Common Interview Questions
To help you prepare for your next job interview, here are 30 common interview questions and answer examples.
Common was updated by Rachelle Enns on October 26th, 2021. Learn more here.
Question 2 of 30
The Goal
What to Avoid
Pro Tip
How to Answer
Answer Example
Admin Example
Manager Example
Sales Example
Retail Example
Teacher Example
Marketing Example
Community Answers
Work ethic describes the moral principles that you apply to your work. The interviewer wants a clear idea of what drives you to do the right thing in the workplace. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that your moral principles and ethics relate to the work you will be doing and match the principles of the hiring company.
Avoid giving a general response like, 'I'd describe my work ethic as consistent and reliable.' The interviewer wants a specific description of how you approach your work, allowing them to understand how well you fit with their workplace environment.
When the interviewer asks about your work ethic, they are looking for specific wording to which they can relate. When you read the hiring company's job posting or job description, check for the mention of particular principles and values. When you respond, clearly outline how those principles align with your work values.
After outlining your work ethic for the interviewer, share an example of when you demonstrated those characteristics and traits in the workplace. Storytelling impacts the interviewer because it provides evidence of your ethics and personal character. If you want to tell a longer-form story, you can reply using the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
"I am a very dedicated and loyal employee. I saw on the company website that the organization values those who are honest, transparent, and go the extra mile for clients. My work ethic is the same. I am honest, flexible, and ready to work hard for my employer every day. For instance, in my current role, I am often the last to leave because I am committed to returning every clients' voicemail and email before I leave for the day."
"I am very proud of my reputation as a reliable Executive Assistant. I base my work ethic on being reliable, honest, and consistent. Last week, I found a discrepancy in my pay, and I alerted our payroll department right away. I know that this instance would have gone unnoticed; however, it would never sit well with me to act in a way that hurt my employer, no matter how small."
"I am a motivating person who brings a lot of enthusiasm to the workplace. I am sure that any of my coworkers would agree! As a Manager, I take opportunities to huddle with my team, review our greatest wins for the week, and I make the time to encourage others when I see their efforts making a difference."
"I'd describe myself as driven and goal-oriented. I am driven by the competition that comes with working in a sales environment. That said, I am also a dedicated team player. I never want to disappoint my employer or co-workers. I will always go the extra mile to reach my personal goals and the goals of my team."
"I am driven, dependable, and loyal. I always focus on winning, and I know what I want to achieve. I am ready to take action whenever someone needs me. I stick with a company for the long term and love to grow with one organization. I am confident that my managers would describe me as loyal and dependable, as well."
"I count myself among the most dedicated teachers, not only to my students but also to my school. I am hardworking, humble, kind, and passionate. I wake up every day happy to go to work, excited about my job, and ready to impact my students and the school community. I want my passion and drive to light up a room."
"I describe myself as excited to learn, driven by growth opportunities, and someone who executes. For example, I am constantly listening to audiobooks and podcasts geared to growing my knowledge of digital marketing and content creation. I quickly take these lessons and apply them to ensure that I put my new knowledge to work. I am certain my previous bosses and clients would concur, and I'd happily provide them as references."
Anonymous Answer
"I am a dedicated and loyal employee. I work hard for what I take part in, which results in very few missed deadlines. I am very organized and good at time management, which I consider two of my biggest assets. My communication is also key to ensuring strong collaboration."
Rachelle's Feedback
Good answers! I have reworded for clarification.
"I describe my work ethic as dedicated, loyal, hard-working, and organized. Time management is one of my greatest strengths which is why I rarely miss a deadline. I am a strong communicator and solid collaborator."
Show More Answers
Anonymous Answer
"I see myself as driven, dependable, and loyal. I am always happy to help anyone that needs and stay loyal to the company that I work for many years"
Rachelle's Feedback
Excellent! Loyalty is an important factor that many people miss. Expressing your tenure is a great approach.
Anonymous Answer
"I am honest, dependable, and hard-working. I am sure that any of my coworkers would agree. As a manager, these are the qualities that I expect from my team in return."
Lauren's Feedback
I really like your personal and mutual accountability.
"My work ethic is honest, dependable, and hard-working. I believe in mutual respect and accountability. I never expect anything from coworkers that I am not willing to do myself. I take a lot of pride in my work, and I think my coworkers would agree."
