30 Canadian Red Cross Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Canadian Red Cross interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. Impartiality to the people we serve is a vital principle our whole team must live. Are you comfortable working in a diverse and inclusive environment?
How to Answer
The Canadian Red Cross does not discriminate against race, religious beliefs, nationality, class, or political opinions of any person or group that they serve. Any prospective employee there should believe this same principle and your interviewer at some point during your time together will want to hear you talk about your openness to working in the inclusive environment there. Make sure to discuss your experiences working in a culturally rich environment and what you can take from that experience and bring to work at the Canadian Red Cross.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 12th, 2024
Answer Example
"This Fundamental Principle of the Canadian Red Cross really speaks to me because the missions you serve are for humanity as a whole. It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from, or what you believe, if you are in trouble, the Canadian Red Cross is ready and able to help. I would be very comfortable coming to work in this environment because being inclusive of all is something I truly believe in and have been doing throughout my career working with the underprivileged in Toronto."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 12th, 2024
2. Where are you currently in your job search process and where does the Canadian Red Cross rank in your search?
How to Answer
If you emerge as a solid candidate during your interview, the team at the Canadian Red Cross will certainly try to gauge where you are at in your job search process. If you disclose that you have applied, or are even interviewing, with other organizations, that may cause them to move quicker in their offer process. You can certainly feel free to be open about your current search and where you are at in your process and do so without giving too much info on specific companies or potential offer amounts if you wish. Make sure to speak highly of your consideration for working for the Canadian Red Cross if you were to receive an offer.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 17th, 2024
Answer Example
"With my spouse taking a new job here in Victoria, I've submitted applications for a few client services based positions here in the region. Upon applying with the Canadian Red Cross, this opportunity seemed to fit me so well and that has certainly been confirmed today during my interview. I have not had any other interviews yet and would strongly consider an offer if i were fortunate to receive one from you."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 17th, 2024
3. What are tactics you use to safely and healthily manage stress on the job?
How to Answer
Per their career site, the Canadian Red Cross stresses to potential applicants that the frontline work environment can be demanding and stressful. Ask yourself if you have the mental and physical health to handle the job and if you practice good diet, exercise, and sleeping habits. As you discuss your ability to manage stress on the job, these are great tactics to start with. Beyond that, make sure to talk about times when you faced a high workload or demanding tasks and how you used your organizational and communication skills to handle the tasks accurately and efficiently.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 17th, 2024
Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume, I've spent the majority of my professional career in crisis intervention and have counseled people in times of grief. There have been times when my emotions have come close to getting the best of me when situations were just so tough, and I'm cognizant of the fact that my personality brings me to those places. But my focus is on doing what is right for the person I'm counseling and my professional approach takes over. A couple of years ago, I worked with a group of families that were involved in an apartment fire and had lost everything. Several families were uninsured as well. I worked extra hours into the evenings and weekends to ensure they had the support they needed."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 17th, 2024
4. As one of our fundamental principles, neutrality in political, racial, religious and ideological issues is always required of our staff at the Canadian Red Cross. Will this be an issue for you?
How to Answer
At times, the Canadian Red Cross provides relief efforts to people who are involved in large-scale controversies that are religious, political, or racial in nature. In their effort to provide relief for all in these situations, the team there must always remain unbiased and neutral when providing the best care and services possible. Especially if you will be involved in a frontline role there, the Canadian Red Cross needs to be assured that you will maintain this centered and neutral approach to any person or group that your work will concern. The best approach in answering this question is to talk about any experience you have working with people from different backgrounds and your excitement for helping anyone in need as part of the team you are being considered to join.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 17th, 2024
Answer Example
"I was born and raised by a family that had a core belief in humanity as a whole and that every person was treated equal and deserved equal treatment. I am so excited to bring these values to work at the Canadian Red Cross and being neutral in any situation will not be an issue for me at all. I look back on the work that you've done in violence prevention in places like Haiti, to ensure that innocent civilians are brought somewhere safe and get educations they need to combat violence. Helping the world get better one person, one city and one region at a time is a mission I'd love to help live here."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 17th, 2024
