Answering Character and Ethics Questions

Questions about your character, ethics and how you react to certain situations are common, as the interviewer wants to know your personality and values.

They seek to understand how you would behave on a day-to-day basis and whether you align with the company culture.

Importance of a positive attitude from the start

Your attitude is evaluated from the moment you arrive. Show positivity from the start.

If you are asked how it went when you arrived, avoid complaining about traffic, weather, or difficulty finding directions.

A positive response ("Very well, thank you! The receptionist was very nice") creates a better initial impression.

Ethical dilemmas ("What would you do if your boss asked you to do something wrong?").

These questions seek to assess your integrity and ethical judgment.

How to answer: Be prepared for these types of questions. Your response should reflect honesty and professionalism.

You might indicate that you would first try to understand the request, seek ethical alternatives and, if necessary, escalate the situation through appropriate company channels, always prioritizing integrity.

Preferred boss style

This question seeks to understand what type of leadership you work best with and whether you will fit in with your potential supervisor.

How to answer: Avoid describing personal characteristics (young, dynamic, smiling), as you may describe the opposite of the actual boss.

Focus on professional aspects and objectives that facilitate a good working relationship, such as "a boss who sets clear goals and encourages good communication."

This is compatible with almost any leadership style.

Lying at Work

If you're asked if it's OK to lie at work, the answer should be clear.

How to respond: Defend honesty as a fundamental value in work relationships.

You can argue that, although sometimes the truth is uncomfortable, in the long run transparency and open communication are more effective and build trust.

Avoid justifying lying, even in hypothetical situations.

Use of social/mobile networks

With the ubiquity of technology, you may be asked about social media or cell phone use during work hours.

How to respond: Show responsibility and professionalism. Indicate that you adhere to company policies on the use of these tools.

You can add that you use these tools primarily for professional or learning purposes during work, and that you reserve personal use for breaks or outside of work hours.

Pressure and stress management

Employers are looking for people who can perform under pressure.

How to respond: Describe your approach in a positive and productive way.

Mention strategies such as prioritizing tasks, being organized, staying calm, and focusing on solutions.

You can give a brief example (using STAR) of how you handled a stressful situation successfully.

Potentially discriminatory questions ("Are you planning to have children?") - How to handle them.

Although certain questions about your personal life (marital status, children, religion, etc.) may be inappropriate or even illegal, you may be able to deal with them.

How to respond: Keep your cool. You have several options:

• Respond diplomatically: If it doesn't make you uncomfortable, you can respond briefly and reaffirm your professional commitment (e.g., "Not currently, and in any case, my career is very important to me and I know I could handle both responsi