Canadian Career and Culture: Job Interview Guide for Navigating Unwritten Rules

In this week’s issue

• Job Interview Guide for Navigating Unwritten Rules

• Phrases to Use When You’re Networking in Canada

• Newcomer-Friendly Job Listings

• Canadian Culture Highlight

• Things to Do Around You
  

Career Corner

Job Interview Guide for Navigating Unwritten Rules

Even if you’re highly qualified, there are some unspoken interview norms that can shape how employers see you.

Entrepreneur and coach George Stern shared a few things to avoid saying—and what to say instead to help you leave a better impression.

1. Show you're prepared and curious by asking a thoughtful question
Interviewers want to see that you’ve done your research and are thinking ahead.

Don’t say: I don’t have any questions right now
Say: What will success look like in the first 3 months?

2. Stay professional when talking about past jobs—even if they were tough
Speaking negatively about a former boss can make you seem difficult to work with.

Don’t say: My last boss was awful
Say: I learned a lot in my previous role about X and Y, and now I’m excited for a new opportunity

3. Show self-awareness by talking honestly about a weakness
Employers appreciate people who are reflective and working to improve.

Don’t say: I don’t really have any weaknesses
Say: I’ve been working hard to get better at X, and after taking Y steps, I’ve improved considerably

4. Talk about your future goals—even if you’re not a planner
Interviewers want to know you’re motivated and thinking about your long-term growth.

Don’t say: I don’t like 5-year plans or career goals
Say: Short-term, I want to thrive in this role; long-term, I hope to grow in X areas

Learn the Lingo

Phrases to Use When You’re Networking in Canada

Networking is the single most important part of adapting to Canadian life. It helps you not only find job opportunities but also build a sense of community and belonging.

But you might be wondering: Who do I talk to? And what do I say?

Career strategist Hannah Morgan suggests using the AIR method—which stands for Advice, Information, Recommendations—to guide your conversations and give you a starting point when reaching out.

Advice 
✅  “I’m exploring roles in marketing. Can I ask how you made your transition into the field?”

Information
✅  “I’m curious about trends in your industry. What changes have you noticed recently?”

 Recommendations
✅  “Are there people, groups, or events you’d suggest I connect with to learn more?”

Hannah also suggests that, before reaching out to strangers, reconnect with people who already know you. Start with:

• Fellow volunteers – Volunteering is a powerful way to meet others and show your skills in action.

• Alumni and classmates – Use your school’s alumni network or LinkedIn’s alumni tool.

• Friends, family, and neighbours – You never know who might have a helpful connection or lead. And don’t stop there. Reach out to past managers, former colleagues, service providers—even your hairdresser! Many people are happy to help—you just have to ask.

Networking isn’t about asking for a job. It’s about learning, connecting, and being visible. Start small, be specific, and grow your community one conversation at a time.

FIND YOUR PATH TO CANADA TODAY

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Newcomer-Friendly Job Listings

• Construction Manager, Edmonton, AB

• Truck Driver, Edmonton, AB

• Software Developer, Brampton, ON

• Warehouse supervisor, Langley, BC

• Data scientist, Mississauga, ON

• Financial Manager, Brampton, ON

• Early Childhood Educator (ECE), Regina, SK

• ​​Construction Labourer and Helper, Toronto, ON

• Administrative Assistant, Innisfail, AB

• Welder, Brampton, ON

• Landscaping Supervisor, Kelowna, BC

Canadian Culture Highlight

Why Canadians Care So Much About Hockey Playoffs

Canada is known as the birthplace of hockey, and for many Canadians, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are more than just sports—they’re tradition, pride, and community all rolled into one.

You might expect Canadian teams to dominate in the NHL, but surprisingly, no Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup since 1993, when the Montreal Canadiens took the title. It’s been over 30 years, and fans across the country are eager to see that drought end.

This year, five Canadian teams have made it to the playoffs—the most since 2017. Here's a quick overview from CBS Sports of who’s in, what their strengths are, and how far they might go:

Toronto Maple Leafs
They haven’t had much playoff success in recent years, but their star-studded lineup (Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner) and strong power-play give them real potential. They face Ottawa first.

Winnipeg Jets
The Jets finished the regular season as the league’s top team. While goaltending and injuries are concerns, they’re a serious contender.

Edmonton Oilers
Led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton nearly won last year. Injuries could slow them down this time, especially against a strong L.A. Kings team.

Ottawa Senators
This young team is finally seeing results from years of rebuilding. They’ve got rising stars but may not yet be ready for a deep playoff run.

Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens have a rich history, but expectations are modest this year. They just squeaked into the playoffs and are up against a powerhouse Washington team. In Game 1, they took the game to overtime before falling to a goal from Alex Ovechkin. Still, their resilience suggests they might put up more of a fight than expected.

Want to join the conversation?
Watch a game, ask a Canadian friend who they're cheering for, or follow a team on social media—hockey is a great way to connect with Canadian culture!

Things to Do Around You

In Winnipeg, Reclaimed: Indo-Caribbean HerStories by Heidi McKenzie brings powerful stories of Indo-Caribbean women to life through mixed-media ceramic works. This feminist exhibition at Gallery 1C03 reclaims histories of indentureship and celebrates ancestral strength through portraiture, sculpture, and archival imagery. February 27–April 25, 2025.

In Winnipeg, the Jets Whiteout Street Party returns for the Western Conference 1st Round against the St. Louis Blues. From April 19–30, 2025, fans can gather on Donald Street to watch games on massive outdoor screens, enjoy food trucks, DJs, and live entertainment in a high-energy celebration of playoff hockey. Admission is $10 plus fees.

In Toronto, the Fireworks Festival 2025 at Alumnae Theatre celebrates women writers with three powerful premieres. From April 23–May 11, 2025, experience thought-provoking plays like Gunplay (April 23–27), Days Since Bo’s Been Gone (April 30–May 4), and The Green House (May 7–11). Tickets are $15.

Party for the Planet on April 26, 2025, at Surrey Civic Plaza is the largest Earth Day celebration in BC. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., enjoy sustainability-focused activities like a plant sale, over 25 local vendors, Indigenous cultural sharing, food trucks, live music, dance battles, and environmental education. This free, family-friendly event offers something for everyone, including a free rock-climbing wall and educational programming for all ages.

Lapu-Lapu Day on April 26, 2025, celebrates the legacy of Datu Lapu-Lapu, the Philippines’ first national hero, with a vibrant multi-block street party in Vancouver. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy Filipino cuisine, cultural performances, fashion showcases, a thrilling basketball tournament, and a market with vendors. Art installations, educational programs, and family-friendly activities add to the excitement. This free event offers something for everyone!

Orléans PoutineFest & Street Food Frenzy from April 25-27, 2025, offers the best in poutine and street food at 255 Centrum Blvd, Orleans. With free admission, explore nearly 100 types of poutine, enjoy a new Bevvy Garden, kids zone, games, desserts, and live entertainment on The Big Cheese Stage. It’s a fun, flavourful weekend for all!

The Great Ottawa Markets Collective Craft Overstock & Food Market is happening on April 26, 2025, at the Bell Sensplex (1565 Maple Grove Rd, Stittsville). This free event is perfect for crafters, sewers, and DIY enthusiasts, featuring surplus crafting materials, tools, and supplies for sale, along with delicious food. Enjoy a budget-friendly shopping experience while supporting community initiatives. Hours: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free parking and entry. Bring non-perishable food donations for the Kanata Food Cupboard.