Whether you’re applying to be a plumber or a computer programmer, integrity is one of the most important qualities a hiring manager wants to see. Integrity is all about taking pride in your work and doing the right thing. That’s why interviewers often ask, “What does integrity mean to you?”
In this guide, we’ll explain what interviewers are looking for when they ask about integrity. We’ll also show you how to answer this question so you come across as a trustworthy and honorable candidate.
Why interviewers ask about integrity
Having the right skills is just one part of being a great employee. Even if you’re really good at your job, without integrity, it can be hard for others to trust and work with you. Interviewers ask about integrity to see if you’re honest and will do the right thing, even when it’s tough or nobody’s watching.
Your answer gives them a glimpse of who you are inside—your morals and values. Interviewers also want to see how easily you can discuss integrity. It shouldn’t be something you have to struggle to explain. Sharing what integrity means to you, in your own words, helps them understand your character. If you can share a real-life example of when you showed integrity, that’s even better.
How to answer “What does integrity mean to you?”
Craft your personal definition of integrity
When preparing for your interview, take some time to think about what integrity truly means to you. Integrity can be a big word, but at its core, it’s about being honest and doing the right thing. Consider how you show integrity in your daily life and how it guides your actions. Ask yourself:
- How do I act when faced with difficult choices?
- What values do I hold most important?
- How do I expect others to treat me, and do I treat them the same way?
Use simple, clear language to describe your personal understanding of integrity. For example, you might say, “To me, integrity means always being truthful and keeping my promises. It’s about doing what’s right, even if it’s not the easiest path.”
It can also help to think of someone you admire who shows integrity. This could be a family member, a teacher, or even a public figure. Consider what they do that makes you respect them. Maybe they always stand up for others, or they admit when they’ve made a mistake. Reflecting on their qualities can help you articulate what integrity means to you.
Share a specific example demonstrating integrity
After defining integrity in your own words, strengthen your answer by sharing a real-life example where you showed integrity to help the interviewer see how you put your values into action. Think about a time when you faced a situation that tested your honesty or principles. It could be from school, a part-time job, volunteering, or any other experience. For instance:
- Academic honesty: Perhaps during a group project, you noticed that one of your teammates copied information from the internet without citing it. You addressed the issue by discussing it with them and ensuring the work was original before submitting it.
- Workplace integrity: Maybe while working at a retail job, you realized a customer gave you too much money by mistake. Instead of keeping it, you informed the customer and returned the extra amount.
- Personal responsibility: You might have made a mistake on an assignment or task. Instead of hiding it, you owned up to it, informed those affected, and worked to fix it.
When sharing your example, keep it concise. Briefly explain the situation, focus on what you did and why, and then share what happened as a result and what you learned.
Connect integrity to the role you’re applying for
To make your answer even more impactful, relate your understanding of integrity to the job you’re interviewing for. This shows the interviewer that you understand how important integrity is in their workplace. Consider the responsibilities of the job and how integrity plays a part. For example:
- Customer service roles: Emphasize how being honest and reliable builds trust with customers. You might say, “In customer service, I believe integrity means always providing truthful information and admitting when I don’t have an answer but committing to finding it.”
- Team-oriented positions: Talk about how integrity involves supporting your teammates and being dependable. For example, “As part of a team, integrity means doing my fair share of the work and being someone my colleagues can count on.”
- Roles handling sensitive information: If the job involves confidential data, highlight the importance of discretion and following rules. You could say, “Handling sensitive information requires a strong sense of integrity to ensure privacy and maintain trust.”
By connecting integrity to the job, you show that you’re not only a person of principle but also someone who understands the role’s demands and is ready to meet them.
How not to answer
Avoid giving a generic or scripted response
When answering this question, it’s important not to give a vague or dictionary-like definition of integrity. Simply saying, “Integrity means being honest,” doesn’t tell the interviewer much about you or how you live out this value. Answers that sound rehearsed or overly generic can make it seem like you haven’t given the topic much thought.
If you’re having trouble thinking of a time you showed integrity at work, don’t worry. You can share a meaningful example from your personal life or talk about someone you admire who embodies integrity. The key is to provide a response that is sincere and reflects your true understanding of the concept.
Sample answers to “What does integrity mean to you?”
Example #1
“To me, integrity means doing the right thing, even when it’s tough. At my previous job, I noticed a coworker was taking office supplies home without asking. I knew it wasn’t right, and instead of ignoring it, I decided to talk to them privately. They realized it was wrong and agreed to stop. I believe that speaking up and being honest helps keep trust in the workplace.”
Why this works:
This answer shows that you understand integrity involves making hard choices to uphold what’s right. By addressing the issue directly and respectfully, you demonstrate honesty and courage. It also shows you care about your workplace and are willing to protect it.
Example #2
“Integrity, to me, means always giving my best and being reliable. In my last job, we had an important deadline, and a teammate was falling behind. I offered to help them catch up, even if it meant working extra hours. I wanted to make sure our project was done well and on time. Doing my best and supporting my team is how I show integrity.”
Why this works:
This response highlights your commitment to quality work and teamwork. It shows you’re willing to go the extra mile to help others and ensure success. Being dependable and dedicated are key parts of integrity, and this example demonstrates those qualities.
Example #3
“As someone new to the workforce, I believe integrity means being honest and taking responsibility for my actions. During my internship, I made a mistake in a report that was sent out. When I realized it, I told my supervisor right away. We fixed the error together, and my supervisor appreciated my honesty. I learned that admitting mistakes and learning from them is an important part of integrity.”
Why this works:
This example is great for young professionals. It shows you value honesty and are willing to own up to your mistakes. Admitting errors can be difficult, but it demonstrates maturity and a strong sense of responsibility. It tells the interviewer you’re trustworthy and eager to learn.
This question is all about your principles, so be thoughtful and speak from the heart. Share a true and compelling example to help the interviewer feel confident you’re someone they can trust and depend on.