Interview Process

Behavioural-based interviews are designed to learn more about you, your experience, knowledge, and skills. They also provide the opportunity to share examples of how you have handled different situations in the past. These insights are a good predictor of how you may handle a similar situation in the future.

An interview panel usually includes two or three interviewers. Typically, this includes the immediate supervisor of the role that is being filled, a Human Resources representative, and/or one or two people from the immediate business unit or work area.

Develop at least three short, but detailed and specific, stories about how you handled situations similar to those you might encounter on the job. Each of your stories should have a beginning, middle and end. Begin with a brief description of the situation (e.g. a problem you faced, a task you were assigned), then describe what you did. End by describing what happened as a result of the action you took. If possible, include numbers or statistics confirming the positive results you achieved.

Also, be prepared to provide examples of times when things did not turn out as you planned. What went wrong? What did you do? What contingencies did you have in place? What did you learn from the experience?

If none of your prepared stories fit the requirements of the questions asked during the interview, take time to think about your answers. You cannot anticipate all the questions you may be asked, so be prepared to think on your feet.

• Practice eye contact; remember to breathe; most of all…relax.
• Get comfortable – consider your body language.
• Take notes/names of the interview panel.
• Share your examples as though you are telling a story.
• Use “I” rather than “we”, “us”, “they” or “our”. After all, the interview is about you.
• If you don’t understand the question, ask the interviewer to repeat/clarify.
• Listen carefully and make sure you answer the question.
• Smile occasionally.
• Questions will be provided to you in the Zoom chat feature, use this feature to look back on a question if needed.
• Don’t be afraid to take a pause after the question is asked, if you need time to think of an answer that is okay.
• Accomplishment statements, which describe results, achievements, and successes from your past, make a good impact.
• If you have a disability, we understand that disclosure to a potential employer is an important and complex decision, and it is entirely yours to make. The City of Burlington supports a diverse workforce and we encourage you to share with us any accommodation you may need for an interview and to do your job.

• Print and review the job posting prior to the interview.
• Be prepared to talk about your work experience.
• Rehearse your examples as though you are telling a story before the interview.
• You may want to provide a professional portfolio with examples of your past work and credentials.
• Be prepared to provide three professional references.
• Try your best to be five to ten minutes early.
• For virtual interviews, test the meeting link ahead of time and make sure you have a stable internet connection, working microphone and camera to avoid any technical issues.