Anonymous Answer
"I describe myself among the most dedicated employees, not only to my team members but also to my organisation. I am hardworking, humble, kind, and passionate. I saw on the company website that they value enthusiastic team players from all walks of life who can bring something different and unique to the team. My work ethic is the same. I am honest, flexible, and ready to work hard as part of a team responsible for implementing information security requirements, policy standards, guidelines, and procedures. As per my supervisors' review of my performances, they have described me as the most reliable and competent team member. I am quick to follow direction, high work rate, quick to seek clarification from supervisor when needed, and demonstrate high commitment to responsibly completing tasks. I would happily provide them as references."
Rachelle's Feedback
Terrific answer! You provide a lot of detail, painting a full and flattering picture of your work ethic. Great job bringing the company's ethics into your answer, as well. You show total confidence that the work ethic you are describing is the absolute truth by offering your references.
Anonymous Answer
"I would describe my work ethic as dedicated, reliable, and results-oriented. I am committed to my work and I always strive to do my best. I am also a team player and I am always willing to go the extra mile to help my team succeed."
Jaymie's Feedback
These are all great traits and abilities that will be valuable to any organization and team. Nice work!
Anonymous Answer
"I base my work ethic on being reliable, honest, and consistent. I never expect anything from teammates that I am not willing to do myself. I take a lot of pride in my work, and I think my teammates would agree.
Just last week, I helped out a team member by coming in early to do early checks on challenged cows. I didn't have to; in fact, he said he could do it himself, but I couldn't let someone come in knowing that there was something I could've done to help."
Stephanie's Feedback
Your response clearly shows a strong work ethic!
Anonymous Answer
"I would say that I always like moving forward. I am a self-starter that doesn't need to be told to get going and get busy. I think a good example of this is when we opened the last location, the first two weeks were non-stop, busting at the seams busy and I stayed past my scheduled work time every day to make sure we were getting caught up and ready for the next day."
Chad's Feedback
Good answer! It's clear from your example that you have a strong work ethic, and are dedicated and highly motivated.
Anonymous Answer
"I am loyal, accountable, and supportive. I am looking for long-term employment and I would like to grow and develop as the company grow in a long run. Also, I always deliver commitment at work. When you give me a task, I will finish it with an excellent result in a short time. When I work in a team, I always like to help others with my knowledge and skills."
Marcie's Feedback
Is there an example you can provide that highlights your great work ethic? If so, consider including it to make this answer more memorable to the interviewer. Otherwise, you've done an excellent job of explaining your work ethic and how loyal, supportive, and accountable you are.
2. How would you describe your work ethic?
The Goal
Work ethic describes the moral principles that you apply to your work. The interviewer wants a clear idea of what drives you to do the right thing in the workplace. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that your moral principles and ethics relate to the work you will be doing and match the principles of the hiring company.
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid giving a general response like, 'I'd describe my work ethic as consistent and reliable.' The interviewer wants a specific description of how you approach your work, allowing them to understand how well you fit with their workplace environment.
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Pro Tip
When the interviewer asks about your work ethic, they are looking for specific wording to which they can relate. When you read the hiring company's job posting or job description, check for the mention of particular principles and values. When you respond, clearly outline how those principles align with your work values.
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
After outlining your work ethic for the interviewer, share an example of when you demonstrated those characteristics and traits in the workplace. Storytelling impacts the interviewer because it provides evidence of your ethics and personal character. If you want to tell a longer-form story, you can reply using the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am a very dedicated and loyal employee. I saw on the company website that the organization values those who are honest, transparent, and go the extra mile for clients. My work ethic is the same. I am honest, flexible, and ready to work hard for my employer every day. For instance, in my current role, I am often the last to leave because I am committed to returning every clients' voicemail and email before I leave for the day."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Admin Example
"I am very proud of my reputation as a reliable Executive Assistant. I base my work ethic on being reliable, honest, and consistent. Last week, I found a discrepancy in my pay, and I alerted our payroll department right away. I know that this instance would have gone unnoticed; however, it would never sit well with me to act in a way that hurt my employer, no matter how small."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Manager Example
"I am a motivating person who brings a lot of enthusiasm to the workplace. I am sure that any of my coworkers would agree! As a Manager, I take opportunities to huddle with my team, review our greatest wins for the week, and I make the time to encourage others when I see their efforts making a difference."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Sales Example
"I'd describe myself as driven and goal-oriented. I am driven by the competition that comes with working in a sales environment. That said, I am also a dedicated team player. I never want to disappoint my employer or co-workers. I will always go the extra mile to reach my personal goals and the goals of my team."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Retail Example
"I am driven, dependable, and loyal. I always focus on winning, and I know what I want to achieve. I am ready to take action whenever someone needs me. I stick with a company for the long term and love to grow with one organization. I am confident that my managers would describe me as loyal and dependable, as well."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Teacher Example
"I count myself among the most dedicated teachers, not only to my students but also to my school. I am hardworking, humble, kind, and passionate. I wake up every day happy to go to work, excited about my job, and ready to impact my students and the school community. I want my passion and drive to light up a room."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Marketing Example
"I describe myself as excited to learn, driven by growth opportunities, and someone who executes. For example, I am constantly listening to audiobooks and podcasts geared to growing my knowledge of digital marketing and content creation. I quickly take these lessons and apply them to ensure that I put my new knowledge to work. I am certain my previous bosses and clients would concur, and I'd happily provide them as references."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
"I am a dedicated and loyal employee. I work hard for what I take part in, which results in very few missed deadlines. I am very organized and good at time management, which I consider two of my biggest assets. My communication is also key to ensuring strong collaboration."
