Canada Border Services Agency safeguard our borders. How will your expertise, character, and dedication to our mission be of benefit to our agency?
This question is another way for CBSA to ask, 'Why should we hire you?' Not only do they have a vested interest in determining how accurate your expectations are, but they also need to make sure you are made of the right stuff to handle the pressures associated with the job.
"The main charter of CBSA includes Protection, Service, and Integrity. When it comes to protection, I will apply my keen observational skills as well as my ability to think and react quickly under pressure to ensure the safety of the public. I consider myself to be an observant and watchful person who will be of service when it comes to detecting and preventing outside threats. I am courageous, as shown by the time I spent serving in the Royal Canadian Navy. I have a proven history of stepping up when it comes to protecting our nation and serving my country. I am dedicated, trustworthy, and also see integrity as the cornerstone to every action that I take and each decision that I make. It would be an honor to be of service to this esteemed agency and the people of Canada."
Detail how your best transferable skills and traits would be considered an asset to CBSA. Exhibit passion and enthusiasm to compete for this career opportunity. Approach this like you would a sales pitch or a credibility statement. If hired, how would you solve a problem or create solutions for CBSA? Choose a handful of your strengths which align with the requirements of this job.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
My objective is to follow the code of conduct thoroughly. My experience is valuable to the job because I currently maintain those principles. I align with the values and ethics of the CBSA, and I hope to have a lengthy career and even retire as a CBSA officer.
Rachelle's Feedback
You've created a strong foundational answer - this is a good start! One recommendation is to carve out more specific/measurable examples of your expertise, character, and dedication. The answers are feeling a touch repetitive, and one way to combat this is by weaving memorable stories and examples into your responses. Let me know if you'd like further clarification :)
Anonymous Answer
The main values of CBSA are Protection, Service, and Integrity. To help benefit the agency, I will apply my observational skills, as well as my ability to think and react quickly under pressure, to ensure the safety of the public, just like I have done in my previous job. In regular day to day life, I am very observant and watchful which will be of service when it comes to detecting and preventing any threats. I am also very dedicated, trustworthy, and I see integrity as the basis to every action and decision that I make.
Rachelle's Feedback
You offer a lot of specifics in your answer - a wonderful approach! Good job bringing in the values of Protection, Service, and Integrity.
Anonymous Answer
As a proud Canadian, and if given the opportunity to protect my country, I will serve the CBSA and the people of Canada with every ounce of respect and maturity. Some strengths that I will bring as a benefit to the CBSA is that I am very observant, diligent, and act in a manner that exudes complete honesty and integrity.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your answer sounds confident and genuine, which is a wonderful start. Overall, this answer reads as though you are considering your listed characteristics as the benefit. However, an important distinction in this question is that the interviewer wants to know HOW your skills will benefit. When it comes to the qualities that you mention (being observant, diligent, honest...), in which measurable ways do you believe these qualities will benefit the CBSA?
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