We value honesty at Zebra Technologies. Do you think honesty is always the best policy?

"I believe in authenticity, trust, and integrity and appreciate when others share similar values. I try to share the truth in a way that is considerate and appropriate for the situation."

"I always believe in being honest when asked a question or when withholding information will harm a relationship. However, I do not believe that individuals are required to be honest about their thoughts or feelings when they are not asked about them. For example, as a senior product manager, I work with clients that my teams feel are very demanding in some cases. I do not openly share that feedback with my clients unless they ask. Instead, I find creative ways to help them prioritize their needs in a way that can work with my team's schedule. I find taking a proactive and positive approach in a situation like that is better than offering feedback that may damage a client relationship."

The number one question I am asked by almost every client I have coached is, 'should I lie in an interview if I am asked a tough question?' None of them lacked integrity, but they understood they needed to make the best impression possible. They knew questions like these might come up, and they wanted guidance on how to navigate tricky situations.

I always give the same advice. I tell them that there are interviewers who either won't notice or won't care if they do not answer truthfully. However, just as many interviewers will be highly offended by the candidate who lies or answers inauthentically. I advise them to find a way that honors their truth while painting their position in the best light possible. Remember to do the same in your interview because an intuitive interviewer will sense deception easily whether you are talking by phone, video, or in person. Be yourself, but be a polished version that answers anyone would struggle to reject.

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.