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Naomi Shah
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How would you answer this interview question? Tell me about a time when you had to choose between doing what was right and doing what was popular or convenient.

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john parks
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Material Handler Forklift Operator at Rineco Chemical Industries

"I actually had a situation recently where I was being brought on full-time by a company. I was headed out of town for a job with a coworker I’d just met, and he mentioned that the office didn't really have a way of knowing exactly how many hours we put in each day—implying we could easily pad our time. ​My task was to decide how to respond to that suggestion while building a working relationship with a new peer. For me, there wasn't a choice to make. I told him plainly, 'That’s not how I do things.' I explained that if a person is paying you to work, you owe them an honest day’s work for that pay. ​That value is something my father instilled in me, and it’s a standard I hold myself to regardless of who is watching. As a result, I started that full-time position with my integrity intact, and my coworker understood right away that I’m someone who values honesty and high standards on the job." ​Why This Works ​It’s Relatable: Every industry has "shortcuts," and showing you won't take them makes you a low-risk, high-trust hire. ​It Shows Character: Mentioning that this was a value passed down from your father adds a layer of personal sincerity that feels "real" rather than rehearsed. ​It Sets a Standard: It demonstrates that you aren't just a follower; you are willing to set the tone for how work should be done. ​A Quick Tip ​If they follow up by asking how the coworker reacted, you can simply say: ​"He respected it. Sometimes people just need to see that someone else is committed to doing the right thing for the culture of the team to stay strong." ​Would you like me to help you prepare for any other common interview questions, like "What is your greatest strength?"

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Theresa Macconnell
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Cashier at Walmart

Always felt decision I made was right one.

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Marcia Williams
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Doing what is right is always the right thing to do.

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Daniel Schmidt
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Business and Team Leader

I've had that question in multiple interviews and was really pressed to go the wrong way. As I do in my work, I stick to my convictions in doing what is right for both the customer and the business AND within laws and regulations.

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Jacqueline Beckford
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Always choose what is right. Moral values is always better than fitting in.

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Katarous Watts
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Security Officers at Security Intelligence

Always b positive, never negative!

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Katarous Watts
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Security Officers at Security Intelligence

Anything else I can help u with.

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Katarous Watts
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Security Officers at Security Intelligence

Never assume, always ask

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Katarous Watts
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Security Officers at Security Intelligence

May u have a great day

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Katarous Watts
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Security Officers at Security Intelligence

Is there a problem I can help u with

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