35 Canadian Blood Services Interview Questions & Answers
Behavioral
1. We take pride in our great relationships with clients, vendors, coworkers, and patients. Do you consider yourself to be a strong relationship builder?
How to Answer
Strong relationship-building skills will be essential to succeed in any role at Canadian Blood Services. Discuss what techniques you use to establish and maintain relationships with others. Consider giving examples that highlight your ability to communicate effectively, build trust, be genuine, follow up on commitments, demonstrate respect, etc.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I have often been complimented on my relationship building skills. I like to get to know people and ask them questions about themselves. Most people love to talk about themselves, and I find it's a great and simple way to start building rapport with others. I consider myself to be a strong relationship builder and take pride in my 'people skills'. Rest assured, I would be a great ambassador of positive relationships for Canadian Blood Services."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"I am happy to hear that Canadian Blood Services values long-term relationships. This fact is a bonus for me, and it's one of the reasons I chose to work in the medical field. I like working in an industry where genuine care is valued. Healthcare is not a place for gimmicks because health is precious and irreplaceable. In the past, I've had a lot of success by focusing on building a reputation for consistency and followup. What you describe is a good fit for me, these skills are valued by reputable vendors, and I'd like to represent a company that wants to create long-term sustainable partnerships."
Written by Ryan Brunner
User-Submitted Answer
"Yes! We need to respect our co-workers, avoid gossip, and be trustworthy."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
It's great to hear that you're a loyal and trustworthy colleague1 To make your response stronger, I suggest including a specific example of a time when you worked to build a positive relationship with someone at work. What was the situation? How did you go about building a positive relationship? This example will take your response up a notch!
Behavioral
2. Would you describe yourself as honest and transparent?
How to Answer
Canadian Blood Services places a high value on its core value of integrity. The organization's website highlights its focus on always doing the right thing, doing what they say they will, sharing information in an honest and transparent manner, and following policies, processes, and regulations. Consider this core value and how you reflect integrity, honesty, and transparency as an employee of an organization. Give examples of how you demonstrate these things in the workplace.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I consider myself a very transparent and honest person. At work, I'm always open and honest with my supervisor about my workload and capacity to take on more, and I also voice when I'm overwhelmed. If I'm struggling with something, I'm transparent with my team and manager and ask for help. I take pride in being accountable for my work and am always honest when submitting my time card, reports, or anything of the like."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I pride myself on being a transparent leader to my team. I know people will get on board with goals and changes when they better understand the "why" behind them. I also have the same policy when addressing performance management among my team. If someone is underperforming in comparison to their peers, I share that information as a whole and help them better understand where they are missing the mark. I foster a culture of openness, and I lead this by example."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
Behavioral
3. What is your greatest weakness?
How to Answer
Pick a weakness that is not a core skill for this position. You can be candid in your answer; recognizing that you aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. Be sure to have an action plan in place for improving on this weakness.
Perhaps you are watching TED talks to gain skills in a particular area, reading the latest-and-greatest book on the subject, or maybe you are taking a seminar at a nearby community center. We are all human with our weaknesses, so don't be afraid to share yours!
Written by Ryan Brunner
1st Answer Example
"I believe I could improve on some technical skills including Excel and Word. Currently I am at a beginner to intermediate level; however, I would be more comfortable at an advanced level. I have enrolled myself in an evening/weekend workshop for the next six weeks. We will see how stellar my skills are after that course!"
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"I know this will come off as cliche, but it's truthful. My weakness is in not delegating. I know what I want to be done and how I want it done, so it's often easier to do it myself. However, it can inhibit my ability to grow. I cannot take on every step of a project; I need to be able to give the task or a portion of it to another team member or direct report, let go of the control and know it will be taken care of. I've spoken with my current manager about it, and we've developed a system where he can call me out on the behavior since often I'm not aware of it. By bringing awareness to it at the moment, I find my propensity to hold onto control has decreased, so I'm certainly moving in the right direction."
Written by Ryan Brunner
Behavioral
4. We like to promote collaboration as part of our core values. How do you go about creating a nurturing environment where everyone is included?
How to Answer
Respect is one of the top values for the employees of Canadian Blood Services and the organization strives for inclusion of all on work teams. For this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear your understanding that a fully functioning team depends on a diversified team where each team member brings their own area of expertise to chip into the greater whole. If possible, use an example of a time where you were part of a diverse team of individuals and how you came together to solve a problem.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"The main reason I love working as part of a large team of individuals is the knowledge I gain from others in their particular areas of expertise. A team is only as good as the sum of its parts and each cog on the team brings their diverse field of knowledge and background to help chip in to the team's greater effort. To help nurture a team based environment, I keep an open mind to new ideas and leave no stone unturned when recruiting members to a team."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"Last year, I was asked to lead a green initiative at my organization that reassessed our recycle and reuse programs. As a part of our administrative team, it would have been easy to just include members of leadership from around our organization on our team but I felt it was important to include front line employees like Food Service Associates and Environmental Services for their input. After organizing the team and holding our first couple of meetings, we were taking on action on several ideas that were brought forth by our front line employees and their inclusion to our team was invaluable."
