Canadian job interview guide for nailing your introduction

PATH TO CAREER SUCCESS
Canadian job interview guide for nailing your introduction

“Tell me about yourself” — the question that sets the tone of the interview and gives you a chance to explain why you’re the ideal candidate.

Justin Bateh, a LinkedIn Learning instructor and 8x Award-Winning Educator, recently shared key points to include in your introduction. Here are a few highlights:

Start with a strong hook
Make your opening specific and engaging. Highlight your unique value right away.

✅ “I specialize in solving [specific problem] for [industry or audience].”
❌ “I’m a motivated professional looking for new challenges.”

Clearly define your professional identity
Avoid buzzwords like hard worker or team player. Instead, focus on what you do.

✅ “Currently, I lead [specific function] at [organization], helping to [measurable impact].”
❌ “I have experience in various roles and love working with people.”

Share a clear career story
Tie your experiences together by showing what you’ve learned at each stage.

✅ “My background in [industry] led me to [new focus], where I’ve been able to [key accomplishment].”
❌ “I’ve had a diverse career path, trying different things.”

End with confidence
Leave a strong impression by wrapping up with certainty.

✅ “I’m excited to see how my approach could work here.”
❌ Trailing off or sounding unsure.

CAREER COACH Q & A
Navigating New Horizons with Expert Guidance

Q: Do I need to write a cover letter? How can I write a strong one?

A: Yes. Most recruiters expect them—unless they reach out to you directly and only request your CV or if the job application platform doesn’t allow for a cover letter upload.

Here are some quick tips from a CNBC article by Gili Malinsky for an effective cover letter:

• Don’t just repeat what’s on your CV. Instead, explain how your approach and unique skills match the job, adding context and personality.

• If you have a big gap in your resume, explain it. Briefly address gaps or career changes by highlighting transferable skills and your enthusiasm.

• Keep it short. Organize your letter with a clear intro, body, and conclusion, and stick to one page.

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LEARN THE LINGO
Tips for making small talk at work

Ever feel like small talk is just a quick, awkward exchange at work or networking events? The truth is, even those brief chats can open the door to deeper connections.

CNBC recently created a helpful guide to navigate small talk more effectively, boosting your networking skills and helping you find professional allies.

What is conversational threading and how can it help you deepen your small talk?
Conversational threading is a technique that moves you away from autopilot responses. Instead of just saying “I’m good,” try adding details like:
✅ “I’m excited about a new project”

How do you pull on people’s threads?
When someone shares a detail, follow up with a question that digs a little deeper. For instance, if they mention a hobby, ask:
✅ “What’s your favourite part about it?”

How do you ask better questions to prompt threads?
Swap out generic questions such as “How was your weekend?” for more inviting ones like:
✅ “What was the highlight of your weekend?”

What kind of language should you be using in these interactions?
✅ Choose positive, upbeat words like “excited,” “highlight,” or “favourite” to foster a warmer, more memorable conversation.