What does integrity mean to you?
The interviewer wants evidence that you value the qualities of honesty and integrity. The goal of your response is to showcase your moral integrity by describing what integrity means to you. Assure the interviewer that you will bring integrity to your work if hired for the job.
"Integrity means standing above the rest in actions, words, and example. As a leader, I should be the hardest working on the team while setting an aspirational standard for my team members. For this reason, I work hard to ensure that integrity is the foundation of everything that I do. For instance, I arrive on time, stay late, and am reliable. My communication is clear, expectations are fair, and I allow people room to learn from their mistakes."
"Integrity means doing the right thing, even when nobody will notice or there is no recognition to earn. I work hard to show integrity in my professional and personal life. When it comes to having integrity in the workplace, I am honest, transparent, dedicated to my work, and uphold the core values of my company at all times."
Avoid an overinflated response that comes across as a philosophical lesson. The interviewer is looking for evidence of your professional integrity, not that of everyone else. For this reason, it's best to stick to the facts behind your moral character rather than attempt to start a deep, profound conversation about society, corporations, and integrity.
The formal meaning of integrity is 'the quality of being honest and having strong moral and ethical principles.' The way you express integrity will show the interviewer whether or not your qualities align with those of the hiring company. Before your interview, review the company's values and mission and incorporate a couple of those key phrases or words into your response.
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
Doing the right thing versus being right. My leader wanted to terminate the employment of a peer who had over eight years of tenure. There were no documented performance discussions on file. I did not support a termination without a remedy. I provided a different solution that provided the desired outcome, but the departing incumbent was thankful and appreciative of the steps I had taken to be respectful.
Rachelle's Feedback
It seems you have a thorough approach that is 'for the people' while also protecting the company for which you work. Your definition of integrity is spot on!
Anonymous Answer
By having moral principles.
Rachelle's Feedback
How do you display integrity in the workplace? It's essential to take every question as an opportunity to tie in how you will be a fit for the company and the position for which you are interviewing.
Anonymous Answer
To me, integrity means doing the right thing all of the time- even when no one is looking. It means always putting your best foot forward and leading by example, being honest, and treating others with respect and dignity regardless of how you feel they have treated you.
Rachelle's Feedback
Very well said! It seems you are an understanding person as well as one with integrity.
Anonymous Answer
To me, integrity means doing the right thing, no matter the result. Even if the result is not in my favor, I will not sacrifice my integrity just to win the business or better myself. I am confronted with the opportunity to sacrifice my integrity every day. I can easily lie to win more sales, but I choose to do right by my customer and sell on the advantages of my product and lean on my relationships.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your answer is full of honesty and really highlights your integrity. This is a fantastic, genuine response.
Anonymous Answer
Integrity, to me, means adhering to the highest ethical standard in everything I do. Being open, loyal, transparent, and honest.
Rachelle's Feedback
This answer is straightforward and has an impact. Very nice!
Anonymous Answer
In my work life, it means being able to deliver my customer's needs. I am there for them. They can contact me day or night by phone or email and I will be able to support them as best as I can. I have had customers who were aware of my valuable training and would request me to go to the care homes they (the speech therapist) just visited as they saw a need for my services. Having that advocacy is important to moving the business forward.
Cindy's Feedback
Good start. So, integrity is keeping your word, especially when it comes to promises you've made to your customers? I'd recommend stating it explicitly so it's easy for your interviewer to draw this conclusion.
Anonymous Answer
Integrity means doing a great job even when no one is looking. Going above and beyond what is expected, and only holding yourself accountable for your performance. Having a strong work ethic, being honest and trustworthy.
Stephanie's Feedback
You use a lot of great buzz words here, but this response is missing a specific example. How does integrity show up in your life and in your work? Do you have a specific example of how you've used integrity in making an important decision?
Anonymous Answer
For me, integrity means to be true to myself, following my moral or ethical convictions, and doing the right thing in all circumstances (i.e., honesty, trustworthiness, responsibility, and helping to uphold the core values of my company at all times.
Marcie's Feedback
Excellent. This is a wonderful definition of integrity. How have your life experiences shaped your concept of integrity? Why is it important to you that you have a strong character?
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