Written by Ryan Brunner
Compatibility
5. Tell me about your healthcare related education and training.
How to Answer
Many positions at Canadian Blood Services require a degree or certification. Read the job description carefully and provide details on your program and where you obtained your degree or certificate. If you have more informal, on-the-job training, describe that to the interviewer and explain how your education and training make you a fit for the role.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I have a nursing degree as well as additional on the job training within clinical research. I feel that my nursing education opened up many potential industry-related avenues for me. I graduated top of my class and completed a valuable internship with 'XYZ Health Services'. All of these experiences have helped prepare me for success in this role with Canadian Blood Services."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"I completed my secondary education and in the last month, completed my training and received my certification in phlebotomy. I'm anxious to obtain my first position as a phlebotomist and to grow and develop in my role."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
Compatibility
6. What is your patient care philosophy?
How to Answer
Canadian Blood Services' core values include integrity, collaboration, adaptability, respect, and excellence. Review their website and familiarize yourself with these five values and what they mean specifically to the organization. Discuss your patient philosophy and tie in elements of the organization's core values.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I believe all patients should be treated with respect and compassion, and even the smallest gesture of kindness can go a long way. I try to go above and beyond to ensure they have a positive experience with me and my team so that they return to us for care in the future or refer others to us. I align with the mission of Canadian Blood Services, which is to help every patient and match every need. I have a servant attitude and would do all that I could to ensure our patients' needs were met."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I have three philosophies when it comes to my work. One for the clinic, one for me, and one for the patient. First, I work in a system, and I respect that. I follow the rules, I maintain my certifications, and I appreciate the policies and values of whatever site I work. Patient care is a privilege, and I respect the role I have in clinical care and the part other people have. Second, I want to be the best at what I do. Every day I learn something, and that's because I choose to get better.
Last, I adapt to the individual. If I'm meeting the requirements of my position, and evolving within my profession, then I am free to adjust to my patient and be the provider they need. Some patients need a lot of attention; some want less, and some need boundaries. I have trained myself to adapt my communication style, so a patient gets what they need."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
Compatibility
7. I understand you're new to healthcare. How will your skills transfer to Canadian Blood Services?
How to Answer
There are many ways that you can be a fit for a position, even though you do not come with direct experience in healthcare services. Review the job description and look for key skills that are required, then think about the transferable skills you possess and how those can benefit Canadian Blood Services, despite the industry background you may have. These skills could include technical abilities, communication and leadership skills, customer service experience, healthcare courses, administrative skills, etc.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"Although my background is not in healthcare services, I am quick learner and have many transferrable skills that would allow me to make the transition easily. For example, I'm well versed in health and safety precautions and prevention, I have excellent communications skills with a focus area in customer service, I have experience building relationships with external clients, and I have strong planning and organizational skills."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"Though I have not worked specifically in healthcare, I do have extensive experience working with the public in a customer-facing role in retail services. I excel at conflict resolution, customer interaction, and satisfaction, communication, and problem-solving. In my last performance review, these were all strengths that my manager identified and strengths that I feel would transfer well and help me be successful in this role."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
Compatibility
8. We have a flourishing stem cell network across Canada that matches donors with potential recipients and the program continues to save lives on a daily basis. What are your thoughts on stem cell research and transplants?
How to Answer
In the political landscape, stem cell research has had a lot of opposition due to the fact that some of the research involved human embryos. With CBS obtaining their stem cells and marrow through donors, they can harvest the cells in a variety of ways from healthy adults and the rewards of the donations are reaped by the many lives that are saved. Knowing that employees need to buy into the mission and values of the organization, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you are a proponent of stem cell usage in the field.
Written by Ryan Brunner
1st Answer Example
"Last year, our neighbor received stem cells through a bone marrow donation and he has seen a great improvement in his leukemia. Watching such a young boy see such a turnaround from a life threatening disease really inspired me and opened my mind to the donation process and the services that your organization provides. I would love to be a part of that moving forward."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"To be honest, I'm not 100% familiar with how Canadian Blood Services receives donated stem cells and marrows to match with recipients. I know that the technology and science has save many lives throughout Canada and I would flourish in being a part of that process. I'd love to hear more from your perspective on how the entire process works."
Written by Ryan Brunner
Compatibility
9. Why do you think you will be successful in this role with us?
How to Answer
Rather than just sharing how you have gone above and beyond expectations in the past, focus on how your qualities will help you to meet and exceed expectations with Canadian Blood Services. Discuss the reasons why will you be great at this job. Talk about your qualifications and skills that will help you to do this job well. If you can, match your strengths to the requirements outlined in the job description.
Written by Ryan Brunner
1st Answer Example
"I know I will be successful in this role because I have been working in this industry for five years with great training and mentorship. I have a solid understanding of X, Y, and Z (skills listed in the job description). Also, I have all of my updated certifications as outlined in your job description. I am well-prepared for this next step in my career."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"I know that the vision of Canadian Blood Services is to help every patient. That means collaborating with people to provide quality healthcare for the community. This is important to me because I know it takes many people, from receptionists to providers, to care for patients and ensure they have a positive patient experience. Each and every employee plays a critical role in the patient care process. I understand the dynamics of a team and what it takes to be successful, and I find great value in working as a team to create positive outcomes. I believe my drive to collaborate with others and provide excellent customer service for patients would add value to Canadian Blood Services."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
Compatibility
10. What kind of working environment do you thrive in?
How to Answer
There are many work options now, with some roles being 100% on-site, 100% remote, a hybrid, or even a hybrid with extensive travel. Read the Canadian Blood Services job description to get a better sense of the work environment for the specific role. The interviewer wants to get a sense of your preference for the atmosphere in which you'll be working. Be honest, but also demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt and succeed in any environment.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"In my internship, I was in a hybrid role doing some work from the office and some remotely from home. I even got to do some traveling to different business sites. I am an extrovert, and I really enjoy working on-site versus remotely, as I recharge and thrive being around other people. I also prefer a busy, fast-paced environment to keep me on my toes and to provide new challenges for me to learn and grow from."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"My ideal environment is organized, collaborative, positive, energetic, and encouraging. I love working with like-minded people who set challenging goals for themselves. I thrive when I work for supervisors who encourage curiosity and creativity in problem-solving. Additionally, I can be effective in a remote, on-site, or hybrid setting."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
