Talk to us about your proudest achievement. Why was this achievement important?

"Well, several years ago, I sat down with a client to advise them on long-term solutions for retirement. They were middle-aged and had no retirement plan in place, but they did come into some money, so needed help with some sound options. So I spent time going over all of their options and providing them with source materials to further educate themselves on. We probably sat down discussing a variety of options for over four hours. Well, I hadn't seen or thought about them since, until a couple of months ago, they came in to thank me. They had taken all of my advice, and the educational materials I'd provided them started them down a path where they continued to make smart investments. Now, they've retired early and came in to thank me for all I'd done for them. At first, they didn't know if they were going to be able to retire, and now they're living comfortably. The difference I made for them feels like my current greatest accomplishment."

By learning about what you would consider a proud accomplishment, they'll have a better concept of what you consider above and beyond, and what you consider your daily work standard. They'll then have a clearer understanding of what inspires you to perform at your best, how creative your approach to your work is, and how passionate you are about the work that you do. As they state on their careers site, "We're on a purpose-driven journey to build the RBC of the future and reimagine the role we play in the lives of our customers. Our purpose inspires us every day to bring our best and use our imagination and insights to build a better future for our clients and communities."

HireVue claims they can tailor each assessment interview to a particular role, with clear performance indicators by employing Industrial and Organizational (IO) psychologists who have created customizable behavioral interview questions and IO-validated content. These questions better enable their AI assessment models to assess candidates, pinpoint top performers, and recruit those who are most aligned with the company's objectives and culture. By using this approach, they argue that HireVue's assessment model can distinguish the most talented performers from the least promising ones. There are a variety of HireVue packages available for their clients to opt in for. Some request only the recorded videos and no insights reports. Some request the report as well, while others request screening, and only receive those materials which the algorithm qualifies as potential top performers. Once the hiring authority has the materials, they can compare and evaluate the interviews side by side.

HireVue's interview builder categorizes a candidate's experience level into five groups: novice, developing, intermediate, advanced, and expert. With this question, they'll score the messaging of your response accordingly. Someone who has "a limited capacity but is likely to be dependable in simple situations" they'd classify as a novice. Someone with intermediate skills they suggest would be "likely to be dependable but needs assistance in more difficult situations." Whereas they define an expert as someone who "takes pride in delivering a high-quality output of work, views change as a challenge and an opportunity to advance toward mutual goals." Consider this when presenting them with one of your proudest achievements and why it feels significant to you.

Tell us about yourself.

"Well, I started my banking career working for Great Western Bank, which was bought out by Washington Mutual, which was bought by Chase Bank, where I have worked since. I started a career in banking because I am passionate about finance and financial sustainability. But, last year I started feeling I needed a change, and I decided to move up to Vancouver from Seattle. I also wanted a fresh start with a company with a work culture and values more aligned with my own. I am half Canadian and half American, so I have dual citizenship, so I would have no issues working here. In fact, RBC has been my bank of choice in Canada since I was a kid. So, now that I am moved up here and settled in, I decided it was time to apply to my choice employer. So here I am."

Casual questions typically elicit an honest response, and the algorithm needs to gauge your honesty and true self to better determine your fit for RBC. HireVue's algorithm will analyze how your genuine personality differs from your more reserved and performative answers. So, this question's purpose is to get you to relax and be yourself.

HireVue offers services that help clients avoid making bad hiring decisions by screening, evaluating, classifying, and categorizing candidates, and finding top performers who align with company goals and culture. HireVue claims their "talent experience platform" simplifies hiring and boosts client recruitment by enhancing talent engagement, screening, and hiring. They advertise to their clients that their products and services help "the ebbs and flows of the hiring landscape" by increasing company, decreasing turnover, and maximizing the recruitment of top performers while saving their clients "the thousands of dollars that one bad hire costs" and "thousands of payroll hours" by streamlining their recruiting process. The key feature of HireVue is the use of proprietary machine learning algorithms to analyze data, both verbal and non-verbal cues from video interviews, to assess a candidate's expertise, skills, personality, and integrity, and to predict job performance. By examining verbal and non-verbal cues, such as tone, body language, and consistency of responses, they will assess a candidate's knowledge, abilities, character, and honesty based on data. The algorithm will compile their "candidate insights reports" from the data it collects.

On their careers site, RBC offers advice on how to deliver an excellent interview. "We care about you. At RBC, you can be yourself at work. Differences in experience and background are not only accepted - they are celebrated. Be clear and concise with your answers. A run-on answer may indicate a lack of confidence or focus. Also, don't be too scripted, or your answers won't seem genuine. Don't forget to smile! No matter how nervous you might be. Interviewers want to make sure you're the right fit - so this is your time to let your personality shine!"

Talk to us about your career goals. Where do you see yourself in five years?

"I am interested in working for a company long term, where I can continue building my skills, building upon my current goals, and charting my career forward. I want to work with a group of professionals that feel like more than just coworkers, but like a community, and friends and family. And right now, based on everything I learned when researching the right company that I could see building a future with, that company looks like RBC."

This question delves into what qualities you seek in an employer. By answering this question, you will aid the assessment vendor in evaluating your confidence and motivations for pursuing this opportunity. Your response will reveal if you're ambitious and determined to secure this job and see this as a long-term career opportunity that aligns with your goals, or if you're simply hoping to get any job as a temporary solution to your employment situation.

Hirevue offers the following tip: "Virtual interviewing is similar to the video calls many of us have been using. You will use a computer, tablet, or mobile device to answer questions created by the company for the position you are applying for. Maximize your comfort level and share your experiences and skills as naturally as possible. This is an opportunity to share your story as a candidate. All candidates applying to a position will receive the same set of questions, selected by the hiring company. Additionally, HireVue takes measures to prevent candidates from seeing these interview questions before they are taking an interview. These measures ensure that each candidate has the same amount of time to review the questions, and prepare their responses, giving all candidates the same interview experience and an equal shot at putting their best foot forward."

