CO-OP interviews workbook 2013-2014-ENcoop.uottawa.ca/sites/coop.uottawa.ca/files/co-op_interviews_2013... · ... PREPARE ANSWERS TO INTERVIEW QUESTIONS ... Many interview questions

WORKBOOK

CO-OP INTERVIEWS 1.0

CO-OP Interviews V.1.0 Produced by the Co-operative Education Programs of the University of Ottawa 55 Laurier Street East 3rd floor Ottawa ON K1N 6N5 Telephone: 613-562-5741 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.coop.uOttawa.ca https://twitter.com/uOttawaCOOP No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the University of Ottawa. This guide includes a number of links to various online resources, which were valid at the time of printing. Since links are often modified, we invite our readers to consult our online version for the latest URL updates.

CO-OP INTERVIEWS - WORKBOOK

University of Ottawa, CO-OP Programs 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 2

WORKSHOP LEADER .................................................................................................................. 2

WORKSHOP GUIDELINES ........................................................................................................... 2

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................... 2

UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA POLICY ON ACCESSIBILITY .................................................................... 2

UNDERSTANDING INTERVIEWS ..................................................................................................... 3

EMPLOYER’S MAJOR CONCERNS ................................................................................................ 3

EMPLOYER’S ASSESSMENT......................................................................................................... 3

SIX COMPONENTS OF SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW PREPARATION .................................................. 4

COMPONENT 1: ANALYZE THE JOB DESCRIPTION ................................................................... 5

COMPONENT 2: MATCH YOUR QUALIFICATIONS TO THE JOB ................................................ 10

COMPONENT 3: RESEARCH THE ORGANIZATION .................................................................. 12

COMPONENT 4: PREPARE ANSWERS TO INTERVIEW QUESTIONS .......................................... 13

COMPONENT 5: ANTICIPATE THE INTERVIEWERS’ STRATEGY ............................................... 21

COMPONENT 6: PREPARE QUESTIONS FOR INTERVIEWER(S) ................................................ 22

CLOSING THE INTERVIEW .......................................................................................................... 24

TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS ........................................................................................................... 25

FAQs AND TIPS ....................................................................................................................... 25

INTERVIEW LOGISTICS ............................................................................................................... 27

WHEN, WHERE ........................................................................................................................ 27

MATCHING PROCESS .................................................................................................................. 29

CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................. 30

CHECKLIST ............................................................................................................................. 30

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ........................................................................................................... 31

GENERAL SESSIONS ................................................................................................................ 31

GROUP INTERVIEWS ............................................................................................................... 31

ADVICE FOR CONTINUOUS PLACEMENT INTERVIEWS ............................................................... 32

STAR “SITUATION TASKS ACTIONS RESULT” PRACTICE SHEETS ............................................... 33

THE PROFESSIONAL HANDSHAKE ............................................................................................ 35

DRESSING FOR THE INTERVIEW .............................................................................................. 36

FUTURE PLACEMENTS: WHAT TO DO IF YOU RECEIVED A “GOOD” OR “FAIR” ON YOUR EVALUATION? ......................................................................................................................... 37

BOOK AN INTERVIEW PRACTICE WITH YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST......... 38

RESOURCES AND LINKS........................................................................................................... 39


2 CO-OP INTERVIEWS – WORKBOOK

INTRODUCTION

WORKSHOP LEADER • Professional Development Specialist

WORKSHOP GUIDELINES

• Arrive on time • Sign the attendance list • Participate actively • Respect others

The results you get directly reflect the effort you put in.

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

• Understand how interviews are conducted and how you will be evaluated • Learn to use a six component strategy to help you prepare adequately for interviews • Gain knowledge of the CO-OP interview and matching process

UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA POLICY ON ACCESSIBILITY The University of Ottawa is committed to recognizing the dignity and independence of all employees, students, faculty and visitors, and it seeks to ensure that persons with disabilities have genuine, open and unhindered access to University goods, services, facilities, accommodations, employment. The University complies with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal legislation on accessibility and with the standards specified under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA, 2005). Disclosure of disability: Students will be encouraged to disclose disabilities and the Professional Development Specialists will offer students the opportunity to talk through the issues that disclosure raises in a confidential setting. http://www.uottawa.ca/accessibility/policy.php



UNDERSTANDING INTERVIEWS

• Mutual exchange of information • Very subjective • Not standardized • Interview performance determines job offers

NOTES

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EMPLOYER’S MAJOR CONCERNS • Can you do the job? Do you have the skills to do the job? • Are you motivated to do the job? Are you genuinely interested in the job? • Will you fit in with others? • Will you do the job? Are you manageable?

EMPLOYER’S ASSESSMENT Interview questions Observation • General • Verbal • Technical and field-specific • Non-verbal • Behaviour-based • Appearance • Scenario Tests • Technical and field-specific



SIX COMPONENTS OF SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW PREPARATION



COMPONENT 1: ANALYZE THE JOB DESCRIPTION

ACTIVITY: Purpose: To practice analyzing job descriptions and consequently gain an accurate sense of employers’ requirements. Rationale: Accurately analyzing employers’ requirements helps you determine if you are a good candidate for the job, match your skills to their needs, and prepare for potential interview questions. Note: Many interview questions will be generated directly from the job description. Activity: Individually 1. Turn to the sample job description that best matches your degree program.

a) Arts – pages 6 and 8 b) Engineering – pages 6 and 7 c) Management – pages 6 and 7 d) Civil Law – page 8 e) Science – page 8 f) Social Sciences – pages 6 and 8 g) Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies – page

2. Read the job description. 3. Note the job requirements in the left-hand column of the chart on page 11. NOTES __________________________________________________________________________________

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SAMPLE JOB DESCRIPTIONS Figure 1 CO-OP job no.: 399 Term: 2013, Summer Contact name: Organization: Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

Duration: 4 months Min. CGPA: Job location: Ottawa No. of positions: 1

Program of studies: Communication, History, Lettres françaises, Political Science, Sociology, Commerce Job language: Bilingual / Bilingue

Employer job no.: Security: Yes

Job title: Communications Assistant

Job description and qualifications Personal qualities: Initiative, good judgment, and tact. Requirements: • Bilingualism; working knowledge of second official language essential. • Basic knowledge of word processing and basic Microsoft Office. Duties: • Conduct media tracking and analysis • Identify essential issues discussed in the media every day and analyze this information • Write and edit texts for diverse information purposes • Help with information research on the Internet • Assist with various communications projects and perform support staff duties, as required • Help the Public Affairs team with a wide variety of projects, including research, analysis, and writing/editing Figure 2 CO-OP job no.: 114 Term: 2013, Summer Contact name: Organization: Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Duration: 4 months Min. CGPA: Job location: No. of positions: 1 Program of studies: Computer Eng., Computer Science, Software Eng., Man. & Inf. Sys.

