How to Answer: Give an example of a time you showed integrity on the job or in your personal life.
13. Give an example of a time you showed integrity on the job or in your personal life.
The Goal
Integrity means 'being honest and having strong moral principles.' The interviewer wants to see how you exercise integrity in your work and personal life. The goal of your response is to give a brief example of a time you exercised integrity.
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid making over-inflated statements such as, 'I do the right thing 100% of the time.' Everyone has flaws, and the interviewer isn't looking for moral perfection. They are, however, looking for a story-based example of your integrity in action.
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
Pro Tip
The interviewer is asking you to be a storyteller. You can 'give an example of a time when...' by forming a brief story using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. This framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the best information and detail to form a memorable answer. Be sure to include details, such as why you chose to do the right thing and how it made you feel to display the quality of integrity.
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I aim to show integrity in all that I do, whether or not anyone sees me make the right decision. (Situation) For instance, at Company XYZ, I had a client who incurred charges for their order for six months. Nobody else on the team seemed to have noticed the error. (Task) I could have let it go and kept collecting a commission on the double charges; however, that is not an act of integrity. (Action) Instead, I brought the matter to our accounting department. (Result) Accounting credited my client's account with the overage. Shortly after, the client sent me an email thanking me for my honesty and diligence. It felt wonderful to do the right thing."
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"To have integrity is to do the right thing, even when nobody is watching. (Situation) When I was in university, I received a higher grade on my transcript than I earned. (Task) I value integrity, so I immediately knew I needed to be honest about the error. I was determined to start my career off right - through complete honesty. (Action) I brought the typo to the attention of my administrator, who then had the grade reversed. (Result) I could have taken credit, but I didn't earn that grade. My school was very thankful for my honesty, and I even received a note of thanks from the Dean."
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
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Stephanie's Feedback
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In my personal life is the same as in my business life, every time I get more change than I need back or if I see someone drop currency on the floor, I am quick to give it back."
Cindy's Feedback
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"¢ Once officially I traveled to Egypt and my entitlements were Actual + $50 per day. At that time I was carrying travel cheques and cash, on return, I return $2700 as balance. My manager and finance manager told me that you should keep the amount since this is leftover from the daily allowance. Being honest and by virtue of my own principles, in reality, organizations trust me to spend money on an actual basis and balance money has to return back to the organization."
Marcie's Feedback
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Marcie's Feedback
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Just on Sunday, my child had something in their hand after we paid for several items. I asked if we already paid for that and she couldn't answer so I went back and paid for it to make sure. Also, in my divorce, my ex-wife did not know much about the business and I paid her fairly versus playing some games some businessmen do."
Stephanie's Feedback
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