RBC has devoted considerable efforts to recruit those who are interested in progressing their career with them. "As you gain some footing in your career, your future goals may become clearer. Chart your next steps with tools and programs designed to finetune skills and grow your professional network. Make it yours. You live a full life shaped by your ideas. By your family. Career. Community. Your unique place in the world. You want an employer that helps you realize your vision for life with a meaningful career and supports your desire for more. It's your career. Your life. Where do you want to go?"

Why do you want to work for RBC?

"I want to work for RBC because I really liked what they had to say about supporting my aspirations. I am eager to build upon my skills, earn more responsibilities, and hopefully rise into a leadership position. I not only want to work long term, building upon a positive professional relationship with my employer, but I am eager to develop new skills, grow, and build my career and life. I want to work somewhere that everyone cares about each other and helps each other out while feeling like they're making a difference. And to me, that looks like working for RBC."

Ultimately, your goal is to deliver an interview which the algorithm will forward to the recruiter, who will later review it. The more you seem to understand them, the more capable you'll seem to represent their company. This is why RBC recommends those in their talent pool do their homework before sitting down for their interview. "By researching the company before your interview, you can set yourself apart from other candidates with the information you've learned." Once you've familiarized and aligned yourself with how they describe their people, meditate on how you would sincerely convey yourself as their ideal match.

Keep in mind that you're interacting with more than just a computer program. The recruiter will probably evaluate your prerecorded interview, so make sure you present yourself positively to them. Make sure the camera is positioned at eye level. If it's positioned too low, it may make you seem arrogant or autocratic. If the camera is positioned high and looking down at you, it might make you seem weak or small. Instead of looking at yourself on the screen, maintain eye contact with the lens as if speaking directly to someone. During your interview, also keep in mind how HireVue's behavioral assessment model may interpret or misinterpret your verbal and non-verbal cues. HireVue's assessment model heavily depends on observing your facial expressions to evaluate your non-verbal cues along with your verbal communication. If it fails to detect you or cannot reach a conclusion, it may exclude you as a potential candidate. This is likely why HireVue repeatedly suggests avoiding being backlit. "Lighting from behind makes it hard to see you. Just be natural! Get comfortable and be confident in yourself." So help the algorithm classify you as a top performer. Take the time to select a location with ample natural light and ensure your lighting is evenly balanced and maintain eye contact with the camera as if you're speaking in person. This can help you avoid the algorithm misinterpreting your responses.

Here are a few more value propositions from RBC's career site where they are aiming to appeal to the sensibilities of their target talent."Your life is shaped by your ideas. You want a career that helps you realize those ideas and an employer that supports your aspirations. Whether it's developing new skills, opportunities to innovate and grow, or the flexibility to enjoy moments that matter, RBC is a great place to build your career and life. We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual."

Why should we hire you?

"RBC should hire me because I am friendly, great with customers, and I have a lot of integrity. I will always go out of my way to help a customer, educate them, and meet their needs, and I always come to the aid of the others on my team. I have a strong work ethic and am very reliable. I am still currently friends with all of my coworkers from my last job, and a few of my customers as well."

RBC states that they aim to "attract and retain the right talent." So, before your interview, it's crucial to have a clear picture in your mind of what their "right talent" looks like if you plan to present yourself as a candidate they want to hire. Part of that is looking the part. As RBC advises on their career site, "Always overdress for your interview. Even if the work environment is casual. A first job interview isn't the time to experiment with a new look. Choose clothes appropriate to the role and company. Always err on the side of caution and dress up, not down. Avoid loud colors or clashing patterns. Your clothes shouldn't be a distraction. Choose clothes that are comfortable and fit properly. Check for stains or wrinkles. Pay attention to personal grooming. Get a haircut if needed, brush your teeth and trim your nails. Keep accessories (including jewelry, belts, watches and bags) simple and to a minimum."

Even though HireVue offers candidates the advantage of being able to interview whenever and wherever they want, the algorithm will assess your grooming and attire for professionalism and neatness. So, they recommend "you wear exactly what you would for a traditional face-to-face interview. It may feel a little different to put on your Sunday best for your kitchen table, but hey, at least you won't have to get it pressed again after this, right?" Allow yourself enough time to get prepared. Approach being on camera as if it were an in-person interview, presenting yourself professionally throughout. Dress appropriately in professional attire for the role.

Are you applying to work for any of our competitors?

"I have applied to a few financial institutions. I am not one to put all my eggs in one basket, but working for RBC is the top choice. I would prioritize an offer from RBC if offered the opportunity."

This question is aimed at determining whether you want to specifically work for them, or how high they rank out of the jobs you are an applicant for. How you answer may also prove to inform them of whether you are dedicated to your profession or industry, and how sure you are that this is the right fit for you.

HireVue's AI assessment models assess the content, meaning, and emotion of your message to evaluate your service orientation and responsibility, and if you can uphold their reputation. Your empathy, impulse control, and communication skills will also be assessed. Remember to choose your words carefully and use professional adjectives to describe yourself and your situation. Also, try to incorporate their language naturally in your responses. It communicates to them your perception of them as an ideal match, while also embracing their culture and values.

What makes our company different from others in this industry?

"I would say that RBC's competitors can hardly compare, especially considering their level of customer service and expertise, and how they put the interests of clients ahead of their own, how they address today's most pressing issues, and how they contribute to a better and more sustainable future. In my opinion, RBC is indeed the undisputed leader in financial services."

Every company aims to project a certain image and counts on every representative of their company to mirror this image. This includes the language they'd use when distinguishing themselves from their competitors. Among RBC's goals, the aim is to be "the undisputed leader in financial services" in Canada, and to be "the preferred partner to institutional, corporate, commercial and high-net-worth clients and their businesses" in the US. Also, in select global financial centres, they aim "to be a leading financial services partner valued for our expertise." So, do your homework in advance, and be prepared to mirror how they distinguish themselves, rather than taking the approach of doing a quick Google search to answer this question. After all, the Google snippet you cite may be quoted from one of RBC's competitors, so, better to play it safe.