5. Have you ever had your honesty tested on the job or during your education?
How to Answer
Acting with honesty, integrity, and transparency is a very important aspect of the Canadian Red Cross Code of Conduct that all staff and volunteers must adhere to. Your interviewer is not naive to the fact that all people are put in positions where their honesty can be tested, so they ask this question to hopefully hear that you were able to take the high road even when things got tough. Think back to a time when being dishonest may have been the easy route out, but you took the dignified route in remaining truthful. If you are young in your career, discussing a time from your personal life is fair game here as long as you can display your ability to live the Canadian Red Cross values of honesty and integrity.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 17th, 2024
Answer Example
"Yes, and I've always taken the high ground and maintained an honest approach in my work. During my years as a Paramedic, taking shortcuts in documentation was something I witnessed colleagues doing and I never hesitated to stop it in its tracks. This is dishonesty in its purest form and can lead to downstream impacts with the care of a patient. Never was I tempted to take this route and I never would as part of the Canadian Red Cross team."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 17th, 2024
6. The Canadian Red Cross' Code of Conduct is built around acting with integrity. When have you had to show a great sense of integrity in your work?
How to Answer
Per their integrity protection policy, the reputation of the Canadian Red Cross is fundamentally built upon the individual actions of every employee, volunteer, and delegate of the organization. If you were to join them, it's important to know that you would be always expected to work with the highest degree of integrity when it comes to financial matters, personal conduct, working with data, working with citizens, and following all applicable laws. In asking this question, your interviewer wants to hear you discuss when you've had to show a high degree of integrity in your work. With no right or wrong answer to a question like this, be sure to center the integrity you discuss as relating to the job you are being considered for at the Canadian Red Cross. Whether you talk about integrity in interpersonal relationships or working with company resources, make sure to highlight that this ability comes naturally to you because you are a highly ethical person.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 15th, 2024
Answer Example
"Looking back over the last six years, having a high degree of integrity has been important in a lot of the work that I've performed daily. I have a lot of exposure to and knowledge of highly confidential information in my current job and have a working confidentiality agreement I work under. I'm happy to say that I've never breached that agreement. Another way that I live with integrity in my work life is to always be accountable for my actions and to be a dependable person to my colleagues and customers I currently work with. From what I've learned today, these values will be very important to your top candidate at the Canadian Red Cross and I'll be happy to represent them each day."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 15th, 2024
7. Talk about a time you had to be wise with the use of company resources. Why is this important for all staff of the Canadian Red Cross?
How to Answer
Managing resources in the form of financial funding and supplies can vary greatly from company to company and from industry to industry. It's important to note that when coming to work for the Canadian Red Cross, resources can be limited compared to a lot of private businesses and the funds are most often secured through the Canadian government and donors. It will be important that you are always a good liaison of organizational resources, so your interviewer wants to hear that you have been able to do this in the past and that you understand the importance of it in the job you are being considered for. Think of a time when you had to use company resources in a way that was budget-friendly. Come prepared to discuss how you were cognizant of utilizing the resources wisely and how you did so with great results.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 15th, 2024
Answer Example
"For the last two years, I've been in a role where I was responsible for ordering supplies and maintaining inventory for a large home care organization as a portion of my duties. I worked with my manager on revamping policies and procedures to order products on an as-needed basis and work more closely with frontline staff on forecasting and supply chain on sourcing items that had a better cost, of course with the same quality. It was a really fun experience and one that I feel would be very helpful for me coming aboard here at the Canadian Red Cross. This role will require me to take equipment requests from Care Coordinators and coordinate orders, deliveries, and repairs. With limited funds, I know the importance of doing things efficiently and would always keep that at the top of my mind here."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 15th, 2024