Competency
11. How would you provide support to a donor who was experiencing anxiety or fear about donating blood or plasma?
How to Answer
Canadian Blood Services works with thousands of donors a year, and many of those donors experience anxiety or fear during the process. This question allows you to highlight your interpersonal and communication skills along with your ability to provide emotional support and compassionate care to patients you work with. Give examples of ways you have supported patients or will in the future.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"Many first-time donors are anxious, nervous, or afraid when preparing to donate blood or plasma. I introduce myself, share my credentials and education/training, then make sure I take the time to educate them on the process and what to expect each step of the way. I thank them for what they are doing for others, and I maintain an upbeat attitude and reassure them frequently throughout the process. Sometimes I make small talk if they are up for it, or I offer to get them a drink or snack to help distract them. I also offer them breaks throughout the process if they seem uneasy or do not feel well."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I know that many people are afraid of needles or just have general fear about the donation process. I reassure the patient that they are in good hands with us, and I spend time educating them on the process and answering their questions. It's important that patients breathe and relax, so I try to distract them with conversation and encourage them not to watch if they are afraid of needles. I focus on the positives, like the impact they are having on the lives of others, and I celebrate their bravery!"
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
Competency
12. As part of our quality initiatives, safeguarding patient information is of utmost importance. In your current role, how do you go about protecting patient health information or other personal information?
How to Answer
A patient's personal and health information is required to be highly secured by law, and healthcare organizations like Canadian Blood Services must put together strict PHI and personal information security processes and procedures. If you've worked in healthcare prior to this interview, you most likely have had intense training on safeguard measures to ensure that patient information is kept secure. Let your interviewer know that you are aware of the importance of keeping the information of your patients secure and talk about how you do this in your current job.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"When a patient comes to our clinic, they are in a very vulnerable state, and the least of their worries should be their personal or health information being released to the wrong person. I follow all of our company policies strictly regarding securing patient information. Easy things like locking down workstations can be done in a matter of two seconds, and this comes second nature to me now. I ensure that necessary conversations on a patient's health are done in privacy, with no possibility for bystanders to overhear the conversation. I take my role in patient safety and security very seriously and personally."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"Having worked in patient registration, I completely understand the importance of safeguarding a patient's personal information. I come in contact with a lot of very personal information like dates of birth, addresses, and financial information, and I follow all policies in regard to keeping this information private. I feel like the training that I've had on the subject would allow me to step right into this position at Canadian Blood Services and protect your patients with the greatest of abilities."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
User-Submitted Answer
"I completely understand that we need to secure our patients' information."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
It's great to hear that you have a strong understanding of confidentiality, but do you have any specific experience in this area from your current role? If so, it's important to specifically name that here.
Competency
13. In your role, why is it important to utilize sound listening skills?
How to Answer
This is a very open, yet very important, question for your interview. Canadian Blood Services hold collaboration as a very high value and believes that listening with an open mind and focusing on patient solutions is extremely important. For this question, elaborate on your direct role with patients and how hearing their thoughts is important for you to provide the best care possible to them. Explain how you approach each patient with a blank slate and no judgments to ensure that you don't hold any bias for what they tell you.
Written by Ryan Brunner
1st Answer Example
"As a phlebotomist, I try to engage every patient that I come in contact with and need to get a draw on. First, I introduce myself and explain who I am to them. I then ask how they are and how they are feeling today and listen for cues on their overall health and well being. Knowing I am about to draw blood, I find that patients that have had issues drawing in the past will talk about that and I can at least have a heads up that I may be in for a tough stick and maybe hear the best place they have had success in the past. During the time I'm drawing, I'm talking to the patient and remain opening to any feedback that they have to see if they are in pain or feeling good."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"While lab tests, blood pressure and vital signs can tell a lot about a patient at any given time, nothing is more important than the words that come out of their mouth about how they are feeling. When I am with a patient, two way dialogue is extremely important. On my end, it is important that I introduce myself and explain what I am doing with them at that given time to help build a trust with them. Once I do this, I am hopeful that the patient will open up to me when I begin asking questions on their current state. When they talk, I use reflective listening skills to ensure that I am hearing and understanding exactly what they are saying."
Written by Ryan Brunner
Competency
14. Describe your communication skills.
How to Answer
Effective communication is an important skill to possess to be successful in any role at Canadian Blood Services. Speak in detail about your communication style and skills and give specific examples. Consider how your skills will translate in this role and contribute to the organization's success. Be sure to read the job posting thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and connect your skills. Canadian Blood Services serves a diverse customer base, so demonstrate your ability to be flexible in your style as well. Think about how you share feedback, listen to others, show empathy, and communicate verbally and nonverbally to individuals and groups.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"Having worked in some form of customer service for the last six years, I feel I've really sharpened my communication skills. I'm a good listener, often practicing active listening techniques in everyday conversations. For example, when a customer is explaining to me the type of item or product they are looking for, I repeat back what I think I hear as their description to ensure I understand exactly what they are looking for. I always maintain a professional tone in my communication, whether in verbal conversations, email communication, or instant messenger applications at work."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I'm direct in my communication and typically try to communicate important information face to face first, then follow up with an email recapping the conversation and highlights. I always maintain a professional and positive tone and never raise my voice or curse in the workplace. I'm bilingual, so I'm able to communicate with a diverse group of people as well."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