Job language: English or bilingual / Anglais ou bilingue

Employer job no.: 0640 Security: No

Job title:

Summary of duties: • Develop, edit, and maintain Web pages using advanced skills in HTML, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, and other

graphic development/editing applications.

• Co-ordinate regular Web site updates. • Assist in GIS tasks that include map production and output. • Digitize maps and acquire data from external sources. • Data manipulation, exporting, and administration. • Spatial analysis using Arcview, Idrisi and/or other similar GIS/spatial analysis/database software. The candidate will be required to work independently, be a self-starter, and show initiative to complete tasks under tight timelines.



Figure 3 CO-OP job no.: 615 Term: 2013, Summer Contact name: Organization: Canadian International Development Agency Duration: 4 months Min. CGPA: Job location: Gatineau No. of positions: 1 Program of studies: Economics, Finance, Commerce, Accounting

Job language: Bilingual / Bilingue Security: Yes

Employer job no.:

Job title: Audit Trainee This training offers the opportunity to acquire a very good experience in the field of financial audit. In fact, the trainee will be in contact with representatives of major national accounting firms as well as Consulting and Audit Canada. He/she will also deal with regional accounting firms as well as with many employees of CIDA’s program’s Branches, namely Africa, Asia and Americas as well as Partnership and Multilateral programs. His/her duties in the Financial Compliance Unit will be to prepare and issue financial audit assignments, organize and participate in meetings and update the annual audit plan of the Unit. The trainee should be able to analyze, reconcile and interpret collected data for the preparation of files. Figure 4 CO-OP job no.: 624 Term: 2013, Summer Contact name: Organization: TransCanada PipeLines Limited

Duration: 4 months Min. CGPA: Job location: Calgary No. of positions: 1

Program of studies: Chemical Eng., Civil Eng., Mechanical Eng.

Job language: English or bilingual / Anglais ou bilingue Security: Employer job no.:

Job title: Engineering CO-OP Student

This posting is in Calgary, Alberta—A COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED AT THE CO-OP OFFICE NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2. PLEASE INDICATE JOB NO. 624 ON THE TOP LEFT-HAND CORNER OF YOUR COVER LETTER. TransCanada is a leading North American energy company that specializes in power generation and natural gas transmission. We build, own and operate some of the most efficient power plants in North America, and we are the largest pipeline company in Canada. The following CO-OP work-term position is available in the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Department to support the Cacouna Energy Project. TransCanada is one of the most highly automated natural gas transmission systems in the world. Duties of major importance: • Assist the Technical Services Manager and Lead Engineers with preparation and development of technical procedures and processes for the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) phases of the Cacouna Energy Project • Preparation of technical team reports and presentations, including contractor progress monitoring • Provide input and support to the stakeholder and regulatory teams, responding to information requests • Assist with development of engineering and construction cost estimates • Support technical team with contract management including preparation of work authorizations and change orders as required for FEED and EPC work • Preparation of project data books • Site services support in Québec for field programs • Liaison between the technical team and other Cacouna Energy project teams and other TransCanada departments • General administrative and commercial support to the project team. As the ideal candidate, you will have: • Well-developed analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills • Ability to quickly learn, understand and implement new concepts • Strong team orientation, demonstrating a high level of cooperation, with the ability to work independently when required • Intermediate to advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Excel (or similar spreadsheet software), and Microsoft Project • Ability to work in both English and French is essential. Education: • 2nd or 3rd year Engineering program with a preference for students in Mechanical, Civil or Chemical/Process Engineering disciplines.



Figure 5 CO-OP job no.: 615 Term: 2013, Fall

Contact name: Organization: Health Canada


Program of studies: Biochemistry, Biology, Biophar. Science, Chemistry Job language: English or bilingual / Anglais ou bilingue Security: Yes

Employer job no.: 2008/09/008

Job title: Hazardous Substance Analyst

From September to December 2008 Description: The student will carry out the identification of hazardous substances being used, produced, emitted, discharged and disposed of at Health Canada facilities/labs. This work requires developing a proposed detailed approach to follow, for review and approval by the manager of the Office of Sustainable Development, and carrying out the related work which includes consultation and coordination work with key laboratory staff and managers. The student would inventory these substances and then categorize them based on their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity in the environment and humans. Qualifications: Student will have completed a minimum of two years in a science discipline. Required skills: • knowledge of safe handling, storage and disposal procedures for chemicals • proper research methodology and report preparation techniques • analytical skills • creating/implementing project timelines and roll-outs • effective communication skills • knowledge of computer applications including: word processors, spreadsheets and databases • knowledge of Health Canada’s mission and vision • knowledge of SD and its principles • personal suitability • works as a team member • shows initiative, motivation and good judgment • Dependable organization: The Office of Sustainable Development, Health Canada. The Office of Sustainable Development (OSD) is responsible for coordinating the preparation of the Department’s Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS). OSD monitors departmental compliance to sustainable development related statutory requirements and compiles progress reports. OSD coordinates the implementation, training and communication aspects of sustainable development on behalf of the Department. Figure 6 CO-OP job no.: 861 Term: 2013, Fall Contact name: Organization: Justice Canada


Program of studies: Communication, English, French, Lettres françaises, Translation, Economics, Information Studies, Civil Law, Anthropology, Political Science, Sociology

Job language: Bilingual Security: Enhanced Reliability Status

Employer job no.:

Job title: Paralegal Job description: As part of the Department’s mandate to promote and develop Canadian legal dualism, the student will be involved in researching and writing about various issues dealing with the relationships between groups of legal standards of diverse origins. Legal dualism calls upon a variety of disciplines; the student will have an opportunity to broaden his or her intellectual horizons by working with experts not only in law, but also in linguistics and social sciences. More specifically, the student will be required to read, describe and organize informative texts used in the compilation of a legal dictionary of property. Such texts will deal not only with property law as it pertains to civil law and common law, but also with linguistic pragmatics and the epistemology of social sciences. The student will be called upon to write or help write description sheets, summaries and draft definitions in property law and other areas. He or she will also write document reviews, bibliographies and other informative texts upon request.



