part 1 – Individually
Read the purpose and response strategy for each interview question.
Part 2 – In pairs
Answer “What are the possible pitfalls of each interview question? What do you not want to do?”
4. Question: Why did you change your program of study? or Why have you chosen this field of
study?
Purpose: To ensure that the candidate is focused and truly interested in the field.
Response strategy: Provide a clear but brief explanation for the change in focus or for selected
focus.
Pitfall
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5. Question: Why do you think you are the best candidate for the position?
Purpose: To analyze specific traits that make you suitable for the position.
Response strategy: Research the company thoroughly, make sure you understand the major
objectives of the position, and link any achievements you believe are appropriate to those objectives.
Pitfall
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We asked CO-OP students to send us the trickiest interview questions they were ever asked by employers and this is
what they said:
TWO-PART QUESTIONS
Part 1. Have you ever worked on a project with an employee/group of employees where the desired end result was not
achieved because of another employee’s behaviour?
What measures/actions did you take to improve the situation and the behaviour of the other employee? What was the
actual end result?
Part 2. Can you think of anything you could have done differently that would have improved the overall end result?
UNUSUAL QUESTIONS
• What would be your dream job?
• If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
• The employer gave me a foot-long stick made out of flexible rubber and told me I had 30 seconds to create an object
from the stick and one minute to promote and sell that product back to him.
• What does your resumé not tell us (the company) about you?
• If a power plant was to be built 2 km from your home, would you prefer it to be a nuclear plant or a coal plant and
why?
• What would you do if, after a long meeting, you returned to your office and saw a blue elephant sitting there?
KNOWLEDGE-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
• What is the difference between cash- and accrual-basis accounting?
• Name three GAAPs and describe them.
• Name the most recent book that you have read about aboriginals and summarize its argument.
• What is Protein Explorer used for? How does the DNA column separate the DNA from impurities?
• How would you go about building a framework?
• Describe the thesis, body and conclusion of a paper you have written.
• How have the courses you have taken during the past year prepared you for this position?
PERSONALITY QUESTIONS
• Describe three separate occasions in the past when you set goals for yourself.
• What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• What motivates you?
• What are some things that you would like to learn about or skills that you would like to improve?
• How would your previous manager/employer describe you?
• Name three adjectives that describe you best.
• How would your professors describe you?
• Why should we hire you?
• Sell yourself to me. Why are you the best candidate?
• Describe an occasion when you had a problem at a former place of employment, and how you dealt with it.
SCENARIO QUESTIONS
• What would you do if you were given many different projects that all had the same deadline, and you were unable to
do all of them on time?
• What would you do if your boss gave you a project to complete by the end of the day and then left and was
unreachable? Then his boss gave you another task to complete by the end of the day and then left and was also
unreachable, but you only had time to finish one of the tasks? Which one would you complete?
OTHER QUESTIONS
• What do you do in your spare time?
• What factors besides salary are important to you?
• Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
• Where do you expect this position to lead with regards to career progression?
SITUATIONS
• What would you do if you saw someone cheating on a test? What if it was a friend of yours?
• You are working with two other students to complete a project. One of them is not doing his share
of the work. How do you resolve this problem?
Tests: You will be notified, in the same way as for the interview, if you have a test.
Purpose: Employers can assess skills and competency levels.
Administered to a large group before scheduling interview. Can be part of the interview.
Types: Computer knowledge – writing skills – field-specific knowledge.
• Tell me about a time when you demonstrated the ability to deal with a difficult person.
• Describe a situation where you demonstrated initiative.
• Describe a situation in which you failed at something.
• Give me an example of a time when you overcame a difficult problem.
S.T.A.R.
Situation - What was happening?
Tasks - What needed to be done?
Actions - What did you do specifically?
Result - What was the outcome?
NOTES
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Purpose:
To show that you possess the trait, skill, or experience that the employer requires by providing a
specific example.
Rationale:
According to research, how you handled situations in the past is the best indicator of how you will
behave in the future. That relationship is why so many organizations use behaviour-based (or
competency-based) interviewing as a recruiting tool.
