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Integrity Interview Questions

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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7 min read

Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Integrity interview questions and answers.

  1. Please describe a time when you felt your integrity was challenged. See answer
  2. What would you do if you witnessed a team member commit an illegal act? See answer
  3. If you were asked to sign a confidentiality agreement prior to starting a job, would you feel comfortable doing so? See answer
  4. Was there ever an instance in your life where you did the right thing but suffered consequences? See answer
  5. How would you respond if you witnessed the bullying or harassment of a coworker? See answer
  6. Have you ever witnessed a supervisor or manager behaving unethically? See answer
  7. Would you consider breaching a confidentiality agreement for ethical reasons? See answer
  8. Can you talk about why you left your last job? See answer
  9. Would you ever lie to a customer or client to satisfy their immediate needs or requests? See answer
  10. How would you define integrity?
  11. Can you describe what you believe to be a failure in your career?
  12. How do you work through situations when mistakes are made based on your actions?
  13. Do you feel there are certain times in life when it’s better to omit the truth?
  14. How would you react if you were accidentally overpaid on your paycheck?
  15. Have you ever been asked to lie for a coworker or superior?
  16. What would your response be if you were given credit for the work of a colleague?
  17. How do you feel about workplace gossip?
  18. Can you describe a situation in which you had to comply with a work policy that you didn’t agree with?
  19. Have you ever witnessed wrongdoing in the workplace and not spoken up?
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Hire your next Integrity today.

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Hire your next Integrity today.

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Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
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10 Integrity Interview Questions and Answers

Please describe a time when you felt your integrity was challenged.

This question can give an employer insight into how dedicated an interviewee is to choosing what's right vs. remaining quiet to keep the peace in both work situations and daily life. While it's not always easy to speak up and do the right thing, someone with strong morals would likely provide a thoughtful and honest answer. What to look for in an answer:

  • Positive moral compass

  • Genuine honesty

  • Ability to give others the benefit of the doubt

Example:

"A coworker asked me to cover their shift so they could go to a doctor's appointment. During my lunch break, I saw my coworker at the mall, heading into the movie theater. I stopped them, and they begged me not to say anything and said they really needed a personal day. I felt taken advantage of and uncomfortable with the fact that they asked me to keep quiet."

Have you ever witnessed a supervisor or manager behaving unethically?

Asking this question in an interview can help employers learn more about a potential applicant's integrity and how they view "right vs. wrong." While specific circumstances can contribute to how an employee may react in such a situation, their feelings about witnessing unethical behavior whether they reported it or not can give employers insight into their core beliefs. What to look for in an answer:

  • Desire to do what's best for the company

  • Ability to demonstrate courage when facing adversity

  • Strong work ethic

Example:

"At a previous job, I witnessed a manager behaving inappropriately toward a coworker. My coworker was clearly uncomfortable so I spoke with them privately and asked if they needed help reporting the behavior. They stated that they were going to handle the incident on their own, so I no longer felt I needed to intervene."

Can you describe a situation in which you had to comply with a work policy that you didn't agree with?

Company policies and procedures are meant to be followed by all staff, regardless of personal views. The answer to this question provides insight into whether a prospective hire is willing to follow procedures to contribute to a balanced and positive work environment. What to look for in an answer:

  • Willingness to follow the rules

  • Positive attitude toward company policies

  • Clear demonstration of being a team player

Example:

"I always do my best to follow policies and procedures at work, so I don't have any examples of a policy I didn't agree with. If I were to find something in my start paperwork in reference to company policies that I didn't feel comfortable with, I would let the employer know that I'm probably not a good fit for the position after all."

Would you consider breaching a confidentiality agreement for ethical reasons?

Confidentiality agreements are expected to be honored by employees to ensure that important information stays within the company. However, there are situations where breaching confidentiality may be necessary, such as when witnessing harassment, criminal acts, etc. How a potential applicant answers this question can give employers a good idea of their ethics and beliefs. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of the purpose of confidentiality agreements

  • Willingness to speak up when necessary

  • Sense of loyalty toward employers

Example:

"If I'm required to sign a confidentiality agreement as a condition of my employment, I would not breach the agreement under normal circumstances. However, if I witnessed or was made aware of illegal or unethical behavior, I would most likely breach the agreement if it was the right thing to do."

