JA Company Program Interview Night Information Package
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Event Time: 4:45 to 9 p.m.
Address: Fasken - Bay Adelaide Centre | 333 Bay St. #2400, Toronto, ON
Nearest Subway Stop: Queen or King Station
Parking: There are multiple underground parking lots available near the venue but they can be costly.
Dress Code: Business Professional
Questions? Email [email protected]
Important Event Information
Please expand each section below and review the details carefully.
Registration will begin at 4:45 p.m.
- When you arrive at Fasken, please take the elevator to the 24th floor and check in with JA staff.
You will be scheduled for a 10-minute interview between 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Interviews will be conducted by a panel of judges made up industry professionals.
Regardless of your scheduled interview time you must arrive to Fasken for no later than 5:00 p.m., but you are free to leave after your scheduled interview.
(Your scheduled time will be sent to you by Friday, April 24th so you can plan your transportation accordingly)
Based on the capacity in the building, only registered students, judges and volunteers will be permitted within the event space. We understand many of you may be arranging transportation - please ensure your parents/guardians are aware that there is no waiting area on site.
Pizza will be served. There will be meat and vegetarian options.
Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements/allergies we should be aware of.
We strongly encourage you to join the conversation on social media (LinkedIn and Instagram) leading up to and on Interview Night!
You never know who will be seeing your posts - so take advantage of the opportunity to share your excitement about making it as a finalist.
We hope you can use social media as a way to thank our sponsors CIBC and Fasken too.
Individual Award Guidelines
Are you an individual award finalist?
Please expand each section below and review the details carefully.
Interview Format (10 minutes total):
- Introduction: 2 minutes
- Question & Answer: 6 minutes
- 3 questions
- 2 minutes per response
- Conclusions: 2 minutes
Arrival & Room Set Up:
- Upon entering the room, the Company Program expert and judges will greet you and introduce themselves.
- The Company Program expert will briefly review the interview format and prompt you when it is time to begin your introduction.
- Remember to greet everyone warmly and thank them for their time.
Number of Judges:
- Each interview room will have two to four judges.
Visual Aids & Supplementary Materials:
-
- Slides, handouts, or other supplementary materials are not permitted for individual award interviews.
- You may bring one product sample to show the judges.
- Digital products may be shown using printed visuals.
- No technology will be available in the interview rooms.
- Showing your product does not add extra time; it must be included within your 10-minute interview.
Interview Breakdown:
Introduction (2 minutes):
Your introduction should focus on you and your journey, and include:
- Your Role:
Briefly introduce yourself and your role in your company. You may briefly mention your product or business, but remember this interview focuses on your personal experience. - Leadership:
How you demonstrated leadership and contributed to your company’s success. - Self-Reflection:
Key learnings, skill development, accomplishments, and successes from your experience. - Your Story:
What makes your journey unique? Why do you deserve to win this award?
*Important*
- Students may not exceed the 2-minute limit. The Company Program expert will stop you if time is exceeded.
*Tips*
- Be warm, confident, and authentic.
- Speak naturally and honestly.
- Most importantly, be yourself!
Question & Answer (6 minutes):
- The judges will ask three questions.
- You will have two minutes to respond each question.
*Tips*
- Listen carefully to each question.
- If needed, briefly rephrase the question to confirm understanding.
- Pause before answering to organize your thoughts.
- Use specific examples and concrete results.
- Practice, but do not memorize responses. Judges value authenticity!
*Practice Focus Areas*
Be prepared to discuss:
- Leadership
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Communication
- Challenges and problem-solving
- Key learnings from your role
You may find the STAR method helpful in framing your responses:
- Situation – Set the scene
- Task – Identify the challenge
- Action – Explain what YOU did
- Result – What was the outcome?
Conclusion (2 minutes):
Use this time to:
- Share anything important you may not have covered earlier
- Leave judges with a memorable final thought
- Explain what this award means to you
- Thank the judges and Company Program expert for their time
Finalists will be evaluated using the Preliminary Judging Rubric, as well as:
- Skill Development:
Clear use of examples demonstrating leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving.
