Essential Interview Skills
(1 day)

Course Objectives/Course Design

1. Understand selection process

• Understand the selection philosophy/policy framework
• Merit based selection to ensure objective matching of qualifications to jobs
• Equal opportunity regardless of disability, gender etc
• Broad Access regardless of geographic location
• Commitment to values of trust, fairness, diversity, excellence, creativity, collaboration, efficiency and responsiveness
• Understand the key steps in the selection process
• Importance of Job Descriptions
• Key Role of the Job Ad, including Qualifications statement
• Application Stage, with a covering letter and resume
• Pre-Screening stage to select short list for interview
• The Interview
• Tests/Assignments
• Tests as needed for language proficiency (if required) or technical skills
• Assignments such as writing a briefing note
• Reference Checks and Security/Police Checks (if required)
• Approvals Required (by senior management)

2. Understand Competencies expected by managers

• Understand the value of the job description, job ad and its statement of qualifications
• Understand Skills needed such as research, policy analysis, project management, planning, communications, consultation/negotiation, problem-solving. Ability to determines needed generic as well as job specific Skills such as economic analysis, technical analysis.
• Knowledge of the subject/program area, including legislation/policies, program framework and issues.
• Abilities such as team work, problem-solving or balancing priorities. Judgement.

3. Understand Assessment Methods

• Initial screening based on the letter/resume, which needs to address the key qualifications for the job. A good resume is essential preparation for the interview.
• Importance of the Interview and its key components, interview panel, questions tied to job description/job ad, objective scoring of interviewee, opportunity to ask questions at end, opportunity to seek feedback after the interview to learn from process.
• Value of written assignments to determine whether the candidate demonstrates understanding of the knowledge required and skills needed. A candidate may be asked to prepare a briefing note for senior management on a report or news clipping and deliver a final note within an hour.
• Testing for proficiency in French/English, typing skills (if required), technical skills (accounting, engineering etc).

4. Understand Key Steps in Preparing for an interview

• Know yourself, including your skills, abilities and knowledge and build on your resume by documenting key points in your resume
• Research the ministry and program area(s) to determine linkage to government agenda, policy, program guidelines, current initiatives, hot issues. Explore ministry web sites and current issues (news sources) and check government HR web sites for guidelines, guides, etc.
• Review the job ad and its statement of qualifications. Document how you meet each qualification, document experiential evidence. Be clear on areas where you need more development.
• Develop and address hypothetical questions (see below)
• Role play with friends/associates key questions in advance of the interview (if time permits)
• Ensure you check what is current that month/week facing the ministry/branch. Shows interest and commitment to the job.
• Ensure you are relaxed, rested, not rushed prior to the interview.

5. Develop an awareness of potential types of interview questions

• Review the job ad and determine the interest in knowledge, skills and abilities. Determine importance of technical vs soft skills for this job.
• Review potential types of interview questions:
o Opening questions, such as “how your experience prepares you for this job”
• Knowledge questions, such “what are the current issues facing the ministry/program?
• Skill questions, such as “how have you been involved in the policy process?”
• Ability questions, related to teamwork or working under pressure.
• Knowledge questions, such “what are the current issues facing the ministry/program?
• Skill questions, such as “how have you been involved in the policy process?”
• Ability questions, related to teamwork or working under pressure.