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Experienced hiring managers already know how to plumb the depths of a candidate’s experience, skills, and approach to other people during a job interview. But how often do you focus on vetting a candidate’s ethics?

While ethics are rarely covered in “how-to-interview” books, a candidate’s personal and professional ethical approach can have as much impact on their success as their skills or their network. Here’s how to take a closer look at a candidate’s ethical approach within the bounds of a respectful and professional interview:

  1. Ask behavioral interview questions that focus on ethical situations. Behavioral interview questions ask what a candidate did in a particular situation in the past as a guide to how they might handle similar situations in the future. Questions like “If you saw your manager stealing from a customer, what would you do?” or “Tell us about a time you felt your business ethics were challenged” can lead a candidate into a potentially revealing discussion.
  2. Consider a pre-employment assessment. Many companies use pre-employment assessments like personality tests to attempt to gauge candidates’ ethical approaches and values. While these tools aren’t perfect, they can add information to the overall picture. Your staffing partner can help you examine various testing tools, determine whether any are appropriate for your needs, and administer them.
  3. Use a “work simulation” that includes an ethical component. The often inconclusive nature of interviews leads some employers to put candidates into job-simulating positions. Adding an ethical component to this “walk-through” can also shed light on the candidate’s moral fiber. For instance, you might ask a candidate to list five things they would change about the president of the United States to make the U.S. a better country. While it seems simple, the question reveals much about how a candidate views the world and how the candidate’s values relate to that world.
  4. Never neglect a background check. Thorough criminal background checks and drug testing can give you a glimpse into a candidate’s past that may shed light on their moral approach. Your recruiter can help you ensure these tests are carried out in a discreet and cost-effective manner.

At SMR Group Ltd, our experienced recruiters specialize in connecting top sales and marketing talent with the best employers in the biotech, medical device, and pharmaceutical industries. Contact us today to learn more.


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