8. How will you help bring out the best in others here at the Canadian Red Cross?
How to Answer
In their mission to help and support Canadian citizens and people around the world in their greatest times of need, supporting and strengthening the resilience of others is a trait that the Canadian Red Cross looks for in any employee they bring aboard their team. Your interviewer wants to hear how you work tirelessly to motivate and inspire those that you work closely with. This is a great time to talk about the personality characteristics that draw people to you and make them want to both listen and follow you. If you have an example of a time when you helped motivate or inspire others, now is a great time to talk about that situation and how that experience will help you succeed in the role you are interviewing for.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 15th, 2024
Answer Example
"Over the course of my career, I feel like I have really excelled in this area due to my ability to empathize with others and my willingness to create safe environments where colleagues are allowed to think freely and speak openly. This has helped generate new ideas among very dynamic teams and allowed customers I was working with to feel truly cared for. In this role at the Canadian Red Cross, I will be supporting many different programs and people. When working with potential volunteers or outside stakeholders on programs being offered, my positive attitude, willingness to listen and knowledgeable approach will be key in showing that I care, the organization cares, and, in turn, will help build a solid relationship moving forward."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 15th, 2024
9. Do you have experience using team-based messaging applications or other onsite communication methods in your work?
How to Answer
Communication among teams, especially those on the ground and in the field providing relief efforts, is vital to a fully successful operation for the Canadian Red Cross. Your interviewer will want to hear any experience you would bring to their team that will be relevant to the job you are being considered for. A key to impressing your interview as you answer this question is having a full understanding of the position. If you will be in the field and working onsite at disaster sites or in civilian homes, communication methods can include cell phones, two-way radios, and instant messaging apps. If you are being considered for an office support role, communications methods will typically include messaging apps like Skype or Microsoft Team. Speak openly about the experiences you have with these systems and make sure to let your interviewer know that you are tech savvy enough to learn any new systems.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 12th, 2024
Answer Example
"Throughout my career, I've utilized several communication methods and instant messaging applications. As an EMT, the current organization I work for utilizes Pulsara for its great incident management capabilities and it's one communication channel. When we implemented this a few years ago, I picked up the system quickly, and was up and running in no time. Here at the Canadian Red Cross, I feel confident in my ability to pick up and master any systems I'll be using here. On top of that, I have a lot of experience using radio communications during incidents."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 15th, 2024
10. Discuss the written communications experience you have in the professional setting.
How to Answer
As a public, non-profit entity, the Canadian Red Cross certainly puts materials and communications out to the public. If you are involved in a position that will be responsible for any formal written communications, your interviewer will want to get an idea of the experience you would bring in this realm. Think back to the written communications experience you have and come prepared to discuss them. Keep in mind that this can include simple email communications or more formal documents, articles, or publications that go out to a much broader audience. Some things to touch on are your grammar skills, your typing skills, and your thoroughness in ensuring that your work is error-free.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 12th, 2024
Answer Example
"I consider myself an excellent written communicator because of my mastery in typing skills and the fact that I write things out carefully so they make sense for the intended audience. Whether I'm looking back at the daily email messages I send on work-related items or the flyers I've created for public events, making sure things are clear and make sense is very important. This role with the Canadian Red Cross will have me communicating regularly with care management operations and other specialized teams. Those teams will rely on my communications to be concise and accurate and I'm confident I can bring these skills to your team."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 12th, 2024