Your communication skills will be included in the assessment. So, talk slowly, speak with clarity, and minimize stuttering or extended pauses. Avoid using any speech crutch words and make an effort to sound professional. Keep in mind, sounding too rehearsed can make you appear uninspired and lacking in passion. Consider the impact of your words and the potential consequences they may have. Take the time to reflect on what you want to communicate and how you want to articulate it. The evaluation process at HireVue will assess your personality, work style, and ethics, and sort them into categories based on the "big five personality traits" of extraversion (also often spelled extroversion), agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism.

RBC advises candidates to get to know the company. "Before you head into an interview, it's essential that you've done your homework and know a thing or two about the company. For example: What's the company's mission? Who are the key players in the organization? What's the company's reputation? Has there been recent news about the company? What kind of skills, experience or knowledge does the company value most in its employees? What products or services does the company sell? What's the culture like? Some of this information can be found on the company's 'About Us' section of their website but it also helps to broaden your research. Try a Google news search to see what the company's been up to lately. Check sites like Glassdoor to see what current and former employees have to say about the company. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be to answer questions and highlight what makes you a desirable candidate."

What are your greatest strengths, and how will they be a fit for our company?

"I have an extremely high attention to detail, am very systems-approach-forward in my work, and am an excellent multitasking tracker. I consistently devote my full attention to our clients, above all. I have strong communication skills, am empathetic, attentive, and meticulous. I always deliver accurate and high-quality work, and am always ready to go the extra mile, whether it is staying late, helping out a coworker, or mentoring a new hire."

This is among the questions RBC advises their candidates to prepare themselves for. "Other questions you should be ready for include: Why do you want to work here? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in five years? What can you tell me about yourself? What's been your biggest challenge (or failure)? What accomplishment are you most proud of?" By preparing for the questions they'll ask in advance, you'll be better equipped to align yourself with what they are looking for in their ideal candidates. "If you have experience and qualifications that relate to the job you're applying for, by all means, highlight them!" So, be mindful of your verbal and non-verbal cues for indicators of honesty, confidence, and the underlying message of each of your answers. Be honest and sincere and align your strengths with the strengths they celebrate their employees for.

When describing your self-perceived strengths, focus on your skills, behaviors, and competencies that feel specific to the job. You want to come across as highly skilled to the algorithm, which would classify someone as an expert who is "aware of other's needs and feelings, is attentive, meticulous, and careful in how they operate, delivering a thorough and high-quality job, and evaluates the impact of their work to improve future delivery." Someone with an intermediate skill level or higher it would classify as "attentive, meticulous, and careful in how they operate, delivering a thorough and high-quality job." So, when answering this, and other questions, pay attention to the nuance of each question, and try to come across as organized, with a high attention to detail, and consistent in delivering accurate and high-quality work.

What is your greatest weakness?

"I would say that my greatest weakness is that sometimes I get a bit lost in the details, and lose track of time. I always aim to turn in the highest standard of work as possible, but when I narrow my focus too much, I cut it too close to meeting my deadlines. But, this came up in my last performance review, and I recognized the truth in it, and have been aggressively working on improving this. I have frequently asked for feedback as well on my perceived progress on this point from my supervisors and peers, and the consensus is that I have shown great strides in improving upon this."

This question is directed at determining how self-aware you are, and whether you are taking charge of your own development. Someone who is emotionally developed and career-driven will have no issue admitting to their weaknesses (or growth opportunities). Doing so conveys taking ownership and responsibility, and could position you as a top performer. In HireVue's interview builder, novices are classified as individuals who fail to seek information to understand the rationale behind change. An individual with intermediate skill or higher in any category takes responsibility for setbacks and acknowledges weaknesses, limitations, and mistakes. A person with more experience sees potential for growth in areas that need improvement, rather than viewing them as weaknesses or limitations. Sharing a growth opportunity is a display of strength for those who take ownership of it.

HireVue explains and recommends the following: "Video-based assessments evaluate both what you know about performing the job ('hard skills' or competencies) and what recruiters call 'soft' competencies, like communication skills, conscientiousness, problem-solving skills, team orientation, and initiative. The competencies in your video assessment are based on research by organizational psychologists about the skills and characteristics that are most important for success in that particular job role. The best thing you can do is to carefully study the job description and be sure that you have examples and real experience behind you to 'show what you know' about doing that job well."

"Always the dreaded question in any interview! RBC recommends that their candidates, "put a positive spin on your 'biggest weakness.' You don't want to point out your flaws at this stage, so try to answer it in a positive way. For example, 'I sometimes struggle with my public speaking skills, so I am taking public speaking courses to improve.'"

Tell us about a time you failed. Describe what happened, your approach, and the outcome.

"I was trying to help some first-time home buyers get approved for a mortgage, but they were struggling to gather the funds for the deposit they needed for the house. I felt overly confident in my ability to help them and got their hopes up. The first-time homeowners' program conflicted with another grant, and the amount I assured them we could attain came in far below the amount they needed. Eventually, they were able to borrow funds from several familial sources and pulled off the deposit they needed. But I overpromised and underdelivered on my end, and that was a failure. One that I'll never repeat."

This question is aimed at whether you have taken ownership of your setbacks, learned what you could from them, and taken what you learned to ensure you didn't repeat the same mistakes, increasing your likelihood of success in the future. HireVue's assessment model classifies a novice as someone who "fails to take ownership of their performance," someone with an intermediate skill level as someone who "holds themself accountable for their setbacks while identifying and admitting to their weaknesses, limitations needed adjustments, and mistakes." Whereas an expert they describe as someone who "holds self and others accountable for making principled decisions evaluates the impact of their work to improve future delivery."

HireVue states that they have the ability to adapt assessment interviews to specific company cultures, which helps them distinguish the most suitable candidates for the company's objectives and culture. Admitting to, and taking ownership of your failures or setbacks takes integrity. One of RBCs Vision & Values, is their value of "Integrity--We hold ourselves to the highest standards to build trust. Be respectful, transparent and fair in all relationships. Stand up for what we believe; speak with candour; constructively challenge. Build trust of clients, colleagues and community partners by listening to and understanding their interests and needs."

