Whether you were caught or not, have you ever committed a crime?

"As a teen, I did get into some trouble. One day, when I was just 14, my friends pressured me into stealing a candy bar at the gas station. I did not get caught, but I felt so terrible that I could hardly sleep for a week. The chocolate didn't even taste good! I went back a few days later and paid them back, admitting what I did."

"I have never committed a crime. I was raised to be an honest person and respect other people, their property, and myself. I believe there is a vast difference between honesty and integrity. When you are a person of integrity, you take the concept of honesty a step further and have a higher level of respect for your moral compass."

If you have committed a crime and been caught, avoid saying that you have not committed a crime. During your background check, the incident will be discovered, and you will be disqualified for being dishonest in your interview. Even if you were not caught committing a crime, it is still best to admit to your poor judgment and let the interviewer decide if your honesty overshadows the crime. If you have never committed a crime, focus on letting the interviewer know that you were brought up right and would never steal from another person.

Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.