Competency
15. How would you rate your knowledge of medical terminology?
How to Answer
A thorough understanding of medical terminology will make you a more desirable candidate when applying for various roles at Canadian Blood Services. Speak about your knowledge and experience in this area and any courses or classes you may have taken. If you lack skills in this area, demonstrate to the interviewer your willingness to learn and your ability to self-help and learn new information quickly.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"On a scale of 1-5, I would rate my knowledge of medical terminology at a 4. I have worked in the hospital for about five years, so I've built an extensive vocabulary and a thorough understanding of medical terms, acronyms, and jargon. If I do not recognize a word or acronym, I'm quick to look it up on the internet or in the medical dictionary I keep in my desk drawer."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I would rate myself a 2 out of 5. I'm newer to healthcare, but I do have a foundation of terminology from a couple of healthcare courses I took in secondary school. I love watching healthcare shows on TV, so I've picked up a bit of knowledge from that as well. I'm very eager to learn and am more than willing to put the effort into researching and learning to be successful in this role."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
Competency
16. One of the key components to our mission is to be efficient in our work performance as a whole. How have you demonstrated ways that you can be efficient in your work?
How to Answer
Canadian Blood Services works with thousands of donors, recipients and business partners on a daily basis and the need to be efficient on the job is of utmost importance to the organization. Talk about ways that you consciously make an effort to be efficient in your work processes and elaborate on how your efficiencies improve patient care and the bottom line for your organization.
Written by Ryan Brunner
1st Answer Example
"As a phlebotomist in a busy hospital setting currently, I have to be efficient to ensure that the needs of our laboratory staff and the patients are met with equal importance. I took the time upon starting to get to know our campus and be efficient in how I make my patient blood draws to avoid walking back and forth too often. I ensure that my mobile cart is fully stocked and I find that by taking some time to fully prepare supplies, I make less trips back to our central supply area than I normally would."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"For me personally, working efficiently starts with being organized. By taking some time each week and each day to maintain my files and organize my projects that I'm working, I spend less time during the days and weeks fumbling for items I need. I also utilize my Outlook calendar to keep me on pace for meetings, phone calls and projects. On top of being organized, I find myself being more efficient by working with my greater team on large projects and reciprocating that help when I am asked."
Written by Ryan Brunner
User-Submitted Answer
"By implementing LEAN I think the workplace will be efficient."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
That's great that you're implementing LEAN! I suggest adding a few more details about what this looks like for you in your day-to-day work.
Competency
17. One of our core values is excellence. How do you demonstrate excellence in service in the workplace?
How to Answer
A core value at Canadian Blood Services' is excellence. Their website notes that they give their best every day in all that they do by taking ownership of work, continuously improving processes, products and services, and setting high standards. This question allows you to speak to your work ethic and commitment to this core value and provides insight into whether you give it your best effort every day.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I believe that quality and excellence go hand in hand. I don't have formal work experience, but I will share this example with you. While in my graduate program school, quality was a focus for me as I studied, researched, wrote, and defended my dissertation. I made sure that the articles or publications I was reading and referencing were from credible and verified sources. I took pride in my writing, never plagiarizing, and always ensured that I proofread my submissions multiple times and asked other peers to proofread them so that I was only presenting top-notch work. I will also bring that same level of commitment to quality to Canadian Blood Services."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"In my administrative role, I'm often the face of the company when it comes to first impressions and interactions with the public. I maintain a professional appearance and conduct, never engaging in crude jokes or gossiping with clients. I strive to provide white glove service and am very attentive to my customer's needs, keeping a goal for myself to respond to their emails and calls the same day or within 24 hours at the latest. I ensure that I'm always on time for meetings and maintain consistency in meetings, making a point to never reschedule them unless there is an emergency."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
Discovery
18. We support a healthy work/life balance for all employees. How do you balance life and work?
How to Answer
Those working in healthcare often experience burnout, so the interviewer wants to understand how you balance the stresses of work and home. Give examples of how you maintain a healthy work-life balance. Examples could include taking breaks, shutting off your work phone/email when appropriate, prioritizing health and wellness, exercising, and open communication with your manager.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I find that with the right company, it's pretty simple to balance life and work. When I enjoy what I do it doesn't feel like a chore. I am always sure that when at home, my family gets my attention first. I take time on the weekends to do things for myself and ensure that I regenerate before the work week begins."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"I make a strong effort to keep a healthy balance by spending my free time away from my cell phone and having more face-to-face time with my friends and family. I indulge in the things that make me happy, on my time off. By consistently rejuvenating in this way, I can give even more energy when I am at work."
Written by Ryan Brunner
Discovery
19. With the ongoing changes in the healthcare services industry, how do you keep your knowledge current?
How to Answer
Employers expect employees to stay up-to-date on their respective field, and today's technology makes this reasonably easy! List several ways that you receive your industry knowledge and stay on top of trends. Tell the interviewer about those daily update emails you receive from professional organizations, conferences you attend, and seminars you have taken. Lastly, it's a great idea to ask the interviewer what resources they refer to for industry trends. That question can start up a great conversation, and you may learn a thing or two as well.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"Every morning I listen to X Podcast because I find the information to be fresh, and valuable. In addition to this podcast, I also subscribe to a couple of industry blogs. One is ABC, and the other is XYZ. I greatly value the information shared between fellow professionals. What resources do you prefer to stay on top of industry trends and changes?"
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"I am an avid fan of google alerts! I will receive an email with the related information any time there is a major headline about the healthcare services industry. In addition to this, I also subscribe to a couple of medical-related journals."
