Canadian Career Guide

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INTERVIEWS can often follow the same
course, similar questions, similar answers,
almost as if the process is scripted.
Employers are used to hearing the same
answer, so as a job seeker, you must be
original to stand out.
The most common questions asked
in interviews include things like: “Tell me
a little about yourself.” “What are your
weaknesses?” “What are your biggest
strengths?” “Why do you want this job
at this company?” Standard answers to
these questions often follow a similar
pattern of candidates talking about their
qualifications and relating everything
back to work. This may make sense,
since it is a job interview after all, but
this is not what makes people stand out.
The best way to make a lasting
impression at a job interview is to be
personable and demonstrate some of
your skills within the interview. When
asked, “Tell me a little about yourself,”
don’t go into your education and work
background, because the employer
already knows this through your resume.
by Kathryn Doan, Director of Global Business Development
Instead, talk about yourself as a person,
what motivates you, how you work in
a team environment, your interests, an
interesting fact about your background,
and make it conversational rather than
robotic. Relay how your interests and
motivations will make you an invaluable
addition to their team.
Another time to make a good
impression is when answering what your
strengths and weaknesses are. Most
people will talk about their strengths
and weaknesses in terms of roles or job
responsibilities, which is good to have,
but add more about you as a person.
When it comes to strengths, answer
in two ways: why you would be a good fit
for the position, and why you would be a
good fit for the company. For the position,
it is good to relate to your job history and
hard skills that relate to the role. When
it comes to being a fit for the company,
talk about how your personality relates
to that of the company and what they
stand for. By answering this question in
both ways, you will send a clear message
to the employer about what makes you a
good worker and a good fit for the
company’s culture. Take the same
approach when discussing weaknesses.
The same logic applies when it comes
to answering why you want the position
at that company—answer it in two parts.
First, talk about how the position relates
to your work experience and what skills
are transferable. Then discuss what you
know about the company and why you
want to work with them. By answering
a question in two ways, it shows the
employer that you were prepared and
that you understand the value of soft
skills in the workplace.
The main takeaway about impressing
in an interview is to not sound scripted,
to be yourself, and to be descriptive
with your answers. Remember, a lot of
companies are looking for a person who
has both the hard and soft skills required
to do the job as well as someone who
will be a good fit within their company
culture. AG
STAND Out
answers to everyday
interview questions
14 Ag & F ood CAreer guide