How to Answer: What would you do if a coworker asked you to help them steal?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Retail job interview.
29. What would you do if a coworker asked you to help them steal?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know that they can trust you and that you'd respond with integrity if you were asked to steal. Theft can include the theft of products, sharing trade secrets, taking customer information, or falsifying timecards. Talk to the interviewer about the steps you would take if asked to assist in a dishonest activity. If you have encountered this situation in the past, this question presents a good opportunity to give a brief story-based example.
Written by Rachelle Enns on February 16th, 2021
Entry Level
"I once had a classmate ask to copy my work for a paper I had turned in the year before. I was disappointed in that person's behavior and the fact that they felt I would agree with helping them cheat. I declined to give this information to them. Instead, I encouraged my classmate to believe in their abilities and not sell themselves short on the assignment. If a co-worker wanted my help with being dishonest, I would challenge them to be a better version of themselves. If the situation were severe, I would let my boss know."
Written by Rachelle Enns on February 16th, 2021
Answer Example
"If a coworker asked me to help them steal, I would decline and would report the situation to my supervisor as fast as possible. The effects that theft has on a business can be devastating, and I would never want to be a part of that."
Written by Rachelle Enns on February 16th, 2021
Experienced
"I had a coworker ask me to falsify their timesheet and include overtime hours they did not work. As the store manager, I took note of the situation and reported it to our HR department. As a manager in retail, an industry that sees a high amount of theft and loss, I feel a personal responsibility to protect my company from dishonest employees and their damaging behavior."
Written by Rachelle Enns on February 16th, 2021