- Self-Reflection:
Evidence of personal growth, learning, and understanding of effective leadership.
- Question & Answer:
Clarity, confidence, completeness of responses, and use of concrete examples.
Preparing for the Interview:
- Practice (practice, and practice!) to build confidence.
- Conduct mock interviews with advisors, teammates, friends or family
- Know your company’s:
- Business model
- Financials
- Major milestones and challenges
- Reflect on what sets you apart from other finalists.
Pay Attention to the Details:
- Body language: Eye contact, posture, engagement
- Tone of voice: Energetic, confident, positive (not arrogant)
- Authenticity: Be true to yourself. Judges want to see you.
Who are the judges?
- Judges include JA alumni, partners, volunteers, past advisors, board members, and professionals from various industries.
What information do judges receive in advance?
- Judges will see your company description and website or social media links, but not your full written submission.
Can I bring notes or cue cards?
- Notes or cue cards are not recommended in the interview room.
Can I switch my interview time?
- Interview times are final. Your scheduled time will be sent by Friday, April 24.
Do I have to arrive early even if my interview is later?
- All students must arrive at 4:45 p.m. for logistics and headshots.
I’m really nervous. What if I can’t do this?
- You absolutely can. Feeling nervous is normal and means you care! Just remember that the judges are supportive and want you to succeed.
Company of the Year Guidelines
Are you a Company of the Year finalist?
Please expand each section below and review the details carefully.
Interview Format:
- Introduction/Set Up: 1 minute
- Presentation: 5 minutes
- Q&A: 5 to 10 minutes
Total Interview Length: 15 minutes
A maximum of 5 students per team will be able to participate in the presentation and can be either executive or non-executive members.
Entering the room:
- When you enter the room, the Company Program Expert and judges will greet you and introduce themselves.
- The Company Program Expert will then review the format, and prompt you to begin when it’s time.
- Don’t forget to greet everyone warmly and thank them for their time.
Number of judges:
- There will be between two to four judges in each interview room.
Slides:
- The room will be equipped with a laptop with your presentation pre-loaded on Google Slides (or via link you provided) and a projector. Your team is responsible for advancing your own slides.
Review the breakdown of each section below.
Presentation:
Each Company of the Year finalist is asked to prepare a 5-minute presentation outlining why their company deserves the Company of the Year award.
The presentation should include the following information:
- Overview of the Company: How your product/service fills a need, how your vision/mission plays a role in the operation of the business and how your business could be supported beyond Company Program (i.e. are you planning to continue?)
- Key learnings: Summary and demonstration of skill development and key learnings throughout the program
- Highlights: How the team worked together and how each department contributed to the team’s success
- Looking forward: Even if you are not planning to continue your business beyond Company Program, we recommend that you touch on how your business could potentially be relevant in the real world, and/or how you would apply what you’ve learned to other ventures in the future
The presentation should:
- be clear and concise
- cover the points outlined above
- stay within the allotted 5 minutes
- include slides (PowerPoint, Prezi, or a program of your choice)
Please Note: Students will not be permitted to go beyond the 5-minute mark for the presentation and will be cut off by the Company Program Expert in the room.
Tips:
- Engage your audience early: Start with a compelling statement or question to capture attention.
- Conclude with impact: End with a memorable summary that reinforces your key messages.
- Use visual aids effectively: Ensure slides are simple, not overcrowded or text heavy, and use visuals to support your ideas. Slides should reflect your company’s branding through its design and colour scheme.
- Transitions and timing: Practice the flow between speakers to ensure a cohesive presentation and that you stay within the allocated timing.
Question & Answer:
Following the presentation there will be a 5 to 10-minute question and answer period.
Sample Questions
- Please describe your Company’s ability to increase productivity over the course of the Company Program. How did your Company increase efficiency?