Activity:
Part 1 – Individually
1. Read the question and the sample answer below.
2. Create a STAR statement of your own by answering the same question.
Sample answer
Situation: As you may have noticed on my resumé, I worked at the Steak House restaurant as a
server last summer. One night, a couple came in and told me that they needed to eat and leave in 30
minutes to catch a show. Normally, it takes 45 minutes to an hour for regular customers and that
night, I had eight other tables to serve.
Tasks: So to give them all excellent customer service, I used my time-management skills and my
teamwork skills.
Actions: The first thing I did was to take their drink orders so that they could have a minute to look
at the menu. Then, I went to the kitchen to tell the cook that I had a rush order coming up. At the
same time, I checked if any of my other customers’ meals were ready for pick up and brought those
out. When I came back with the couple’s drinks, they ordered their food, and I went straight to the
kitchen with their order. I asked the cook to give me an estimate of how much time their order would
take. In the meantime, I served the other customers, but I was also checking how much time had
passed.
Now it’s your turn. Answer the question on page 19 by using one of your own experiences.
NOTES
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Purpose:
To anticipate the interviewers’ strategy.
Rationale:
Making the time and effort to anticipate each interviewer(s) strategy will reduce surprises, increase
confidence and improve interviewing performance.
Example interview
2. In what way are your skills and personality suited to ________________________ (company
name)?
9. What is the relationship among (1) ________, (2) ________ and (3) _________________ (three
key issues specific to the job)?
Purpose: To answer the following interview question successfully: “Do you have any questions for
me?”
Rationale: If you don’t ask any questions during an interview, a potential employer may think that
you’re uninterested in the job—and that’s not the impression you want to make. In fact, many CO-OP
employers have offered jobs to junior students rather than their more senior counterparts simply
because the junior students showed greater interest and enthusiasm in addition to the ability to get
the job done. Also, asking questions will enable you to learn more about the organization and the
job, which will, in turn, help you rank potential positions.
You may write down the answers and use this information later when deciding how to rank your jobs.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
• What role do CO-OP employees play in your organization?
• Why does your company hire CO-OP students?
• Can you describe for me the structure of the team?
• Since I am just starting my career, do you have any suggestions as to what key areas employers in
this field might be focusing on?
• What do you feel is important for me to know about the organization?
• If you could sum up the organization in a few words, what would they be?
• What kind of training do you offer?
• Are returning CO-OP students encouraged to work in the same department or sector?
• What qualities are you looking for in a successful candidate?
• What are your key objectives for this position?
• What would you consider the highest achievement to be made by a new incumbent?
• What are the company’s plans for future growth?
• What makes your firm different from its competitors?
• Tell me about your organization’s vision for the future.
• How would you describe your organization’s culture?
• What are the greatest challenges and opportunities facing your organization?
• What value do other departments place on the work performed by employees in this position?
• How does this department measure success for individuals and the team?
Why:
As in a sales pitch, the closing of an interview is very important. It should take into consideration the
kind of job being offered, your personality, your interviewing style as well as that of your
interviewers. Your exit is as important or perhaps even more important than your entry, since the
interviewer is also summing up the interview in his mind and the last impression he has of you will
carry a lot of weight.
The best way to finish an interview is to show a positive attitude that is complemented by poise and
confidence.
There are also a few strong don’ts for the end of the interview:
Do not be aggressive: Unless the job requires some very aggressive marketing people, do not end
with ‘When can I start?’ and ‘Where do I sign?’ Confidence is almost always a good thing; however,
in this case it could work against you.
Do not ask about money: The best way to find out about the salary is from outside sources. If
you must ask, be very professional about it.
Do not slink out of the room: At the end of the interview, the interviewer is still watching you. Do
not leave the room looking worried. As long as the interviewer can see you, maintain a confident
posture.
As with the interview itself, the potential employer will be paying more attention to your body
language than to what you say. Therefore, be careful how you carry yourself out of the room.
Tips:
Leave your interviewer with the right picture of you: If you are interested in the job, say so.
Sum up the interview by also adding you are confident in your ability to perform the responsibilities
and make a contribution.