Figure 7 CO-OP job no.: 289 Term: 2013, Summer Contact name: Organization: Archives Information Centre Duration: 4 months Min. CGPA: Job location: Nepean No. of positions: 2 Program of studies: Master’s in Information Studies

Job language: English or Bilingual Security: No

Employer job no.: 14556

Job title: Information Management Intern

Job duties:

Assistance in the development of a variety of reference materials The intern will assist in creating and developing a new Web site as well as related informative brochures announcing our newly accessible online collection of historical records materials and other Depression era publications. We are looking for an intern with creative ideas, a firm grounding in the history of Canada during this era, the ability to communicate both orally and in writing, and an interest in developing Web-based reference materials. Involvement in the identification, selection, and sorting of various Internet resources

The intern will expand the AIC online library catalogue using information to make the searchable catalogue more functional to archivists and researchers by adding links to full-text versions and to biographical materials. The intern will work with the Systems Manager to edit data in the library's Magistrar catalogue through detailed review and analysis of the current online information to locate non-standard entries. We are looking for an intern with at least 1 year completed of a Master’s Program in Information Studies, as well as an interest in Web-based information. Although not a prerequisite, bilingualism is preferred. In order to qualify, you must also apply directly to our Web site at: www.archivescentre.org by April 30 at 4 p.m. Please also include a cover letter detailing specifically how you are able to fill all of our requirements.



COMPONENT 2: MATCH YOUR QUALIFICATIONS TO THE JOB

ACTIVITY: Purpose: To practice finding a match between your qualifications and the job requirements. Rationale: Finding a match between your qualifications and the job requirements ensures that you articulate why you are a good candidate for the job. This process enables you to generate and develop answers to possible interview questions. Activity: Part 1 – Individually Match your qualifications to the employers’ requirements in the right-hand column of the chart on page 11. Part 2 – As a larger group Discuss: “What if you do not have some of the skills required for the job? What could you do to prepare for the interview?” Part 3 – On your own time Complete this exercise for each scheduled interview. NOTES

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Now that you’ve identified the employer’s requirements, match your qualifications to the job by listing your relevant information. Job Requirements / Your Qualifications 1

JOB REQUIREMENTS YOUR QUALIFICATIONS Education Your education

Experience, skills, and abilities Your experience, skills, and abilities

Personal qualities Your personal qualities

Other Other



COMPONENT 3: RESEARCH THE ORGANIZATION Purpose: To gain an understanding of an organization before attending the interview. Rationale: Employers are more likely to favour candidates who clearly understand the employers’ companies and their businesses. As well, candidates who have researched a company thoroughly show that they are genuinely interested in a job, another important hiring-decision factor. On your own time 1. In preparation for each interview, read both the job description and the employer’s Web site carefully. You can also

research the contact name for the position. 2. Conduct additional research to increase your knowledge of the organization and its operations. You should be able to

answer the following questions: • What are the organization’s products and services? • Who are its competitors? • Does the organization operate locally, nationally, or internationally? • What are its mission, vision, and goals? • Which recent trends or developments affect the organization? • Has the organization been in the news recently? If so, why? Note: Avoid bringing up potentially sensitive issues. • What kinds of training programs exist? • Is the organization recognized as one of “Canada’s Best Employers?”

3. Finally, determine what interests you about working for this company. You should be able to answer the interview question “Why are you interested in this job?” (Be specific!)

WHERE DO I FIND THIS INFORMATION?

• Internet • Career Services (312 UCU) • Reference section of libraries (employer directories, trade publications, etc.) • Your CO-OP Program Coordinator may also be able to tell you about the employer.

WHY RESEARCH THE ORGANIZATION? It shows that you’re genuinely interested, and that interest can lead to a job offer. HERE ARE EXAMPLES OF QUESTIONS YOU MAY BE ASKED RELATED TO YOUR RESEARCH:

GENERIC • Why are you interested in this particular job or in our organization? • What do you know about our organization? • Why should we hire you? • What do you think are the advantages of joining our organization? • What do you think is going to happen to our industry in the future? • What do you think it takes to be successful in our organization? • How do you think you can contribute to our organization?

SPECIFIC TO THEIR NEEDS • What is the major function or goal of the City of Ottawa’s Sewer Use Program? • What processes are typically required to treat wastewater? • Who is the minister of Industry Canada? • In your opinion, why is it important to have an ethics office like ours? • What is the mandate of the Department of Foreign Affairs? Name the files in our geographic region.



COMPONENT 4: PREPARE ANSWERS TO INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

ACTIVITY: PREPARE ANSWERS TO GENERAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Purpose: To develop strategies to answer general interview questions. Rationale: Although general interview questions appear easy, they can be some of the most difficult to answer successfully. The quality of your answers to these questions will be just as important as your answers to technical questions—if not more important. Activity: Part 1 – Individually Read the purpose and response strategy for each interview question. Part 2 – In pairs Answer “What are the possible pitfalls of each interview question? What do you not want to do?” Part 3 – As a larger group Be prepared to share your results with the group. 1. Question: Tell me about yourself. Purpose: To gather a brief overview of information. To get you started. Response strategy: Include a brief overview of work experience, education and hobbies. Pitfall __________________________________________________________________________________

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2. Question: What are your strengths and weaknesses? Purpose: To gain information about the candidate. To gauge self-awareness. Response strategy: Give three job-specific strengths and only one weakness. Prove that the weakness will not affect your work. Pitfall __________________________________________________________________________________

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3. Question: What do you know about us? Purpose: To gauge the candidate’s knowledge of the position. Response strategy: Having thoroughly researched the company, provide information about the industry, the competition and the company’s unique perspective and/or solution. Pitfall __________________________________________________________________________________

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4. Question: Why did you change your program of study? or Why have you chosen this field of study? Purpose: To ensure that the candidate is focused and truly interested in the field. Response strategy: Provide a clear but brief explanation for the change in focus or for selected focus. Pitfall __________________________________________________________________________________

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5. Question: Why do you think you are the best candidate for the position? Purpose: To analyze specific traits that make you suitable for the position. Response strategy: Research the company thoroughly, make sure you understand the major objectives of the position, and link any achievements you believe are appropriate to those objectives. Pitfall __________________________________________________________________________________

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6. Question: Do you have any questions for me? Purpose: To ensure that the candidate is informed. Response strategy: Prepare questions in advance. Ask about the job, the work environment, the company and/or industry. Pitfall __________________________________________________________________________________

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TRICKY CO-OP INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

We asked CO-OP students to send us the trickiest interview questions they were ever asked by employers and this is what they said:

TWO-PART QUESTIONS

Part 1. Have you ever worked on a project with an employee/group of employees where the desired end result was not achieved because of another employee’s behaviour? What measures/actions did you take to improve the situation and the behaviour of the other employee? What was the actual end result? Part 2. Can you think of anything you could have done differently that would have improved the overall end result?

