The Top 5 Tips to Acing Interviews

In Canada’s competitive job market, it can take more than 40 resumes to get an interview in some industries. That means that if you get the opportunity to interview for a job that you really want, you need to be prepared to ace that job interview – especially if you are a recent graduate. With that in mind, we spoke with Mandy, a librarian and job search instructor at Brighton College to get the most important tips you will need to ace a job interview.

The biggest factor in determining whether you even get an interview in the first place is having a cover letter and resume that is capable of generating callbacks. So even before we get to the interview process, let’s talk a little bit about some of the most common mistakes on cover letters and resumes.

Cover Letter/ Resume Mistakes

Not Tailoring to the Job

One of the most frequent mistakes is sending generic resumes and cover letters that aren’t tailored to the specific job. Many job seekers rely on a “master resume” containing all their experiences, which is useful for reference but should not be sent as is. Employers want to see how your skills and experiences align with the role they are hiring for, and failing to customize your application reduces its relevance, lowering your chances of a callback.

Overusing Automation Tools

While AI tools can be helpful for drafting resumes and cover letters, relying too heavily on them can result in generic and impersonal content. This becomes obvious to employers, especially when candidates forget to replace placeholders like “Insert Company Name Here.” Using automation tools unfiltered can make your application appear careless and unprofessional.

Overloading or Under-Customizing

Some candidates spend excessive time perfecting every detail of their resumes and cover letters, which can lead to burnout and inefficiency. On the other hand, many job seekers use tools like LinkedIn’s “easy apply” feature with an unedited resume. This approach often results in low-quality submissions that fail to highlight how their skills match the role.

Ignoring Keywords

Many job seekers overlook the importance of using keywords from the job description in their resumes or cover letters. Interviewers are often looking for specific skills and experience in their resumes. Keywords are crucial for passing applicant tracking systems (ATS), and failing to include them can mean your application is filtered out before it even reaches a human recruiter.

Not Showcasing Relevant Skills

Another common error is failing to focus on skills and achievements relevant to the job. Including unrelated experiences dilutes the impact of your application. For example, if you are applying for an accounting role, emphasizing accounting-related skills and achievements is far more effective than detailing unrelated job duties.

Research the Company Thoroughly

Researching a company thoroughly is one of the most critical steps to prepare for an interview. Start your research before applying to ensure the company aligns with your values and career goals. Once you secure an interview, you can dive deeper into their culture, mission, recent projects, and team dynamics. Focus on key areas such as the company’s values, their current initiatives, and the team structure, particularly on potential colleagues and managers. This knowledge not only helps you decide if the company is a good fit but also equips you to tailor your responses to commonly asked questions like, “Why do you want to work here?” or “What excites you about this role or company?”

Incorporating research into your responses demonstrates genuine interest and preparedness. For example, reference their values or mission in your answers: “In the past, I worked on projects similar to what your company is currently focusing on, like…” Highlighting specific details from their website, press releases, or social media shows a deeper understanding of their priorities and how your skills align with their needs. Additionally, thorough research can help you confidently answer behavioral questions, as it provides context for weaving in relevant examples from your experience.

Being informed about the company reduces anxiety and gives you a sense of control during the interview, positioning you as proactive and professional. To gather insights, start by exploring the company’s website, particularly the “About Us” and “Careers” pages. Use LinkedIn to review employee profiles and company updates, and check Glassdoor for an inside look at the culture and management style—keeping in mind that reviews should be taken with a grain of salt. Finally, search for news articles or press releases to stay updated on the company’s recent achievements or challenges.

By taking these steps, you not only prepare yourself to answer questions effectively but also gain valuable information to assess whether the company is the right place for you. This proactive approach showcases your enthusiasm and professionalism, leaving a positive impression on your interviewer.

Use AI Properly

Artificial intelligence tools are the latest piece of technology to be utilized by the general population. Unfortunately, like most new technology AI is too often overused and becomes a liability. To prevent this we need to think of artificial intelligence as an assistant. AI tools like ChatGPT can save time and streamline tasks such as drafting resumes and cover letters, generating practice interview questions, and identifying relevant job titles or industries. However, over-reliance on AI can result in generic and lifeless applications that fail to showcase your unique qualifications and enthusiasm. Always customize and personalize AI-generated content to reflect your voice and genuine interest in the role. For example, if using AI to draft a resume or cover letter, provide it with the job description and your experiences to get tailored suggestions, then refine the content yourself. Be sure to remove placeholders like “Insert Company Name Here” to avoid appearing careless.

