Preparing for interviews

Interviews give you an opportunity to demonstrate the skills and enthusiasm you can bring to our organization. They're also a chance for you to find out a bit more about the position and about Vancity so you can decide whether the fit feels right.

By being prepared for the interview process, you can ensure you make the most of the opportunity, present yourself well, and get the information you need to make the right career decision.

We welcome applications from persons with disabilities and we will actively seek to make any reasonable adjustments to our hiring and selection process in order to adapt it to your needs. If you want more information on disability, disclosure and accommodation in the workplace click here.

First interview

Your first interview will be conducted by a Vancity recruiter, and it may be by telephone or virtually by using an online link for a video call.

Before the interview: It's a good idea to anticipate the kinds of questions that you may be asked and practice your answers ahead of time. At a minimum, you should be prepared to answer questions relating to information that you have provided on your resume, explain why you're applying for a specific role, and tell us why you want to work at Vancity.

During the interview: If your first interview is conducted by telephone, remember we won't be able to see you. This means your verbal communication skills, tone, and pace are particularly important. Be clear, succinct, and professional.

Second interview

If your first interview is successful, you'll be asked to meet one of our hiring managers and a select panel for a virtual or an in-person interview.

Before the interview:

• Think about the questions you may be asked, write them down, and prepare your answers. What information will your interviewer want to know that has not been covered in your resume or in the first interview?
• Get to know the people who will be part of the interview process ahead of time. Review the profiles of the hiring manager, panel participants, and any other team members on LinkedIn.
• Spend some time getting to know a bit more about Vancity and the job you're applying for. Be clear in your own mind about why you're applying for the role and why you want to be part of the team at Vancity.
• Be prepared for behavioural questions: these are questions that require you to give specific examples of how you have behaved in response to a specific situation or challenge at work or even outside the workplace.
• Prepare a list of questions you may wish to ask about the role or about Vancity during the interview. Remember, this is an opportunity for both sides to learn more about each other.
• Practice, practice, practice. Rehearse your answers— out loud, if it helps—so that you'll feel comfortable, prepared, and in control during the interview.

During the interview:

• Listen carefully to each question and answer it completely. If you're not clear about the meaning of the question, ask for clarification or more information.
• When providing recent and relevant examples of your experience during the interview, feel free to take them from work, volunteering, parenting/caregiving, and recreational activities. What's most important is that your answer is relevant to the question you're being asked.