Have you ever broken a confidentiality agreement?

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Companies will have confidentiality agreements for a variety of reasons. These could be to protect their trade secrets or to ensure that you do not bring clients with you if you leave their company. Talk to the interviewer about your thoughts on confidentiality agreements and how you would not knowingly break one. The interviewer wants to hear that you can be trusted with confidential information if hired.

You want the interviewer to understand that you are honest and can be trusted with confidential information. Focus on letting them know that you are an honest, trustworthy individual and will be happy to sign a confidentiality agreement if needed.

If you have broken a confidentiality agreement, whether intentionally or not, avoid being dishonest with the interviewer. If they perform a background check or speak with your references, they will find out. If you broke a confidentiality agreement in the past, explain the circumstances and outcome.

"No. I have only once signed a confidentiality agreement and had no problem adhering to it."

"I never have, to my knowledge, broken a confidentiality agreement. Despite my reasons for leaving a position, I would never choose to hurt a previous employer in any way."

"Confidentiality agreements are necessary and important to protect an organization. I understand the need for confidentiality and take those factors very seriously. I have never broken the trust of my employer, and I never will."

Anonymous Answer

"I have never broken a confidentiality agreement. Confidentiality, especially in this line of work, is very important."

Rachelle's Feedback

It's great that you took the time to solidify the importance of confidentiality in this line of work. Good answer!

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Anonymous Answer

"Never. Not once while working for the law office, in HR, or when working for the state."

Rachelle's Feedback

Solid answer! It is apparent that you have a strong moral compass.

Anonymous Answer

"No. Anything that is supposed to be sealed or confidential stays that way."

Cindy's Feedback

Great. Very straightforward and to the point. Why would breaking a confidentiality agreement be contrary to the way you work? Is there an opportunity to discuss integrity on the job and your value of it?

Anonymous Answer

"To my best knowledge, no. Confidentiality agreements are necessary and important to protect an organization. I understand the need for confidentiality and I take those factors very seriously."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! The interviewer will be happy that you understand the importance of confidentiality agreements and that you don't have any problem abiding by them.

How to Answer: Have you ever broken a confidentiality agreement?