Say “Thank You”: Courtesy can go a long way in enhancing your image as someone who is polite
and considerate. Interviews require a lot of valuable time and energy, yet candidates often fail to
express any appreciation for the potential employer’s efforts. So take the time to express your
gratitude to the interviewer for the opportunity you have been given — no matter how the interview
went.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS
A telephone interview is as important as an “in-person” interview, so prepare for it the way you
would for a formal one. Even if the employer cannot see you, be sure to smile when speaking, dress
professionally, be alert, and focus on the interviewer. What will be different are silent moments,
when the employer may be taking notes or preparing his/her next question. Be aware that these
silences are normal and do not try to fill them in. Your attitude comes across in your voice, so make
sure your telephone interview is as professional as an in-person interview would be. Your main
advantage is that you can have important and useful documents with you.
Activity:
Purpose: To have you consider the advantages and disadvantages of telephone interviews.
Rationale: The more you know about telephone interviews, the better you can prepare and the
better you will perform.
Individually: Reflect upon the possible pros and cons of telephone interviews. Write down your
thoughts.
Pros:
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Cons:
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WHERE DO I GO?
Arrive at the CO-OP Office at least 10 minutes before the interview. You will be directed to a room
and the employer’s call will then be transferred to you.
DO I HAVE EVERYTHING?
Bring a copy of your resumé and cover letter with you. Also put a notepad and pens/pencils on the
desk to write down notes, questions and interviewers’ names.
Bring a list of your accomplishments, goals and strengths, as well as a list of your weaknesses and
steps to overcome them.
HOW DO I SOUND?
Practice interview questions and ask for honest feedback. Do a mock interview, both over the phone
and in person. Make sure that your mock interviewer listens not only for content, but also for tone,
rate and clarity of your speech. If possible, record yourself speaking. Are you speaking slowly and
clearly? Can you be heard easily? Is your voice portraying you as a confident and enthusiastic
candidate? If your interview will be on speaker phone, make sure all interviewers hear you well.
GOOD LUCK!
NOTES
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Lack of interest or enthusiasm during the interview process is on the top 10 list of reasons for
candidate rejection.
With more of you away during interview period on international study exchanges and work-terms,
Skype has become a common way to do interviews.
If you are in Ottawa, know that all Skype interviews will be at the Desmarais building (CO-OP Office)
In this case, come to the CO-OP Office 10 minutes before your interview and we will set you up in a
private office.
Dress and act as you would for an in-person interview as there is usually a video camera.
If you are not in Ottawa, we will Skype you 5 minutes before your scheduled interview with the
employer and connect you both. Make sure we have your Skype name in advance.
If you have any questions about your interviews or if you see any scheduling conflicts, call the CO-OP
Office at 613-562-5741 during our office hours.
INTERVIEW LOGISTICS
WHEN, WHERE
1. First round interviews are on campus (Desmarais or Stewart street locations – check your
interviews for exact location of interviews)
2. Check Navigator daily and confirm interviews (“noting” them is confirming them)
3. Attend ALL interviews and information sessions (mandatory!)
4. Interview length: 15 minutes to 1 hour
5. Go to waiting room and wait for employer
6. If you are in Ottawa, phone and Skype interviews will be at the CO-OP Office (reception desk on
3rd floor of Desmarais)
7. Medical certificate required if you are sick
1. Centralized interview scheduling: you will never have two interviews at the same time. Let us know
if there is too little time between two interviews
2. Part-time jobs: avoid day shifts during interview period
3. Conflicts with a class? Make arrangements with your professor if an interview conflicts with class
time
4. Conflict with a mid-term? Contact our office as soon as possible at coop@uottawa.ca or at 613-
562-5741 during office hours
5. Mid-term right before or right after an interview? Inform us and the employer
DO DON’T
• Prepare for the interview • Smoke before the interview
• Take care of your hygiene • Eat candy or chew gum
• Bring a notepad and a pen • Wear perfume or cologne
• Dress professionally • Bring your cellular phone
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early • Slouch in your chair
• Give a firm handshake and smile • Criticize past employers or co-workers
• Establish and maintain eye contact • Lie!
