Print
Add to Quick List
What is the Interview Process?
The NSCC interview is typically 60 to 90 minutes and is conducted by a selection committee consisting of a minimum of three to a maximum of 15 panel members. The interview may contain a presentation / teaching demonstration / or test depending upon the position. Details for any presentation / teaching demonstration / or test will be provided to you at the time of scheduling and with ample opportunity for any preparation you may wish to do.
The interview will consist of a series of formal questions asked by different members of the panel. Each candidate will be asked the same questions. NSCC interview questions are generally behaviorally based meaning, in many cases, we will be asking for specific examples from your past experience to demonstrate your competency for the position. As an example of behavioral questions you may be asked in an NSCC interview, you will hear key phrases such as:
- Tell me about a time...
- Describe a situation in which...
- Think of a specific time you...and then tell me what you did.
If you do not understand a question or need any clarification, please feel free to ask for the question to be repeated.
The last portion of the interview belongs to the candidate. This will be an opportunity for you to ask the panel any questions about the position or the College.
Portfolio in the Interview
You may have seen our College banner that proclaims "NSCC: Canada's Portfolio College" and wondered what that means. Students in a number of our programs have been doing portfolios for the past few years as an integral part of their particular program. As well, many of our employees have developed their own portfolios through the Prior Learning Assessment Centre (Halifax) or through the College's own practitioners' program.
Portfolio learning is a self-directed process, through which you have the opportunity to talk about yourself, what you have done, what you are doing and where you want to go in life. Each portfolio experience is as unique as you are; no two are the same.
The actual items that you might include in your portfolio very much depend upon you and your career plans. After all, it is your portfolio. Here is a sample of the type of information our students and employees include in their portfolios:
- A clear statement of career goals
- A resume
- A list of skills, especially those related to your career goals (e.g., "I communicate well with people" or "I take responsibility for my own actions").
- Clear evidence of what you have learned and what you are good at (i.e., your competence level).
- Appropriate work samples that illustrate what you have learned, your skills and competence.
- A reflective piece - some narrative (written or otherwise) that demonstrates your understanding of yourself, your experiences and your life goals.
As "Canada's Portfolio College", we value the portfolio in our selection process. We encourage those with portfolios to bring them (or relevant portions of them) to their interview and to use their portfolio throughout the interview in order to emphasize responses to interview questions.
Was this page helpful?
