Civil Service Mock Interview
Practice 30 Civil Service interview questions covering competency frameworks, public service values, and situational scenarios.
Question 27 of 30
Tell me about a time when you faced an ethical conflict.
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Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
"I worked with a coworker who would be fired if they didn't clock into work on time. They called me on my cell and asked if I would clock in for them. I told them no, explained that their request made me uncomfortable, and refused to do it. I then asked if they were joking, and they laughed and claimed they were joking. I thought it was a strange joke, and they said they would be to work on time. But when the hour arrived, and they were late, I decided to inform my supervisor. They thanked me and called that employee to see if they were running behind, but they just ghosted work from there on out, which was their cowardly way of quitting. It was unfortunate, and I hope they are making better decisions in their next job."
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
"I was friends with a coworker who I discovered was stealing funds from petty cash. I enjoyed our friendship and the time we spent working together, but this behaviour was unacceptable. I had to decide whether to report them and determined they were responsible for their actions as I was responsible for mine. So, I anonymously reported them. They got sacked, and we remained friends. I never lied about reporting them; I just scolded them for stealing and getting themselves fired and kept the rest to myself."
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
When discussing or sharing a personal experience where you faced an ethical dilemma, the example you provide should align with their expectations of civil servants and their Code of Conduct. Familiarize yourself with their principles and expectations before your interview and align your answer with their expectations.
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
According to the Civil Service's code of conduct, "If a civil servant believes they're being required to act in a way which conflicts with the Civil Service Code, or becomes aware of the actions of another civil servant which conflicts with the Code, they should: talk to their line manager or someone in their line management chain. If this is difficult, talk to your organisation's Nominated Officer, who can advise you about the Code. If you cannot find details for your Nominated Officer, please Contact Us give the department or agency time to consider the complaint. If not satisfied with the response, refer the complaint to the Commission. A civil servant may want to raise their concern with the department or agency informally at first, but he or she must normally raise it formally under the Code before referring the complaint to the Commission."
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