In your early career, before becoming an officer, did you exhibit great integrity at work?
In the FBI, you need to show integrity in everything you do. As we know, the best indicators of someone's character are the patterns they show throughout the years. The interviewer would like to know about a time you demonstrated high levels of integrity on the job before you ever entered a career in law enforcement. Integrity is displayed through honesty and consistent moral values. Talk to the interviewer about how you have shown integrity in the workplace.
You may have many instances where you have shown integrity at work. Some examples might be when you returned the money to someone who overpaid while paying for a purchase, being in charge of the cash drawer and never having a discrepancy, or not taking credit for work you did not do. Focus your answer on one situation that shows your honesty and ethical and moral values.
Avoid describing integrity while working as a law enforcement officer. The interviewer specifically asked to describe a situation where you showed integrity before working in law enforcement. If your first job was in law enforcement, tell the interviewer that you did not have another type of job before starting your career as an officer. You could then ask if they would like an example of integrity in your law enforcement career.
Remember to describe one example of integrity in the workplace before you entered law enforcement. Choose the best example you have that will ensure you stand out from the other candidates, such as being in charge of a cash register or deposits, having the keys to a safe or bank vault, or being trusted by a supervisor with something else that is equally important.
"Integrity is fundamental to me. In my earlier career, I was once given credit for a report that I did not create. I presented the report, but one of my staff members had put it together for me. I made sure to express thanks for the compliments and alert everyone to its creator. Later, I took my subordinate out to lunch as a thank you for making me look so good."
"In my very first job, I was responsible for the cash deposit on a daily basis. There was never a discrepancy in the four years that I worked there. I best show my integrity by being a consistently reliable person in my personal and professional life."
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
At my previous job as an Accountant, I would sometimes cover for the person responsible for cash deposits. In the three years, there was never a discrepancy. I remained consistent with my values of honesty and integrity at work and my personal life.
Krista's Feedback
It sounds as though you are a very helpful and kind of person who always chooses to do the right thing. Great work!
Anonymous Answer
Absolutely. The first core value of the US Air Force is "Integrity First," during my time in the AF, I was faced with many decisions. One of the most memorable was when I was leading a squad in Germany and was faced with a decision to let my men go out and party when our CI had instructed us to stay in due to an early flight out.
Krista's Feedback
This would be a tempting situation. I'm sure! It's great that you reference 'Integrity First' since your US Air Force background will be a solid foundation for you to bring to the FBI. When you tell this story, I recommend including a touch more detail. The STAR method would help this behavioral-based example (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Be sure that you are clear on the action that you took and then the result of your integrity.
Anonymous Answer
Integrity is fundamental in everyone's career and does not only pertain to those who find themselves in a law enforcement career. I believe every person who displays good morals can succeed in their careers and personal life.
Krista's Feedback
These statements are very true, indeed! Next, be sure to address the question directly. You can also provide examples of ways you have shown integrity in the workplace, further positioning you as an individual with integrity.
Anonymous Answer
Yes, at my current job as a union iron worker. I was given a unique opportunity to work for them without having to take the union test and wait to be called in because of the pandemic. My grandfather was an iron worker and because of that, they let me temporarily work for them as they were short on workers at the time. Every day, I showed up and despite guys tempting me to slack off with them or "take it easy," I put my head down and worked as hard as I could, day in and day out. In the end, the union decided to make me a full-time apprentice since they saw how dedicated of a worker I was. I treat every situation with the utmost importance and don't let anybody alter my mindset.
Krista's Feedback
Good example. The characteristics you describe will help you succeed in any setting.
Anonymous Answer
I always believed in integrity at work. I believe in honesty, ethics, and good work morals. I do not believe in lying and making easy money. I understand that with hard work comes great success.
Krista's Feedback
Great response! It's clear that integrity in the workplace is important to you. To deepen your response, you may wish to include a specific example of how integrity has manifested for you at work. (Example: is there a time that you had the chance to take an easy way out that would have aided in your own profit or made you look good, yet you chose the honest, ethical option instead, even though it didn't directly benefit you?)
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