If I had to ask your previous employer to describe your work ethic to me, what do you think they would say, and why?
This question is asked to assess your relationships with coworkers and how you manage your role within a functional team. Whereas other questions evaluate your fit with the required job duties, this job interview question targets your fit within the team structure and your attitude to work. It centers on the behaviors you demonstrate and how others feel your behaviors shape your work output.
"I think if you were to ask my previous employer to describe my work ethic she would say that I was motivated and keen to learn and progress my skills and experience. I was always asking for additional learning and development, not because I was struggling, but because I like to enrich my knowledge and learn and grow within my role."
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
My employer would say that I am goal-oriented and an active learner. I always go above and beyond to learn new skills, and I enjoy sharing what I know with those around me. Most of all, I am a team player and deal with criticism and requests from my counterparts exceptionally well.
Rachelle's Feedback
These are excellent qualities to have, and will no doubt make you very successful in your career and educational ventures.
Anonymous Answer
I believe that they would say I am a committed employee who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the job is completed to a high standard. They would say I care about my job and take it very seriously, with the desire to create satisfied customers and employers. I can take the initiative and complete work for deadlines.
Rachelle's Feedback
These are amazing qualities to bring to the workplace. Any interviewer will appreciate hearing more about the dedication that you bring to all you do.
Anonymous Answer
I feel that if you asked my previous employer to describe my work ethic, it would be that I am a hard worker, passionate to learn and ask questions. I help out as much as possible; I clean the facility if a patient made a mess. I always arrive early to work, or if they had a call off, I am willing to come in on my days off.
Rachelle's Feedback
Excellent! You paint a wonderful picture in your response, really offering up a lot for the decision-makers to get to know you better.
Anonymous Answer
If my previous employer had to describe my work ethic, I believe he would comment on my strong ability to multitask and follow directions. In addition to these skills, he would mention my positive attitude and strong communication skills when dealing with my coworkers and clients.
Marcie's Feedback
Nice! It's great that your previous employer would say that you're a strong multitasker and communicator who follows directions and has a positive attitude. When it comes to work ethic, though, you'll want to focus on reliability, dedication, discipline, productivity, and integrity. What would your previous employer say about you in terms of these areas?
Anonymous Answer
I believe they would say that I have a very strong work ethic. I think this because anything I do, I put maximum effort into it and truly believe that if you are going to do something then do it right.
Amanda's Feedback
This is an answer you can build on! Consider expanding your answer by providing an example that illustrates your tireless work ethic. This could be a problem you went above and beyond to solve, a new responsibility you took on, a time when you solved a customer issue, or an instance of when you helped your team meet a deadline or overcome an obstacle.
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