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HR Specialist Mock Interview

Question 14 of 30 for our HR Specialist Mock Interview

HR Specialist was updated by on May 23rd, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 14 of 30

Talk about a time your ethics were tested. What did you learn from that situation that you can bring to our Human Resources team?

"Last year, someone from my current employer's Benefits team went out on maternity leave, and I was asked to temporarily help their department. During that time, I became aware of an employee who was fundraising at their location to help cover the cost of medical bills for a treatment they were receiving. I was also aware that this employee did NOT have the condition they claimed to have, nor were they receiving any kind of treatment, but I had this knowledge due to my access to information through the Benefits department. That knowledge was protected by HIPAA, and I could not say anything. This tested my ethics because I wanted to let the General Manager and the employees at that location know she was lying, but I couldn't violate HIPAA. I brought the situation to the attention of the Director of Benefits since she was within the HIPAA-protected circle, and she confirmed that we couldn't say anything. We were, however, able to put a new policy in place to prohibit fundraising for individuals. During this experience, I learned what it feels like to have your ethics tested and the necessity of finding a creative solution within legal AND ethical bounds."

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How to Answer: Talk about a time your ethics were tested. What did you learn from that situation that you can bring to our Human Resources team?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a HR Specialist job interview.

  • 14. Talk about a time your ethics were tested. What did you learn from that situation that you can bring to our Human Resources team?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      Human Resource professionals are constantly balancing the best interests of their employer and its staff. You will also need to remain compliant with state and federal employment laws. The interviewer knows you will be tested ethically at some point in your career, and they want to know if you have a strong ethical mindset.

      Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 23rd, 2022

      How to Answer

      Think of a time you were faced with an ethical dilemma. Briefly state what the issue was, then discuss your thought process and the actions you took. Highlight your ability to remain impartial and clear-minded.

      Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 23rd, 2022

      Answer Example

      "Last year, someone from my current employer's Benefits team went out on maternity leave, and I was asked to temporarily help their department. During that time, I became aware of an employee who was fundraising at their location to help cover the cost of medical bills for a treatment they were receiving. I was also aware that this employee did NOT have the condition they claimed to have, nor were they receiving any kind of treatment, but I had this knowledge due to my access to information through the Benefits department. That knowledge was protected by HIPAA, and I could not say anything. This tested my ethics because I wanted to let the General Manager and the employees at that location know she was lying, but I couldn't violate HIPAA. I brought the situation to the attention of the Director of Benefits since she was within the HIPAA-protected circle, and she confirmed that we couldn't say anything. We were, however, able to put a new policy in place to prohibit fundraising for individuals. During this experience, I learned what it feels like to have your ethics tested and the necessity of finding a creative solution within legal AND ethical bounds."

      Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 23rd, 2022

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