- Please describe your Company’s ability to contain costs. Were you able to stretch your purchasing power over the course of the program?
- How did your product evolve from the prototype phase to the final product produced?
- As an executive team, how were you able to involve each employee to make them feel like an integral part of the company?
- Explain how your company handled reward and recognition?
- If you were to start another business venture, what would you do differently? How would you apply what you’ve learned this year?
Tips:
- Listen actively and carefully to each question, and if needed, repeat or rephrase to ensure understanding before answering
- Take a breath after each question and be thoughtful about your responses
- Use concrete examples or specific results to illustrate your points
- You may find the STAR method helpful in framing your responses:
- Situation – Set the scene
- Task – Identify the challenge
- Action – Explain what YOU did
- Result – What was the outcome?
Interview Night Scoring:
Finalists will be scored using the Preliminary Judging Rubric as well as the following:
Presentation:
- The presentation was clear and concise
- The team managed their time effectively to stay within the 5-minute timeframe.
- The team was prepared, and everyone was involved in the presentation.
- The slides added value to the presentation in a creative way and are visually appealing.
- Students are confident and enthusiastic in their delivery and are not reading content from the slides.
- The presentation includes an overview of the company and product/service, but also highlights their learnings and challenges.
Question & Answer Period:
- Questions were answered clearly, concisely, and fully.
- Students are knowledgeable and confident in their answers and shared in the responsibility of answering questions.
Preparing for the interview:
Here are a few tips to prepare for Interview Night.
- Practice (practice, and practice!) with your team ahead of time. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will feel.
- Get feedback and conduct mock interviews with your advisors, team members, friends, or family members.
- Know your company/team and be prepared to speak to it. Review your shareholders’ report including financials. The questions for the interview will all be related to your experience in the program. Try and think of your major milestones, achievements as well as how you've overcome any challenges this year.
- What sets you apart? Remember all finalists will have completed the Company Program this year - try and find the things that make you stand out.
- Pay attention to the details. This includes:
- Your branding – Are your slides clear and visually appealing? Does it represent your company? Does it look cohesive?
- Your body language – Are you making eye contact and engaging with your audience? Are you relaxed or fidgeting?
- Your tone of voice – Is there energy in your delivery? Do you sound excited and passionate about your company? Keep your tone positive and confident without being arrogant.
- Be yourself and do your best! Be true to who you are, as individuals and as a team. Represent yourself authentically, confidently, and proudly. The judges are here to support you no matter what!
FAQ:
Who are the judges?
There will be between two to four judges in each room. Judges consist of JA alumni, partners, volunteers (including past advisors, board members, governors) and other special guests from a variety of different industries and backgrounds.
What information is shared with the judges in advance?
Judges will not have read your full written submissions. However, they will have access to your company description, and your website/social media links.
Can I bring a sample of our product?
Yes, you may bring a sample of your product to show the judges. If your product is digital, you can either show them the product via your slides or through a printout.
Keep in mind that showcasing your product will not add additional time – this must be done within your allotted interview time.
Can I bring handouts / extra materials to provide to the judges?
No additional handouts / extra materials beyond a sample of your product will be permitted in the interview rooms.
Can I use cue cards/notes?
We do not recommend that you use cue cards or notes for your interviews.
Can I switch my interview time?
No, interview times cannot be switched. JA will send you your scheduled interview time by Friday, April 24th so that you can plan your transportation home accordingly.
Can I show up later if I’m scheduled for a later interview time?
No, as you can imagine, there are many logistics that go into planning such an event. We will ask all students to arrive at the same time (4:45 p.m.) so that we can ensure everyone is present and have your headshots taken. If you’re scheduled for a later timeslot, use the time to prepare and network with your peers!
I am really nervous, and I don’t know if I can do this.
You absolutely can do this. It’s totally normal to be nervous! The judges in the room are understanding (they’ve been where you are before!) and are there to support you. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your advisors, teachers or to JA for support. We are here to help.
Best Brand Award Guidelines
Are you a Best Brand award finalist?