Written by Ryan Brunner
User-Submitted Answer
"Every morning I’m listening to the news and google is always there."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
It's great to hear that you're committed to staying abreast of current trends in the industry. To strengthen your response, I suggest including specific examples (articles, websites, podcasts, etc) that you utilize to stay current!
Discovery
20. If we hired you today, what would you accomplish first?
How to Answer
When you start a new position, it is essential to set a goal on how you will make a positive impact quickly after being hired. Tell the interviewer what your impact goal is, should you be the successful candidate. If you want to make an impact with your answer, refer to the immediate needs of the company such as increasing budgets, or improving patient care, for instance.
Written by Ryan Brunner
1st Answer Example
"When we were speaking earlier, you mentioned that you were urgently seeking to improve the level of patient care and compassion at this facility. I want to offer my strong skills when it comes to building patient rapport and help to improve the satisfaction of everyone that uses the services of Canadian Blood Services. I plan to make a positive impact very quickly."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
This question is a delicate one, and you need to show respect for the onboarding process, then give a moderately ambitious project that you could execute. This concept is often called your 'value proposition' in marketing. "Hire me because I'll do X."
But remember this is your campaign promise, if hired, it will likely be your first target to hit and depending on the environment, it could make or break you. The best approach is to give a functional analysis of the employers' needs and your skills.
Written by Ryan Brunner
Discovery
21. What do you know about Canadian Blood Services?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to see if you've taken the time to research Canadian Blood Services and learn more about why they do what they do, their mission, and their core values. Demonstrate that you're being intentional about applying to organizations you're interested in, not just any posted job. Take the time to speak about what you've read about the organization, its leadership team, its mission, what they value, and the patients they serve.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"Canadian Blood Services is a not-for-profit charitable organization that operates independently from the government and was founded in 1998. Canadian Blood Services provides blood, plasma, as well as transfusion, and stem cell registry services on behalf of all provincial and territorial governments (excluding Quebec). Through research, I found that 100,000 new donors are needed each year to meet the need and make up for those who cannot donate anymore. The work that you all do is impactful and critical to the community, and I'd love to be a part of such a valuable mission."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"As your mission says, you are Canada's Biological Lifeline! I understand Canadian Blood Services focuses on four core areas of activity; blood, plasma, stem cells, organs, and tissues. The organization serves hundreds of thousands of Canadian citizens annually and provides life-saving support nationwide. I closely align with your core value system called ICARE (Integrity, Collaboration, Adaptability, Respect, Excellence) and would love to learn more about how I could be a part of this amazing organization and team."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
Discovery
22. Tell me about yourself.
How to Answer
Take a few minutes to tell the interviewer a few things about yourself. You can begin with your recent education, family life, volunteer work, or talk about your travels. Bring up anything that is interesting and highlights your ability to be a responsible, reliable, and bright individual.
Written by Ryan Brunner
1st Answer Example
"A bit about me - I love to travel, read, and conduct research. I am a recent grad from Columbia University and have spent the past 12 months traveling the world. It was the best experience that I could have given myself as I was able to learn so much from seeing how the rest of the world lives. I returned to the US just last month and had been actively looking for work the past couple of weeks. I am looking forward to getting into the routine of a career again."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"I am an avid marathon runner and have traveled to 10 countries in the last eight years to compete in a variety of races. I am a competitive individual and enjoy keeping fit. Being newer to my career in healthcare services, my biggest goal as of late has to take as many related courses and workshops as possible. I am eager to get a great start on my career."
Written by Ryan Brunner
Discovery
23. Are you familiar with what ICARE means here?
How to Answer
Canadian Blood Services places a great emphasis on its mission, vision, and core values. The interviewer will likely ask a question to test your knowledge of the five core values, as it will be an expectation that you demonstrate them if offered a position. These are important to know so that you can weave your alignment into not only this answer but also other relevant questions throughout the interview.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"ICARE is the acronym for the five core values of Canadian Blood Services, which include integrity, collaboration, adaptability, respect, and excellence. I resonate with all of these, particularly collaboration. Teamwork is critical in any department and can make a big difference in how satisfied you are in the workplace. I love that Candian Blood Services places such a high value on helping one another, listening with an open mind, and finding solutions together."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"Through my research on the company, I learned that ICARE represents the five core values of Canadian Blood Services. Integrity, collaboration, adaptability, respect, and excellence are all core values that I closely align with. I know that Canadian Blood Services has a reputation for its integrity and strong moral compass. I want to join an organization that does the right thing, does what they say will, and shares information in an open and transparent manner. I know the importance of doing the right thing, even when it's difficult. I also closely adhere to policies, standards, and guidelines and would promote integrity within the organization, along with the other core values as well."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
Discovery
24. Are you actively interviewing with other companies?
How to Answer
Be honest about your status and if you're passively or actively job searching. Be open about whether you are interviewing with other companies and if so, what stage of the interview process you are in and if you have any pending offers. This gives the interviewer a better idea of how seriously you're pursuing other opportunities, how soon you're looking to make a move, and how quickly they need to make a decision. If you are interviewing elsewhere, but Canadian Blood Services is your preferred employer, don't be afraid to share that information.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I'm currently looking to make a move in the next 2-3 weeks and have been actively searching but have applied to only a handful of companies. I'm very intentional in my current search as I look for a reputable organization to join that also aligns with my values. Canadian Blood Services is my preferred employer of choice, and I'm very interested in this opportunity."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I've just begun my job search, so I'm exploring different companies and opportunities. I'm actively interviewing but do not have any formal offers at the moment. I appreciate your time today and feel like this opportunity would align well with my skill set, formal education, and career goals."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
Discovery
25. Where do you see yourself in the next 3-5 years?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to understand your ambitions and desired career trajectory better. Respond with the ways that you would like to see your career flourish. If you aren't interested in eventually pursuing a management role, speak to how you want to grow and expand other skill sets or continue your education. If you have researched a specific career path or are interested in a particular leadership role, express that area of interest in your response.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I am currently working in a smaller organization where promotions and growth are limited. I am interested in joining Canadian Blood Services and growing in my role, then eventually moving into a leadership role. In 3-5 years, I would love to be in a dedicated leadership position such as a regional manager or patient care manager."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"In the next 3-5 years, I would like to be in a more senior technician role. In the short term, I am looking to expand my skills and become a subject matter expert, and I would also like to partner with a mentor."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
