How To Ace Your Job Interview In Canada
As a newcomer in Canada, getting a suitable job is integral. Beginning a job in a new nation with a different job market can seem to be daunting. Therefore, it is important to start preparing for your job search before you arrive in Canada. Here’s how you can ace your job interview in Canada.
If you intend to come to Canada in the coming weeks/ months, you might even have been practicing your responses to FAQs in your free time.
However, employers often make hiring decisions based on more than just your responses. They also wish to assess your enthusiasm, personality, & confidence level. And your body language is integral to getting the right message across. If you are nervous during your interview, your anxiety can be subconsciously manifested as a negative behavioral or non-verbal cue.
Fortunately, with some practice, you can improve your body language, make a positive impression on the interviewer, & get your first job in Canada.
What Is Body Language?
When you are having a conversation with someone, in person or over a video call, it is not just your words that matter. Your body language speaks volumes, too. Body language is a term that refers to non-verbal cues that form a part of communication.
Most people consciously or subconsciously read your body language while speaking to you & draw conclusions about your level of interest, honesty, etc. Body language includes your postures, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, etc. Moreover, there is also often a cultural component to body language.
Although body language is subconscious, with enough practice, you can control/ change the non-verbal cues you give an interviewer/ listener.
Significance Of Body Language
In order to ace your job interview in Canada, it is vital to know the significance your body language holds.
Well, in an interview, your body language can tell a lot about you – even when you are not speaking. Negative body language like fidgeting, not sitting up straight, avoiding eye contact, etc., can reveal if you are feeling anxious, nervous, overconfident, etc.
On the contrary, positive body language can tell the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in the job. It projects the right amount of confidence & garners the trust of the interviewer.
Unfortunately, body language doesn’t always paint an accurate picture. Often, people pick certain mannerisms or subconscious or cultural behaviors that don’t necessarily reflect their feelings at the given moment. When you are giving your interview, it becomes all the more important to mind your body language so that you don’t give the interviewer any wrong impression.
Body Language Tips To Ace Your Interview In Canada
As a newcomer to Canada, it is normal to feel nervous during interviews. Here are some body language tips you can use to ace your interview in Canada.
- Plan Your Outfit
Although you might want to look best for interviews, avoid wearing something you are uncomfortable in.
Moreover, it is vital to note that an interview is also not the right time to try a new pair of shoes, specifically if you are prone to bites & blisters. So, it’s best to plan your outfit well in advance & try it on before to make sure you are comfortable.
Knowing what you are wearing a few days before the interview will give you sufficient time to get your outfit ironed or dry-cleaned so that you can put your best foot forward.
- Make Eye Contact
It is vital to hold the interviewer’s gaze throughout the interview. That doesn’t mean staring!
Looking directly at them builds a connection & gives the impression that you are confident, honest, & interested in what they are saying.
Avoid looking at the desk, your hands, or other objects in the room while answering questions. If you don’t meet the interviewer’s eye while speaking, it might make them believe you are not confident enough.
- Show That You Are Listening
Open, positive body language like nodding, tilting your head, & leaning forward when the other person is talking shows your interest in what they have to say. Generally, in interviews, your interest in the interviewer signifies your interest in the company. You can also ask to take notes, but don’t let it distract you from the conversation.
- Hold A Confident Posture
It is vital to appear confident during an interview. Your posture says a lot about your confidence level. Fixing poor posture can be tricky, but if you are conscious about the way you sit & hold yourself, you can still exude confidence during your interview.
Be sure to sit upright & keep your body relaxed, with your feet firmly on the floor & your knees pointing in the direction of the interviewer. If you’re more comfortable with your legs crossed, make sure the leg positioned on your knee is angled downwards, not perpendicular to the floor.
Moreover, slouching in your chair can be perceived as a sign of underconfidence, boredom, or a mix of the two. On the contrary, sitting up too stiffly can make you come across as arrogant, unfriendly, or anxious.
Non-Verbal Communication Mistakes During An Interview
Not all non-verbal communication is about body language. Sometimes, you might be giving an interviewer the wrong signal through other types of behavior, even before or after the actual interview. Here are non-verbal mistakes to avoid for your next interview in Canada:
- Being Late
Punctuality is ingrained in Canada’s work culture. Although it’s always polite to be punctual, it’s vital for interviews. Arriving late shows that you don’t care enough to be on time & that you aren’t invested in the outcome of the interview.
The impression you make on the interview might be of someone who is not particularly concerned about the timeline or who doesn’t respect other people’s time.
- Not Dressing Professionally
Dressing professionally doesn’t always imply business formally. Your attire should be chosen based on the company culture. Not dressing appropriately for the company you are interviewing with can show disinterest, lack of research, arrogance, etc.
- Leaving Your Belongings Behind
No matter the role you are applying for, employers wish to know if you are careful & pay attention to detail. Carelessness & absent-mindedness are not traits that you want to exhibit during your first interaction with the hiring manager. Be sure to take all your belongings with you after the interview is over so that you don’t have to come back to collect them.
Body Language Tips For Virtual Interviews
Well, the points mentioned above apply both in the in-person & virtual setting. However, there are some additional tips to help you ace your job interview in Canada.
- Smile & nod
- Maintain eye contact
- Sit upright
- Get the lighting right & adjust your camera
- Use your hands while speaking
Conclusion
Mastering the art of job interviews requires a multifaceted approach.
You need to begin by researching & understanding the Canadian workplace culture. Further, tailor your resume according to the job profile.
During the interview, showcase effective communication skills & your ability to articulate ideas clearly.
Lastly, as the interview ends, express your gratitude for the opportunity. After all, by combining preparation, cultural sensitivity, & professionalism, you can increase your chances of acing the job interview & securing a successful career in Canada.
