In job interviews, you are very likely to be asked questions about your professional ethics, i.e. the value you place on your job and how you approach it. A person's professional ethics encompasses various qualities that belong to the work sphere, such as ambition, reliability, communication and leadership style, management of responsibilities and much more. The precise answer you will need to give depends on your personality and the work experience you have had, but there are some general guidelines that determine how you should respond to make a good impression. By following them, you will be able to carry out a perfect interview and get the job you want!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Answer the Examiner's Questions
Step 1. Prepare for various questions about your professional ethics
Other similar questions may relate to your attitude about your current job, your performance, your ability to work with others, your skills, etc.
- Questions about your professional ethics will not always be presented to you as "Describe your professional ethics" or "What is your professional ethics?".
- Similar questions may include: "How would you describe yourself?", "What do you think about being able to work in a team?", "Are you willing to take a training course and learn new skills?".
Step 2. Give honest answers that describe your great professional ethics
Choose traits of your attitude, your feelings and your beliefs at work, in order to give answers that show your true nature and that present your professional philosophy in the best way.
- For example, you can say that you approach work with dedication and that you believe it is important to do your best, because it makes you feel fulfilled and satisfied.
- You can also say that you go out of your way to make sure you enjoy your job, as this helps you complete your duties with enthusiasm.
- Emphasize that you see work as an experience of continuous learning and that you are always looking for opportunities to learn, so as to improve your skills and contribute to the good of the company in new and innovative ways. Employers are looking for people who have the ambition to deepen their professional knowledge and to contribute new insights to their team.
Step 3. Use real-life examples to support your answers
Tell life situations that testify to the professional ethics you claim to have.
- For example, if you argue that honesty is a core value for you, mention an occasion in your life when you were particularly honest, despite difficult circumstances.
- If you claim to work well with other people, describe a group project you have successfully contributed to.
Step 4. Describe a difficult situation you faced in your last job and what you did to resolve it
Share how you successfully identified and solved the problem, working with colleagues to come up with a solution.
Use concrete examples. You could say something like, "A client had a problem with their account and was very angry. I was able to remain calm and understanding as I tried to resolve the issue. I had to work directly with my manager to get there. to a solution that satisfied the customer and at the same time respected the needs of the company. In the end, the customer was satisfied with the solution and how I worked effectively with my team."
Method 2 of 3: Ask Questions
Step 1. Ask questions about potential employment
Employers are more interested in candidates who actively participate in the interview. There are some great questions you can follow along with questions about your personality, professional ethics, or your ability to collaborate, such as:
- "What skills and experience should the ideal candidate have for your company?". This is the perfect opportunity for your potential employer to uncover the cards and describe exactly what they are looking for. It can be a great way to target your answers on sides of yourself and your work ethic that you haven't yet illustrated.
- "Do you offer professional or refresher courses?". This question gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your interest in learning new professional techniques and that you are willing to grow with the company.
Step 2. Ask questions about the environment in the company
In this way, you will show that you are interested in being part of a successful team and that you think about the contribution you can make thanks to your skills.
- "Can you describe the team I will work with?". Thanks to this question, you show that you know that you will work in a team and you can have the opportunity to tell that in the past you have found yourself very well in a group.
- Describe how your attitude and approach to work perfectly integrate with the philosophy of the company or your team. You might say, "I am very good at team play. First, I evaluate the most effective way to apply my skills within a team, then I offer strategic suggestions in that area. I also offer support and positive feedback for my colleagues".
Step 3. Avoid asking questions about benefits and pay
It is not a good idea to ask about benefits, holidays, shift changes, gossip you have heard, or personal matters that concern the examiner.
- Just ask specific questions about your potential employment, the company in general, and the team you will work for.
- Benefits and salary questions are better suited to the later stages of the hiring process than the first interview.
Method 3 of 3: Understanding Your Professional Ethics
Step 1. Ask yourself what value you place on your job
Is this your priority or are there other aspects of life that are more important to you?
- You may find that work is your priority and that you often adapt the rest of your life to your professional needs.
- People who know how to maintain the right work-life balance are the most attractive candidates for many companies. Often, companies will also ask you what interests you have outside the professional field.
Step 2. Evaluate your relationship with your current job
To be able to best answer questions about your professional ethics, you must first make sure you understand the relationship you, personally, have with your work. Consider the following:
- Your attitude towards work reflects how you approach professional responsibilities. Those with a strong work ethic have a positive and active attitude when they have to commit to work.
- Your feelings about work reflect the impact your employment has on your performance and are a major contributing factor to your overall work ethic. Working can make you feel energized, proud and happy with yourself and your achievements. Conversely, work could be a source of stress.
- Your beliefs about work indicate the role you assign to your profession in relation to life itself. For example, you might think that work builds character and is critical to a balanced life.
Step 3. Write down how various aspects of your job make you feel
By putting these ideas in black and white, you will be able to better remember important details of your professional ethics and skills in preparation for the interview.
- How do you feel when you work with others? Describe the pros and cons of working directly with colleagues and clients.
- What do you think about the possibility of continuing your education and expanding your skills? Describe your attitude and feelings about the time spent on professional training.
- What do you think about overtime and the possibility of having to work in difficult conditions? Write down your attitude about extra work hours or the possibility of having to deal with difficult or unusual situations.
Step 4. Think about specific episodes of your career
This way, you will be able to describe in detail how your work ethic has helped you in your work. Think about the occasions when:
- You worked with a team: were there specific times when working as a team was difficult or useful? Did working in contact with others help you or hinder you?
- You worked with a difficult client: Was there a complicated situation involving a client? How did you manage an episode in which you had to solve a complex problem, respecting the needs of the customer and the limitations imposed by your company?
Advice
- Regarding professional ethics during a job interview, examiners often try to hire a person with a positive attitude, who can team up, who takes the initiative, who can adapt to many different tasks, who is capable to manage their time well and want to continue learning.
- Always dress flawlessly. Invest in a clean, well-sized, tailored suit. Avoid wearing creased or wrinkled clothes, too strong perfumes and very bright colors.