AI is also helpful for interview preparation. You can use it to generate mock interview questions, practice responses, and identify key topics or areas of interest based on the role and company. This can help you feel more confident and prepared for the actual interview. Additionally, AI can assist in refining your answers to common questions by offering constructive feedback or suggesting how to frame your responses. Incorporating personal anecdotes and experiences is crucial to ensure your responses remain authentic and engaging.

For job seekers exploring new roles or industries, AI can analyze your resume and suggest potential job titles or industries that align with your skills and experiences. It can also provide advice on handling specific interview scenarios, such as panel interviews or presentations. While these features are helpful, it’s essential to review and refine AI outputs to avoid errors or impersonal language. Employers can often spot content that lacks personality, which may diminish your chances of being noticed. By using AI as an assistant rather than a replacement for genuine effort, you can streamline your job search while maintaining the authenticity and personalization that employers value.

Effectively Navigate the Tricky Questions

I think we can all forgive the person who states that their biggest weakness is that they work too much when asked that familiar question in an interview. Even though It is tempting to try and disguise a strength as a weakness, this answer would get you a failing grade in an interview.

When addressing weaknesses, it’s important to be honest but strategic. Choose a genuine weakness that isn’t a dealbreaker for the role and frame it in a way that highlights your self-awareness and commitment to improvement. For instance, if time management was a challenge, explain how you’ve implemented tools like calendars or productivity techniques to address the issue. Responses like, “Time management was a challenge for me in the past, but I’ve improved by using a calendar system to prioritize tasks,” show growth and professionalism.

If you’re asked about gaps in your resume, own your story and frame the gap positively. Discuss how you used the time to upskill, complete certifications, or pursue personal growth. For example, you could say, “During my time away, I focused on upgrading my skills and completed a certification in project management, which has enhanced my ability to lead teams effectively.” Employers appreciate candidates who demonstrate how they’ve made productive use of their time.

For behavioral questions, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) provides a clear framework for structured and impactful answers. When discussing conflict resolution, start by noting that such situations are rare for you, but provide an example of a minor issue you resolved effectively. Focus on how you approached the conflict professionally and the positive outcome. For instance, you might say, “I rarely experience conflicts at work, but I once disagreed with a coworker on a project deadline. I initiated a conversation to understand their perspective, and we collaborated to find a timeline that worked for both of us, ensuring the project was completed successfully.”

When asked about going above and beyond, redefine the question to focus on meaningful contributions rather than extreme sacrifices. Highlight instances where you exceeded expectations, such as mentoring a team member or sharing knowledge that added value to the organization. For example, you could mention, “While it wasn’t part of my role, I created a guide to help new hires learn the team’s workflow more quickly. It reduced onboarding time and improved team efficiency.”

To handle unexpected questions, practice a variety of scenarios in advance to build confidence. If you encounter a question you didn’t anticipate, take a moment to collect your thoughts, structure your answer, and relate it to the role or your experiences. Always remember that behavioral questions are not meant to trick you but to assess your real-life problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Showcasing your ability to reflect on past experiences and tie them to the company’s needs will leave a positive impression on interviewers.

Use Body Language Properly

Maybe you just want this job for the money and the idea of inspecting widgets for 8 hours a day makes your brain hurt. And maybe those thoughts make you slouch in your chair and cross your arms when you’re sitting in the interview. While that’s understandable, that type of body language is not going to get you the job.

Body language plays a critical role in interviews, often influencing first impressions within those first few seconds. Positive body language can set the tone, helping you appear confident and engaged. To convey professionalism, maintain steady eye contact, sit with your back straight and shoulders back, and offer a firm handshake at the beginning and end of the interview. A warm, genuine smile and open gestures, such as keeping your arms relaxed, further demonstrate approachability and enthusiasm. Conversely, avoid fidgeting, crossing your arms, or touching your face and neck, as these actions can signal nervousness or disinterest.

Practicing your body language is essential. Rehearsing in front of a mirror allows you to observe your facial expressions, posture, and gestures. Recording yourself or doing mock interviews with a friend can also provide valuable feedback and help refine your presentation.

For virtual interviews, body language remains equally important. Sit upright and centered in the camera frame, maintain eye contact by looking at the camera, and ensure your gestures remain within view. A well-lit and professional background minimizes distractions, allowing your presentation to remain the focus. Non-verbal cues such as smiling and adopting calm, open postures can help you appear confident even if you’re feeling nervous.

By being aware of and intentionally managing your body language, you can effectively communicate confidence, enthusiasm, and professionalism—key traits that leave a lasting impression on interviewers.

Let’s face it, finding a job is in and of itself – a job. It takes practice and effort and stress to find meaningful work in this day and age. Try not to get discouraged when you’re going through it. It’s tough and you’re not alone. Remember to take breaks from job searching and it activities that recharge you if you start to feel overwhelmed. You’ve got this.

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