Interviews & job offers

Step 1: Confirm the interview

Your interview starts with the first contact, which is often an email or a phone call to arrange an interview time.

• When you are applying for positions, remember that any calls you receive could be a potential employer.
• Answer calls professionally; be clear and concise.
• Have a pen and paper to write notes and reminders.
• Be in a quiet space without any noise or distractions in the background. If you are not in a place to start an interview discussion, it is more appropriate to let a call go to voice mail, then follow up at your earliest opportunity.

Before accepting the interview and hanging up, always confirm:

• If the interview will be a panel, group, one-on-one, or skills assessment format
• Confirm names and the positions of the interviewers
• Confirm the location of your interview (the address if it is in-person, phone number, or whom you will receive a Zoom or Microsoft Teams link from)
• If you are in a different time zone, confirm interview time in both your own time zone and the company’s (e.g., 1 p.m. EST / 10 a.m. PST)

Step 2: Conduct thorough research

While you may have learned about the company before applying, conduct a more thorough analysis and review your notes to reduce any nervousness or uncertainty. 

Sprucing up your knowledge will also help you prepare targeted answers to potential interview questions. The more you know, the more confident you'll feel, which will shine through to the employer.

What should you Research?

• Company initiatives, products, demographic, services
• The company’s structure, culture, vision and mission
• Key people in the organization (CEO, manager, employees in the department)
• Members of the interview panel

Step 3: Prepare for the interview

In the days leading up to your interview, think through what to expect on the interview day and what you should do to arrive to your interview feeling your best. 

Do you know someone in the company that you can outreach to? A 15 minute, informational interview with specific questions will provide you with great insights to prepare for your interview.

Have you reached out to your references to share the exciting news? Do they have a copy of the job description and your application package?

Do you know exactly where your interview is and where you will park? Do you have the correct technology for a virtual interview?

What will you wear? Is it appropriate for the job you are interviewing for?

Do you have your resume package easily accessible or printed to have with you?

Step 4: Follow up after your interview

Always follow-up within 24 hours of the interview with a thank-you note, expressing your gratitude for the opportunity.

You can also provide more information about answers you may wish to elaborate on, or share any specific details you may have prepared in advance.

Before the interview

Always arrive to your interview 5-10 minutes before the established time. If you arrive earlier than 10 minutes, consider a short walk up the block and back. 

Your interview will begin the moment you meet anyone who may recognize you as part of the interview process, this could be the receptionist at the front desk or, unbeknownst to you, bumping into an interviewer in the elevator.

Once in the interview, acknowledge each interviewer as they are introduced to you, and take notes to remember their name and title.

These small steps will help you to respond to interview questions with intentional and articulate responses:

• Be prepared to take notes
• Don’t assume you know what the question is, but listen to what is being asked for
• Take a moment to think about each question before answering
• Ask for clarification of any unclear questions
• If you’re uncertain if you have answered a question properly, consider asking, “Did I answer your question thoroughly?”
• Body language speaks a thousand words: smile, be enthusiastic and positive, and maintain eye contact

Interview questions

Interview questions can be explored by categorizing the questions into four types:

1. General

These questions are very broad and are often used to open an interview: “Why do you want to work here?”  “What do you do to de-stress or relax after a long day?” or “What interests you about this job?”

Although these seem easy, when compared to other forms of interview questions, think of these as the foundation of your interview.  Will your answer provide additional insights into your skills, interests, and background?  How does your answer help you to stand out from the next candidate’s answer?

2. Technical

These are sometimes referred to as credential verification or specialization questions and specifically target your credentials and skills.  The good news is: if you were asked for an interview, you have the technical skills. Now you have to express your confidence in your skills by articulating them to your interviewers. 

3. Situational and Behavioural

These types of questions stem from the assumption that your past behaviours are the best predictor of your future behaviours.  You can easily identify these questions by the question start, with phrases such as: “Tell me about a time when you…”, “What do you do when...”, “What would you do if …” How would you handle …”?

Although these may question seem hard to answer, using the STAR approach to answering offers a systematic approach. 

