Ville de Montréal

Interview with the city: prepare yourself well

Last updated December 13, 2023
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Have you been invited to an interview with the city? Here are some preparation tips so you can demonstrate your ability to take on the responsibilities of the position.

What to expect

Whether in person or by videoconference, the interview will be structured: all candidates will be asked the same questions. We evaluate answers in a standardized manner, as a function of criteria and the requirements of the position to be filled. 

The interview may last from 45 to 75 minutes. The interview committee will have up to three members.

The usual interview sequence

  1. Preparatory period, where applicable: This is the time for you to become familiar with the documents (questions, exercises, case studies). Prepare your answers, which will be evaluated during the interview or afterward.
  2. Welcome and introductions:Period for presentations, during which you and committee members will discuss your training, career path and what motivates you.
  3. Evaluation of skills:This part of the interview is comprised of a series of questions on behaviours and situation-based scenarios. They are designed to evaluate desirable competencies and characteristics. Prepare at least two examples of real situations from your work experience that demonstrate that you master the skills required.
  4. Conclusion: This is the time to ask your questions about the job, the rest of the process, the organization, etc.

How we evaluate candidates, depending on job category

We use different means of evaluation to find the perfect candidate. Choose your job category to learn about, and understand, the evaluation methods that may be used.

  • Interview 
  • Written test or preparatory period during the interview to evaluate your knowledge related to the field of expertise or other skills required by the position
  • Monitored on-line test to measure your linguistic knowledge or your administrative competencies
  • Personality questionnaire to determine your natural tendencies related to the profile required for the job (no preparation necessary)
  • Functional test to measure your ability to use the specialized work tools required for the position

List of skills that may be evaluated (in French).

  • Interview 
  • Written test or preparatory period to evaluate your knowledge related to the field of expertise or other skills required by the position
  • Functional test to measure your ability to use the specialized work tools required for the position
  • Physical aptitude test to evaluate your ability to safely carry out physical tasks required in the position

List of skills that may be evaluated (in French).

  • Interview 
  • Personality questionnaire to identify your natural tendencies related to the profile required for the job (no preparation necessary)

List of skills that may be evaluated (in French).

  • Interview 
  • Evaluation of your management competencies by industrial psychologists or career counsellors (for finalists selected after an interview)
  • Evaluation of management skills (formen/for women and managers, level managers)

Preparation guide (in French).
List of general management skills (in French).

Videoconference interviews

Many of our interviews take place as videoconferences. To avoid technical problems and give yourself the best chance, consult the interview preparation guide.

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