Experience
26. We have a diverse workforce. When have you worked amongst a diverse group of people?
How to Answer
A crucial part of human resources is being able to work with people who are different than you. This could mean differences in background, race, religion, ability, education, or belief system. Hiring managers want to ensure that you will help maintain their positive company culture by adapting to whatever team you join. Demonstrate to the interviewer that you are more than capable of working with individuals of diverse backgrounds. You might point to a previous or current role that led you to be part of a diverse team. Or, you might have only been in relatively homogenous work environments. If that's the case, share that while highlighting the traits you hold that will contribute to your success in a diverse environment.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I have worked with hundreds of patients over the years, all coming from different backgrounds, ages, and cultures. I treat everyone with respect and provide the same level of excellent care to all. I also speak French and am able to communicate effectively with that population as well."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I am so glad you pointed out your need for diversity at Canadian Blood Services. I greatly value diversity. I grew up in a fairly homogeneous town in Montana. When I hit my 20's, it was so important to me to learn about other cultures. I worked with community volunteer organizations in Peru, inner-city Chicago, and Russia."
Written by Ryan Brunner
Experience
27. Have you ever been involved in ordering medical supplies, maintaining inventory, or other types of health care related administrative duties?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know if you understand what it takes to keep on top of ordering medical supplies and inventory. Describe your experience stocking the facility or unit with basic clinical and patient supplies, inventorying, ordering, and maintaining supplies. If you've used any specific software or programs, provide some insight into tools you're familiar with. Don't forget to include soft skills in your answer, like accuracy in your work, close attention to detail, and your ability to communicate if there is an issue in the process.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I have experience in ordering medical supplies and maintaining inventory. I fully understand that there is an art to being properly organized when it comes to the availability of supplies. For medical ordering and inventory, I have used a variety of software and programs such as ABC and XYZ."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"In my current role, I'm responsible for keeping certain supplies stocked on the ward, maintaining the inventory, and ordering replacement supplies. I'm also tasked with making sure all items are labeled clearly and appropriately and replacing missing or incorrect labels. I know that if we do not have the appropriate supplies, patients may have a poor experience, or the nursing staff may not be able to do their jobs. I'm very thorough and careful when I'm inventorying so that we prevent such issues. If there is a shortage of an item, an unusual amount of supplies used or missing, or any other issues, I report it to my supervisor immediately and take their direction to rectify the situation. I'm very comfortable with this task and would have no problems taking this on in my next role."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 28th, 2023
Experience
28. One of our missions is to be innovative to reinvent today so that we can find answers for tomorrow. Have you personally witnessed innovation changing your work life in a positive way? Did you play a part in the innovation?
How to Answer
Laws, regulations and the changing scenery of the blood and organ donation industry make the need for innovation in the industry extremely important and Canadian Blood Services does not take this lightly. They expect employees to be open to new processes and chip in their thoughts and ideas when they can to help the company innovate. Let the interviewer know that you understand the importance of innovation and willingness to participate in it by giving a great example of a time you had to do this.
Written by Ryan Brunner
1st Answer Example
"I think back to early in my career when we implemented the first electronic medical record at the system I was working for at the time. The switch from paper records to strictly a computer based system was a giant philosophical change for a lot of people and a lot of my colleagues were very opposed to the change. Being the type of person that looks at features and benefits and weighs positives and negatives, it didn't take long to realize that the change would be immensely positive. We would see better medical care for our patients due to quicker and more accurate patient notes and communication between providers and departments so I kept a positive mindset. I think that this really helped sway the attitudes of some of my colleagues as well."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"Last year, my current employer purchased and implemented the Tenderfoot lancet for blood draws on newborn patients. Having heard about the lancet through a journal, I knew it would be a positive change for our patients. Some of my coworkers were very hesitant to making the change because they really just feared the fact that they would have to learn something new. I volunteered to take the lead in the training and implementation in our department. Today, we are seeing a much higher success rate of blood draws from our newborns."
Written by Ryan Brunner
Situational
29. We operate in a changing environment and adaptability is a core value here. Talk about a time you had to be fluid and embrace a changing work environment. Were there any hurdles you had to overcome to embrace the change?
How to Answer
In the healthcare industry, change is inevitable and to be a successful employee in any facet of healthcare, you have to be willing and ready to change at a moments notice. Talk to your interviewer about a specific time where major changes were made to you job or work practices. Let them know that you have a very open mind to change in the workplace and that you seek to understand the reasons why things are changing to help you buy into the change.