11. What communication strengths would you bring to our team?
How to Answer
No matter what team or role you will be joining with the Canadian Red Cross, having solid communication skills will be essential. You will certainly be in regular communications with your main colleagues but also could be coordinating things with other Red Cross teams or even communicating directly with citizens receiving aid from the organization. When looking at their core values, some important things to keep in mind when you discuss your communication strengths are helping to live their values of respect, dignity, integrity, and transparency. If the role you are being considered for will entail written communications, make sure to touch on your solid writing skills and experiences as well.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 12th, 2024
Answer Example
"If you contact my references, they'll be quick to say that I'm a very direct and open communicator on the job at all times and that my conversations are always respectful in any situation. I've certainly had to have difficult conversations with people in times of need, and I like to always put myself in the other person's shoes and speak to them with empathy and knowledge. In this role with the Canadian Red Cross, I know a big duty will be leading communications onsite for disaster relief efforts. I will have to be on top of my game at all times in leading the charge and I'm confident that my communication skills will bring me there."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 12th, 2024
12. Why do think consistently improving processes and services is important for the Canadian Red Cross to do?
How to Answer
The Canadian Red Cross recognizes the importance of continuing to adapt to people's evolving needs and they really need to be flexible in all that they do to provide the best service possible. As one of the main core values, adaptability is something your interviewer will want to hear that you believe in and embrace as a prospective team member there. Your answer here should be two-part. First, discuss the fact that the situations that the Canadian Red Cross responds to are continuously changing and people are always evolving. This creates a need for the organization to continuously improve and adapt. Second, make sure to mention a time when you have to seek improvement or be flexible in the work you've performed and reiterate that you will bring this same mindset to the job.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 12th, 2024
Answer Example
"If you take a look at the world around us, people's needs and troubles are always changing, and providing both basic and large-scale relief efforts requires you to be willing to change, improve, and adapt at all times. I'm excited to say that I would come aboard here able to keep a watchful eye for better ways of doing things because that's been a huge part of my success over the course of my career in all that I've done. Emergency responses will always be unique in their own sense, and I'd come to this team with the ability to be flexible in what I'm doing at all times."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 12th, 2024
13. Talk about a time you had to prioritize multiple projects and duties at the same time. Why do you feel this skill is important in this role?
How to Answer
In their mission to strengthen the resilience of the citizens they serve, employees of the Canadian Red Cross also are required to show resilience in handling a large workload. To be confident in your ability to handle and manage anything thrown your way as part of their team, your interviewer needs to hear you talk about a time when you had to successfully manage many different projects and duties. Highlight all of the things you faced and how you took an organized and planned approach to navigating it all.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 12th, 2024
Answer Example
"Successful operations management over my career has involved a keen ability to multitask, prioritize, and stay organized in the face of many daily tasks and long-term projects. As you can see from my resume, I've been responsible for clinic operations that involved management of all operations, staff, budget, hiring, and income. Over the last two years in this role, I've been tasked with leading a lot of additional project teams surrounding patient access, quality, and other long-term goals. The key to my success has been having a solid plan, staying organized in my calendar, using a project management tool, and delegating duties as necessary to the right people, at the right time. I know these are skills that will benefit me greatly in this role with the Canadian Red Cross."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 12th, 2024
14. Do the required hours for this role meet what you are looking for in a new position?
How to Answer
The work of the Canadian Red Cross occurs every day of the week at any hour of the day and, depending on the position you are being considered for, these hours can greatly vary. The great thing is that the organization clearly outlines the work hours required on their job postings. As you answer, keep in mind that your interviewer is not only asking if the hours meet your personal needs but also that you can adhere to all required hours. This is a great time to ask any clarifying questions if you need to as well.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 12th, 2024
Answer Example
"Yes, a full-time position is what would be needed for me to make a move to the Canadian Red Cross. I'm fully aware that I would need to respond during non-traditional hours in this role and work additional hours on certain days, due to demand and my family situation works out great for that. Our children both have their driver's licenses and my spouse has a job where he is home by 3:00 pm every day. The travel aspect is something I'm very familiar and comfortable with as well."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 12th, 2024
15. What are your thoughts on compensating employees for experience over performance?
How to Answer
As a non-profit employer that relies on funding from many different sources, the Canadian Red Cross has to be very careful about its compensation for staff. As you likely noticed when you applied, salary ranges for positions are very transparent and their practice is to compensate based on experience. This question is simply asked to ensure that you are on board with this compensation approach if you are eventually offered the job. Make sure you approach your answer from a standpoint where you agree with an experience-based compensation structure, even if you are coming from a background that is based on performance bonuses, commissions, or anything of the like.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 12th, 2024
Answer Example
"Throughout my career working in the public sector, compensation has always been experience-based and transparent and I really respect that about the Canadian Red Cross. It rewards individuals that bring experience to a position and allows for new graduates or those young in their career to work their way up a pay scale with experience."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 12th, 2024
16. What interests you about working for the Canadian Red Cross when you could potentially earn more money in the private sector?