UNUSUAL QUESTIONS • What would be your dream job? • If you were an animal, what would you be and why? • The employer gave me a foot-long stick made out of flexible rubber and told me I had 30 seconds to create an object

from the stick and one minute to promote and sell that product back to him. • What does your resumé not tell us (the company) about you? • If a power plant was to be built 2 km from your home, would you prefer it to be a nuclear plant or a coal plant and

why? • What would you do if, after a long meeting, you returned to your office and saw a blue elephant sitting there?

KNOWLEDGE-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS • What is the difference between cash- and accrual-basis accounting? • Name three GAAPs and describe them. • Name the most recent book that you have read about aboriginals and summarize its argument. • What is Protein Explorer used for? How does the DNA column separate the DNA from impurities? • How would you go about building a framework? • Describe the thesis, body and conclusion of a paper you have written. • How have the courses you have taken during the past year prepared you for this position?

PERSONALITY QUESTIONS

• Describe three separate occasions in the past when you set goals for yourself. • What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? • What motivates you? • What are some things that you would like to learn about or skills that you would like to improve? • How would your previous manager/employer describe you? • Name three adjectives that describe you best. • How would your professors describe you? • Why should we hire you? • Sell yourself to me. Why are you the best candidate? • Describe an occasion when you had a problem at a former place of employment, and how you dealt with it.

SCENARIO QUESTIONS • What would you do if you were given many different projects that all had the same deadline, and you were unable to

do all of them on time? • What would you do if your boss gave you a project to complete by the end of the day and then left and was

unreachable? Then his boss gave you another task to complete by the end of the day and then left and was also unreachable, but you only had time to finish one of the tasks? Which one would you complete?



PREPARE ANSWERS TO MORE COMMON QUESTIONS

QUESTIONS RELATING TO YOUR PERSONALITY • Tell me about yourself. • Who was the greatest influence on you and why? • What qualities do you respect and value in other people and why? • What motivates you? • How do you evaluate success? • What is your most significant accomplishment to date? • How do you deal with stress? • Tell me about your biggest mistake. What did you learn? • What frustrates you?

QUESTIONS RELATING TO EDUCATION • Why did you decide to study (name of your program)? • What have you learned in school? • Which course did you enjoy the most? The least? • What is the most useful thing that you learned in your program? Why? • Do you plan to go to graduate school?

QUESTIONS RELATING TO WORK EXPERIENCE • What were your main responsibilities? • What skills did you acquire through previous jobs? • What experience have you had working on a team? • What supervisory or leadership roles have you had? • How do you think your supervisor would describe you? • What did you like the least/most about your last job?

QUESTIONS RELATING TO SKILLS OR WORK HABITS • What skills or qualifications do you have that relate to this position? • What are your strengths/weaknesses? • What expectations do you have of a boss? • How would you handle working with a boss with whom you didn’t get along? • If you had to fire someone, how would you do it? • What do you think is the best way to motivate people? • What do you think makes you different from other candidates? • Tell me about your leadership skills.

OTHER QUESTIONS • What do you do in your spare time? • What factors besides salary are important to you? • Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years? • Where do you expect this position to lead with regards to career progression?



TECHNICAL AND FIELD-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS AND TESTS

For students in Engineering and Science General problem-solving questions: • How many golf balls can you fit into an airplane? • Let’s say that a man has two cubes on his desk. Every day he arranges both cubes so that the front

faces show the current day of the month. What numbers are on the faces of the cubes in order for this to occur?

• If a train is travelling at 85 kms in a northeastern direction… how much time will it take…? • Why are manhole covers round? Questions specific to the job: • What is the difference between binary trees and linked lists? • Describe your knowledge of software vs. hardware interrupts. • What is the purpose of a system call vs. a function call? • How do you list the files in an UNIX directory while also showing hidden files? • How would you make the following SQL statement run faster? SELECT * FROM TABLEA WHERE

COL1=‘A’ AND COL2=‘B’;

For students in Arts, Telfer School of Management, and Social Sciences • Please explain any experience you have with regards to financial reporting or analysis. • What steps would you take to reconcile accounting data, such as a bank statement? • How would you go about creating a marketing plan for us? • What is the difference between a press release, a media briefing, and a public relations event?

SITUATIONS • What would you do if you saw someone cheating on a test? What if it was a friend of yours? • You are working with two other students to complete a project. One of them is not doing his share

of the work. How do you resolve this problem?

Tests: You will be notified, in the same way as for the interview, if you have a test. Purpose: Employers can assess skills and competency levels. Administered to a large group before scheduling interview. Can be part of the interview. Types: Computer knowledge – writing skills – field-specific knowledge.

* Employers are not usually present during testing.

For more information: visit our Web site at www.coop.uOttawa.ca.



What’s a sun-dial in the shade?

-Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

BEHAVIOUR-BASED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS • What are they? • Why are they used? • What do they sound like?

• Tell me about a time when you demonstrated the ability to deal with a difficult person. • Describe a situation where you demonstrated initiative. • Describe a situation in which you failed at something. • Give me an example of a time when you overcame a difficult problem.

S.T.A.R. Situation - What was happening? Tasks - What needed to be done? Actions - What did you do specifically? Result - What was the outcome?

