You have successfully scheduled a first interview with a local employer in Vaughan and now have the opportunity to secure the job, or at least a second interview.  Whether you have been dreaming about a job like this in Vaughan, or simply want to learn more about the role before you make up your mind, you always want to prepare to make the best first impression possible. The following steps and tips are intended to help you put your best foot forward.

Interview Tip #1 – Be prepared:

• Know the position you are applying for, the time and location of the interview, and the name and title of the person(s) you will be meeting with.

• Read the job description/profile thoroughly to ensure that you understand the details of the role and what you would be responsible for if you got the job in Vaughan.

• Be prepared to share why you feel you would be an asset to their organization within the role you are applying for. If you have experience with some of the key responsibilities, you will want to prepare some examples of how you were successful performing similar tasks in previous roles.

• Consider the reasons why you may feel you would not be the perfect person for the position and be prepared to address these concerns if they come up. Remember to be positive and think of how you can improve in these areas (for example, through coaching, training, education, experience, etc.)

• Review the Company’s website to understand what they do, how long they’ve been in business, how they are positioned in the Vaughan marketplace and any recent news that has been published about them. It can also helpful to research the company online to identify who their competitors are. All this information will help show the interviewer that you are serious about their company and understand their business.

• Prepare 3-5 questions that you want to ask the interviewer. These questions should help you learn more about the position and the company. It is important not to ask questions that are inappropriate for a first interview. Examples of inappropriate questions are: “How soon can I take a vacation?” or “How long do I have to be in this role before I’m promoted?” You want to make sure that your questions pertain to the work you will be doing should you get the job, not just the salary and benefits.

Interview Tip #2 - Dress appropriately:

• It is much better to be overdressed than to be rejected because you are dressed too casually for an interview. Regardless of the type of position you are applying for (white collar, blue collar, or trendy) it is always recommended that you wear a suit.

• You will need to make sure you look clean, professional and as conservative as possible. This means that your hair should be neat, your clothes pressed, your fingernails and teeth clean and your breath fresh. Men should always be clean shaven.

• Although you should smell clean, it is not recommended that you wear perfume as this can be very distracting or bothersome if your interviewer is allergic or sensitive to odours.

Interview Tip #3 – Be on time:

• It is VERY important to never be late for an interview. Although you may live in Vaughan and the job interview is nearby, traffic can be unpredictable. To ensure that you arrive on time, plan to be at the interview location at least 15 minutes early and enter the interview office 5 minutes early. Arriving on time shows the interviewer that you are accountable and respect their time. Arriving too early or late shows the opposite.

• If you are really early to the location, you can use the extra time to review the interview questions that you prepared in advance. If you are on time but your interviewer is running late, read any internal announcements, newsletters or trade magazines in the reception area to learn more about the company.

Whether you’re seeking long term employment or a part-time summer job, the job interview is the first step to finding a rewarding Job in Vaughan.  Be prepared, dress appropriately, be on time and get excited about finding a new and rewarding job in Vaughan.