Please expand each section below and review the details carefully.
Interview Format:
- Introduction/Set Up: 1 minute
- Presentation: 5 minutes
- Q&A: 5 to 10 minutes
Total Interview Length: 15 minutes
A maximum of 5 students per team will be able to participate in the presentation and can be either executive or non-executive members.
Entering the room:
- When you enter the room, the Company Program expert and judges will greet you and introduce themselves.
- The Company Program expert will then review the format, and prompt you to begin when it’s time.
- Don’t forget to greet everyone warmly and thank them for their time.
Number of judges:
- There will be between two to four judges in each interview room.
Slides:
- The room will be equipped with a laptop with your presentation pre-loaded on Google Slides (or via link you provided) and a projector. Your team is responsible for advancing your own slides.
Review the breakdown of each section below.
Presentation:
Each finalist is asked to prepare a 5-minute presentation outlining why their company deserves the Best Brand award.
The presentation should include the following information:
- Overview of the Company: Description of the company’s mission and vision and what the product/service is
- Brand Strategy: Summary of the company’s brand strategy including an understanding of the target market and rationale behind branding choices
- Branding: Demonstration of brand consistency and uniqueness
The presentation should:
- be clear and concise
- cover the points outlined above
- stay within the allotted 5 minutes
- include slides (PowerPoint, Prezi, or a program of your choice)
Teams can use their brand presentation from their award application but are welcome to edit as needed.
Please Note: Students will not be permitted to go beyond the 5-minute mark for the presentation and will be cut off by the Company Program expert in the room.
Tips:
- Engage your audience early: Start with a compelling statement or question to capture attention.
- Conclude with impact: End with a memorable summary that reinforces your key messages.
- Use visual aids effectively: Ensure slides are simple, not overcrowded or text heavy, and use visuals to support your ideas. Slides should reflect your company’s branding through its design and colour scheme.
- Transitions and timing: Practice the flow between speakers to ensure a cohesive presentation and that you stay within the allocated timing.
Question & Answer:
Following the presentation there will be a 5 to 10-minute question and answer period.
Sample Questions
- What is the most important aspect when it comes to branding?
- What are some brands that have inspired your team and why?
- How do you know when a branding strategy isn’t working?
- If you were targeting another segment of customers, what would you do differently?
Tips:
- Listen actively and carefully to each question, and if needed, repeat or rephrase to ensure understanding before answering
- Take a breath after each question and be thoughtful about your responses
- Use concrete examples or specific results to illustrate your points
- You may find the STAR method helpful in framing your responses:
- Situation – Set the scene
- Task – Identify the challenge
- Action – Explain what YOU did
- Result – What was the outcome?
Interview Night Scoring:
Finalists will be scored using the Preliminary Judging Rubric as well as the following:
Presentation:
- The presentation was clear and concise
- The team managed their time effectively to stay within the 5-minute timeframe.
- The team was prepared, and everyone was involved in the presentation.
- The slides added value to the presentation in a creative way and are visually appealing.
- Students are confident and enthusiastic in their delivery and are not reading content from the slides.
- The presentation includes an overview of the company and product/service, but also highlights their learnings and challenges.
Question & Answer Period:
- Questions were answered clearly, concisely, and fully.
- Students are knowledgeable and confident in their answers and shared in the responsibility of answering questions.
Preparing for the interview:
Here are a few tips to prepare for Interview Night.
- Practice (practice, and practice!) with your team ahead of time. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will feel.
- Get feedback and conduct mock interviews with your advisors, team members, friends, or family members.
- Know your company/team and be prepared to speak to it. Review your shareholders’ report including financials. The questions for the interview will all be related to your experience in the program. Try and think of your major milestones, achievements as well as how you've overcome any challenges this year.
- What sets you apart? Remember all finalists will have completed the Company Program this year - try and find the things that make you stand out.
- Pay attention to the details. This includes:
- Your branding – Are your slides clear and visually appealing? Does it represent your company? Does it look cohesive?
