Canadian Career and Culture: Job Interview Storytelling Guide

In this week’s issue

• Job Interview Storytelling Guide

• Phrases to Respond to Rude Comments at Work

• Newcomer-Friendly Job Listings

• 5 Canadian Books to Read This Summer

Career Corner

Job Interview Storytelling Guide

Nailing an interview often comes down to two things: 1) Understanding your audience and 2) Communicating your value clearly through stories.

Behavioural interviews are where storytelling shines. These “Tell me about a time when…” questions reveal how you think, act under pressure, and learn from experience. Here’s an example of a behavioural question and how you might address it.

We recently came across a helpful article by Julie Labrie on CareerWise that explores how to approach these kinds of questions. One example she highlights is:

“Describe a stressful situation—your worst-case scenario—and how you handled it.”

Here’s why this question matters and how to respond in a way that builds trust and shows your problem-solving skills.

How to respond effectively:

• Choose the right story. Focus on a real challenge you faced and how you grew from it.

• Tailor to the company. Know what they value (teamwork, adaptability, initiative) and highlight those traits in your story.

To make your story flow, use a combination of the STAR method and BUT/THEREFORE principle. This means showing contrast and cause-effect. You don’t have to say “but” or “therefore” out loud; just let the idea drive your story forward.

S – Situation: Our team was onboarding a major client… (sets the stage and shows what was at stake)

T – Task: BUT two days before launch, our internal system crashed. (the challenge or trigger that required action)

A – Action: THEREFORE, I led a quick team huddle, reorganized workflow, and created a manual process. (what you did in response)

R – Result: It was tough, BUT we launched on time and improved contingency planning. (the outcome and what improved)

Learn the Lingo

Phrases to Respond to Rude Comments at Work

Even in polite, non-confrontational Canadian workplaces, snarky comments still happen. It's tempting to react in the moment, but staying calm and grounded protects your reputation and can help build long-term trust.

Dora Vanourek, a LinkedIn content creator, recently shared some practical strategies for dealing with these situations. Here are a few highlights and why we think they work:

Lead with curiosity
If you can stay emotionally regulated, respond with curiosity instead of defensiveness. It might reveal a misunderstanding or help the other person self-correct.

✅  “I sense you may be feeling frustrated by something I said.”

The goal here is not to argue or explain, just to reflect what you’re sensing and listen. Giving someone space to feel heard can go a long way in diffusing tension.

Redirect to a solution
If the comment seems more like a one-off frustration than an ongoing issue, it might be better to keep things moving.

✅  “Let’s focus on finding a solution.”

This approach helps you avoid escalation while keeping the conversation productive.

Use light humour (carefully)
In low-stakes situations, humour can help lighten the mood. But be cautious—it only works when there's mutual trust and the remark wasn’t deeply personal.

If a teammate mutters, “Well, that’s one way to do it,” you might smile and say:

✅ “Hey, unconventional brilliance is my brand.”

SECURE YOUR FAMILY’S FUTURE IN CANADA

Planning to move to Canada but unsure where to start?
The Canadian immigration system can be complex but with Immigration.ca, you can trust our expertise to guide you through every step of the process. Book a consultation with Immigration.ca, Canada’s longest-standing online immigration platform, founded by Colin R. Singer. As a licensed immigration lawyer with over 35 years of experience, Colin offers expert guidance on Express Entry, PNPs, family sponsorships, Start-Up visa, business visas and more. Our platform provides comprehensive resources and personalized strategies for individuals and families seeking permanent residency. Consultations are conducted privately via Google Meet, or WhatsApp. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward your Canadian journey!

Newcomer-Friendly Job Listings

• Construction Labourer and Helper, Lower Sackville, NS

• Construction Labourer, Sainte-Catherine, QC

• Warehouse Supervisor, Red Lake, ON

• Pharmacist, Halifax, NS

• Construction Project Manager, Calgary, AB

• Accountant, Richmond Hill, ON

• General Manager - health, education, social, Concord, ON

• Roofer, Brampton, ON

Canadian Culture Highlight

5 Canadian Books to Read This Summer
From Chatelaine’s All-Canadian Reading List

Whether you're spending your first summer in Canada or simply looking for stories that reflect Canadian experiences, these five books are a great place to start:

📚 Detective Aunty by Uzma Jalaluddin
A charming mystery set in Toronto, featuring a sharp-witted mother who steps in to clear her daughter’s name. It's a story about second chances and reconnecting with community.

📚 From the Rez to the Runway by Christian Allaire
This inspiring memoir follows Allaire’s journey from Nipissing First Nation to a career at Vogue, spotlighting Indigenous fashion and the power of following your dreams.

📚 Off Menu by Amy Rosen
When Ruthie inherits money from her grandmother, she leaves her boring job to attend culinary school. A heartfelt and funny read, full of food and self-discovery.

📚 The Summers Between Us by Noreen Nanja
A thoughtful story about balancing family expectations with personal happiness, set against the backdrop of a quiet summer at the cottage.

📚 Look Ma, No Hands by Gabrielle Drolet
A witty and honest memoir about living with chronic pain, staying creative, and navigating life’s everyday challenges.