What can you expect from a post-MBA interview or selection process in Canada?

Versión en Español: ¿Qué se puede esperar de un proceso de selección y entrevista post-MBA en Canadá?

Like the CVs, the selection processes and job interviews in Canada also have their peculiarities. These particularities include differences in the overall structure of the process, the style and focus of the interview, and the level of preparation required, among others.

We are very pleased to share with you the following interview we did with Valentina (ESADE ´19 MBA) about her experiences interviewing and participating in selection processes for a full-time position in Canada. We would to thank Valentina for taking the time to share her advice and lessons with us. We hope you enjoy it!

1. What did you find the most challenging about your interview and selection process?

VV: ¨ The whole process was very challenging for me, partly because of not knowing what to expect. Landing an interview is one of the most difficult components when applying without previous experience in Canada. The psychotechnical tests in English were also a complicated component, more than anything because I think they are designed for native speakers.¨

2. What was the most surprising aspect of the selection and interviewing process?

VV: ¨The questions were totally professionally focused, they did not ask me personal questions.¨

3. What kinds of differences did you experience while interviewing in Canada in comparison to your time interviewing in Colombia? 

VV: ¨In Canada, it seemed to me that the process was completely focused on the skills and competencies necessary for the job. In my experience in Canada I have never seen or heard of home visits or medical exams before starting work.”

4. How did you prepare for your interviews in Canada versus Colombia?

VV: ¨For my interviews in Canada I had to study a lot not only about the company but also about the corporate culture and environment. In addition, I prepared by looking for many examples of situations in my previous work experience that were transferable to the company and to the specific position to which I was applying. I also practiced a lot in front of the mirror to answer the most common questions that might come up during the interview and feel more comfortable speaking in English. In my experience in Colombia, I only did a small review of what the company did and studied the job description.¨

5. How were the interview questions and the overall structure of the interviews different from those in Colombia?

VV: ¨ In my experience in Colombia, the interviews were a little more informal. Although there was a predetermined structure and questions, the atmosphere felt more informal and it was about knowing the candidate as a person, how he or she would fit into the company culture and what were the attributes that he or she could bring to the position. In Canada, my experience was much more formal. Initially the focus was to get to know my professional experience and investigate details about specific items on my resume. Then the interviewers asked me about hypothetical situations to find out how I would respond to a specific problems or challenges. In certain processes there is a second interview for the presentation of a case study that is previously shared with the candidates. The focus of the questions is always from a professional point of view, which is the opposite of how it is in Colombia.¨

6. What is the most important lesson or advice you would offer someone from Colombia who is about to participate in his or her first selection process in Canada?

VV: ¨I would advise the applicant to spend a considerable amount of time researching the company and the position to which he or she is applying.  The applicant should also think about how he or she will demonstrate his or her aptitude and abilities in an interview setting.  Prior to the interview, the applicant should identify examples from his or her past professional experiences (or past personal experiences if he or she has no previous work experience) that will help the applicant answer the interview questions with substance.  Finally, the applicant should take the time to listen to the interviewers and ask questions. "

Once again, we would like to thank Valentina for taking the time to speak with us about her experiences participating in selection processes and interviews in Canada. For our readers who are curious about how the full-time job search process for Valentina ended, we are happy to tell you that Valentina accepted an offer to work at a global infrastructure investor and operator.

If you are currently in a selection process with a multinational company or interested in practicing and preparing for interviews in English, we invite you to request a free consultation with us by clicking on the Get Started button or the Request A Free Analysis button.  Also, you can reach out to us directly at contact@azuladvisors.com.  We look forward to hearing from you!