Canadian Career & Culture Wednesdays: Job Interview Guide for Answering Personality Questions

In this week’s issue

• Job Interview Guide for Answering Personality Questions

• Phrases for Managing Difficult Conversations

• Newcomer-Friendly Job Listings

• Beloved Canadian Snacks You Can’t Find in the U.S.

• Things to Do Around You This Weekend

  
  

Career Corner

Job Interview Guide for Answering Personality Questions

When responding to personality-based interview questions, it's always good to strike a balance between authenticity and professionalism. Employers are not only assessing your skills but also your cultural fit within the team.

Indeed Canada recently created a guide, and here are a few of the questions and their guidelines.

What are you passionate about?

• Why you might be asked this: Employers want to understand what drives you both professionally and personally. Your passions can reveal qualities like dedication, patience, and motivation—traits that contribute to success in the workplace.

• Things to include in your answer: If you mention a personal passion, try to connect it to your professional life. For example, if you love gardening, you could highlight how it has taught you patience and attention to detail—skills that translate well into many careers.
  
  ✅ “I’m passionate about mentoring new team members. I love helping others grow in their careers, and it also keeps me learning and improving my leadership skills.”

What motivates you in your professional life?

• Why you might be asked this: Hiring managers look for candidates who can stay engaged and motivated in their work. Understanding what drives you helps them assess whether the role and company culture align with your goals.

• Things to include in your answer: Mention specific elements of your work that inspire you, such as collaborating with a strong team, achieving goals, or solving complex problems.
  

  ✅ “I’m motivated by solving challenging problems. I love the feeling of working through a complex issue and finding a solution that makes processes more efficient.”

Do you prefer working in a team or independently? Why?

• Why you might be asked this: Employers want to gauge whether your working style fits the role. Some jobs require more teamwork, while others demand strong independent work skills.

• Things to include in your answer: Be honest but adaptable. If you enjoy teamwork, emphasize collaboration and idea-sharing. If you prefer working independently, highlight your ability to stay self-motivated and focused.
  

  ✅ “I enjoy both, depending on the task. I like collaborating with a team to brainstorm and strategize, but I also appreciate independent work when I need to focus on execution.”

Learn the Lingo

Phrases for Managing Difficult Conversations

Learning how to handle difficult conversations can be especially challenging for newcomers. You are familiarizing yourself with cultural norms, adapting to a new work environment, and sometimes even trying to master English or French.

The Conversation recently published an article that highlighted 3 situations you need to be prepared to handle in the workplace. Here’s a quick breakdown.

Handling Salary Negotiations

Highlight your skills, achievements and your contributions to the organization, emphasizing measurable impact. This is your opportunity to advocate for fair compensation and recognize your value. Prepare by researching salary benchmarks and discussing how your work benefits the team.
 
✅ “After reviewing industry benchmarks and my accomplishments, I believe this adjustment reflects my value to the team and organization.”

Setting Boundaries

Establishing clear boundaries helps prevent burnout and maintains productivity. Focus on how your boundaries align with the overall success of the team.

✅ “If I can schedule deep-focus time in the morning, I’ll be able to deliver higher-quality work more efficiently.”

Navigating Workplace Conflict

Addressing conflicts with emotional intelligence and professionalism strengthens workplace relationships. Approach issues with curiosity, seek to understand all perspectives, and use future-focused language.

✅ “Let’s establish a process so we’re aligned moving forward.”

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Newcomer-Friendly Job Listings

• Marketing Coordinator, Markham, ON

• Warehouse Supervisor, Surrey, BC

• Long Haul Truck Driver, Stony Mountain, MB

• Purchasing Manager, ​​Surrey, BC

• Software Engineer, Calgary, AB

• Transportation Manager, Bolton, ON

• Physician Assistant, Dartmouth, NS

• Construction Manager, Trenton, ON

• Family Doctor, Bolton, ON
  

Canadian Culture Highlight

Beloved Canadian Snacks You Can’t Find in the U.S.

Looking to try some Canadian snacks? You’re in luck! Arianne Jones from Savour Magazine recently listed a few of her uniquely Canadian favourites.

• Lay’s Ketchup Chips – Originating in Canada, these chips offer a tangy, vinegary flavour that captures the essence of ketchup without the exact taste. They haven’t gained the same popularity in the U.S.

• Maynards Wine Gums – Originally from the U.K. in 1909, these chewy gummies are firmer than American varieties and come in flavours like gin and champagne, though they don’t taste like the drinks.

• Mackintosh’s Toffee – A Canadian classic since 1890, this hard caramel toffee is known for its sticky sweetness that can challenge your dental work.

• Smarties – These sugar-coated chocolate candies have been a Canadian favourite since the 1970s. Unlike the American version, Canadian Smarties have a thicker shell and richer flavour than M&M’s.

• Lay’s All Dressed Ruffles – A uniquely Canadian creation, these chips combine barbecue, salt and vinegar, and sour cream and onion flavours, offering a distinctive and crunchy snack experience.

• Cadbury Caramilk – A Canadian invention produced in Toronto, this milk chocolate bar is filled with gooey caramel and comes with a playful marketing campaign about its “secret.”

• Hawkins Cheezies – Manufactured in Canada since 1949, these cheddar-flavoured puffed corn snacks are tangier and crunchier than American Cheetos, made by a family-run business.

Things to Do Around You

In Toronto, Spring Equinox at STACKT market welcomes the season with wellness workshops, yoga, live music, vendor markets, and more. Celebrate new beginnings with a week of inspiring events. March 18–23, 2025.

In Ottawa, the International Film Festival of Ottawa showcases award-winning films from around the world, along with industry talks and special screenings. Experience a diverse selection of features and shorts across the city. March 12–23, 2025.

In Winnipeg, the Ice Fishing Festival at FortWhyte Alive offers a hands-on introduction to ice fishing with expert demos and equipment to try. Celebrate the season with this free event. March 22, 2025.

In Calgary, The Barn Artisan Market brings local artisans, crafters, and bakers together for a curated shopping experience at Shawnessy Barn. Explore unique handmade goods at this free event. March 23, 2025.

In Burnaby, just 15 minutes from Vancouver, StrideFest celebrates creativity with visual art, live music, poetry, workshops, and more. Enjoy free and ticketed events across the city with this year’s theme, Just Imagine! March 22–29, 2025.

Spring Discovery Days takes place in New Westminster, just 30 minutes from Vancouver. Enjoy hands-on activities, storytime, and games exploring predators, prey, pollinators, and plants from March 15–30, 2025.