Customs and Border Protections include 'integrity' in its core values. Talk about a time that you acted with integrity.
CBP wants to see how you have exercised integrity in your work and personal life. A readily found definition for integrity is 'the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.' Offer what integrity means to you. Describe a time you choose to do the right thing, and the impact it had.
"My definition of integrity is to choose to do the right thing, even when nobody is looking. I know that I possess your core value of integrity because I do what is right, no matter the alternatives. When I was earning my diploma in Criminology, I received a higher grade on my transcript than I earned. I brought the error to the attention of my administrator, who then had the grade reversed. I could have taken credit, but in the end, I didn't earn that grade. I was determined to start my career off on the right foot, which is through complete honesty. Today, I can attend this interview with CBP knowing full well that I earned this interview through hard work and acts of total integrity."
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.
Anonymous Answer
I remembered years ago when I used to work at my formal security firm, one of our bosses mistakenly dropped his wallet while getting out of his car. I noticed it and picked it up and returned it to him. I strongly believe in integrity because it defines a person's character.
Marcie's Feedback
Nice! This is a great example of a time when you acted with integrity. How did your boss react? Was he appreciative? Maybe talk a bit as well about how you recognize the importance of integrity within this specific role and reiterate how you'll be able to offer this because of your good character.
Anonymous Answer
To me, integrity means doing the right thing when nobody is looking. I once acted with integrity when I used to work for a security company at an Amazon warehouse and I found a wallet with a few bucks on a break room table. I picked up the wallet and put it in the lost and found box so the owner can come to check with the security front desk to claim his wallet. I strongly believe in integrity and doing the right thing when nobody is looking because it makes me feel good about myself and defines a strong character.
Marcie's Feedback
Awesome! This is a great example to discuss here. It shows that you do the right thing even when it might be tempting to do otherwise. The interviewer will definitely appreciate that you are honest and full of integrity. Great job!
Anonymous Answer
I have a full understanding of what it means to have integrity. Growing up being the oldest of three brothers with a single parent I was often forced to make decisions that would be a detriment to my social life, in return to help my father out at home whether that being watching my brothers, doing chores around the house, etc. A recent time that I acted with integrity was at the end of my lacrosse season, some of my fellow seniors did not return their jerseys back to the program. Although I wanted to be able to have my jerseys at home to be able to show my own kids one day. I knew that the chance would come to purchase my Jerseys in the form of a donation at a later date once the program got new ones.
Marcie's Feedback
Wow! The background you've given on your upbringing is fascinating and really personalizes your response. They will likely remember your story after the interview, which is great. Your lacrosse example definitely shows that you acted with integrity, although if you can think of a professional example (from work) it will be even more powerful. If you stick with the lacrosse story, be sure to talk about why taking the jerseys would have been unethical (e.g., it's technically stealing). Good job!
Anonymous Answer
As a scientist, it is incredibly important to act honestly and follow all procedures diligently. As someone who has been taught by not only my parents but my professors to be vigilant while testing, I hold myself and those around me to those high standards. While completing the analysis of some of the water samples that I collected for my thesis research, I noticed there was an error with he results. One of my coworkers at the lab had not checked the levels of the solvents before begining his analysis. Because of that, many of his samples and all of mine showed no peaks. I alerted my professor and a coworker to ensure that it was known that many of his samples were not properly analyzed and needed to be reran to ensure he would not submit the results as negatives. These results can be incredibly important and dictate the following actions for many others, so it is. imperative to be vigilant, observant, and honest while completing analysis.
Jaymie's Feedback
This is a great example to share! It would have been too easy to gloss over that error and continue on, but you did the right thing even when it was time-consuming and set your project back. Your response will leave a strong and positive impression on the interviewer.
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