- Your body language – Are you making eye contact and engaging with your audience? Are you relaxed or fidgeting?
- Your tone of voice – Is there energy in your delivery? Do you sound excited and passionate about your company? Keep your tone positive and confident without being arrogant.
- Be yourself and do your best! Be true to who you are, as individuals and as a team. Represent yourself authentically, confidently, and proudly. The judges are here to support you no matter what!
FAQ:
Who are the judges?
There will be between two to four judges in each room. Judges consist of JA alumni, partners, volunteers (including past advisors, board members, governors) and other special guests from a variety of different industries and backgrounds.
What information is shared with the judges in advance?
Judges will not have read your full written submissions. However, they will have access to your company description, and your website/social media links.
Can I bring a sample of our product?
Yes, you may bring a sample of your product to show the judges. If your product is digital, you can either show them the product via your slides or through a printout.
Keep in mind that showcasing your product will not add additional time – this must be done within your allotted interview time.
Can I bring handouts / extra materials to provide to the judges?
No additional handouts / extra materials beyond a sample of your product will be permitted in the interview rooms.
Can I use cue cards/notes?
We do not recommend that you use cue cards or notes for your interviews.
Can I switch my interview time?
No, interview times cannot be switched. JA will send you your scheduled interview time by Friday, April 24th so that you can plan your transportation home accordingly.
Can I show up later if I’m scheduled for a later interview time?
No, as you can imagine, there are many logistics that go into planning such an event. We will ask all students to arrive at the same time (4:45 p.m.) so that we can ensure everyone is present and have your headshots taken. If you’re scheduled for a later timeslot, use the time to prepare and network with your peers!
I am really nervous, and I don’t know if I can do this.
You absolutely can do this. It’s totally normal to be nervous! The judges in the room are understanding (they’ve been where you are before!) and are there to support you. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your advisors, teachers or to JA for support. We are here to help.
Gary & Joanne Reamey Family Award Guidelines
Are you a Gary & Joanne Reamey Family award finalist?
Please expand each section below and review the details carefully.
Interview Format:
- Introduction/Set Up: 1 minute
- Presentation: 5 minutes
- Q&A: 5 to 10 minutes
Total Interview Length: 15 minutes
A maximum of 5 students per team will be able to participate in the presentation and can be either executive or non-executive members.
Entering the room:
- When you enter the room, the Company Program Expert and judges will greet you and introduce themselves.
- The Company Program Expert will then review the format, and prompt you to begin when it’s time.
- Don’t forget to greet everyone warmly and thank them for their time.
Number of judges:
- There will be between two to four judges in each interview room.
Slides:
- The room will be equipped with a laptop with your presentation pre-loaded on Google Slides (or via link you provided) and a projector. Your team is responsible for advancing your own slides.
Review the breakdown of each section below.
Presentation:
Each finalist is asked to prepare a 5-minute presentation outlining why their company deserves the Gary and Joanne Reamey Family award.
The presentation should include the following information:
- Overview of the Company: Explanation of how the mission/vision of the company plays a role in the operation of the business
- Challenges: Summary of the challenges the team faced and how you resolved them
- Impact: Impact of the company’s CSR strategy in the community
- Alignment: Summary of how the company’s CSR strategy aligns to the company’s values
The presentation should:
- be clear and concise
- cover the points outlined above
- stay within the allotted 5 minutes
- include slides (PowerPoint, Prezi, or a program of your choice)
Please Note: Students will not be permitted to go beyond the 5-minute mark for the presentation and will be cut off by the Company Program Expert in the room.
Tips:
- Engage your audience early: Start with a compelling statement or question to capture attention.
- Conclude with impact: End with a memorable summary that reinforces your key messages.
- Use visual aids effectively: Ensure slides are simple, not overcrowded or text heavy, and use visuals to support your ideas. Slides should reflect your company’s branding through its design and colour scheme.