With this question, HireVue would categorize a novice as someone who "dismisses the importance of their responsibilities and fails to take ownership of their performance." They'd classify someone with an intermediate skill level as someone who "holds themself accountable for their setbacks while identifying and admitting to their weaknesses, limitations needed adjustments, and mistakes." Whereas an expert "holds self and others accountable for making principled decisions, evaluates the impact of their work to improve future delivery."

Tell us about a time you disagreed with a coworker. Describe the situation, your approach, and the outcome.

"Well, I got into a small disagreement with a coworker when they'd informed a client of our holiday hours with incorrect information. But, they strongly disagreed with me on the facts, speaking with conviction. When I was able to show them the correct hours, they didn't want to admit they were wrong and shrugged it off. But the customer they'd misinformed was likely to show up at our branch when we were closed for the holiday and I suggested they call that client to correct their previous statement, but they at first refused to. I gave them some time to consider it, and was prepared to ask for the customer's info so I could call them when they got on the phone before I could say anything and did the right thing."

This question aims to assess how well you get along with others on your team, and how strong your communication skills are. Often having disagreements with those you are collaborating with can be seen as a positive. However, this question aims to reveal whether you perceive work-related disagreements as positive or negative. This will help determine what you have to contribute to the workplace. "Constructively challenging decisions and behaviour helps ensure we continue to live our values in our work at RBC. Seeking out constructive challenge when we make business decisions helps ensure those decisions are right for RBC - and clients, colleagues, shareholders and communities."

RBC expects all of their employees to "respect others and treat them fairly. Showing respect for everyone we work with and the clients we serve, treating them fairly and taking personal responsibility for high performance enable us to achieve RBC's strategic goals. By living our values, we show others we honour the trust they place in us - making RBC a great place to work and do business."

Be as brief as possible when delivering your responses and avoid going off on tangents. Employ the STAR method to structure your answers and communicate effectively. Address each answer by first offering the SITUATION involved with your example. Then move into the TASK this situation required. Then share the ACTION you took and the RESULT of your actions. Following this approach will help with your clarity and consistency and satisfy the algorithm's criteria for forwarding your materials on to the recruiter.

Describe a time you had to deal with an angry customer at work. Describe how you addressed it and the outcome of your actions.

"Well, this happens often. Frequently, customers come by our branch after being stuck in traffic and are a bit grumpy and hungry at that hour. So I always make sure my candy jar is full and am super friendly at all times. Just the other day, a customer grew upset over their balance and seemed to project their confusion about it at me. But I just kept empathizing with them and continued to offer to help them solve the matter. At a certain point, while they flipped through their checkbook ledger at my counter, I looked at all of their other accounts and printed those balances for them as well. When I passed over those slips and said I hope those would be of help, they suddenly softened, and forgot they'd scheduled a transfer. They then lightened up and apologized, but I assured them there was nothing to apologize for. I was just doing my job, and I love my job."

This question focuses on your conflict resolution skills, your approach to customer service, your emotional intelligence, communication skills, and your alignment with RBC's values. Your response should demonstrate your ability to handle and resolve situations effectively, with emotional intelligence and professionalism, while avoiding escalation.When describing your approach to customer service, try to align yourself with RBC's vision and values. "Client First--We will always earn the right to be our clients' first choice. Put client needs above our own whatever our role, to build lasting relationships. Listen with empathy, understand client needs to offer the right advice and solutions. Bring the best of RBC to deliver excellent value and differentiated client experiences."

Part of this question is to help them determine if stress becomes a barrier to your productivity and teamwork, or if you can effectively manage stress and maintain a high level of performance. Improve your proficiency rating by being conscious of how stress can reveal itself through nonverbal cues. Keep a composed and self-assured attitude, displaying a calm expression and open posture. Describe your past experience handling challenging situations and your belief in your ability to handle them again. Detail your strategy. Demonstrate your skill in assessing situations objectively and responding promptly. Elaborate on your methodical approach, your ability to stay positive, and your talent for uplifting the team.

The assessment vendor's algorithm will assess your behavior for signs of defensiveness since remembering a conflict can often bring back the emotions from that moment. This is especially true of those who haven't grown past it. Therefore, it's essential to demonstrate emotional growth rather than getting caught up in the same emotions when reflecting on that conflict. So, steer clear of any postures, movements, or gestures that might appear insecure, closed-off, unapproachable, hostile, or disinterested. You want to present yourself as confident and collected in every way.

Talk about a time you received critical feedback from a leader or peer. Describe the situation, how you felt about it, and your response.

"There was a recent occasion when we were particularly busy in the branch and had some long lines. It was a grind that day. Then a customer I was fond of came up to my counter, and we chatted for a while, and I took advantage of the momentary stress relief it offered me, but it slowed down our progress, and my supervisor talked to me about striking a better balance of delivering strong customer service and keeping the lines moving. They were right, and I immediately took responsibility for my actions."

This question is directed at your emotional intelligence, how strong your communication skills are, and how open you are to receiving feedback from your peers. Someone who proactively seeks out feedback is far more driven to grow and further their skills than someone who views feedback as a reprimand or corrective action. Another of RBCs Vision & Values is "Accountability--We take ownership for personal and collective high performance. Be bolder, reach higher, act with courage to realize potential and make a difference Own it; seek out accountability and empowerment to grow and excel. Be curious and learn continuously to build skills and careers."

On HireVue's platform, most of their customizable interview questions follow a uniform situational judgment structure, where "you'll be asked what actions to take when confronted with a hypothetical situation. Tell me about a time when you faced this situation. Explain the steps you took. What was the outcome?" The goal of these behavioral questions is to gauge your job knowledge, competencies, and hard skills. Your response will showcase your soft skills like emotional intelligence, communication, empathy, resourcefulness, teamwork, and initiative. The algorithm often relies on this structure to create a candidate insights report.

Make sure you're relaxed and comfortable and that your answer reflects a sincere and authentic tone. Recount the situation objectively. Among the things it will rate you for are your attitude and emotional maturity, your adaptability, and your willingness to learn and grow. Distance yourself from any negative emotions you felt at the time and embody the emotional state you wish to express. You want to showcase that you exercised emotional maturity, which ultimately resulted in a successful outcome. If you can't detach yourself emotionally from the example and observe it situationally, come up with a different one. Stay focused on the positives, while ensuring your verbal and non-verbal cues are consistent with one another. To express empathy nonverbally, remember to tilt your head slightly, nod slowly, keep your palms open, maintain eye contact, smile softly, and raise your eyebrows slightly.

