City of Calgary Interview Questions & Reviews

Interviewed Nov 2008 in Calgary, AB (Canada) (took a day)

The City's interview process is fairly structured. There will always be at least two interviewers, and sometimes as many as four. At least one of the interviewers is non-union, and at least one must have "Targeted Selection" training. "Targeted Selection" is a brand name for behavioral descriptive interviewing.

Most interviews are scheduled for approximately 1 - 1 1/2 hours and take place in a boardroom. The actual experience of the interview may vary depending on the experience, skill, and personality of the interviewers, but generally interviewers are courteous, pleasant, and friendly; water may or may not be offered.

In terms of the interview proper, there are typically three or four background questions asked:
- Tell me about yourself.
- A line-by-line review of education, qualifications, and training taken.
- A line-by-line review of job history.
- A detailed examination of technical skills and where they were acquired and used.

Following the background questions, there are typically four to eight behavioral questions, which vary depending on the dimensions being tested. Examples include:
- Tell me about a recent presentation you made to a group of people. How did you prepare?
- Tell me about a time when you prioritized your work incorrectly. What did you do?
- Often, people performing repetitive tasks make errors. Describe a recent repetitive task you performed where you realized you were making errors. How did you notice and what did you do to resolve it?
- Describe a situation where you had to use influence to bring peers (superiors) to your way of thinking. How did you do it?
- Tell me about the last time you learned something new. How did you do it?
- Describe a situation where you had a disagreement with a colleague. How did you resolve it?
- Tell me about a time when you coached a subordinate.

In most cases, the job postings do a pretty good job of highlighting the relevant dimensions.

Some interviewers like to ask "negative" questions, such as the second and third examples above. This depends on the interviewer and the position level.

You will be asked to complete an applicant's declaration, which asks the following questions:
- Have you ever been dismissed or asked to resign from any position?
- Have you ever been convicted of a crime for which a pardon has not been granted?
- Do you have any relatives working for the City?

Finally, you're asked to affirm that any false or misleading statements may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

If you're applying for a position that requires a security clearance (for example, all IT positions):
- Bring one piece of government-issued photo ID (e.g., drivers' license, passport)
- Bring one piece of government-issued non-photo ID (e.g., social insurance number, health care card)

You'll usually be asked to bring your transcripts or original degree parchments.
NOTE 1: if your credential is NOT from a Canadian institution (even US or UK), it MUST be assessed by the International Qualifications Assessment Service (at your expense) and deemed equivalent to Canadian education at the required level.
NOTE 2: If your credential is from an unaccredited school (e.g., Columbia College, Reeve College, etc.), then it will NOT be accepted as a valid credential for the City.
NOTE 3: If you do not have the required education and experience for the position, do not apply, since you will not receive an interview in all likelihood. Because the City is unionized, selection grievances can be (and are) filed if candidates do not have the required education and experience.

References:
You will be asked to provide 3 professional or academic references. Typically they are not contacted unless you are being seriously considered for the opportunity.