How would you respond if you witnessed the bullying or harassment of a coworker?

Bullying and harassment are generally not tolerated in work environments, and these acts are often listed as forbidden in company policies. How an applicant answers this question can clearly show if they are willing to follow company rules. What to look for in an answer:

  • Applicant is willing to speak out against workplace bullies

  • Desire to be a team player

  • Strong moral character

Example:

"I experienced bullying at a past job. I didn't speak up at the time because I worried about retaliation, but I have a different outlook now. If I saw someone being bullied or harassed, I would immediately report the incident to my supervisor."

Would you ever lie to a customer or client to satisfy their immediate needs or requests?

This question can help employers gain insight into how potential employees feel about being honest vs. lying to avoid conflict. How an applicant answers can also give employers a good idea of how they may handle angry or dissatisfied customers. What to look for in an answer:

  • Desire to be honest whenever possible

  • Team player attitude

  • Respect for authority

Example:

"I know there may be situations where I would just want to ensure the customer was satisfied, but I know that lying is not the way to go. One small lie or omission can snowball quickly, and I'm an honest person. I wouldn't tell a customer or client what they wanted to hear just to avoid drama."

Can you talk about why you left your last job?

While the specifics of why an interviewee left their last job can vary, this question is still beneficial. An applicant's answer can offer insight into aspects of their past job that they weren't comfortable with, such as hourly pay or unsafe working conditions. It can also help employers learn more about the interviewee's current job goals. What to look for in an answer:

  • Willingness to be transparent

  • Enthusiasm about the position they're interviewing for

  • Good communication skills

Example:

"I actually left my job on good terms with my employer. The main reason I decided to move on was because there was no room for advancement there, and I was starting to feel stuck. I figured it was time to start seeking new opportunities."

Was there ever an instance in your life where you did the right thing but suffered consequences?

This interview question gives employers a good look into an applicant's moral character and their feelings about right vs. wrong. When a potential employee answers yes to this question, it shows they are more apt to stick to their principles no matter what the consequences may be. What to look for in an answer:

  • Sincerity and honesty

  • Clear sense that applicant respects others

  • Strong critical thinking skills

Example:

"There was an incident that occurred at my last job where my coworkers were misrepresenting their hours on their time sheets. I was the only one who worked my full shift. I didn't report them, but one day the boss happened to pass by and noticed I was the only one working. He asked me what was going on, and I was honest. My coworkers got reprimanded and never spoke to me again."

What would you do if you witnessed a team member commit an illegal act?

This is another important question in which the answer points to the potential hire's ethics and principles. Honesty should always be expected, especially regarding illegal activity in the workplace, and most companies have procedures that employees can follow to anonymously report this type of behavior to HR or other higher-ups. What to look for in an answer:

  • Commitment to the company

  • Willingness to follow company policies

  • Firm morals

Example:

"If I witnessed a coworker doing something illegal, I would immediately let my supervisor know what I saw and report the incident to HR. I believe that employers should be able to trust their employees, and employees who break that trust should face the consequences."

If you were asked to sign a confidentiality agreement prior to starting a job, would you feel comfortable doing so?

If signing a confidentiality agreement is a condition of employment, all potential hires should answer yes to this question. If an applicant answers no but otherwise has a positive interview, it's up to the employer to waive this condition. However, doing so may open the employer up to issues down the line. What to look for in an answer:

  • Sense that the applicant is honest and trustworthy

  • Good work ethic

  • Desire to do what's best for the company

Example:

"I would absolutely sign a confidentiality agreement if asked. I understand the need to protect private information, especially in today's world where it can spread rapidly over the internet. I would not have a problem putting anything in writing, and I wouldn't expect to be hired if I refused to do so."

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