Talk about a time you successfully contributed to a team goal. Describe the situation, the steps you took, and the outcome.

"We had a very high-profile client call in that they would need to withdraw a large sum of cash at our branch the next day. But that dollar amount in the denominations they wanted was not on hand. So, I placed an order, and the guarded armored truck could only deliver it two hours before we were to be staffed the next day on a weekend. So, being a key holder, I volunteered to come in the next morning. I came in and received the cash order and spent the next two hours doing extras which set up our teams for success for the following week to come."

This question is aimed at determining how team-oriented you are. How you answer could provide insights as to how well you'll complement or clash with their culture, which is defined by RBCs vision and values. One of their values is collaboration. "We win as One RBC. Believe in each other and trust in teamwork and colleagues' intentions. Share knowledge, listen and teach to learn and achieve more together. Look beyond ourselves to see the bigger picture for opportunities and solutions."

When it comes to offering candidates advice for preparing for an interview, keep in mind that the service they offer is to help their clients distinguish unqualified candidates from top performers. So, to this effect, they sometimes contradict offering good advice with poor advice. For example, on one webpage, they recommend finding "a quiet and professional space to perform your interview. This is your time to showcase who you are and what you can add to an organization. Prepare, take a deep breath, and be yourself." Someone who follows this advice will help their assessment model with their aim of identifying top performers for their clients.But another webpage suggests, "If your dog barks or kid runs across the screen-relax. It's okay. Just relax. Your employer will understand, and if they don't, perhaps it's not the right culture fit for you. And that's okay." Those who take this advice for granted, who don't plan appropriately and put their all in, will help their assessment model identify them as an unqualified candidate.

How would you react if you knew a team member was being dishonest? What actions would you take?

"I would do the right thing. I would suggest they change their course of action. I would report the behavior, and would do so with discretion to ensure all parties preserved their dignity."

This question attempts to determine the strength of your character, and how likely you would be to adhere to their code of ethical conduct. How you answer this question may provide insights into whether you would be an asset or a liability. According to HireVue's definition, a novice in this situation would be "willing to bend the rules to deliver in their job role." Someone of intermediate experience "consistently holds themselves accountable for making principled decisions when working to meet the demand." Lastly, an expert "addresses unethical behaviors when working to meet the demand."

In their code, they expect all of their employees to always tell the truth. "Our work places us in a position of trust. We do what we say we will do and earn the trust and loyalty of our clients, shareholders, communities and colleagues. We are each responsible for speaking up and doing the right thing to protect and enhance RBC's reputation and put our clients first. We all have a duty to report actual or possible misconduct and the right to be treated with dignity and respect when we do. And that includes speaking up, challenging and reporting unethical behaviour when it occurs, without fear of retaliation. Some examples of misconduct are deliberate failure to comply with policies, management instructions, or the law. Disrespectful behaviour, discrimination, harassment, racism and actual or threatened violence. Misappropriation (including fraud, theft and kiting), improper use of company or client assets or systems, and improper sales reporting. Promoting products and services to clients inappropriately. Inappropriate client referrals, failing to report unusual client transactions and inappropriate use or disclosure of client information. Inappropriate social media use. Failing to disclose, manage and, if necessary, eliminate conflicts of interest, and insider trading."

Other advice HireVue offers candidates which they later contradict is how they suggest that you "Ensure you are in a quiet room or area, well lit and free of distractions." Good advice. Yet they go on to say "if you don't have a spot like that, there are technical solutions. Technology like HireVue offers a background blur, so you can blur out anything in the background that might pull the employer's attention away from you." However, most recruiters are distracted by having your background blurred out, and will wonder what you are hiding, and what other kinds of shortcuts you would be willing to take when on the job. So go the extra mile and prepare for your interview in advance. Find a quiet spot with minimal background noise. If you're not alone at home, let everyone know that you're about to begin recording your interview and ask for quiet. If this is not an option, wait for an opportunity to be alone. Remember, you can record your interview anytime, anywhere.

How do you like to spend you spare time? What personal pursuits are you passionate about?

"I enjoy painting watercolors. I enjoy the outdoors as well, and love underwater cave diving. Aside from that, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, going out for beers, and then to the trampoline gym. I also like going to the regular gym, getting in some time on the treadmill. As a result of my creative, outdoor sports, and social activities, I feel like my mind-body-spirit balance is very strong."

This question is aimed at more than who you are as a person. It's aimed at your work-life balance. RBC believes that supporting your hobbies, passions, and pursuits "makes work even more meaningful. A hobby is beneficial - research shows that having a pursuit or passion, big or small, makes us feel happier and more fulfilled. People who take part in leisure activities are happier and less stressed. There are payoffs at work too. Spending just 45 minutes on a creative activity can boost the ability and confidence to complete tasks at work. Following your passions gives you energy - you gain a real excitement about the world and desire to do more. That usually transfers into other aspects of your life. If you're able to fulfill your passions, you're probably a better parent, sibling or friend and you're definitely a better employee or leader, because you're energized by having this passion as part of your life."

Hirevue offers the following tip: "Virtual interviewing is similar to the video calls many of us have been using. You will use a computer, tablet, or mobile device to answer questions created by the company for the position you are applying for. Maximize your comfort level and share your experiences and skills as naturally as possible. This is an opportunity to share your story as a candidate. All candidates applying to a position will receive the same set of questions, selected by the hiring company. Additionally, HireVue takes measures to prevent candidates from seeing these interview questions before they are taking an interview. These measures ensure that each candidate has the same amount of time to review the questions, and prepare their responses, giving all candidates the same interview experience and an equal shot at putting their best foot forward."

Once a question is asked, you'll have approximately 20-30 seconds to get ready with your answer. Each answer is expected to be completed within an average of three minutes. Recording your answers is restricted to a single attempt. There are no second chances available. Take your time and don't feel rushed to answer questions that may take longer. Don't try to make your answer longer either. Be concise.

