Most candidates are not prepared for the interview style that is performed in the Canadian public service and do not answer the questions correctly. In many cases, if they do answer correctly, they provide insufficient answers that do not satisfy the criterias of the assessment guide and thus receive low scores.
After counselling several individuals for Government of Canada interviews here are 12 tips that you should keep in mind when entering the oral interview:
1) You are not desperate. You are a qualified professional having an intellectual exchange with other professional individuals.
2) Project confidence and energy with every comment that you make.
3) Speak with enthusiasm, confidence and certainty. Make your speech and vocabulary reflect the tone, vocabulary and speed of the interviewers.
4)Make good eye contact (but do not stare) with hiring managers. Try to spend an equal amount of time looking at each manager when you are answering and asking questions. If there is a consultant also pay attention to them, they will probably be reading your non-verbal communication more than the hiring managers.
5) SMILE- Smile when appropriate. No one wants to work with a person that appears to be tired and miserable all the time.
6) Use managers’ names when you speak (but do not over do it).
7) Do not use poor language and filler words (ex : “um”, “like”, “yep”).
8) Do not speak negatively about anyone or your past employer.
9) Stress your achievements and demonstrate the knowledge that you have on the department and your determination to get the job.
10) Answer questions fully but do not ramble. A cherished skill in the government is a detailed yet concise answer.
11) Do not ask questions about controversial topics (i.e. controversial political decisions of the party in power). Most managers will change the subject, others will automatically disqualify you for further testing although they may continue until the end of the allotted time for interview.
12) Finally, remember that hiring managers are not your friends. Even if the conversation becomes relaxed, do not speak about personal, family or work related problems. Also remember that it is not the time or place for jokes.