Preparation is the key to ensuring you can field any common interview question with ease. Hiring managers in Canada want to gain more insight into your ability to do the job you’re vying for and succeed in the organization’s corporate culture. So, you can expect them to ask several questions related to your work history, skills and career goals. In response, you need to expand on details already outlined in your cover letter and resume. You may need to field a few situational and behavioural interview questions, too. A potential employer may use these questions to find out more about how you think and what you’ve done or would do in certain circumstances. This Robert Half Canada article will explore what the most common job interview questions and answers are, to ensure that you are confident and ready in your next interview.In today’s competitive job market, preparation is more critical than ever. With 88% of Canadian hiring managers reporting difficulty in finding skilled talent, candidates must go beyond the basics to stand out. Employers across Canada are not only looking for technical expertise but also for individuals who align with their company culture and values. In fact, 24% of Canadian business leaders admit to making a bad hire in the past two years, with 50% attributing it to overlooking soft skills and 49% citing poor assessment of technical qualifications. What does this mean for job seekers? They must be equally strategic in how they prepare for interviews.
Top common interview questions and how to answer them:
Hiring managers often kick off an interview with an open-ended question like this, hoping it will help them develop a clearer picture of who you are as a person.It seems like an easy question to answer, but it can be tricky. A common misstep is launching into your life story and offering too many (and irrelevant) personal details. Another pitfall is describing all the reasons you’re unhappy with your current employment situation (read this article to help you articulate and prepare an answer to 'What's Your Reason for Leaving a Job?). Preparation for the “Tell me about yourself” question helps ensure you can use this moment in the interview to deliver a concise elevator pitch that explains why you believe you’re well-suited for the job. Also, you can briefly outline what appeals to you about potentially working for the company. Formulate a template ahead of time that will give you a guide to follow when you are answering this question live.
2. Why are you interested in this position?
This is another common interview question that seems easy to address, until you’re put on the spot to answer it. The key again is preparing for the interview question with some answers, so you are not surprised. A hiring manager is looking for substance in your response to this question. So, you won’t be able to get by with a fuzzy answer like, “I’ve heard good things about your company,” or “I thought the job sounded interesting.” A hiring manager might present this question at the beginning of the interview to set the tone for the conversation. Or they might deliver it near the end of the meeting to confirm your interest and enthusiasm for the employment opportunity now that you’ve learned more about it.Your response should demonstrate that you’ve researched the organization before the interview. You should be able to state at least three solid reasons why you think the job and the company are great matches for your skills and personality. And offering insight on how you think you can add value to the business is always a plus. A good starting point for developing an answer to this question is to look at the company’s online channels to see what other employees are saying to get a since of the culture and how you can align.Get more tips on how to answer "Why Do You Want To Work Here?"
3. Why should we hire you?
This is the question where you emphasize what makes you unique over other applicants. Is it because of your skills and experience, your eagerness to learn, your motivation to succeed, your work style or how you collaborate with others? Be confident in how you answer this question in person as it will alert the hiring manager if you say one thing but are presenting facts differently. For more insights on how to stand out among other candidates in today's market, check out our guide for job seekers: Job Search 2025: Planning Your Next Career Move.
4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This is likely to crop up in multiple job interviews, no matter the type of job you are applying for in Canada. However, don’t be surprised if the hiring manager breaks up the question, asking you first about your weaknesses and then your strengths, or vice versa.When highlighting your strengths, keep the job description in mind. Emphasize the skills and qualities you possess that will allow you to perform the job well. As for weaknesses, honesty is the best policy. Some candidates aim to outline a strength by disguising it as a weakness in their answer. (Think: “I work too hard.”) But interviewers have come to expect this tactic. A quick search online will populate a bunch of common answers like this that hiring managers have already heard. A better approach is to state an actual weakness and explain the steps you’re taking to manage it. An example answer could be: “I struggle with time management sometimes, so, I’ve started using time blocks during the workday to help me stay focused on priority tasks and keep my daily schedule on track.”Get more advice on how to talk about your weaknesses in a job interview.
5. Describe a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it
Not only is this one of the most common interview questions, it’s also one that interviewees like the least because it requires thinking about past scenarios. Prepare for this question by having a successful anecdote ready to go. Yes, hiring managers are looking for examples of your critical thinking and analytical skills. But they’re also focusing on your behaviour in handling the challenge you describe. Did you initially panic? Or did you calmly assess the situation and proceed with the best possible solution? Another tip for answering an open question like this is to structure your response in a 1-2-3 process:Identify problem,acknowledge solutions,action, lesson learned.
