Describe a time when you encountered an ethical dilemma at work and how you handled it.

Sample answer to the question

In my previous job as a financial analyst, I encountered an ethical dilemma when I discovered that a colleague was intentionally misrepresenting financial data to inflate our company's profits. This put the company at risk of legal repercussions and damaged its reputation. I immediately brought this issue to my supervisor's attention and provided evidence to support my claim. We conducted a thorough investigation, and it turned out that my colleague had been engaging in fraudulent activities for personal gain. As a result, the colleague was terminated and legal actions were taken. I learned the importance of integrity and the need to address unethical behavior promptly.

A more solid answer

During my time as a financial analyst, I encountered an ethical dilemma when a client asked me to manipulate financial data to secure a loan approval. While I understood the potential impact on the client's business, I knew it was ethically wrong to engage in fraudulent practices. I scheduled a meeting with the client and explained the consequences of falsifying information. I offered alternative solutions to help them meet the loan requirements without compromising integrity, such as exploring other financing options. Eventually, the client agreed and we pursued a legitimate course of action. This experience reinforced my commitment to upholding ethical standards even in challenging situations.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing a more in-depth explanation of the ethical dilemma the candidate faced and their approach to resolving it. It highlights their critical thinking skills and ability to communicate effectively with clients.

An exceptional answer

In my previous role as a financial analyst, I encountered an ethical dilemma when I discovered that my manager was instructing me to misrepresent financial data to deceive investors about the company's financial performance. This unethical practice was a clear violation of professional standards and could have severe legal and reputational consequences. Understanding the potential ramifications, I took immediate action to address the situation. I scheduled a private meeting with the company's CEO and presented the evidence I had gathered. I proposed an independent investigation by a reputable accounting firm to ensure transparency and accountability. The CEO appreciated my initiative and, after a thorough investigation, terminated my manager for breach of ethics. This experience taught me the importance of ethical conduct and the courage to challenge authority when necessary.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer builds upon the solid answer by providing a more complex and challenging ethical dilemma. It showcases the candidate's professionalism, integrity, and willingness to take decisive action in the face of unethical behavior.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on your past experiences to identify any ethical dilemmas you have encountered. Think about the specific details of the situation, the actions you took, and the outcomes.
Brush up on professional ethics and industry standards to ensure you have a clear understanding of expected behavior in the workplace.
Practice articulating your thoughts and experiences related to ethical dilemmas, focusing on effective communication of your decision-making process and the values that guided your actions.
Consider how you can relate your ethical dilemma to the job description, emphasizing skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and professionalism.
Be prepared to discuss the potential consequences of not addressing ethical dilemmas and how your actions align with ethical conduct.

What interviewers are evaluating

Ethical conduct
Critical thinking
Collaboration and teamwork