In Canada, it is best if you arrive about five to ten minutes early for your interview. Punctuality should always be a top priority. If you cannot avoid being late, call your prospective employer, apologize, and provide an expected time of arrival. Do not give poor excuses or blame the company for providing bad directions. Canadians are unlikely to say anything about your delay, although they may feel it shows a lack of respect.

Upon meeting your interviewer, shake his/her hand with a solid grip and in a firm and businesslike manner. Shake a woman's hand in the same way you would a man’s. An appropriate opening greeting is “Good Morning”, “Good Afternoon”, or “Good Evening”. Acknowledge the interviewer by his or her title (Mr. Mrs., Ms, Miss, Dr., etc.) and last name. If you are unsure of a woman's marital status, use “Ms”, followed by her last name. Make sure to introduce yourself properly by your first and last name.

In Canada, you may quickly move to a first-name basis. The best policy is to wait for your Canadian interviewer to invite you to do so.

If asked, “How are you?” the correct response is a brief “Fine, thank you.” This question is a courtesy, not an opening to share any personal details, so give a succinct answer and allow the meeting to move on to business.

Canadians are clear and direct in discussing their backgrounds. They tend to be slightly more understated then their US counterparts. In an interview scenario, it is completely appropriate to talk about your abilities and achievements confidently. The key is not to appear boastful or arrogant, which Canadians find distasteful. Rather than bragging about yourself, formally cite evidence of your accomplishments, and then back them up with examples.

Canadians tend to talk about their business needs in an open, warm manner. Respond by providing clear details on how you anticipate meeting your prospective employer’s objectives. Make sure to display enthusiasm for the job, without appearing desperate.

It is appropriate to ask questions about the job, but do not overdo the questions or ask about job perks or benefits during your first interview. It is best to wait until a job offer is made to discuss and negotiate your salary and benefits.

It is considered rude to discredit or badmouth anyone. Do not say anything negative about your former employers or colleagues or about Canadians in general.

Canadians tend to treat everyone equally regardless of status, social class, or gender. In Canada, people have authority based on their position and responsibility. Women and men may be found in similar positions throughout an organization. Do not assume that a woman is in a more junior or lower position, simply based upon her gender.

Canadians are quite multicultural and tolerant of religious diversity. However, a business discussion is not the place to bring up your faith or religious beliefs.

Direct eye contact with your interviewer is preferred. For Canadians, looking your employer in the eye shows interest and conveys a sense of integrity. Looking at the floor may come across as insincere or shifty. At the same time, do not stare intensely at the interviewer; instead look confidently at them during your conversation as you would in a friendly discussion with a peer.

The standard distance between two people is about two feet. There are some regional differences. French Canadians tend to be slightly more “touchy” and stand somewhat closer than other Canadians. Regardless, in a business scenario it is most important that you do not stand or sit too close or touch your interviewer.

Make sure to appear confident and businesslike in all your mannerisms. Sit up straight and tall. Moving around restlessly portrays nervousness. Slouching in your seat appears as laziness or indifference to many Canadians.

Using the right interviewing techniques will help you to best showcase your skills and experiences, making a positive impression and improving your chances of landing the job!