In addition to border agents, CBSA employs forensic scientists, international trade specialists, public affairs officers, and other specialists. Talk to us about the unique skills you will bring to our agency.
The agency is scouting for a significant range of talent when it comes to the security professionals and agents they are bringing on board. They are also interested in hiring career focussed individuals who have some sense of where they want to take their career with CBSA.
"I believe one area of skill that stands out is my ability to quickly make critical decisions based on my ability to read and understand laws, legal commentary, and regulations. This skill comes from the knowledge I gained from obtaining my degree in Criminal Law. I am eager to apply this learning for the benefit of CBSA and my country overall."
Offer the unique qualities, characteristics, and knowledge that helps you to stand apart from other candidates. Be your greatest advocate. Take this opportunity to boast about your merits and talents.
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
I am a people person. I have a lot of experience working in hospitality and catering to the needs, emotions, and expectations of people. One of my strengths is the ability to be empathetic and understanding of the views of others, the conclusions they come to, and their motivation for reaching the decisions they make.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is a good start! If you consider yourself a 'people specialist,' I recommend adding a measurable example of these skills in action. Perhaps you could tell a brief story of a time when you changed a situation through your use of empathy.
Anonymous Answer
I have lengthy experience working at the airport as a baggage agent in my late teens and then working as a screening officer and manager. The experience was invaluable and relatable to CBSA due to adapting to a volatile environment and assisting CBSA often when it came to them doing their duty. The discipline I acquired as a screening officer is just as relatable to a CBSA officer, so I believe I have already a head start being in the same environment
Rachelle's Feedback
It certainly sounds as though you have a headstart in understanding the pressures of working in a high-risk and volatile environment. You make a good connection between your work as a Baggage Agent and your future work with CBSA. Are there any unique transferable skills (try to be as specific as you can) that you gained in your role as a Baggage Attendant?
Anonymous Answer
With my previous job as a screening officer, I would have to interact with the public in a courteous manner and abiding by transport Canadas various rules and regulations. Throughout my shifts daily, I would have to make critical decisions to ensure the safety of the public. With that being said, my ability to understand and follow the rules along with making critical decisions will be beneficial to your agency.
Rachelle's Feedback
Terrific! It sounds as though your knowledge and skills are in strong alignment with the needs of the CBSA.
Anonymous Answer
I believe I bring a couple of different unique skills to the agency.
First off, being a graduate of an Addictions & Community Service Worker Course allowed me to become knowledgeable on different types of drug use and spot the different traits of those users. It also dived into psychology and why people tend to do the things they do, which broadened my awareness and understanding of certain personality traits and tendencies.
Secondly, I have an extensive background in the automotive sector, from selling to repairing vehicles. This gives me knowledge of almost every vehicle on the road, inside, outside, and underneath. I can point out subtle changes in the structure of a vehicle that was not originally installed from the factory.
Rachelle's Feedback
Excellent answer! Drawing out your unique skills and further qualifying yourself by pointing out exactly how they will benefit the CBSA is a brilliant approach.
Unlock all 60 CBSA questions
Unlock expert responses tailored to Canada's border services interview process.
Get Started