• Be calm and relaxed • Use slang
• Show enthusiasm
If you will be working or studying in another city or if you will be abroad during the interview period,
please either email us or call to notify us of your Skype username before interviews begin so we can
arrange an alternative to in-person interviews for you.
Remember also to arrange for a private office where you are so you can do your interviews privately
in a quiet environment and where you will not be disturbed.
MATCHING PROCESS
EMPLOYER RANKING
1. Employer ranks you first
2. You see partial ranking:
1 = guaranteed job offer
1* = more than one student ranked #1
Rank = employer is interested in you
X = employer is not interested in you
STUDENT RANKING
1. Ranking is mandatory
2. Twenty-four-hour ranking period only!
3. Allowed only one number 1
4. Any combination of 2, 3, 4, etc.
5. Only one job can be eliminated in the first round (1 X)
6. No interviews? No ranking? Go directly to Continuous Placement
NOTE: Contact your CO-OP Program Coordinator if you would like help in making your ranking decision.
On matching day:
• Check Personal profile icon in Navigator (in your work/study sequence)
IF MATCHED:
• You’ll see the job no. and the name of the organization
• Attend “Work-Term Excellence” workshop
For tips on continuous placement interviews, see page 32 of the additional resources.
CHECKLIST
Check COOP Navigator every day to verify if you have been selected for an interview.
Research the organization / company / firm / department Web site.
Review your resumé and job postings: Match your skills to the requirements sought by
employers in your field.
Prepare answers to typical questions.
Prepare STAR answers to demonstrate skills and qualities related to job posting.
Prepare questions (at least five) to ask employer.
Have suit ironed and ready.
Prepare writing sample for interview (if requested).
Book a mock interview (613.562.5741), and don’t forget to provide the job number and
interview language.
Relax and smile.
ADDITIONAL HELP
NOTES
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
GENERAL SESSIONS
Some employers like to meet all their selected candidates in advance prior to the individual interviews
being held. These group general sessions allow them to share with you more about the company and
the job and to answer your questions as well. This technique allows for more time in the actual
interview to be spent on you answering their questions rather than asking many questions of them. It
also has the added bonus for you of learning more about the company before you rank them than
you might otherwise be able to.
You should treat these general sessions as interviews and dress accordingly.
GROUP INTERVIEWS
Most common type of group interview:
Presentation on the company or about the agency conducting the interview, usually followed by an
open discussion and question period. The main goal is to screen candidates, observe how individuals
behave and stand out among their peers. All the candidates will be in the same room during the
interview.
Why:
This type of interview gives the employer the chance to observe:
• Clothing, manners and attitude
• Leadership qualities
• Ability to deal with stress
• Teamwork skills
• How the candidate will face the public and customers
• What level of knowledge candidates have
• How knowledge is used in a discussion
• Communication skills, verbal and non-verbal
• Interaction and participation within the group
It is also your chance to observe and decide if you want to work for the company.
Tips:
• Express your opinion, but let the other candidates speak.
• Ignore any candidates who are too aggressive or make any personal remarks.
• Try to avoid getting into one-on-one conversations.
• It is always a good idea to make the final statement in a group interview.
• Prepare: Study the job description and research the company beforehand just as you would for a
one-on-one interview.
Then what:
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a panel or a one-on-one interview.
* Some companies take a group interview to another level, by conducting exercises that simulate a
work environment.
Continuous placement interviews will usually take place off-campus. Here are a few things to keep in
mind when preparing for these interviews:
Take a practice run to the location where the interview will take place. Be certain of the exact
location (some companies have several offices) and how long it will take you to get there. Keep in
mind high-traffic times!
Check bus routes or ask about parking if you will be driving. Make sure you have cash to pay for
parking if you must pay in advance. Prior to the interview, ask about its likely duration—you don’t
want to have to run out in the middle of the interview to put more money in the parking meter!
Greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy and respect. Not only is this where you make your
first impression, but also the employer may ask the receptionist what he/she thought of you.