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ACTIVITY: PREPARE ANSWERS TO BEHAVIOUR-BASED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Purpose: To show that you possess the trait, skill, or experience that the employer requires by providing a specific example. Rationale: According to research, how you handled situations in the past is the best indicator of how you will behave in the future. That relationship is why so many organizations use behaviour-based (or competency-based) interviewing as a recruiting tool. Activity: Part 1 – Individually 1. Read the question and the sample answer below. 2. Create a STAR statement of your own by answering the same question. Part 2 – As a larger group Be prepared to share your results with the groups. Behar-based interview question 1

Example of a behaviour-based interview question Tell me about an instance in which you provided excellent customer service. Sample answer Situation: As you may have noticed on my resumé, I worked at the Steak House restaurant as a server last summer. One night, a couple came in and told me that they needed to eat and leave in 30 minutes to catch a show. Normally, it takes 45 minutes to an hour for regular customers and that night, I had eight other tables to serve. Tasks: So to give them all excellent customer service, I used my time-management skills and my teamwork skills. Actions: The first thing I did was to take their drink orders so that they could have a minute to look at the menu. Then, I went to the kitchen to tell the cook that I had a rush order coming up. At the same time, I checked if any of my other customers’ meals were ready for pick up and brought those out. When I came back with the couple’s drinks, they ordered their food, and I went straight to the kitchen with their order. I asked the cook to give me an estimate of how much time their order would take. In the meantime, I served the other customers, but I was also checking how much time had passed.



Result: The result was that I was able to serve them their meal within 15 minutes which gave them enough time to eat without feeling rushed. They thanked me very much and left me a great tip which I shared with the cook. Several nights later the manager told me that the couple had called to tell her how impressed they were with my customer service. Now it’s your turn. Answer the question on page 19 by using one of your own experiences. Situation – What was happening, where and when? __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Tasks – What needed to be done and by whom? __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Actions – What did you do specifically? __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Result – What was the outcome? __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

NOTES __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

For more STAR practice, see page 33 of the additional resources.



COMPONENT 5: ANTICIPATE THE INTERVIEWERS’ STRATEGY

Purpose: To anticipate the interviewers’ strategy. Rationale: Making the time and effort to anticipate each interviewer(s) strategy will reduce surprises, increase confidence and improve interviewing performance. On your own time 1. Analyze the job description and the company’s Web site carefully before the real interview. 2. Develop interview questions based on your analysis of the job description and the company’s Web

site (see below). 3. Based on the interview materials you have developed (components 2 to 4 of this workbook) and

on what you know about the company and the job, prepare responses to the questions you anticipate.

Example interview 1. Why is this job as a _________________________ important to you at this time?

2. In what way are your skills and personality suited to ________________________ (company

name)?

3. What are the important issues for our company today?

4. Describe a situation in which you had to demonstrate _______________________ (skill required for the job)?

5. Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a _______________ (technical/admin/lab) challenge.

6. What is your knowledge of _____________ (process/method/procedure/system used by the company)?

7. How would you (bring out/modify/develop) _________________________________ (skill specific to the job)?

8. Define _____________________________________________________ (terminology specific to the job)?

9. What is the relationship among (1) ________, (2) ________ and (3) _________________ (three

key issues specific to the job)?



COMPONENT 6: PREPARE QUESTIONS FOR INTERVIEWER(S)

Purpose: To answer the following interview question successfully: “Do you have any questions for me?” Rationale: If you don’t ask any questions during an interview, a potential employer may think that you’re uninterested in the job—and that’s not the impression you want to make. In fact, many CO-OP employers have offered jobs to junior students rather than their more senior counterparts simply because the junior students showed greater interest and enthusiasm in addition to the ability to get the job done. Also, asking questions will enable you to learn more about the organization and the job, which will, in turn, help you rank potential positions. On your own time 1. Read the list of sample questions and select those which interest you. 2. Develop more questions based on your research on the organization. For example, “I read a

number of articles about Nortel, and it appears that you have recently opened offices overseas. Could you tell me more about your expansion?”

3. Select the questions you feel are most important to you from your list. You should have at least five questions in case they answer some of your questions during the interview. You want to be able to ask at least one question.

4. Type the questions and bring them to the interview. You may write down the answers and use this information later when deciding how to rank your jobs.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS • What role do CO-OP employees play in your organization? • Why does your company hire CO-OP students? • Can you describe for me the structure of the team? • Since I am just starting my career, do you have any suggestions as to what key areas employers in

this field might be focusing on? • What do you feel is important for me to know about the organization? • If you could sum up the organization in a few words, what would they be? • What kind of training do you offer? • Are returning CO-OP students encouraged to work in the same department or sector? • What qualities are you looking for in a successful candidate? • What are your key objectives for this position? • What would you consider the highest achievement to be made by a new incumbent? • What are the company’s plans for future growth? • What makes your firm different from its competitors? • Tell me about your organization’s vision for the future. • How would you describe your organization’s culture? • What are the greatest challenges and opportunities facing your organization? • What value do other departments place on the work performed by employees in this position? • How does this department measure success for individuals and the team?



QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD NOT ASK THE INTERVIEWERS • What is it that this company does anyway? • Can I take classes during the day? • Can I take some time off during my work term? • Will I have benefits? • Are there flexible work hours? For salary concerns:

There are other ways of finding out more about salary - see page 39 of the Additional Resources section for more information or talk to your Professional Development Specialist.



CLOSING THE INTERVIEW Why: As in a sales pitch, the closing of an interview is very important. It should take into consideration the kind of job being offered, your personality, your interviewing style as well as that of your interviewers. Your exit is as important or perhaps even more important than your entry, since the interviewer is also summing up the interview in his mind and the last impression he has of you will carry a lot of weight. The best way to finish an interview is to show a positive attitude that is complemented by poise and confidence. There are also a few strong don’ts for the end of the interview: Do not be aggressive: Unless the job requires some very aggressive marketing people, do not end with ‘When can I start?’ and ‘Where do I sign?’ Confidence is almost always a good thing; however, in this case it could work against you. Do not ask about money: The best way to find out about the salary is from outside sources. If you must ask, be very professional about it. Do not slink out of the room: At the end of the interview, the interviewer is still watching you. Do not leave the room looking worried. As long as the interviewer can see you, maintain a confident posture. As with the interview itself, the potential employer will be paying more attention to your body language than to what you say. Therefore, be careful how you carry yourself out of the room.

Tips: Leave your interviewer with the right picture of you: If you are interested in the job, say so. Sum up the interview by also adding you are confident in your ability to perform the responsibilities and make a contribution. Say “Thank You”: Courtesy can go a long way in enhancing your image as someone who is polite and considerate. Interviews require a lot of valuable time and energy, yet candidates often fail to express any appreciation for the potential employer’s efforts. So take the time to express your gratitude to the interviewer for the opportunity you have been given — no matter how the interview went.



TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS

FAQs AND TIPS

A telephone interview is as important as an “in-person” interview, so prepare for it the way you would for a formal one. Even if the employer cannot see you, be sure to smile when speaking, dress professionally, be alert, and focus on the interviewer. What will be different are silent moments, when the employer may be taking notes or preparing his/her next question. Be aware that these silences are normal and do not try to fill them in. Your attitude comes across in your voice, so make sure your telephone interview is as professional as an in-person interview would be. Your main advantage is that you can have important and useful documents with you.

Activity: Purpose: To have you consider the advantages and disadvantages of telephone interviews. Rationale: The more you know about telephone interviews, the better you can prepare and the better you will perform. Individually: Reflect upon the possible pros and cons of telephone interviews. Write down your thoughts. Pros: __________________________________________________________________________________

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Cons: __________________________________________________________________________________

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Discuss them with the group.



I HAVE A TELEPHONE INTERVIEW WHERE DO I GO? Arrive at the CO-OP Office at least 10 minutes before the interview. You will be directed to a room and the employer’s call will then be transferred to you. WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE COMPANY? MYSELF? Find out how many people will take part in the telephone interview. Get their names, titles and some background on the interviewer(s) and the company, just as you would for a face-to-face interview. Be prepared to explain why you are interested in this position/company and what it does. DO I HAVE EVERYTHING? Bring a copy of your resumé and cover letter with you. Also put a notepad and pens/pencils on the desk to write down notes, questions and interviewers’ names. Bring a list of your accomplishments, goals and strengths, as well as a list of your weaknesses and steps to overcome them. HOW DO I SOUND? Practice interview questions and ask for honest feedback. Do a mock interview, both over the phone and in person. Make sure that your mock interviewer listens not only for content, but also for tone, rate and clarity of your speech. If possible, record yourself speaking. Are you speaking slowly and clearly? Can you be heard easily? Is your voice portraying you as a confident and enthusiastic candidate? If your interview will be on speaker phone, make sure all interviewers hear you well.

GOOD LUCK!

NOTES

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Lack of interest or enthusiasm during the interview process is on the top 10 list of reasons for candidate rejection.



I HAVE A SKYPE INTERVIEW With more of you away during interview period on international study exchanges and work-terms, Skype has become a common way to do interviews. If you are in Ottawa, know that all Skype interviews will be at the Desmarais building (CO-OP Office) In this case, come to the CO-OP Office 10 minutes before your interview and we will set you up in a private office. Dress and act as you would for an in-person interview as there is usually a video camera. If you are not in Ottawa, we will Skype you 5 minutes before your scheduled interview with the employer and connect you both. Make sure we have your Skype name in advance. If you have any questions about your interviews or if you see any scheduling conflicts, call the CO-OP Office at 613-562-5741 during our office hours.

INTERVIEW LOGISTICS

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity

— Seneca, Roman philosopher, 4 BC – AD 65

WHEN, WHERE

1. First round interviews are on campus (Desmarais or Stewart street locations – check your interviews for exact location of interviews) 2. Check Navigator daily and confirm interviews (“noting” them is confirming them) 3. Attend ALL interviews and information sessions (mandatory!) 4. Interview length: 15 minutes to 1 hour 5. Go to waiting room and wait for employer 6. If you are in Ottawa, phone and Skype interviews will be at the CO-OP Office (reception desk on 3rd floor of Desmarais) 7. Medical certificate required if you are sick



SCHEDULING CONFLICTS 1. Centralized interview scheduling: you will never have two interviews at the same time. Let us know

if there is too little time between two interviews 2. Part-time jobs: avoid day shifts during interview period 3. Conflicts with a class? Make arrangements with your professor if an interview conflicts with class

time 4. Conflict with a mid-term? Contact our office as soon as possible at [email protected] or at 613-

562-5741 during office hours 5. Mid-term right before or right after an interview? Inform us and the employer

DO DON’T • Prepare for the interview • Take care of your hygiene • Bring a notepad and a pen • Dress professionally • Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early • Give a firm handshake and smile • Establish and maintain eye contact • Be calm and relaxed • Show enthusiasm

• Smoke before the interview • Eat candy or chew gum • Wear perfume or cologne • Bring your cellular phone • Slouch in your chair • Criticize past employers or co-workers • Lie! • Use slang

If you will be working or studying in another city or if you will be abroad during the interview period, please either email us or call to notify us of your Skype username before interviews begin so we can arrange an alternative to in-person interviews for you. Remember also to arrange for a private office where you are so you can do your interviews privately in a quiet environment and where you will not be disturbed. Note: Mock interviews can also be arranged by telephone or by Skype.



MATCHING PROCESS EMPLOYER RANKING 1. Employer ranks you first 2. You see partial ranking:

1 = guaranteed job offer 1* = more than one student ranked #1 Rank = employer is interested in you X = employer is not interested in you

STUDENT RANKING

1. Ranking is mandatory 2. Twenty-four-hour ranking period only! 3. Allowed only one number 1 4. Any combination of 2, 3, 4, etc. 5. Only one job can be eliminated in the first round (1 X) 6. No interviews? No ranking? Go directly to Continuous Placement

NOTE: Contact your CO-OP Program Coordinator if you would like help in making your ranking decision.

THE COOP NAVIGATOR USES A “STABLE MARRIAGE ALGORITHM”

AND GENERALLY FAVOURS THE STUDENT’S CHOICE.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW? On matching day: • Check Personal profile icon in Navigator (in your work/study sequence)

IF MATCHED: • You’ll see the job no. and the name of the organization • Attend “Work-Term Excellence” workshop

WHAT HAPPENS NOW? IF NOT MATCHED: • Do the Continuous Placement workshop online and let us know if you have any questions. • Apply to jobs, go to interviews (on and off campus) NOTE: In continuous placement, there are jobs posted intermittently, so make sure to check each day until you are placed! • Attend “Work-Term Excellence” workshop • You’re matched with the first job that ranks you #1 CO-OP Office reviews each file to determine areas for improvement.

For tips on continuous placement interviews, see page 32 of the additional resources.



CONCLUSION

CHECKLIST

�� Check COOP Navigator every day to verify if you have been selected for an interview. �� Research the organization / company / firm / department Web site. �� Review your resumé and job postings: Match your skills to the requirements sought by

employers in your field. �� Prepare answers to typical questions. �� Prepare STAR answers to demonstrate skills and qualities related to job posting. �� Prepare questions (at least five) to ask employer. �� Have suit ironed and ready. �� Prepare writing sample for interview (if requested). �� Book a mock interview (613.562.5741), and don’t forget to provide the job number and

interview language. �� Relax and smile.