6. What are your salary expectations?
Any conversation surrounding compensation can be the most nerve-wracking for a candidate. And the one you should be most prepared for in a job interview. You want to negotiate the best salary possible, of course. But if you’re not sure what that best figure is going into a job interview, you could end up giving a lowball estimate or, a number that’s way too high, putting question marks about you in the hiring manager’s mind. Researching the latest market and salary trends in advance can help ensure you’re well-informed and confident in your discussions about salary requirements. Robert Half Canada’s latest Salary Guide can be a useful starting point, as it helps you identify the average national salary for the position you’re seeking. You can then use the Canadian Salary Calculator to customize the figure for your local market. Salaries range depending on where you are.Need help landing a job? Connect with a Robert Half Recruiter in your area today: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Other Locations.
7. Do you have any questions for us?
Having well-thought-out questions prepared for the interviewer at the end is a great way to show your genuine interest in the opportunity and the company. Make sure you avoid questions easily answered through the job description or company website and focus instead on questions that give you a deeper understanding of the role, team, or company culture. Some example questions to ask include:"What are the biggest challenges facing the team in this role?""Can you tell me more about the company culture and values?""What are the opportunities for professional development in this position?"Mastering common interview questions is one of the most effective ways to boost your confidence and make a strong impression during the hiring process. As companies continue to evolve their expectations, it's essential to showcase not only your technical qualifications but also your ability to adapt and communicate effectively. In fact, nearly half (48%) of hiring managers in Canada say they’re now prioritizing different skills due to the rise of AI and automation, making preparation more important than ever. By anticipating the questions you’re likely to face and practicing thoughtful, authentic responses, you’ll be well-positioned to stand out and land the role you’re aiming for.
FAQs
What are some common phone interview questions?Phone interviews, while shorter than in-person interviews, still follow similar themes.“Why are you interested in this position?” Demonstrate your understanding of the role and your motivation.“Why are you leaving your current job?” Focus on what you're seeking in a new opportunity.“Do you have any experience with [specific skill]?” Be prepared to discuss relevant skills mentioned in the job description.“What do you know about our company?” Demonstrate you've researched the company and its mission.What are some common video interview questions?Video interviews offer a more personal touch compared to phone interviews, and questions can delve a bit deeper.“Walk me through your resume.” Highlight key achievements and responsibilities from your work history.“Why are you interested in this position?” Briefly explain your interest and reference something specific you learned about the company or role from their website/videos.“Can you describe a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it?” Use the STAR method and be prepared to elaborate on your thought process and decision-making during the challenge, showcasing your problem-solving skills.Why should we hire you over other candidates?” Confidently showcase your unique value proposition and how your skills and personality would be a great fit for the team – you can leverage your body language and facial expressions to add impact.What are some common panel interview questions?Panel interviews, where you face a group of interviewers from various departments or levels, can feel intimidating. But like all interviews, it comes down to preparation.“Tell me about yourself and your experience relevant to this position.” Be concise and tailor your answer to highlight the skills most relevant to each interviewer's department or area of expertise.“How do you handle working in a team environment?” Highlight your collaborative skills and ability to adapt to different personalities and work styles. Mention a specific example of successful teamwork.“How do you handle disagreements with colleagues?” Focus on respectful communication and finding solutions. Briefly describe a situation where you resolved a disagreement productively.While some questions may be general, some interviewers might ask questions specific to their area of expertise. Be prepared to tailor your responses accordingly and remember to maintain eye contact and shift your focus between interviewers as you answer.What are some tough interview questions to be asked?While not the most common interview questions you may be asked, it’s worth taking the time to prepare for these unique questions in case they arise during your next interview."Tell me about a time you failed." This can be tricky because you don't want to dwell on negatives. Focus on a situation where you learned from a mistake and overcame the challenge."Why are you leaving your current job?" Be honest but diplomatic. Focus on what you're looking for in a new opportunity rather than negativity about your current role."Why should we hire you over other candidates?" This is your chance to confidently sell yourself and your unique value proposition to the company."What are your career goals?" Demonstrate ambition and that this role aligns with your long-term vision.