How to Answer
Working for a not-for-profit corporation like the Canadian Red Cross can often mean leaving salary on the table for similar jobs in the private business sector. The true intent in asking a question like this is for your interviewer to hear that you are not solely motivated by your salary, but rather by helping live the mission that you will be undertaking there. You can strike a balance by choosing to discuss any salary requirements that you may have if you wish to do so, but be sure to focus a majority of your answer on your desire to help live their mission and values daily. Ensure your interviewer walks away hearing your passion and motivation for the role you are being considered for.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 10th, 2024
Answer Example
"As I've progressed in my career, working for the greater good of people has been something that I have focused on. I can't think of a better place to impact more people and the overall health of our country than here at the Canadian Red Cross. My current role in fundraising falls directly in your posted pay range here as well, and I won't hesitate to accept an offer if one were to come my way."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 10th, 2024
17. Have you ever willingly went above and beyond the call of duty on the job?
How to Answer
Sometimes the work that the Canadian Red Cross dives into involves their team members stepping outside of their comfort zone and doing whatever is necessary to help someone in need. This can involve going to the frontlines of war-torn countries or coming face to face with horrible natural disasters. It will be important for your interviewer to understand that you would always be willing to do what is necessary on the job, so they give you the opportunity here to talk about a time when you went above your call of duty. No matter what situation you discuss, make sure to point out how you chose to do this and explain why it was important to do so in the moment.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 12th, 2024
Answer Example
"For the last three years, I've really loved the opportunity I've had to be a paramedic for my local region and it has certainly put me in positions where I've had to think on my feet quickly and do things that I likely wouldn't have been comfortable doing before my training. Last year, we were called to an auto accident and when we arrived, one vehicle had slid down an embankment into a creek. Without hesitation, I slid down the brush and snow-filled embankment to the vehicle that was resting on its side in the creek. The driver was the sole occupant and was shaken up pretty badly from the accident. I worked carefully to remove her from the vehicle and patiently waited with her and treated her until a way was found to extract us both from the creek. Thinking instinctually like this is something I will always do as part of the Canadian Red Cross, even if I put myself in jeopardy like I did that day and needed to be treated for hypothermia myself."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 12th, 2024
18. What has been the greatest team related project or goal you have been a part of?
How to Answer
Whether you will be working frontline relief work or back office support work with the Canadian Red Cross, teamwork is essential there to help change lives and make a greater impact on the health and well-being of others. No single man or woman could handle things there alone. Your interviewer will want to hear that you can thrive in a team-based environment. In your answer, they'll be looking to hear what type of team player you are and that you are willing and ready to do anything in a team-based environment for the greater good. In the example you discuss, it would be great if you could show how you help live their Fundamental Principles of unity, impartiality, and universality.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 12th, 2024
Answer Example
"For the last six years, my current administrative position has put me working hand in hand with many employees of my company. This ranges from top-level leaders to our sales staff in the field. Two years ago, I was part of a project team that was searching for a new CRL system for our business and I was honored to be asked to be a part of this team because the role I had in the system would be unique. I brought a very open perspective and willingness to communicate my needs to this team, while also speaking about how our sales, supply chain, and finance teams would be utilizing a new system. My perspective and thoughts were highly valued. I learned a lot from this experience that I can bring to the Canadian Red Cross team."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 12th, 2024