- Transitions and timing: Practice the flow between speakers to ensure a cohesive presentation and that you stay within the allocated timing.
Question & Answer:
Following the presentation there will be a 5 to 10-minute question and answer period.
Sample Questions
- Did your company set any specific goals regarding social responsibility in the community?
- Describe the overall return in terms of experience your members received as a result of being a part of your company.
- Did your company foster an inclusive environment, if yes, how were you able to do this?
Tips:
- Listen actively and carefully to each question, and if needed, repeat or rephrase to ensure understanding before answering
- Take a breath after each question and be thoughtful about your responses
- Use concrete examples or specific results to illustrate your points
- You may find the STAR method helpful in framing your responses:
- Situation – Set the scene
- Task – Identify the challenge
- Action – Explain what YOU did
- Result – What was the outcome?
Interview Night Scoring:
Finalists will be scored using the Preliminary Judging Rubric as well as the following:
Presentation:
- The presentation was clear and concise
- The team managed their time effectively to stay within the 5-minute timeframe.
- The team was prepared, and everyone was involved in the presentation.
- The slides added value to the presentation in a creative way and are visually appealing.
- Students are confident and enthusiastic in their delivery and are not reading content from the slides.
- The presentation includes an overview of the company and product/service but also highlights their learnings and challenges.
Question & Answer Period:
- Questions were answered clearly, concisely, and fully.
- Students are knowledgeable and confident in their answers and shared in the responsibility of answering questions.
Preparing for the interview:
Here are a few tips to prepare for Interview Night.
- Practice (practice, and practice!) with your team ahead of time. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will feel.
- Get feedback and conduct mock interviews with your advisors, team members, friends, or family members.
- Know your company/team and be prepared to speak to it. Review your shareholders’ report including financials. The questions for the interview will all be related to your experience in the program. Try and think of your major milestones, achievements as well as how you've overcome any challenges this year.
- What sets you apart? Remember all finalists will have completed the Company Program this year - try and find the things that make you stand out.
- Pay attention to the details. This includes:
- Your branding – Are your slides clear and visually appealing? Does it represent your company? Does it look cohesive?
- Your body language – Are you making eye contact and engaging with your audience? Are you relaxed or fidgeting?
- Your tone of voice – Is there energy in your delivery? Do you sound excited and passionate about your company? Keep your tone positive and confident without being arrogant.
- Be yourself and do your best! Be true to who you are, as individuals and as a team. Represent yourself authentically, confidently, and proudly. The judges are here to support you no matter what!
FAQ:
Who are the judges?
There will be between two to four judges in each room. Judges consist of JA alumni, partners, volunteers (including past advisors, board members, governors) and other special guests from a variety of different industries and backgrounds.
What information is shared with the judges in advance?
Judges will not have read your full written submissions. However, they will have access to your company description, and your website/social media links.
Can I bring a sample of our product?
Yes, you may bring a sample of your product to show the judges. If your product is digital, you can either show them the product via your slides or through a printout.
Keep in mind that showcasing your product will not add additional time – this must be done within your allotted interview time.
Can I bring handouts / extra materials to provide to the judges?
No additional handouts / extra materials beyond a sample of your product will be permitted in the interview rooms.
Can I use cue cards/notes?
We do not recommend that you use cue cards or notes for your interviews.
Can I switch my interview time?
No, interview times cannot be switched. JA will send you your scheduled interview time by Friday, April 24th so that you can plan your transportation home accordingly.
Can I show up later if I’m scheduled for a later interview time?
No, as you can imagine, there are many logistics that go into planning such an event. We will ask all students to arrive at the same time (4:45 p.m.) so that we can ensure everyone is present and have your headshots taken. If you’re scheduled for a later timeslot, use the time to prepare and network with your peers!
I am really nervous, and I don’t know if I can do this.
You absolutely can do this. It’s totally normal to be nervous! The judges in the room are understanding (they’ve been where you are before!) and are there to support you. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your advisors, teachers or to JA for support. We are here to help.
