Every business runs recruitment processes differently. This page offers some guidance on what to expect once you reach the interview stage.
What to Expect
If you have an interview for a full-time position at the City of Burlington, you can expect:
- All applications are considered on their own merit.
- When applying for certain positions, you may be asked to complete a questionnaire on the job-specific qualifications we are looking for. Responses to the job-specific questions will be used to assist us in identifying the best candidates for the position.
- We understand how important interviews are and we will do our best to ensure you are comfortable and the process is welcoming for you.
The Interview
Interviews can be a difficult situation for some candidates. Please take the time to prepare and we will ensure the process is professional, welcoming and informative. The following provides some tips and a summary of what you can expect in the interview.
- If you are contacted for an interview, you will be given a date and time to attend. We suggest that you arrive 15 minutes early so that you are fully prepared for your interview.
- For the employer, the purpose of an interview is to explore skill sets and experience of the candidate.
- For the candidate, the purpose of the interview is to determine whether we are the right fit for you. This is a very important aspect of the interview process.
- If you are invited for an interview, you can expect two to three interviewers to be part of the interview. There will be one person from Human Resources as well as one or two from the hiring department.
- Behavioural-based interview questions. This type of question is based on the assumption that the best predictor of future behaviour is recent past behaviour in similar situations.
- The interview questions are structured so that we will ask for examples. For example: Tell us about a time when you demonstrated exceptional customer service skills? Tell us about the most difficult project you have led?
- To prepare for this type of interview, take a hard look at the position you applied for and find examples in your past that will demonstrate your ability to be a success in this position.
- You may be asked to complete an exercise which is structured to test bona fide occupational requirements for the position.
References
Once the interviews are complete, references are completed on only a small number of candidates. If a reference is to be conducted for you, we will first confirm your permission to proceed.
Good luck and thank you for your interest in the City of Burlington.