Ethical Dilemmas in The Workplace: The Ethics Guy on ABC News

Summary

In this interview, ethics expert Bruce Weinstein addresses common workplace dilemmas, offering practical advice for job seekers. He discusses how to handle tough interview questions, especially about past employment, emphasizing the importance of honesty, integrity, and focusing on the value you bring to potential employers. Bruce also advises job candidates to prepare for these questions in advance, suggesting mock interviews as a great way to build confidence and ensure a polished response. His insights provide helpful guidance for navigating ethical challenges in the professional world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on how you can benefit the company, rather than explaining past issues, when interviewing for a new job.
• 😀 Employers care about what you'll bring to the table now, not necessarily past red flags.
• 😀 If asked about past job issues, be honest but avoid badmouthing your previous employer.
• 😀 The key to a successful interview is to emphasize your integrity and trustworthiness.
• 😀 If you have past mistakes or problems, address them honestly but focus on your skills and what you can contribute to the company.
• 😀 Practice answering tough interview questions by rehearsing with friends or family, and even recording yourself for feedback.
• 😀 Prepare for questions about your employment history so you don’t get caught off guard.
• 😀 A good employer will value your skills and how you can help their company, even if you have minor past issues.
• 😀 Don't try to cover up past issues or problems; being open builds trust with potential employers.
• 😀 Employers will overlook past indiscretions if they aren't serious or illegal, and if you demonstrate growth and trustworthiness.

Q & A

How should Kathy approach a potential employer when explaining why she was let go from her previous job?

Kathy should focus on how she can benefit the company in the future, emphasizing her skills and how she can contribute to the organization's success. It's important for her to be honest about the reason for her departure but avoid badmouthing her previous employer. She should frame the situation positively and focus on what she can bring to the table.

What ethical responsibility does Kathy have when discussing why she left her previous job?

Kathy has the ethical responsibility to be truthful about the circumstances of her departure. If asked about it, she should not attempt to cover up the situation. However, she should avoid badmouthing her former employer, as this can reflect poorly on her.

Why is it important for Kathy to be honest about her previous job situation during an interview?

Being honest demonstrates Kathy's integrity and trustworthiness. Attempting to cover up any issues may hurt her chances, as employers value transparency and honesty in potential employees.

What should Kathy focus on during her job interviews to make a positive impression?

Kathy should focus on how she can help the company, drawing attention to her skills and experience. Employers are more concerned with what a candidate can contribute to their organization than any past issues.

What is the significance of rehearsing for an interview, especially when dealing with potentially difficult questions about past employment?

Rehearsing for an interview helps Kathy prepare for questions, especially tough ones about why she left her last job. It ensures that she can respond confidently without being caught off-guard, helping her come across as composed and professional.

How can Kathy practice for difficult questions in an interview?

Kathy can have a mock interview with a friend or family member and record it. Reviewing the recording allows her to improve her responses and ensure that her answers reflect the best version of herself.

Why is it important not to badmouth a former employer during an interview?

Badmouthing a former employer reflects poorly on Kathy and can make her seem unprofessional or difficult to work with. Even if there were issues at her previous job, it's better to maintain a positive and professional tone.

What should Kathy do if asked directly about being terminated or fired from her previous job?

Kathy should be honest about her termination if asked. She should explain the situation in a professional manner and emphasize what she learned from it, focusing on how she can apply that experience to benefit her potential new employer.

How can Kathy's previous termination be viewed by potential employers?

A good employer will be more concerned with what Kathy can bring to the company moving forward than her past mistakes. If Kathy demonstrates her integrity, skills, and positive attitude, potential employers may overlook past issues.

What role does integrity play in Kathy’s job search?

Integrity is crucial during the job search process. Being honest about past experiences and focusing on how Kathy can contribute to a new organization will help build trust with potential employers, which is key to a successful job search.