ADDITIONAL HELP Do you have questions? Would you like to practice your interviewing skills? To make an appointment for an interview simulation, contact the CO-OP Office: 613.562.5741 [email protected]

NOTES __________________________________________________________________________________

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

GENERAL SESSIONS Some employers like to meet all their selected candidates in advance prior to the individual interviews being held. These group general sessions allow them to share with you more about the company and the job and to answer your questions as well. This technique allows for more time in the actual interview to be spent on you answering their questions rather than asking many questions of them. It also has the added bonus for you of learning more about the company before you rank them than you might otherwise be able to. You should treat these general sessions as interviews and dress accordingly.

GROUP INTERVIEWS

Most common type of group interview: Presentation on the company or about the agency conducting the interview, usually followed by an open discussion and question period. The main goal is to screen candidates, observe how individuals behave and stand out among their peers. All the candidates will be in the same room during the interview.

Why: This type of interview gives the employer the chance to observe: • Clothing, manners and attitude • Leadership qualities • Ability to deal with stress • Teamwork skills • How the candidate will face the public and customers • What level of knowledge candidates have • How knowledge is used in a discussion • Communication skills, verbal and non-verbal • Interaction and participation within the group It is also your chance to observe and decide if you want to work for the company.

Tips: • Express your opinion, but let the other candidates speak. • Ignore any candidates who are too aggressive or make any personal remarks. • Try to avoid getting into one-on-one conversations. • It is always a good idea to make the final statement in a group interview. • Prepare: Study the job description and research the company beforehand just as you would for a

one-on-one interview.

Then what: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a panel or a one-on-one interview.

* Some companies take a group interview to another level, by conducting exercises that simulate a work environment.



ADVICE FOR CONTINUOUS PLACEMENT INTERVIEWS Continuous placement interviews will usually take place off-campus. Here are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for these interviews: Take a practice run to the location where the interview will take place. Be certain of the exact location (some companies have several offices) and how long it will take you to get there. Keep in mind high-traffic times! Check bus routes or ask about parking if you will be driving. Make sure you have cash to pay for parking if you must pay in advance. Prior to the interview, ask about its likely duration—you don’t want to have to run out in the middle of the interview to put more money in the parking meter! Greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy and respect. Not only is this where you make your first impression, but also the employer may ask the receptionist what he/she thought of you. Remember to bring your professional resumé and references for the interviewer(s). If you require assistance with this, contact the CO-OP Office and you will get help. Also refer to our online workbook, ‘Finding Your Own Job’ at http://www.coop.uottawa.ca/documents/workbooks/find-job-wbk-en.pdf. Try and get business cards from each interviewer, or at least the correct spelling of their first and last names. Then, send a thank-you note to each one, expressing appreciation for the time spent with you, your interest in the position and anything else you may not have had the opportunity to mention during the interview. Do this within 24 hours.



STAR “SITUATION TASKS ACTIONS RESULT” PRACTICE SHEETS Purpose: To prepare for interviews by mapping out fully developed responses. Rationale: By mapping out fully developed responses prior to interviews you will be better able to provide accurate, detailed and career specific information to employers. In addition, you will be calmer and better able to present yourself professionally. On your own time 1. Make a list of six to eight action words that describe your strengths and knowledge. Refer to your

resumé workshop materials and the resumé you designed. 2. Add at least two to four action words to the list, based on the job description. 3. Write STAR statements for each action word. Incorporate industry-specific words, technology

information and/or methods as required to highlight your unique areas of expertise. Action words (or key skills) based on your strengths and knowledge:

1. __________________________________________________________________

2. __________________________________________________________________

3. __________________________________________________________________

4. __________________________________________________________________

5. __________________________________________________________________

6. __________________________________________________________________

7. __________________________________________________________________

8. __________________________________________________________________

Action words (or key skills) based on job description:

9. __________________________________________________________________

10. __________________________________________________________________

11. __________________________________________________________________

12. __________________________________________________________________



STAR “SITUATION TASKS ACTIONS RESULT” Actions word (or key skill): __________________________________________________ Situation: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Tasks: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Actions: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Result: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Actions word (or key skill): _________________________________________________ Situation: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Tasks: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Actions: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Result: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________



THE PROFESSIONAL HANDSHAKE

Feel free to initiate the handshake. Offer your hand even if the interviewer doesn’t offer his or her hand first. You want to make a good first impression. That first impression begins with a handshake and that can set the tone for the rest of the interview. Make eye contact and don’t forget to smile (now and during the interview). Make contact with the area between the thumb and forefinger (the web). Adjust your grip to the other person’s. To shake, move the employer’s hand up and down 2 or 3 times, for a total of about 3 seconds. Then, release the other person’s hand. In a panel interview, take the time to shake hands with everyone you meet.

Tips:

If you tend to get sweaty hands before an interview, keep your hands open while waiting and make

sure to have a tissue to wipe them just before the handshake.

End the interview with a handshake as well. Remember that successfully closing the interview will

leave the employer with a good last impression of you.



DRESSING FOR THE INTERVIEW Knowing how to present yourself professionally through your attire is critical in an interview. Here are some tips on dressing for interviews: Women:

• Wear classic styles: basic jackets, pants, skirts, suits • Skirts should still be long enough when you are sitting • The more skin you show, the less professional you will look • Wear simple jewelry that will not distract the employer • Do not bring a backpack; use a purse or briefcase • Do not wear perfume, since many people are allergic and a reaction could spell disaster! • Wear professional shoes—avoid really high heels • Use light make-up, if any

Men:

• Wear a classic suit and tie • Shirt should hang out of sleeve by about ½ inch • Wear a belt that matches your suit • Do not bring a backpack; use a briefcase • Do not wear cologne, since many people are allergic and a reaction could spell disaster! • Wear clean, polished shoes with socks that match your suit (no white socks)

Tips:

Wear conventional neutral colours: beige, brown, navy blue, grey

If you don’t have to, don’t buy something new for the interview. Try to wear clothes that you know you are comfortable in and that make you feel confident

Wear clothes that do not wrinkle easily

Remember to practice good personal hygiene

Remember, it is better to be overdressed than underdressed for the interview

If you have questions about your interview attire, book an appointment with a Professional Development Specialist, who will gladly help you.



FUTURE PLACEMENTS: WHAT TO DO IF YOU RECEIVED A “GOOD” OR “FAIR” ON YOUR EVALUATION?

