CBSA Mock Interview
Master 60 CBSA interview questions covering border security, integrity scenarios, and situational judgment.
Question 30 of 60
On a typical day, the Canada Border Services Agency seizes thousands of pounds of illegal drugs and makes hundreds of apprehensions. How will you best support your colleagues while managing a perpetually heavy workload?
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Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
If you are not aware of the overall activities of the CBSA, they provide some stats on their website. A few annual stats at a glance:
- 96 million travelers processed
- 11,217 firearms and weapons seized
- 1,307 illegal tobacco seizures
- 2.8 million of suspected proceeds of crime seized
- 16,180 drug seizures
- 7,786 removals of inadmissible persons
And, that is just the tip of the iceberg.
Amid a significant workload and considerable stress, CBSA needs to see that you will remain a team player who supports every member of their team, officer, and agent around you.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"The volume of processing, seizures, and apprehensions handled by CBSA is remarkable and difficult to comprehend as an outside observer. For myself, every seizure and apprehension means less crime on our streets, fewer drugs for our citizens to abuse, and a lower number of illegal weapons in the hands of dangerous people. Thinking about this is highly motivating and will serve as a significant driver for me, even on the most difficult days. The more often I can skillfully help my team members along the way, the better. I will support my colleagues by maintaining this enthusiasm and desire for collaboration every single day."
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
Discuss how you remain helpful and collaborative, regardless of the volume of work or pressures on any given day. Assure them you take the necessary steps and procedures very seriously and always adhere to protocol. If you have any relevant examples to share where you've faced similar situations, not is the time to flout your prior experience.
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Anonymous Answer
I will put my utmost effort into supporting my colleagues in order to reduce crime and illegal drugs. I will handle the workload by maintaining a positive attitude and enthusiasm.
Rachelle's Feedback
These are nice ways to support your colleagues, indeed. Since you work in a similar environment already, can you share how you currently support your co-workers? By adding in a measurable example or story, you will take the answer from simply 'telling' the interviewer what you will do to actually 'showing' the interviewer that you are a person of action.
Anonymous Answer
I am used to working in a very fast-paced environment where you need to stay alert and pay attention to small details all while maintaining a steady flow of passengers. I consider myself to be a great team player who helps to support my colleagues when times can get stressful. Any need for seizure or apprehensions will make Canada a safer place, and this will keep me motivated throughout my shift and my career at CBSA.
Rachelle's Feedback
Staying alert and paying attention to the small details are meaningful ways to support your co-workers. Since you have experience as a screening officer, I encourage you to utilize a story/measurable example that showcases your ability to support colleagues despite heavy workloads or times of added stress.
Anonymous Answer
Having an understanding of the heavy workload, I will continue to be involved with my team day in and day out. I pride myself on having an overall enthusiastic and optimistic approach to my daily life that I believe will easily be transitioned into my career day-to-day. Being involved with my team demonstrates to them that I am very team-oriented, driven to have the team succeed, as well it shows my fellow colleagues that I am invested in their career as much as I am my own.
Rachelle's Feedback
I recommend that you be more specific about the measurable/tangible ways you will be involved with your team. This answer a touch vague and somewhat sounds like the teamwork that would be expected of you anyway. Try to think of ways to go above and beyond to ensure that everyone stays afloat/focused/motivated during a stressful or hectic day.
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