Tell me about one of your core values and a time you went against it.

ExperienceEthical

Purpose

This question digs into your personal ethics and self-reflection. Interviewers want to see if you can acknowledge imperfections and what you learned from them. It also reveals what values you hold dear, which speaks to your character.

Tips

  • Start by clearly stating a core value like honesty, empathy, or teamwork.
  • Share a specific incident where you didn't live up to that value, even in a small way.
  • Reflect on the consequences and how you corrected it or would act differently now. End on a positive note with a lesson learned.

Common mistakes

  • Don't pick a trivial example that doesn't seem value-related.
  • Avoid huge ethical breaches unless you can show significant learning and change.
  • Don't blame circumstances or others. Take accountability and show remorse.