Written by Ryan Brunner
1st Answer Example
"A couple of years ago, the organization that I worked for merged with a much larger healthcare organization. At the time of the announcement, there was a great sense that our entire world was about to be flipped upside down in my entire department and most of my coworkers definitely felt doom and gloom. My mindset regarding change is that it is inevitable and people need to be open and receptive to change. With that as my mindset, I researched the new organization that we would soon be a part of and read and heard nothing but great things. As the merger neared, we did find out changes to policies and procedures that would directly effect our operations, but I saw that most of those changes would great benefit our patients and bottom lien.e When my co-workers saw my receptive and excited attitude, I really think I was able to convince people to embrace the change as well."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"Working in clinical coding for some time, I have been a part of many major changes that directly effect my day to day life at work. With the recent implementation of the ICD-10, I had to learn and implement hundreds of new codes. Rather than sulking like some of my colleagues, I welcome new learning opportunities and always put myself in the minds of our patients and consumers. The ICD-10 changes were made to make medical billing much more easy to understand and differentiate and I was willing to do my part to learn and put this to good use on the job."
Written by Ryan Brunner
User-Submitted Answer
"When I’m working at _____ they introduce Lean, there’s a massive change in every department and I’m so thankful to be part of that."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
It sounds like you're adaptable, but this response should include a specific example. In the "Revised Answer" section, I have included a template of how you might respond to this question.
"An example of a time when I needed to embrace change at work is _______________(provide a specific example--what was the situation? Why was flexibility critical? How did you respond to the change? What was the impact?) From this experience, I learned _____________________(state what you learned.) I feel confident in my ability to exhibit agility and flexibility in my next role as well. I understand that adjusting to change is a part of every workplace!"
Situational
30. Talk about a time you had to engage a patient or their family in the decision making process for their care. What role did you play in engaging them and why was it important that they were included.
How to Answer
Allowing a patient and/or their family to be included in their care is vital for the patient to buy into the plan that you are setting forth for them. Your interviewer will be looking to gauge your critical thinking skills in making a care plan for patients along with your ability to educate and include the patient and their caretakers. Talk about a situation with a great outcome where you included the patient or their family and expand upon your role in that situation.
Written by Ryan Brunner
1st Answer Example
"Recently, we were preparing to discharge a patient that had a hip replacement and including he and his wife in the planning was extremely important. For a joint replacement like a hip, there are a lot of critical changes that need to happen around the home to ensure that the patient is able to live life as normal as possible and be as safe as possible. We have a lot of great information for patients with hip replacements and I sat with the patient and his wife two days before his discharge to talk about therapy they could alone in the home and modifications to the bath, kitchen and bedroom in their home that could benefit the patient. At a follow up appointment, I was so glad to see that he was adjusting well and that life at home was going great after his operation."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"While I don't work directly with patients in my role in healthcare finance, I can think of a couple of great examples of times that I had to engage key people in fiscal policies and procedures that we were implementing. Last year, our organization was looking at some major budget cuts to key ancillary departments like imaging and the lab. To get a better feel for how the cuts could be made, I met regularly with physician and administrative staff from the effected departments to highlight key areas where the budget could be moved. Throughout the process, it was very eye opening to see where we had been very loose with our spending in areas and the department leaders were in agreement. I know that by me including them in the decision making process that all parties were happy with final budget decisions."
Written by Ryan Brunner
Situational
31. Have you ever had to work according to a policy or regulation that you necessarily didn't agree with? How did you handle that situation?
How to Answer
The healthcare industry is very heavily regulated and because of this, healthcare organizations have had to implement very strict policies and procedures to ensure that they are abiding by the many regulations. Because of the fact that people come from different backgrounds and viewpoints, you may have been faced with a policy or procedure that you didn't agree with but had to follow. Talk about one of those situations and express to your interviewer that you understand the importance of policies and procedures and that you're willing to follow them even if you don't agree with them. Talk about the situation in a positive light without sounding like you are the type of employee that bucks authority.
Written by Ryan Brunner
1st Answer Example
"At my first employer out of nursing school, they implemented a patient discharge policy that I felt jeopardized some patients that could potentially be released or transferred to a rehab facility too early based on their condition. We were a small facility with a limited number of beds and I could easily see where the administration was coming from to ensure that we weren't overbooked in our rooms. I spoke about my concerns to my unit supervisor and she assured me that our unit would take all appropriate measures to ensure that patients wouldn't be put in a bad situation upon release. I didn't fully understand that we would be utilizing home health services and a partnership with area nursing homes at the time."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"At my current employer, we played a radio in our lab to help pass the time and help us engage in friendly conversation throughout the day rather than remaining in a quiet place together. Over time, we had developed a rotation of stations that pleased everyone we were working with and all was good for a while with the radio playing. Last year, our organization implemented a new policy that music or television were not to be played in general patient care areas. When we were notified, I was not happy because I really like listening to music while working. Upon talking to my director, he informed me that the reasoning behind the decision to implement the policy was to make sure that all staff could hear the overhead paging system in our facility. Knowing that the overhead pages could warn us of bad weather, code patients or other dangers, I quickly realized that a smart policy had been implemented and we learned to work quickly without music."
Written by Ryan Brunner
Situational
32. We seek to hire those with strong problem-solving skills. When were you able to successfully resolve a problem in the workplace?
How to Answer
For any role within Canadian Blood Services, problem-solving, and dispute resolution are critical skills to possess. Display to the interviewer that you are capable of problem-solving within the workplace. Talk about a time when you were creative, proactive, and displayed the leadership qualities required to resolve a workplace issue.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 26th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"In my most recent position we had a consistent problem with employees showing up late for their shifts or calling in sick at the very last moment. Rather than the typical documenting and reprimanding style that management usually takes, I decided to track the results of an accountability reward system. For 180 days, my employees were rewarded for coming to work 10 minutes early. Also, for every month with zero sick days, a bonus was added. In the end, we awarded those with perfect attendance a $600 bonus. The bonus' cost us less money, in the end than the cost of lowered productivity due to absent employees. The program was a success, and upper management chose to keep it implemented for another six months. We will re-assess in December, but it seems to be working very well."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"I was working in a clinic where the primary population was low income. We had a lot of concerns with patients not showing up for appointments when expected. The staff wanted to start double-booking patient time slots. Instead, I got permission to spend a day in a highly-rated clinic serving the same population. Instead of scheduling, they had these 'drop-in mornings' with a common waiting room. I took these methods and incorporated them into our setting. We did that twice a week, and it completely solved our scheduling problem."
