Questions about your work ethic might not be phrased exactly as “describe your work ethic” or “What is your work ethic?” Similar questions might include: “How would you describe yourself?”, “How do you feel about working in a team?”, “How do you feel about training and learning new skill sets?”
For example, you may state that you approach work with dedication because you believe in doing your best, and when you do your best you feel accomplished and satisfied. You might also say that you also do your best to make sure you enjoy your work, and that helps you to complete tasks with enthusiasm. Stress that you see jobs as a continual learning experience and that you will always seek new training and workshops that will allow you to further your skills and contribute to your workplace in new, innovative ways. Employers will look for individuals who want to advance their own knowledge about their job and contribute new insights to their team.
For example, if you say you place a high priority on honesty, cite a scenario in your life where you were especially honest in the face of difficult circumstances. If you claim to work well with others, describe a group project that you successfully contributed to.
Use concrete examples. You might say something along the lines of “A client was having a problem with their account and they were very upset and angry. I was able to maintain being very calm and understanding while I worked to resolve the issue. I had to work directly with my manager to come up with a solution that addressed the clients and company needs at the same time. In the end, the client was happy with the solution and how I worked effectively with my team. "
“What skills and experiences would make an ideal candidate for your company?” This is a good chance for your potential employer to lay all cards on the table and describe exactly what they are looking for. It can be a good way for you to follow up with more answers about yourself and your work ethic that you haven’t covered yet. “Do you offer professional training or continuing education?” This is a good way to show that you are interested in continuing to learn new ways of doing your job and that you are willing to grow with the company.
“Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with?” This question shows that you know you’ll be working in a team environment and might lead to ways in which you can describe how well you have worked with others in the past. " Describe how your attitude and approach to work fits in with the company or team philosophy. You might say “I’m an effective team player. I first evaluate where in a team project my skills would be most effective and offer strategies in that area. I offer support and positive feedback to my coworkers. "
Stick to specific questions about your potential jobs, the company in general, and the team you’ll be working with. Questions about benefits and salary can be addressed later in the hiring process rather than in an initial interview.
You may find that your job is your first priority and you are able to fit in your other responsibilities around your work life. A person with a healthy work-life balance is an attractive candidate to most companies. Many companies may even ask you about your interests outside of your field. [6] X Research source
Your attitude towards work relates to how you approach occupational responsibilities. Someone with a strong work ethic has a positive, willing attitude when it comes to putting effort into a job. Your feelings about work relate to how work affects your performance, and is an important contributing factor to overall work ethic. Work may make you feel energized, proud, and positive about yourself and your accomplishments. On the other hand, you may feel that work makes you feel stressed. Your beliefs about work pertain to the role you give work in relation to life itself. For example, you may believe that work builds character and is central to a well-balanced life.
How do you feel about working with others? Describe both pros and cons about working directly with co-workers and clients. How do you feel about continuing education and expanding your skills? Describe your attitude and feelings towards putting extra time into professional training. How do you feel about working overtime or through difficult scenarios? Outline your attitudes towards working extra hours or through unfamiliar and difficult situations.
Working with a team: Has there been a specific time where working with a team has been difficult or beneficial? How did working with others help or hinder you? Working with a difficult client: Has there been a difficult scenario involving a client? How did you handle working with a client through a difficult problem while being sensitive to the clients needs and company restrictions?