Please provide a brief overview of your understanding of diversity and inclusion, and explain why you believe they are important in the workplace.

"I mean, when everyone has equal opportunity to contribute, there will be more innovation, collaboration, and representation. This will only lead to a better and brighter future. On an individual level, when working along with those who come from different backgrounds than your own, you learn and grow more, and ultimately become a more cultured and educated person. In every regard, it's just better."

This question centers around another of RBCs Vision & Values: "Diversity & Inclusion--We embrace diversity for innovation and growth. Speak up for inclusion and empower people to grow and achieve more. Seek out and respect different perspectives to challenge conventional approaches. Identify and act on the opportunities and needs that client diversity brings."

HireVue analyzes data from recorded videos to identify top performers and candidates aligned with company goals and culture. They build each assessment model "for a specific job role after following these critical steps: Ensure that there is a clear performance indicator for the job role that differentiates the strongest from the least promising performers. Ask the right questions to elicit responses that can be measured and that are pertinent to predicting job performance based on IO psychology research. Train the model to notice everything relevant in the interview (what someone says and how they say it), and build a model that uses only the data points that help predict success in the job."

HireVue asserts that its AI technology is designed to detect and reduce bias. Their goal is to assist clients in building diverse teams with a wide range of backgrounds, knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. The assessment model will evaluate you for your comfort level with working in an environment that is diverse and inclusive.Interest, openness, and curiosity are key traits that convey cultural competence. Leaning in, tilting your head, smiling, and making eye contact are nonverbal indicators of these. Whereas signs of discomfort and avoidance could indicate negative bias and antipathy. Decreased positivity, reduced eye contact and increased gaze aversion, fewer smiles, greater interpersonal distance, and increased blinking are signs of negative bias.

When facing a difficult situation, how do you react? Describe your approach and the course of action you would take.

"Well, anytime I am faced with a difficult situation, I first address any cortisol responses. I objectify the stress, still myself, take a deep breath, and look at what needs to be done, and act. Taking action is key. Sometimes it doesn't matter where you start. Starting anywhere is better than freezing up and deliberating on where to start, while losing valuable time. Any other cortisol responses I have along the way I capitalize on, taking advantage of the energy it has to offer."

This question is directed to help the model assess whether you thrive on challenges and are capable of working well under pressure, or if you feel stressed and overwhelmed when working in high-pressure situations. HireVue's rating systems suggest that a novice will be more likely to suffer from task paralysis and procrastination, not reacting quickly in time-sensitive situations, and being afraid of making the wrong choice. Whereas, an expert will exhibit resourcefulness and decisiveness, making informed decisions and taking calculated risks.

RBC advertises that they are offering meaningful work, where you can "solve challenging problems with innovative solutions that have a visible impact. We face some of the most complex problems in the industry and our job is to help solve them. At RBC, we have a strong and capable global team serving our clients, working together to deliver on our strategy, and creating value and growth for our clients, communities and shareholders. We believe in each other and have confidence and trust in the capabilities and intentions of our colleagues. Every employee at RBC is guided by our vision. Always earning the right to be our clients' first choice, and by our values of service, teamwork, responsibility, diversity and integrity."

To succeed in the interview, consistency is key in both your answers and performance. When the HireVue algorithm detects a mismatch between a candidate's non-verbal cues and verbal communication, it may suggest a lack of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, or burnout syndrome, interpreting their body language as their genuine feelings, intentions, and attitudes. It's crucial to present yourself as a confident and seasoned professional. Keep in mind that the hiring manager is your main audience, and ultimately, their opinion is what counts the most.

Describe a time you had to make a time-sensitive decision without all the information you required. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?

"Well, I was under pressure from a client who was asking for something that seemed questionable, and I wasn't sure I could authorize their request without more information on hand. My manager was out to lunch and couldn't be reached. I consider myself an active listener, and have been very observant of the decisions they've made in similar situations. Although this was something of a gray area, I ultimately decided to deny the customer's request. They left, threatening to come in later and clear out their accounts. When my manager returned, they informed me they'd gotten an email earlier that day about the same individual who was going branch to branch attempting this same questionable request and assured me I had made the right decision."

This question is aimed at determining how organized and capable you are. Also, the decision-making you share when answering this question could inform them of how you approach taking risks and how resourceful you are at work. Before answering this question, learn everything you can about RBC and how they describe their working environment and their teams. Even when making split-second decisions without all the information you need, you can still rely on the tools, support, and experience of your teams for help. RBC describes their teams as "dynamic, collaborative, and high performing where initiative and hard work are recognized and rewarded." They also offer "world-class training programs and career development opportunities, innovative mobile technology to ensure your success." Keep these points in mind when answering this question.

To be recognized as an expert in HireVue's proficiency rating system, highlight your emotional intelligence and your capacity to effectively handle demanding situations. "Your best starts now. RBCers take pride in their work. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual. We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper." Relate how you can think quickly on your feet, overcome challenges, lead by example, while creating a sense of urgency with a positive can-do attitude.

When describing your organizational skills, it's important to choose words that showcase your professionalism and work ethic. Also keep in mind, your professionalism and work ethic are reflected in your personal space. Ensure your interview space is well-organized, tidy, and free from distractions, with a simple background. Your goal should be to capture their attention instead of letting it wander to their surroundings.

Talk about a time you succeeded despite being under intense pressure. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the result.

"My opening crew all called out sick, and I was the only teller out of four of us. So, we had an afternoon shift coming in a few hours, and we needed to count up and prepare a till and each teller's safe. So this fell on my shoulders. I was only able to prepare my own and another when it was time to open our doors. So I kept at it throughout the day until our rush came in, just prior to the afternoon shift arriving. I was juggling so many hats that day, but just kept managing my time well and got it all done in the nick of time. Then my shift ended, and I stretched and went for a quick jog before going home."

This question assesses your ability to adapt and find solutions when things go off track. The assessment vendor will analyze your reactions to stress and how it influences your behavior, responses, and decision-making.

