What do you say about morality at an interview?

[Kidlicious]

I said you shouldn't talk about morality at work. Is that the best thing to say? Values are different though I think. What do you guys think I should have said?

[snoopy369]

I wouldn't say that is the right answer for a job interview. I'd say the correct answer is that you should discuss work-related morality, ie not stealing company property or something to that extent; but not personal morality, such as gay marriage or such.

[BeBMan]

"People should shut up and focus on doing their jobs!"

[Riesstiu IV]

"I think raping women and killing people is wrong."

[BeBMan]

"Morality is irrelevant. Values are irrelevant. Resistance Is Futile. You Will Be Assimilated!"

[Ben Kenobi]

Tell them the truth that you have a picture of stalin on your wall.

[Kidlicious]

Originally posted by Ben Kenobi
Tell them the truth

That's not going to happen. I'm a liar.

that you have a picture of stalin on your wall.

That's not true either.

[BeBMan]

Seriously, what exactly was the question -- if you should talk about morality at work? Is that a common question in interviews in the US?

[Riesstiu IV]

Yes. Unlike Germany with your hookers and sausages, the US is a moral country.

[BeBMan]

Originally posted by Riesstiu IV
hookers and sausages

Don't forget beer

[snoopy369]

Originally posted by BeBro
Seriously, what exactly was the question -- if you should talk about morality at work? Is that a common question in interviews in the US?

It's not a very good question for an interview, no idea if it's common or not. I suppose it might be an attempt at a behavioral interview question, but phrased that way it fails.

[Kidlicious]

Originally posted by BeBro
Seriously, what exactly was the question -- if you should talk about morality at work? Is that a common question in interviews in the US?

Something like describe a time at work when you have a confict (maybe issue) with someone at work regarding different values or morals, or something like that.

I paused for about 5 seconds. Than I talked about a time when a teacher confronted me about a grade that I gave a student. Then I said that I didn't think that you should share your morals at work. I noticed that they wrote that last part done as though it were important.

[Riesstiu IV]

Originally posted by snoopy369


It's not a very good question for an interview, no idea if it's common or not. I suppose it might be an attempt at a behavioral interview question, but phrased that way it fails.

Actually, I remember back when I used to work summer jobs in high school they often have these stupid questions for menial job positions.

What are your opinions on marijuana? Do you think it's okay to punch customers? I'm exaggerating a little but it's really not that for off if you look at the questionnaires they give you. All you do is give the answers they're looking for.

[snoopy369]

... which is why they are poor interview questions

The actual question as described by Kid above (edited for clarity):

Describe a time at work when you have a conflict with someone at work regarding different values or morals.

This is a fairly good interview question, actually. The point of this question is to determine:

1. Is the interviewee capable of discussing a conflict - this bears on the honesty and directness of the interviewee
2. How significant of a conflict does the interviewee discuss - this bears on whether they are likely to be someone who can ignore small problems and get along with co-workers.
3. How did the interviewee resolve the conflict - did they resolve it themselves, did they take it upstairs, etc. This bears on their ability in conflict resolution (and either answer can be correct depending on the circumstance).

The question does not bear on the actual values or morales, and doesn't have anything to do with 'discussing morality at work'; it is focused on conflict resolution. A very solid behavioral interview question.

[SlowwHand]

Was it asked as relates to ethics?