Written by Ryan Brunner
Situational
33. Integrity is part of our core value system here at Canadian Blood Services. Have you ever experienced a time where being honest and transparent was difficult to do? What made the situation difficult and how did you overcome it?
How to Answer
In the healthcare setting, we often experience times where we have to bear bad news to a patient or their family members and these times can be very difficult internally. Your interviewer will be looking to hear that you are familiar with these situation and that you are comfortable in having difficult conversations with other people. Make sure to point out some positives about your experience and talk about any lessons you may have learned.
Written by Ryan Brunner
1st Answer Example
"Having worked at a manager and director level through my career in healthcare, I've had to have many difficult conversations with employees and fellow colleagues where being honest and transparent was difficult. Early in my career as a supervisor after being promoted from within in the department, I had to put my close friend and former colleague on a performance improvement plan due to poor practices in our unit. Knowing that it would be a struggle for me, my director gave me a sound piece of advice in saying that though I was delivering bad news to the employee, they had performed poorly and should have an indication that the plan was coming. I our conversation, I put my personal feelings aside and was direct in laying out the reason for the plan and being confident in his abilities to improve. I've maintained this mindset in difficult conversations through my career."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"Working as a nurse for a few years, I've been exposed to times where I've had to be a part of difficult conversations with both patients and family members. In my current role in critical care, I had to break the news of a patient passing away to their family that was present onsite in our waiting area. In this situation, I had the ability to remain calm and focused while keeping their best interest in mind by being direct and tactful. While difficult, I kept in mind that they had every right to know as soon as possible that we weren't able to save their loved one and for that I know they were appreciative."
Written by Ryan Brunner
Situational
34. We work with a wide variety of donors, recipients and outside business partners. Talk about a time you had to partner with a person or team outside of your department to solve a problem or finish a project and expand on your role.
How to Answer
For this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you are open and willing to work closely with others outside of your normal workday life. Think of a time that you had to do this and expand upon why it was necessary to collaborate and why it was important to help someone or solve a problem. Express that you are able to work with a wide variety of people from all levels of an organization.
Written by Ryan Brunner
1st Answer Example
"During my time working as a lab tech, I really looked forward to working with people from other departments because life in the lab setting can get a little lonely at times. Recently, our department was prompted to re-evaluate some of our processes and procedures to help in timeliness of highly important samples. I worked with the leadership in our Oncology department as well as our compliance department to evaluate how we triage work requests. I was very comfortable working with people from upper levels of management because I had confidence in my knowledge and ability as a subject matter expert in our lab. In the end, we developed a new triage system that put high needs Oncology readings as a top priority."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"As an executive assistant, I have to continuously utilize my people skills to build relationships with all departments in my current organization as well as with outside customers. Last year, I helped take the lead in the interview days for a new CFO that we were hiring for. I partnered with our HR Manager to plan interview days and I met regularly with key department directors in several units that would be part of the interview. The two candidates interviewing were very high profile candidates and we wanted them to have the best experience on their visit. By me taking the ball and organizing the entire group, the interview days went very smoothly and we had an accepted offer for the position within two weeks of the interview days."
Written by Ryan Brunner
Situational
35. Can you talk about a time when you went to great lengths to help a patient or customer? What was the situation and what prompted you to go the extra mile for the patient/customer?
How to Answer
Canadian Blood Services utilizes the infinity symbol as part of its logo to represent the infinite lengths that they go to save lives! In their world, saving lives by any means is a top priority and your interviewer will be looking for your willingness and ability to put your own needs aside to help others. Talk about a situation where you went above and beyond your normal job duties or job description to help a patient or customer. Include how your extra efforts provided a great outcome for the person you helped.
Written by Ryan Brunner
1st Answer Example
"During my rotations during nursing school, I became very close to an elderly patient in the nursing home I was rotating in. In talking with and getting to know her, it turns out that her and my late grandmother had worked together for a while back in their 20's and she told me many amazing stories about my grandmother. In seeing her sadness and talking with other nurses, she didn't have any close family or friends to pay her visits so I spent a lot of time outside of work hours playing games in her room with her and taking her for walks to the nearby park. Not only did this time benefit her, but I was also very fortunate to get to know and learn from her as well."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Answer Example
"As a supply chain manager for many years, I have grown the philosophy that doing whatever it takes to appease a customer is the lowest bar that can be set. In not looking to only please customers but rather greatly exceed their expectations, a great example was with a supplier for my current organization. Our purchasing team had made me aware that the supplier had undergone a buyout and new management there would be making changes to shipping policies and pricing strategies. In contacting the new management team, they let me know that we were one of their largest and most respected customers. In the past, I had never invited suppliers to an onsite meeting and tour of our facility but I felt like this was the perfect opportunity to bring them for the day to see their products at work saving lives and hopefully we could negotiate pricing. The day they came went very smoothly and I spent over four hours with them touring and talking with our employees. At the end of the day, we negotiated even better pricing than we were getting previously and I know that the invite for an in-person visit helped that deal."
Written by Ryan Brunner