Both RBC and HireVue strongly recommend you "Practice, practice, practice. Practice makes perfect before your first job interview. While it may help to rehearse answers to common interview questions, you can't go wrong by having a friend or family member help you with a dry run. Go through every step of the interview, from greeting to closing. Practice answering quickly and concisely. Ask for constructive criticism on what you could improve. If you can't get anyone to help, or you're feeling shy about asking for it, record yourself on a webcam or look in a mirror while you speak. That can help you gauge your facial expressions and tone to you get an idea of how an interviewer may see you."HireVue also offers practice questions on their website to prepare you for their process. "While virtual interviewing isn't difficult, a little practice can help you prepare. Most on-demand interviews ask you to give your answer in just a few minutes. It's helpful to think about how you will illustrate your skills clearly in that timeframe, and to practice them out loud."

Aim to project confidence and clarity by always being prepared. Familiarize yourself with the body language of a person who is self-assured and at ease to better prepare for the interview. Engage in physical exercise beforehand to give your confidence a boost. Find a peaceful place, face a mirror, and motivate yourself with a pep talk. Raise your arms, loosen up your back, and improve your posture. Develop confidence in front of the camera by rehearsing your answers and documenting your voice. When practicing in front of your computer's camera, remember not to look at yourself on the screen. Instead, keep your eyes focused on the lens as if you are speaking directly to someone. Share the value you bring with conviction. Keep practicing until you are confident and relaxed during this type of interview, and come across as natural.

How would you describe your work ethic?

"I would describe my work ethic as strong and organized. I always try to beat my personal best when it comes to performing my best work. I also manage my time well and try to get as much finished as possible on the earlier end of things so that when I am ahead of schedule, I can do extras and go above and beyond. My motto is, nothing pays off better than paying it forward."

This question aims to evaluate your systems approach and organizational skills. This will help the model assess how you effectively manage and prioritize your work and your workload pressure, while ensuring the accuracy and quality of your work within timeframes. How you answer should offer insights into your ability to prioritize effectively, focusing on long-term goals, and not just immediate tasks.

HireVue values its ability to assess candidates for consistency. They even advertise on their website that they "Ensure hiring team consistency. Assess candidates consistently with evaluation guides built into the interview experience. Hiring teams can be instantly calibrated with provided job-related attributes and behavior examples validated by IO psychologists." They aim to provide "consistency to the interview process. Each candidate is asked the same questions and is reviewed using the same criteria. This, in turn, allows HireVue's customers to quickly hire better quality, more diverse applicants to fill their roles." It studies how aligned your non-verbal cues and your statements are, as well as any inadvertent inconsistencies between your answers or resume. It will also evaluate your attention to detail and the reliability and consistency of your work.

Try to align yourself with RBC's culture, and how they would describe an ideal employee who lives their values and acts with integrity. "Doing What's Right- RBC is a values-based organization. Over many years, RBC has earned trust and a reputation for doing what's right through the actions of those who work here. A continued strong focus on doing what's right will sustain and build on that trust - the cornerstone of the financial services industry and our relationships with clients and communities. Our respect for and our commitments to our clients, shareholders, communities and each other are rooted in our values."

Talk about a time you used logic and common sense to solve a problem at work. Describe the situation, the steps you took, and the outcome.

"We were going into a holiday weekend, and we were short on coin, and there weren't any armored truck deliveries coming in until midweek. So, while everyone was trying to figure out a workaround, I just suggested I grab a few big bills, a bank bag, and go to the distribution bank myself. It was a bit of a drive, but traffic wasn't bad, and I knew it was the simplest solution. It was approved by management, and I was back within only a few hours and we were set up for the week."

This question can offer you an opportunity to showcase your ability to think outside of the box alongside your attention to detail, especially when an innovative solution is hiding in plain sight. How easily such solutions come to you will speak to how advanced your skills and experience are. Be mindful that you want the assessment model to rate you as intermediate or above. So, before your interview, reflect on your skills, those instances where you most thrived, and align them with RBC's culture and values.

When talking about your ability to solve problems, you should aim to present yourself as an experienced professional who can think quickly on their feet. Project confidence and relaxation to appear at ease and within your comfort zone. Demonstrate that exceeding expectations is your norm. Ensure your body language is open and your tone remains steady and consistent with what you're saying. With this question, HireVue would score someone as a novice if they were unable to "adjust their behavior as required to meet the demands of the situation, and require a supervisor or manager to make the necessary changes." Whereas someone they consider an expert "possesses a positive attitude, shares their vision, inspires others, is a role model, and quickly modifies their plans accordingly."

Talk about a time you showed initiative at work. Describe the situation, your actions, and the outcome.

"Our ATM went down, which increased our foot traffic substantially. I was about to end my shift but volunteered to try to diagnose the ATM issue. When I realized it couldn't be fixed by me or anyone else on premises, I called the repair vendor and extended my shift another two hours to help relieve the pressure. Everyone really appreciated me, considering we were understaffed as it was. But it all worked out in the end."

HireVue's assessment models evaluate a candidate's composure, compassion, dependability, adaptability, willingness to learn, drive for results, initiative, and safety and compliance. Additionally, their assessment models evaluate a candidate's ability to collaborate with others. It tests their capacity to form connections, cooperate with peers, and their drive to succeed.

To better align yourself with RBC, and to showcase how capably you would get along with their teams, spend time reviewing the testimonials they've posted on their careers site. These are the individuals they offer as role model employees, and the types of teams they aim to continue to build upon. Their role model employees express a responsibility to help their teammates realize their potential and to grow and excel:"Ambition is a force that drives us, gives us the energy to succeed and helps us believe that anything is possible. Ambition is what pushed me to apply. I had no management experience, but I believed that the skills acquired in the positions I had held could contribute to the development of my team. RBC trusted me, gave me opportunities to exceed my career goals and took me out of my comfort zone. My greatest accomplishment would be seeing my employees progress from their current role to their next position, to their next professional goal."

How would your most recent leader describe you?

"I think my most recent leader would describe me as reliable, and great for team morale. They frequently refer to me as quarterback, or rockstar. But the nicest thing my supervisor said to me was how they look forward to working with me and that I brighten their day with my positivity."

