How to Answer: Talk about the ways you exhibit leadership qualities even when you are not in a leadership role.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a CBSA job interview.
34. Talk about the ways you exhibit leadership qualities even when you are not in a leadership role.
What You Need to Know
CBSA looks for individuals who naturally act like a leader. They're interested in learning your style of leadership and how you navigate challenges while motivating those on your team.
Written by Kevin Downey on July 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Challenge yourself to align your philosophy to theirs in a complementary way. Describe the ways in which you behave as a leader in your everyday life. Even if you're not driving a team, you can still demonstrate the qualities of a leader. Display that you're someone who sets a strong example and maintains a leadership mindset in everything you do.
Written by Kevin Downey on July 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"I spend a lot of time reading books and listening to podcasts around the topic of leadership. One quote that I appreciate is from John Quincy Adams, 'If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.' For this reason, I am sure to always lead by example. I never know who is watching my actions or learning from my behavior and choices. This mentality applies to my time at work, at home, out with my friends socially, or even the actions that I take on social media. No matter what the situation, I practice leadership and value being a fine example to others."
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 28th, 2020
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
"In my previous job I would always step in to help my coworkers when I would see them struggling or getting overwhelmed with their task. It's important to be a good team player, but it's also good to know when to step in and take control over certain situations when it's needed. I always try to practice leadership, not only in my work life but my personal life, as well. I'm not one to conform just because everyone else is."
Rachelle's Feedback
It seems you have a lot of natural leadership tendencies, which is terrific! I encourage you to include more measurable examples. This approach will ensure a memorable, action-based response. For instance, you could tell a brief story of a time when you took the lead on the job, even when it was not an expectation of your role.
Show More Answers
Anonymous Answer
"As a mother, I consider myself a leader even though my job is not a leadership role. Following the code of conduct helps you to make leadership decisions."
Stephanie's Feedback
You do a great job of using your experience as a mom to illustrate your leadership. However, your response should be a bit more specific and should highlight exactly what that leadership looks like.
Anonymous Answer
"I take on tasks head first. I know how to work well with others or independently. It's important to be able to adapt to any situation and this is something I do whether I'm in a leadership position or not. I also never know who's watching, so it's good to exhibit these qualities at all times."
Rachelle's Feedback
It sounds as though you are a highly positive example in the workplace. I'd love to see you take the answer and make it even more specific to you. For instance, do you have a specific story of a time when you acted as a leader? Storytelling in an interview can go a long way when done correctly. I like to coach the STAR framework for weaving story-based examples into interview answers. Here is a guide if you would like to learn more: Master Behavioral-Based Interviews Using The Star Method
Anonymous Answer
"During my working life, I have always been a part of a team environment. Everywhere from fast-food to retail, we have always been faced with challenging times during rushes of transactions/customers. Up until my last position, I have not been in a management position. However, when times call for it, I take the initiative to help other employees who may be struggling during these rushes to ensure that we all succeed as a team. I know that a team is only as strong as its weakest link.
Personally, I have always been interested in leadership skill building and understanding what makes a team efficient. I read books, online articles, listen to podcasts, as well as push myself to learn of the different personality traits to have a better understanding of leadership and its effect on others. Becoming an aunt recently, I understand on a new level that there is always someone watching and looking up to you, whether you know it or not. So every action you decide to take will always be viewed and valued by another person."
Personally, I have always been interested in leadership skill building and understanding what makes a team efficient. I read books, online articles, listen to podcasts, as well as push myself to learn of the different personality traits to have a better understanding of leadership and its effect on others. Becoming an aunt recently, I understand on a new level that there is always someone watching and looking up to you, whether you know it or not. So every action you decide to take will always be viewed and valued by another person."
Rachelle's Feedback
You're off to a good start! I recommend sticking with 'I/me' language as much as possible vs. swapping between personal and 'royal you' verbiage. When you are talking about the ways you emulate the qualities of a leader, I suggest focusing on measurable examples rather than providing general statements. Also, try to avoid sayings that can come across as cliche and replace them with measurable, action-based, and personalized statements (Hint: saying 'I have always...' or reciting isms such as the weakest link statement). I have provided some suggestions for you below.
"I have worked in a team environment my entire career. From positions in fast-food to retail jobs, I have faced challenging times related to customer needs and performing in a fast-paced environment. Up until my last position, I did not hold an official management title. However, when times called for it, I took the initiative to help other employees who showed signs of struggling. For instance, when I worked for (company name) as a (job title), I saw a colleague who was struggling with (give a story-based example using the STAR answer method). I have a keen interest in building my leadership skills and understanding what makes a team efficient. I read books and online articles and listen to podcasts to push myself to learn about different personality traits and how my leadership approach can help others grow. After joining the CBSA, I will...(discuss how your leadership skills will benefit them)."
Anonymous Answer
"In my previous job, me and my coworkers had to work in dangerous conditions involving large, heavy objects. In these instances, I would be on the lookout for nearby coworkers engaging with these risks and ensuring that they are working safely, even though I am their peer and in some cases junior to them. In this case, I will ensure that my coworkers follow the Code of Conduct and the Criminal Code of Canada to the best of my ability. I feel this is a way in which I demonstrate leadership skills."
Stephanie's Feedback
Leadership skills can look a lot of different ways, and your response does a great job of reinforcing this. It sounds like you have been a wonderful colleague!
Anonymous Answer
"By being captain of my soccer team growing up I learned about being a leader from a young age. I feel that being a leader integrity is very important because doing the right thing whether someone is watching or not shows leadership. For my job, I often give out the best way to do the job. I train newer hires and give them the routes that save them the most time and give them the most efficient and best ways. Such as report writing, patrolling sites, and de-escalating situations."
Jaymie's Feedback
It sounds like you strive to set the right example for others and naturally take on the mentor/coach role. These will be skills the interviewer seeks in a candidate. Great job!