• Situation: In a short and succinct account, describe the context of the situation or context of the challenge or work environment.
• Task: Define your duties and responsibilities within this situation.
• Action: Outline our actions to meet your Task.
• Result: Describe the final outcome and outcomes of your experience.

4. Open-ended

These more-traditional interview questions typically require deeper reflection that unveil your attitudes or opinions, and  often will start “Tell me about your relationship with your supervisor?”, Why did you choose this industry?”, “How do you see your future?” and “Where do you see yourself in five (10, 15, 20…) years?”.

These questions may involve a case scenario where they are looking for a response describing your reaction, thought process, how you resolve a real-life scenario, and how you may react in the future.

Closing the interview

Interviewers will often ask if you have any questions for them. This is a good time to ask any questions having two questions prepared ahead of time is a great way to show further interest in the position. Some questions you might ask are:

• How do you see my skills and abilities aligning with your needs?
• What is the key objective you have for this position?
• How would you see me making an immediate positive first impression and impact?
• What is the process from here?
• When do you expect to be making your decision?
• May I contact you in a week if I have not heard from you?

Remember to say thank you at the end of the interview and extend a strong handshake or if virtual, make eye contact to reaffirm your professionalism.

Virtual interviews tips

Virtual interviews can take place by phone or using a technology platform such as Zoom. The process of virtual interviewing is very similar to traditional face-to-face interviewing, with very important considerations to ensure you are prepared to present your most professional self:

1 Hardware: Does your camera and microphone work properly? Is there any background noise that would require you to wear a headset? Is your computer camera positioned in a way that you are both comfortable and your image is projected professionally?  What is behind you on the camera? Do you need to set a personal Zoom filter?

2. Software: What platform will your interview take place on? If you have not used the platform, can you practice?

3. Professional Image: Your appearance and attentiveness is as equally important in a virtual meeting as in-person. Check what is behind you, do you need to set a virtual background or change your seating? Are you wearing appropriate interview attire? What are you communicating with your body language, voice articulation, and facial expression?

Step 1: Decide your Minimum Acceptable Offer

• Determine Your Minimum Salary (Bottom Line): Decide on the lowest amount of money you are willing to accept so you can pay your rent and expenses. This is your "walk-away" number.
• Cost of Living Tool: Use the WorkBC Cost of Living Calculator to see how much it costs to live in different parts of B.C. and compare that to your offer.
• Factor in the "Hidden Costs": Consider the cost of getting to work before you accept an offer:
  • Commute & Fuel: Consider the time and cost of fuel. For example, driving the Malahat from Duncan to Victoria every day can cost hundreds of dollars a month in gas and wear on your car.
  • Parking & Transit: Ask if parking is free. If not, factor in the cost of a monthly parking pass or a bus pass.
• Evaluate Benefits (The Total Package): The final offer includes more than just salary. Understand the value of the benefits:
  • Vacation days and sick leave (Holidays and flex days)
  • Health insurance (Health benefits)
  • Retirement savings (Pension plans)

Step 2: Research the “Market Rate”

• The "Market Rate" is the average pay for a job. It is not the same for everyone and can be affected by these three factors:
  • Market Demand: Is the company having a hard time finding people with your skills? If demand is high, the salary is usually higher.
  • Geographical Location: Pay is often higher in big cities (like Toronto or Vancouver) because the cost of living (rent, food) is higher there.
  • Experience Level: Entry-level roles (for new graduates) have a different pay scale than senior roles. If you are a new graduate, be sure you are looking at "Junior" or "Entry-level" data.
• Pay can be different, depending on the type of employer:
  • Unionized Employers: Many jobs in Canada are "unionized." This means the pay is fixed by a Union Contract (Collective Agreement). You can usually find these salary scales online. In these roles, the salary is often not negotiable, but you can ask clarifying questions about where you fit on the scale.
  • Private Employers: In private companies, there is often more room to negotiate. Use Payscale or Government of Canada Job Bank Compare Wages
  • Non-Profit Sector: Check CharityVillage Salary Reports for specialized data.
• Use the WorkBC Career Profiles to review salary data:
  • Find Your Job: Go to the Career Profiles page. Choose an Occupational Category or scroll to the bottom and type your dream job into the Search Bar.
  • Check the "Big Number" Click on the career. The Annual Earnings at the top is the average yearly salary in B.C.
  • See the Starting Pay Scroll down to the Earnings section. Look for the Low hourly rate. This may be the typical rate for an entry level position.
• Understand Pay Transparency: Learn more about the Pay Transparency Act in BC and the mandate for all employers in B.C. to include the expected pay or the expected pay range for a specific job opportunity that they advertise publicly.