19. What do you consider to be your most fulfilling accomplishment throughout your career or education?
How to Answer
Taking a sense of pride in the work that the Canadian Red Cross performs daily is vital for any employee of the organization and your interviewer wants to hear the pride that you exude in your work by asking this question. As you look back throughout your career and/or education, try to think about an accomplishment that proves your ability to work hard to provide a result that was impactful to many. To take your response the extra mile, try to show that you lived the Canadian Red Cross' values of respect, dignity, integrity, accountability, transparency, quality, or safety.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 11th, 2024
Answer Example
"Having completed my undergraduate degree just two years ago, I consider my greatest accomplishment to be graduating Magna Cum Laude from my program and becoming a first-generation college student on both sides of my family. Growing up, I had to overcome more than most students coming from a single-parent home and working hard to keep my grades up to get accepted into college. Once there, I worked tirelessly to study, learn, and take in as much information as possible, and graduating with the top honors was the culmination of all that effort. As I look to join the Canadian Red Cross team, I know that anything is possible in my career and helping the citizens of Canada achieve greatness."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 11th, 2024
20. Are you aware of International Humanitarian Law and how it impacts our work at the Canadian Red Cross?
How to Answer
Stemming from the Geneva Conventions in 1949, the IHL are wartime rules that protect people who are not taking part in any of the hostile activities of war. Since the purpose at the start of the laws was to prevent human suffering during conflict, it impacts the Canadian Red Cross' work when they go internationally to provide relief efforts to civilians in war-torn countries. A question like this is simply asked to ensure that you have done your research on the Canadian Red Cross and you can find out a lot of information on IHL on their website. Make sure to talk about international efforts the organization has taken in recent years that inspire you.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 11th, 2024
Answer Example
"Yes, I remember learning about International Humanitarian Law during work history classes and a lot of that knowledge has stuck with me. When I look at the work you've done in recent years in Syria and Palestinian territories, ensuring that people deprived of their liberty, women and children in those regions, fall under the IHL and I really respect the work that the Canadian Red Cross has done there."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 11th, 2024
21. What do you feel are the greatest community needs in this region of Canada and do you see the Canadian Red Cross as being able to make a difference?
How to Answer
The Canadian Red Cross prides itself on the community health services they provide throughout Canada. The main mission of this branch of the organization is to keep citizens in their homes as long as possible when health issues arise. Your interviewer wants to hear your thoughts on what the biggest health need is in the region you are being considered to join. Speak from the heart as you explain why this is an issue that hits home for you.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 11th, 2024
Answer Example
"For me, it's the opioid crisis that is happening in Ontario and across the entire country. Drug addiction is a topic that I am passionate about because I have been personally impacted by its effect on a close family member. In recent years, almost 3,000 provincial citizens have died from opioid-related causes and it is so sad to see. I love to see that your OHR Project at the Canadian Red Cross has been making great strides in first aid for opioid poisoning and training the next line of OHR champions around the country."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 11th, 2024
22. Have you ever worked alongside volunteers or spent time recruiting volunteers?
How to Answer
In helping over 100,000 each year across Canada, the Canadian Red Cross relies on volunteer efforts to perform a variety of tasks and missions. This can range from being a part of an emergency response team to delivering goods and services to residents in their homes. If asked this question during your interview, there's a high likelihood that your work will cross paths with those who are volunteering their time there. Be open about any experience you have in working with volunteers at any point in your past. If you don't have this experience, that is okay. If you have the unique experience of recruiting volunteers, make sure to highlight your role and successes in this duty.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 11th, 2024
Answer Example
"Honestly, I have very little direct experience working with volunteers. Early in my career in the hospital setting, volunteers were utilized to welcome and transport patients but I didn't work directly with them. Some of my family members have volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross in recent years and I know that they had an amazing experience. I'm looking forward to learning more about how this role will work closely with volunteers in the future."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 11th, 2024
