Canadian Career and Culture: Job Interview Guide for Questions YOU Should Ask

In this week’s issue

• Job Interview Guide for Questions YOU Should Ask

• Phrases for Being Assertive, Not Aggressive

• Newcomer-Friendly Job Listings

• Why Newcomers Should Care About the Stanley Cup Playoffs This Year

Career Corner

Job Interview Guide for Questions YOU Should Ask

The answer to “Do you have any questions?” at the end of a job interview should never be “No, thanks, I think we covered everything.”

This moment isn’t just a formality—or the time to ask about vacation days. It’s an opportunity to show curiosity, confidence, and genuine interest in both the role and the people at the company.

In a recent Forbes article, career coach Caroline Castrillon shares 15 thoughtful questions that can help you stand out. Here are four we especially liked, along with why they work:

What about this position is most important? How does it support management?
Shows you're thinking beyond the job description and want to understand how your work contributes to the bigger picture.

Based on your experience, how would you describe the people at the company in three words?
Invites a personal, honest perspective on company culture—something you won’t find on a website or job posting.

What major issue is the team working through that you expect this role to help resolve?
Positions you as a problem-solver who’s ready to step in and make an impact from day one.

What do you love about working at this company?
Builds rapport and gives insight into what really matters to the team—beyond tasks and titles.

Learn the Lingo

Phrases for Being Assertive, Not Aggressive

Canadians are known for being polite—but in the workplace, polite doesn’t mean passive. Assertive, respectful communication is expected. That means clearly expressing your ideas, setting boundaries, and advocating for yourself—without being aggressive or harsh.

Dr. Miro Bada, a doctor and LinkedIn content creator focused on peak performance, recently shared some helpful assertive phrases. We've chosen a few that are especially useful in Canadian workplaces—plus when to use them and why they work.

“That doesn't work for me – let's find another solution.”
Use this when a suggestion or plan isn’t realistic for you.
 Why it works: It sets a boundary while showing you're still willing to collaborate.

“This is how I interpreted our agreement.”
Use this when there’s confusion or different expectations.
 Why it works: It invites clarity without placing blame, and encourages mutual understanding.

“I'm not comfortable with that approach. Here's why:”
Use this when you need to express a concern or disagreement.
 Why it works: It communicates discomfort respectfully and offers reasoning, which helps move the conversation forward constructively.

“Here's what I can commit to.”
Use this when you're being asked to take on more than is reasonable.
 Why it works: It defines your limits while reinforcing your reliability and accountability.

“Let's pause here – I need clarification.”
Use this when something isn’t clear and you're unsure how to proceed.
 Why it works: It shows you’re engaged and committed to doing things right, rather than making assumptions.

“I'm at capacity – what should we deprioritize?”
Use this when you're overwhelmed and need to re-align expectations.
 Why it works: It signals honesty about your workload while focusing on finding a practical solution with your team.

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Newcomer-Friendly Job Listings

• Truck Mechanic, Brantford, ON

• Construction Helper, Surrey, BC

• Pediatrician, Various locations

• Family Physician, Calgary, AB

• Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Assistant, Langley, BC

• Primary School Teacher, East York, ON

• Warehouse Supervisor, Moncton, NB

• Carpenter, Surrey, BC

• Legal Assistant, Montréal, QC

• Housekeeping Supervisor, Milton, ON

• Insulator, Nobleton, ON

Canadian Culture Highlight

Why Newcomers Should Care About the Stanley Cup Playoffs This Year

It’s an exciting time for hockey fans in Winnipeg. The Jets just pulled off a heart-stopping Game 7 win over the St. Louis Blues — coming back from a 3–1 deficit in the final two minutes.

With just 2.2 seconds left on the clock, Cole Perfetti tied the game. The crowd erupted. Cameras caught a sign in the stands that read: We believe. Then, in double overtime, Adam Lowry tipped in the game-winner.

Now, the NHL playoffs are heading into Round 2. The Jets, top seed in the Western Conference, are set to face the Dallas Stars. In the East, the Toronto Maple Leafs are up 1–0 against the Florida Panthers.

This is the first time since 2004 that three Canadian teams — the Jets, Oilers, and Leafs — have made it to the second round.

Will a Canadian team finally bring the Stanley Cup home?
One thing’s for sure: nothing brings Canadians together like hockey.