How you answer this question could serve to inform the assessment vendor of your self-awareness and emotional intelligence. It could also potentially reveal how well you get along with those in positions of authority. And, it could prove informative whether you have any leadership potential. Try to answer as sincerely as you can, keeping your answer consistent with any other answers to similar questions you've been asked, while drawing off experiences where you truly shined.

How you answer this question could serve to inform the assessment vendor of your self-awareness and emotional intelligence. It could also potentially reveal how well you get along with those in positions of authority. And, it could prove informative whether you have any leadership potential. Try to answer as sincerely as you can, keeping your answer consistent with any other answers to similar questions you've been asked, while drawing off experiences where you truly shined. Remember, HireVue's assessment model will evaluate your choice of words and the content of your answer, and how consistent they are with your verbal and nonverbal cues. For example, any signs of discomfort might be interpreted as signs of dishonesty.

Familiarize yourself with RBC's leadership model, and what they expect of their people managers. This will help them determine whether the type of leaders and mentors you work best with fits the leadership model they promote. "Guided by our Leadership Model, together, we can foster a culture that's built on trust, dignity and respect for all. While we are all held to the high ethical standards set out in our values and the Code, those of us who are people managers are accountable for leading by example. This includes promoting our teams' awareness and understanding of RBC's values, the Code, and our policies to ensure ongoing compliance. Demonstrating RBC's high standards for integrity by behaving in a way that reflects our values, both in and outside the workplace. Actively listening to employees and fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable and safe to speak up. Being respectful, transparent and fair in all relationships."

Describe your leadership style.

"I would say that my leadership style is supportive and transformational. I have a can-do attitude and truly believe that anything can be done if you have the willpower to do it. And that attitude carries over and can be contagious. So, I often set the pace, lead by example, and keep up the momentum of projecting the right attitude."

This question is aimed at assessing your leadership potential, and the type of leaders you admire and model yourself after. Before your interview, brush up on the different leadership styles out there, and which best applies to you. If you don't have much leadership experience, reflect on a leader or mentor you admire, and would model yourself after.

RBC shares information on their leadership development program on their website as a means of boosting their talent acquisition. They describe their leadership development program as designed to build "a pipeline of talent for future leadership opportunities. The two-year program consists of four six-month rotations, where LDP participants develop leadership skills through experiential learning, mentorship and formal training."

RBC has customized the assessment model to identify candidates who align with their work culture and leadership style. Therefore, be sure to conduct thorough research on the company and identify the leadership style they admire, promote, and aim to hire. Once you have a better understanding of that, you'll be better equipped to answer this question and compare your leadership style and potential with what they're looking for in an ideal candidate.

Royal Bank of Canada HireVue Interview Questions

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1. Talk to us about your proudest achievement. Why was this achievement important?
2. Tell us about yourself.
3. Talk to us about your career goals. Where do you see yourself in five years?
4. Why do you want to work for RBC?
5. Why should we hire you?
6. Are you applying to work for any of our competitors?
7. What makes our company different from others in this industry?
8. What are your greatest strengths, and how will they be a fit for our company?
9. What is your greatest weakness?
10. Tell us about a time you failed. Describe what happened, your approach, and the outcome.
11. Tell us about a time you disagreed with a coworker. Describe the situation, your approach, and the outcome.
12. Describe a time you had to deal with an angry customer at work. Describe how you addressed it and the outcome of your actions.
13. Talk about a time you received critical feedback from a leader or peer. Describe the situation, how you felt about it, and your response.
14. Talk about a time you successfully contributed to a team goal. Describe the situation, the steps you took, and the outcome.
15. How would you react if you knew a team member was being dishonest? What actions would you take?
16. How do you like to spend you spare time? What personal pursuits are you passionate about?
17. Please provide a brief overview of your understanding of diversity and inclusion, and explain why you believe they are important in the workplace.
18. When facing a difficult situation, how do you react? Describe your approach and the course of action you would take.
19. Describe a time you had to make a time-sensitive decision without all the information you required. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?
20. Talk about a time you succeeded despite being under intense pressure. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the result.
21. How would you describe your work ethic?
22. Talk about a time you used logic and common sense to solve a problem at work. Describe the situation, the steps you took, and the outcome.
23. Talk about a time you showed initiative at work. Describe the situation, your actions, and the outcome.
24. How would your most recent leader describe you?
25. Describe your leadership style.

Royal Bank of Canada HireVue Interview Questions

1. Talk to us about your proudest achievement. Why was this achievement important?

2. Tell us about yourself.

3. Talk to us about your career goals. Where do you see yourself in five years?

4. Why do you want to work for RBC?

5. Why should we hire you?

6. Are you applying to work for any of our competitors?

7. What makes our company different from others in this industry?

8. What are your greatest strengths, and how will they be a fit for our company?

9. What is your greatest weakness?

10. Tell us about a time you failed. Describe what happened, your approach, and the outcome.

11. Tell us about a time you disagreed with a coworker. Describe the situation, your approach, and the outcome.

12. Describe a time you had to deal with an angry customer at work. Describe how you addressed it and the outcome of your actions.

13. Talk about a time you received critical feedback from a leader or peer. Describe the situation, how you felt about it, and your response.

14. Talk about a time you successfully contributed to a team goal. Describe the situation, the steps you took, and the outcome.

15. How would you react if you knew a team member was being dishonest? What actions would you take?

16. How do you like to spend you spare time? What personal pursuits are you passionate about?

17. Please provide a brief overview of your understanding of diversity and inclusion, and explain why you believe they are important in the workplace.

18. When facing a difficult situation, how do you react? Describe your approach and the course of action you would take.

19. Describe a time you had to make a time-sensitive decision without all the information you required. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?

20. Talk about a time you succeeded despite being under intense pressure. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the result.

21. How would you describe your work ethic?

22. Talk about a time you used logic and common sense to solve a problem at work. Describe the situation, the steps you took, and the outcome.

23. Talk about a time you showed initiative at work. Describe the situation, your actions, and the outcome.

24. How would your most recent leader describe you?

25. Describe your leadership style.