Remember to bring your professional resumé and references for the interviewer(s). If you require
assistance with this, contact the CO-OP Office and you will get help. Also refer to our online
workbook, ‘Finding Your Own Job’ at http://www.coop.uottawa.ca/documents/workbooks/find-job-
wbk-en.pdf.
Try and get business cards from each interviewer, or at least the correct spelling of their first and last
names. Then, send a thank-you note to each one, expressing appreciation for the time spent with
you, your interest in the position and anything else you may not have had the opportunity to mention
during the interview. Do this within 24 hours.
Purpose:
To prepare for interviews by mapping out fully developed responses.
Rationale:
By mapping out fully developed responses prior to interviews you will be better able to provide
accurate, detailed and career specific information to employers. In addition, you will be calmer and
better able to present yourself professionally.
Action words (or key skills) based on your strengths and knowledge:
1. __________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________
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5. __________________________________________________________________
6. __________________________________________________________________
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8. __________________________________________________________________
9. __________________________________________________________________
10. __________________________________________________________________
11. __________________________________________________________________
12. __________________________________________________________________
Situation:
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Tasks:
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Actions:
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Result:
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Result:
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Feel free to initiate the handshake. Offer your hand even if the interviewer doesn’t offer his or her
hand first. You want to make a good first impression. That first impression begins with a handshake
and that can set the tone for the rest of the interview.
Make eye contact and don’t forget to smile (now and during the interview).
Make contact with the area between the thumb and forefinger (the web). Adjust your grip to the
other person’s.
To shake, move the employer’s hand up and down 2 or 3 times, for a total of about 3 seconds.
In a panel interview, take the time to shake hands with everyone you meet.
Tips:
If you tend to get sweaty hands before an interview, keep your hands open while waiting and make
sure to have a tissue to wipe them just before the handshake.
End the interview with a handshake as well. Remember that successfully closing the interview will
leave the employer with a good last impression of you.
Knowing how to present yourself professionally through your attire is critical in an interview. Here are
some tips on dressing for interviews:
Women:
Men:
Tips:
If you don’t have to, don’t buy something new for the interview. Try to wear clothes that you
know you are comfortable in and that make you feel confident
If you have questions about your interview attire, book an appointment with a Professional
Development Specialist, who will gladly help you.
ACTIVITY:
Answer the question, “Why didn’t you do well in your final evaluation?”
Purpose:
To help you strategize over possible answers if you did not receive a good final evaluation.
Rationale:
Being prepared for this likely question will leave you looking more confident and assured in the
interview.
Possible answer: “After considering my final evaluation, I realize now that I could have done things
differently. The position offered a great learning opportunity that, unfortunately, I didn’t make the
most of. I believe I’m wiser now. I realize where I went wrong (add an example of where you believe
you went wrong), and I can assure you it will not happen again. I’d like the chance to prove that to
you.”
Practice your response in advance. Being prepared will help you feel more ready and more confident.
Try to keep your response brief and honest. Move it along quickly. This way, you’ll be able to get
back to the interview, sell your skills and expand on why you believe you’re the most qualified person
for the position.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when answering this question:
2. Do not shift the blame to someone else; take responsibility for your own performance.
NOTES
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For the mock interview, you will be asked to select a CO-OP job for which you would like to practice.
You will be expected to prepare for the simulation in the same manner as you would a real interview.
The mock interview takes roughly 20 minutes, and you spend the remainder of the hour receiving
feedback.
For the discussion-style interview, you will be asked to talk about the ways you prepare for real
interviews. You will explore specific interview questions and receive suggestions on how to best
respond.
Co-operative Education Programs: weekly salaries of CO-OP students for Winter 2013
Information on salary is important certainly but asking about it can throw off your interview. To
avoid this, ask your Professional Development Specialist for some coaching on how to ask about
salary and use the above table as a guide.
Mentors can also help you. To learn more about the CO-OP Mentorship Program, go to this link:
http://www.coop.uottawa.ca/en/en-coop-students/en-mentorship.asp and to access it go to this link:
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=5044856&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
www.job-interview.net
www.quintcareers.com
www.monster.ca
www.canadajobs.com
http://jobsearch.about.com