Rachelle's Feedback
Good answers! I have reworded for clarification.
"I describe my work ethic as dedicated, loyal, hard-working, and organized. Time management is one of my greatest strengths which is why I rarely miss a deadline. I am a strong communicator and solid collaborator."
Show More Answers
Anonymous Answer
"I see myself as driven, dependable, and loyal. I am always happy to help anyone that needs and stay loyal to the company that I work for many years"
Rachelle's Feedback
Excellent! Loyalty is an important factor that many people miss. Expressing your tenure is a great approach.
Anonymous Answer
"I am honest, dependable, and hard-working. I am sure that any of my coworkers would agree. As a manager, these are the qualities that I expect from my team in return."
Lauren's Feedback
I really like your personal and mutual accountability.
"My work ethic is honest, dependable, and hard-working. I believe in mutual respect and accountability. I never expect anything from coworkers that I am not willing to do myself. I take a lot of pride in my work, and I think my coworkers would agree."
Anonymous Answer
"I describe myself among the most dedicated employees, not only to my team members but also to my organisation. I am hardworking, humble, kind, and passionate. I saw on the company website that they value enthusiastic team players from all walks of life who can bring something different and unique to the team. My work ethic is the same. I am honest, flexible, and ready to work hard as part of a team responsible for implementing information security requirements, policy standards, guidelines, and procedures. As per my supervisors' review of my performances, they have described me as the most reliable and competent team member. I am quick to follow direction, high work rate, quick to seek clarification from supervisor when needed, and demonstrate high commitment to responsibly completing tasks. I would happily provide them as references."
Rachelle's Feedback
Terrific answer! You provide a lot of detail, painting a full and flattering picture of your work ethic. Great job bringing the company's ethics into your answer, as well. You show total confidence that the work ethic you are describing is the absolute truth by offering your references.
Anonymous Answer
"I would describe my work ethic as dedicated, reliable, and results-oriented. I am committed to my work and I always strive to do my best. I am also a team player and I am always willing to go the extra mile to help my team succeed."
Jaymie's Feedback
These are all great traits and abilities that will be valuable to any organization and team. Nice work!
Anonymous Answer
"I base my work ethic on being reliable, honest, and consistent. I never expect anything from teammates that I am not willing to do myself. I take a lot of pride in my work, and I think my teammates would agree.
Just last week, I helped out a team member by coming in early to do early checks on challenged cows. I didn't have to; in fact, he said he could do it himself, but I couldn't let someone come in knowing that there was something I could've done to help."
Stephanie's Feedback
Your response clearly shows a strong work ethic!
Anonymous Answer
"I would say that I always like moving forward. I am a self-starter that doesn't need to be told to get going and get busy. I think a good example of this is when we opened the last location, the first two weeks were non-stop, busting at the seams busy and I stayed past my scheduled work time every day to make sure we were getting caught up and ready for the next day."
Chad's Feedback
Good answer! It's clear from your example that you have a strong work ethic, and are dedicated and highly motivated.
Anonymous Answer
"I am loyal, accountable, and supportive. I am looking for long-term employment and I would like to grow and develop as the company grow in a long run. Also, I always deliver commitment at work. When you give me a task, I will finish it with an excellent result in a short time. When I work in a team, I always like to help others with my knowledge and skills."
Marcie's Feedback
Is there an example you can provide that highlights your great work ethic? If so, consider including it to make this answer more memorable to the interviewer. Otherwise, you've done an excellent job of explaining your work ethic and how loyal, supportive, and accountable you are.