23. Do you personally know anyone that has worked for or volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross?
How to Answer
Word of mouth is a great way to spread the passion that the Canadian Red Cross spreads across the country and the world. Your interviewer is curious if you have any experience in talking with someone who has donated their time or has been employed there, to hopefully get the sense that their mission and culture fit with exactly what you are looking for in a new position. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, so be honest. If you have talked with others who have been involved there, discuss the important things that you learned from them that led you to apply. If you haven't, just ensure that you reiterate the homework you have done on the Canadian Red Cross.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 11th, 2024
Answer Example
"Yes, a good friend from college is currently a case management supervisor here in British Columbia and she has had nothing but amazing things to say about the Canadian Red Cross. The most impactful thing we talked about a few months ago was her experience in leading activities to bring hope and salvation to people and families who are facing the most difficult times of their lives. We discussed the skills and personality characteristics that are needed to thrive in a role like this, and I feel confident that I would be a passionate ambassador for the Canadian Red Cross."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 11th, 2024
24. What role do you feel social media marketing plays in nonprofit fundraising? How do you think this differs at the Canadian Red Cross from private, for-profit business marketing efforts?
How to Answer
With the prominent rise of social media and the fact that people all over the world are connected to it, organizations utilize different channels in different ways to spread their message and market to people. The Canadian Red Cross uses social media to seek digital volunteers to work on communications during disasters and bring a presence to the general public in their efforts. This of course differs greatly from for-profit businesses that are focused on sales numbers. Some things to hit on as you answer this question are the importance social media plays in the fundraising and volunteer efforts for the Canadian Red Cross and any experience you have with business use of social media platforms.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 11th, 2024
Answer Example
"If you take a good, hard look over the last 20 years, it's pretty easy to see how social media has changed the daily lives of people around the world. In the business world, platforms are used to gain product awareness, show the good that an organization is doing, recruit new employees, and engage consumers. Prior to my interview today, I was sure to check out your YouTube page and your X and Instagram accounts. Seeing all of the great work you are doing in both English and French on your YouTube page was amazing. I learned a lot about your efforts happening in the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis that I wasn't aware of, and I feel that others in the general public gain knowledge from your page."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 11th, 2024
25. If you could work for any cause here at the Canadian Red Cross, what would you choose?
How to Answer
The Canadian Red Cross is involved in many humanitarian efforts on a daily basis, both domestically and in urgent international relief efforts. This question allows your interviewer to see that you've done your homework on their organization and to hear about where your real passion lies in helping others. Be sure to do you homework on the Canadian Red Cross website to speak passionately about an effort that hits close to home for you. With no right or wrong answer here, be sure to elaborate on why this cause is important to you.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 10th, 2024
Answer Example
"In recent years, I had family members directly impacted by the wildfires that swept across the country. While my family was able to be back on their feet quickly following the loss of homes, I know others weren't. The Canadian Red Cross' support in providing interim housing for a lot of people was so awe-inspiring and really an effort I would love to be a part of in the future should another disaster like this strike."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 10th, 2024
26. How will you help live the Canadian Red Cross' mission in helping people and communities in times of need and supporting them by strengthening their resilience?
How to Answer
As part of the largest humanitarian network in the world, the Canadian Red Cross is 100% driven by its mission statement. You may notice a common trend in your interview there that your interviewer will be continuously looking to hear how you will help live their mission of helping and supporting those in need. In reality, this is a question that gives you the chance to decipher how the specific role you are being considered for helps live this mission. Highlight the little things you will do every day on the job to aid in their overall mission.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 10th, 2024
Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume and as we've discussed, I'm confident in my experience of operating vehicles, my experience and knowledge in troubleshooting equipment failures, and operating a wide variety of hand tools. But beyond that, working daily in HELP sites, assisted living facilities, and the homes of clients will mean showing up with a smile on my face, showing care and empathy in all that I do, and being willing to go the extra mile to help them in any situation. Your mission really speaks to me as a person, and I'm excited about the opportunity to help continue it moving forward."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 10th, 2024