Step 3: Understand the Job’s Role and Your Value

• Job Responsibilities: Know exactly what tasks and goals are expected for this position (the "scope of the role").
• Show Your Value: Identify your unique skills and past achievements. Prepare clear examples to show why you deserve the salary you ask for. You must show the value you bring to the role. For example, being bilingual or having international experience can be a "high demand" skill that increases your value.
• Align Your Ask with the Position
  • Don't Low-Ball Yourself: If your personal minimum is $45k but the industry average is $55k, you should negotiate closer to $55k. Ask for what the role is worth.
  • The "Wait and See" Approach: As you learn more about the job's difficulty during the interview, your salary expectations might change. A more demanding job should result in a higher salary ask.

Step 4: Consider Other Forms of Compensation

Be prepared to talk about other forms of compensation that may make a big difference to your quality of life and your bank account.

• Health and Lifestyle Benefits: These are often called "Extended Health Benefits." They can save you thousands of dollars a year.
  • Medical & Dental: Coverage for prescription drugs, dentists, and eye doctors (vision).
  • Wellness: Access to mental health support, massage therapy, or gym memberships.
  • Paid Time Off: Extra vacation days, personal days, or paid sick leave.
• Financial Support: Extra payments for expenses (Stipends or honorariums), money for moving costs (Relocation expenses), or funds for work travel.
• Career Growth: Money for professional courses, certifications, or attending conferences (Professional development).
• Networking & Environment: The chance to be guided by a senior employee (Mentorship), invitations to important company events, or the ability to work from home (Remote work).

During the Conversation

• Be Polite and Gracious: Always start by saying "Thank you" for the offer. In North America, negotiating is a normal and expected business discussion.
• Be Professional: Keep a positive and clear tone. Focus on the facts and the job details rather than your emotions. Avoid saying you will leave the process if you don't get exactly what you want.
• When to Negotiate: The best time to negotiate is after you receive a formal job offer. At this stage, you know you are the top candidate and have the most "leverage" (power).
• If asked during the interview: If an employer asks for your salary expectations during the interview, try to wait. You can say: "I am very interested in the role. I would prefer to discuss salary once we have a better understanding of the full responsibilities and a formal offer is made."
• Negotiate the "Review" Period: If the company cannot increase the starting salary, ask about the Salary Review Process. You can request to have your salary reviewed after your 3-month or 6-month probationary period (the trial period at a new job).
• Use the "Research" Phrase: Instead of saying "I want," say: "Based on my research of the market rate for this location and my experience with [Skill]..."
• Avoid Mistakes: Do not share your salary from previous jobs unless you are required to. Do not suggest a very low number without data to support it. It is natural to worry that the company will take the offer back, but do not feel pressured to accept the first offer immediately.

Finalizing the Offer

• Get It in Writing: Always ask the employer to send the final, official offer as a document (email or letter). Check that all the negotiated details (salary, benefits, title) are correct.
• Take Time to Decide: Ask for time (e.g., one or two days) to think about the offer before you give your final answer.

Key Takeaway

• Negotiation is Normal: Be confident. Asking for a fair salary is expected and shows that you understand your professional worth.
• Focus on Value: Your argument should always be about the specific value and skills you bring to the company, not your personal financial needs.
• Total Compensation: Remember to look at the entire package (salary + benefits + perks). A lower salary with great benefits (like a good pension or paid training) can sometimes be a better overall offer.