Last Updated on September 20, 2024
Work Ethic Definition
Merriam Webster dictionary defines work ethic as “A set of values centered on the importance of doing work and reflected especially a desire or a determination to work hard.”
A work ethic has a lot to do with personal satisfaction because you don’t need to be supervised, you do what you have promised yourself you would do in any given situation. For example, you work overnight to finish a project because your ethic motivates you to complete your tasks within the deadline. Nobody knew you would work overnight to finish the project, yet you did it anyway.
How To Answer “How Would You Describe Your Work Ethic?” [Interview Question]
To answer the question “How would you describe your work ethic”, you need to know your core values regarding work. Here is how to identify them: ask yourself, “What would I do to improve my work performance and generate more results for the company even if I am not asked to do so? What is the best way to treat my co-workers? What have I done that satisfied me at work and benefited the people and company I work for? What can make me a better employee?”
Depending on your personality and beliefs, you may want to focus your response on your professional honesty, respect for colleagues, professionalism, etc.
“How Would You Describe Your Work Ethic?”- Sample Answer
“My work ethic is best described as professional honesty and motivation. For example, I had to work thirty hours a week for the last company I worked for. Each week I decided to accomplish a set of things, and then there was a week when I realized that I could not finish what I wanted to do for the week. I completed the thirty hours but I still had a few more things to do. Since I wanted to finish the project that week, I kept working until it was complete. That effort brought me much more satisfaction than if I were to charge my boss for the extra hours I spent working on the project. To sum it up, I would say that I am honest and self-motivated.”
7 Other Interview Questions About Work Ethics
Here are seven other interview questions about work ethics along with a sample answer:
1. What Does Work Ethic Mean To You?
“Work ethic means to do everything in my power to be happy about my work and have peace of mind, knowing that I am contributing to something big.”
2. Describe A Time When You Went The Extra Mile At Work
“I was working as an interpreter for a non-profit medical organization. Twice a year the organization brings dentists to my country to take care of people’s teeth for free. I was only paid to interpret for the dentist, but when I saw that he needed help organizing and sanitizing his tools, I helped him without charging him extra money. And I was happy to be able to help.”
3. What Do You Do When There Is Nothing Left To Do At Work?
“Oftentimes I am the first to finish doing what I had to do for the day at work because I am a fast worker. When that happens, I either start working on the next thing on my list or I plan for the next day. However, if a co-worker wanted my help, I would help them before I do any of the above.”
4. Why Do You Think Work Ethic Is Important?
“I think work ethic is important because the boss should not be like a commander who is there to make sure that each employee does their job. Employees must do their job correctly, respect their colleagues, create a healthy work environment, and most importantly, each employee should have a set of high standards to guide their actions, which may also influence their performance at work. All these things applied to me as an employee.”
5. What Would You Do If A Colleague Asks You To Let Them Use A Company Property That Only You Are Allowed To Use?
“I would say no, I am the only person who is authorized to utilize it. If they insisted, I would say keep saying no.”
6. What Would You Do If Your Supervisor Asks You To Do Something That Is Against The Company Standards Or Rules?
“First of all, I would remind them that what they ask me to is against the chart of the company, and then tell them no, I can’t do it.”
7. Tell Us One Thing That You Consider More Important Than Work Ethics?
“I must admit that this is not an easy question. However, I think the answer could be as simple as this: Nothing is more important than work ethic. I see it that way because a wise man once said to me that I should never violate a promise that I made to myself so I can keep those I made to others. I think this applies to your question. My work ethic satisfies me and makes me the kind of professional I am. I can’t lower my standards.”
In Conclusion
The interview questions about work ethics you just learned about can give you more confidence to answer most of the key questions the recruiter may ask. Practice answering each of the above questions before you go to the job interview. You also need to practice other questions that are not about work ethic because if you only answered the questions that are about work ethics and you cannot do well in the other questions, your overall score might be too low to get the job. Good luck.
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Emily Rushton, Founder and CEO of Hire Integrated, has over a decade of experience in recruitment, helping companies solve high-volume hiring challenges. Her unique, storytelling approach has made her a trusted leader in the industry, helping both businesses and candidates succeed.