ACTIVITY: Answer the question, “Why didn’t you do well in your final evaluation?” Purpose: To help you strategize over possible answers if you did not receive a good final evaluation. Rationale: Being prepared for this likely question will leave you looking more confident and assured in the interview. Possible answer: “After considering my final evaluation, I realize now that I could have done things differently. The position offered a great learning opportunity that, unfortunately, I didn’t make the most of. I believe I’m wiser now. I realize where I went wrong (add an example of where you believe you went wrong), and I can assure you it will not happen again. I’d like the chance to prove that to you.” Practice your response in advance. Being prepared will help you feel more ready and more confident. Try to keep your response brief and honest. Move it along quickly. This way, you’ll be able to get back to the interview, sell your skills and expand on why you believe you’re the most qualified person for the position. Here are some additional things to keep in mind when answering this question:

1. Never bad-mouth or say anything negative about your former employer.

2. Do not shift the blame to someone else; take responsibility for your own performance.

3. Be honest. State only the facts and do not get emotional.

NOTES

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BOOK AN INTERVIEW PRACTICE WITH YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

(1 HOUR)

The purpose of this appointment is to provide a personalized assessment of your skills as an interviewee. The meeting is either conducted as a formal mock interview or as a less-formal discussion.

For the mock interview, you will be asked to select a CO-OP job for which you would like to practice. You will be expected to prepare for the simulation in the same manner as you would a real interview. The mock interview takes roughly 20 minutes, and you spend the remainder of the hour receiving feedback.

For the discussion-style interview, you will be asked to talk about the ways you prepare for real interviews. You will explore specific interview questions and receive suggestions on how to best respond.

After this appointment, you will be able to:

o Improve your interview-preparation skills

o Sharpen your verbal and non-verbal communication skills

o Develop interview response strategies

o Prepare for different interview scenarios, such as phone interviews and multiple interviewers.



RESOURCES AND LINKS For information on CO-OP work-term salaries, see: http://www.coop.uottawa.ca/en/en-coop-students/en-std-wage-details.asp?Y=2013&S=W Co-operative Education Programs: weekly salaries of CO-OP students for Winter 2013

Work Term 1 Work Term 2 Work Term 3 Work Term 4

($Minimum salary - $Average salary - $Maximum salary)

Faculty of Arts

Communication $544-$626-$707 $525-$623-$713 N/A $600-$600-$600

English N/A $140-$559-$707 N/A N/A

Environmental Studies $540-$559-$578 $653-$674-$707 N/A N/A

Geography $618-$722-$825 $662-$662-$662 N/A N/A

History N/A $384-$593-$743 N/A $668-$668-$668

Lettres françaises N/A $525-$563-$600 N/A N/A

Faculty of Engineering

Biomedical Mechanical Engineering

N/A $540-$640-$771 N/A N/A

Chemical Engineering N/A $600-$766-$1400 N/A $1060-$1060-$1060

Civil Engineering N/A $362-$676-$929 N/A N/A

Computer Engineering N/A $662-$684-$740 $731-$736-$740 N/A

Computer Science $701-$701-$701 $680-$760-$850 $578-$641-$691 $863-$863-$863

Electrical Engineering N/A $609-$719-$900 $617-$681-$713 N/A

Mechanical Engineering N/A $252-$620-$800 $1100-$1100-$1100 N/A

Software Engineering N/A $600-$714-$850 $618-$730-$850 N/A

Faculty of Grad. and Postdoc. Studies

Master - Computer Science

N/A $720-$720-$720 N/A N/A

Master - International Development and Globalization

N/A $714-$786-$1013 N/A N/A

Master - Public and International Affairs

N/A $525-$771-$863 N/A N/A

Faculty of Science

Biochemistry $289-$546-$662 N/A $348-$578-$750 N/A

Biology $469-$469-$469 $384-$574-$707 N/A N/A

Biomedical Sciences $400-$606-$893 N/A N/A N/A

Biopharmaceutical Science

$325-$548-$710 N/A N/A N/A

Biotechnology (Chem. Eng. + Biochem.)

N/A $414-$641-$760 N/A N/A

Environmental Science N/A $585-$634-$662 N/A N/A

Mathematics $533-$533-$533 $400-$579-$758 N/A N/A



Work Term 1 Work Term 2 Work Term 3 Work Term 4

Mathematics-Statistics N/A $578-$597-$615 N/A N/A

Physics-Mathematics $300-$381-$469 N/A N/A N/A

Faculty of Social Sciences

Anthropology N/A $525-$574-$618 N/A N/A

Conflict Studies and Human Rights

N/A $458-$607-$707 N/A N/A

Economics N/A $488-$603-$707 N/A N/A

Economics and Public Policy

N/A $540-$559-$578 N/A N/A

International Development and Globalization

N/A $384-$631-$707 N/A $688-$728-$758

International Economics and Development

N/A $618-$662-$707 N/A N/A

Political Science N/A $422-$638-$1078 N/A $758-$758-$758

Public Administration N/A $403-$622-$707 $662-$662-$662 N/A

Sociology N/A $578-$648-$707 N/A N/A

Faculty of Telfer School of Management

Accounting $325-$640-$731 $538-$703-$865 N/A N/A

Commerce N/A $524-$556-$600 N/A N/A

Entrepreneurship N/A $578-$578-$578 N/A N/A

Finance N/A $413-$593-$725 N/A N/A

HR Management N/A $525-$623-$713 N/A $758-$758-$758

International Management

N/A $590-$667-$736 N/A N/A

Management N/A $540-$601-$662 N/A N/A

Management Information Systems

N/A $643-$666-$680 N/A N/A

Marketing $563-$619-$675 $578-$631-$675

n/a – No statistics available for work term Information on salary is important certainly but asking about it can throw off your interview. To avoid this, ask your Professional Development Specialist for some coaching on how to ask about salary and use the above table as a guide. Mentors can also help you. To learn more about the CO-OP Mentorship Program, go to this link: http://www.coop.uottawa.ca/en/en-coop-students/en-mentorship.asp and to access it go to this link: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=5044856&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr



FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON INTERVIEWS:

www.job-interview.net

www.quintcareers.com

www.monster.ca

www.canadajobs.com

http://jobsearch.about.com

Documents

CO-OP interviews workbook 2013-2014-ENcoop.uottawa.ca/sites/coop.uottawa.ca/files/co-op_interviews_2013... · ... PREPARE ANSWERS TO INTERVIEW QUESTIONS ... Many interview questions