Canadian workplace etiquette made easy

PATH TO CAREER SUCCESS
Job Interview Etiquette

One of the most nerve-wracking things about moving to a new country is adapting to different cultural etiquette. Something as simple as whether or not you should take your shoes off upon entering someone’s house can be a cause for anxiety. (Note: In Canada, when entering a home, most people do take their shoes off!)

On Settlement.org, they break down a few essential etiquette rules for the Canadian workplace. Let’s zoom in on a few that will help you make a great first impression at a job interview. 

Dress for Success 👔 

• Aim for a clean, neat, and professional look. Choose attire that is appropriate for the job and company culture. For men, this can be a suit or dress pants with a collared shirt. For women, a blazer with dress pants or a professional dress.

• Many workplaces discourage strong perfumes or colognes due to sensitivities. A daily shower and fresh, clean clothes are sufficient.

Body Language 😊🤝

• Greet your interviewer with a warm smile and a firm handshake. This shows confidence and friendliness.

• Be mindful of personal space. Standing too close can be uncomfortable, while standing too far might seem disinterested. Maintain about an arm's length distance from the interviewer.

Effective Communication 🗣️✍️

• Provide clear, concise answers to questions. Focus on the key points and avoid going off on tangents. Pay attention to the interviewer’s body language to gauge your responses. If you’re asked to share a story (e.g., "Tell me about a time you made a mistake at work"), follow frameworks like the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

• After the interview, send a brief thank-you note by mail or email. This not only shows gratitude but also gives you a chance to reiterate your interest in the position and mention anything you forgot during the interview. For example: "Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Position] role. I am very excited about the possibility of joining your team."

Professional Conduct 📵🪑

• Ensure your phone is turned off or set to silent before the interview. If it rings, apologize and turn it off immediately without answering.

• Wait to be offered a seat. If not offered, politely ask where you should sit. This shows respect for the interviewer’s space.

CAREER COACH Q & A
Navigating New Horizons with Expert Guidance from a Seasoned Career Coach

Q: What is the expectation around punctuality in Canadian workplaces?

A: Punctuality is highly valued in Canada. Arriving on time for meetings, appointments, and work is crucial. Being late can be seen as disrespectful and unprofessional. If you anticipate being late, inform your supervisor or the person you are meeting as soon as possible.

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LEARN THE LINGO
✅ Mastering Professional Etiquette Communication Skills

A big part of mastering professional etiquette are your communication skills. Here are a few phrases that may come up in the office, and how you can communicate these sentiments more professionally.

When you disagree with an idea:

❌ "This is stupid, why are we doing it this way?"

✅ "I have concerns about this approach; can we discuss it further?"

When you're uncertain or don't have information:

❌ "I don't know where that document is."

✅ "I'll find out where that document is for you."

When you didn't hear or understand something:

❌ "What?"

✅ "Pardon me? Could you repeat that, please?"

When asked to do something outside your primary responsibilities:

❌ "That's not my job, ask someone else."

✅ "I can help with that, but my main focus is on [mention your main responsibilities]."

When you're busy or managing multiple tasks:

❌ "I'm swamped, I can't take on anything else."

✅ "I have a lot on my plate right now; can we prioritize this?"