27. Would you bring any fundraising experience to the Canadian Red Cross?
How to Answer
To help in their efforts in local and national disaster efforts in Canada, the Canadian Red Cross relies on fundraising to assist in their efforts. Even if the position you are interviewing for isn't directly involved in fundraising efforts, having some experience here will go a long way with your interview and they pose this question to see what experience you might have. Fundraising can involve large-scale efforts like coordinating events or volunteering your time to help out in such efforts. There is no right or wrong answer here, so speak openly about any experience you have.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 10th, 2024
Answer Example
"I do not have any formal fundraising experience in the professional setting, but I understand its importance here at the Canadian Red Cross and would love to be a part of any efforts as part of this team. The fundraising experience I do have is with our kids and raising funds for school trips through sales efforts and putting on events like father-daughter dances. I've been a part of planning events, booking locations, sending out social media posts about events, and taking my daughters door to door to sell desserts and pizzas as fundraisers."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 10th, 2024
28. As part of the Canadian Red Cross, how will you encourage generosity in others?
How to Answer
Many departments within the Canadian Red Cross are working with frontline volunteers and donors to help in their humanitarian efforts. If you are being considered to join departments like administration, emergency management, fundraising, or marketing, you will be expected to always be a proponent and salesperson for both time and monetary donations to the organization. As you answer a question like this, make sure to highlight your ability to be a consistent promoter that encourages individuals to contribute to the great mission you will be serving.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 10th, 2024
Answer Example
"For me, this will always come down to helping people understand and know the Canadian Red Cross' mission and I will be a strong ambassador of helping people in times of need. Not everyone has the financial means to give monetary donations, but educating the public on other ways they can help would be important for me in this role. Encouraging helping out in large-scale emergencies or personal disasters like house fires can surely make a difference in the life of a person or family. I know I can easily convey my volunteer experience and the gratification I have always gotten to others to help out when they can."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 10th, 2024
29. Our work will put you in front of many people and in many situations. What skills can you bring to this team that fall outside of the job description?
How to Answer
From providing local health services and first aid programs to helping treat drinking water and providing education on abuse, the Canadian Red Cross performs a wide variety of services. They rely on their frontline staff to be flexible in what they do, so your interviewer wants to hear what additional skills and interests you would bring to their team. Come prepared to discuss any additional knowledge, skills, and passions you have that would benefit the overall good of the Canadian Red Cross.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 10th, 2024
Answer Example
"This is a great question as I want you to know that I would always be willing and ready to do what's necessary to help people here at the Canadian Red Cross. If you can't tell from my resume, I have extensive experience in recruiting and training new staff and these are skills I would love to continue to put to use here. I know that volunteers and new staff are onboarding all the time here and my experience in this area could be very beneficial for your team."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 10th, 2024
30. Voluntary service is one of Canadian Red Cross' Fundamental Principles. Walk me through your volunteer experience and how that has helped shape you.
How to Answer
The Red Cross' seven Fundamental Principles were developed in the 1960s to link together all international Red Cross organizations. The staff of the organization must know that their mission is a voluntary relief movement that is not done for any purpose of gain. As a service-driven organization, your interviewer wants to hear you elaborate on any volunteer experiences you have. Keep in mind that as you discuss this, they will be keying in on your passion and desire to help out in more impactful ways.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 10th, 2024
Answer Example
"I would be more than happy to! From a young age, my parents had my brothers and me volunteering at the local animal shelter and I've become a very big proponent of Humane Canada's mission. This is a value I'm passing along to my children, where we come into our local shelter to walk animals and play with them. When we can, we drop off toys and food around the holidays as well. Today, my husband and I also volunteer at the Calgary Drop-In Centre, where we help serve meals to adults who are experiencing homelessness. It is very rewarding and the smiles on their faces make us walk away happy and fulfilled every time."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 10th, 2024