While it doesn’t relate to your job-specific skills (like marketing, customer service, graphic design, data analysis, etc.) When employers ask about this topic, they want to see that work ethic is important to you and that you approach your work in a reliable, professional way. Describe your work ethic and how it affects the external relationships you have as a representative of the company. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Or at the very least, show that you recognize that coming into work with high energy and effort each day will help you further your career, so you’re motivated and consistent with your work ethic because of this. Get our free PDF with the top 30 interview questions to practice. Your manager will be able to see that you conduct yourself as a professional and deal with others in an honest and straightforward manner. “Describe your work ethic,” isn’t a trick question, but it does require preparation if you want to impress the interviewer. Copyright © 2020 Career Sidekick, LLC | Privacy | Disclaimer, Describe Your Work Ethic – Interview Answers, What Makes a Resume Good? By the end, everyone was in good spirits. To gain insight, interviewers may ask you to describe your work ethic. Unless the job description specifically called for multitasking, this response ticks off a lot of positive in-demand qualities for candidates. (For more examples, see this list from LinkedIn). Work ethic is used as a guide for employees’ attitudes towards work and behavior on the job. … You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. Getting proper sleep. Do you work well with others, or focus mainly on completing your own tasks? 9 Signs to Know, LinkedIn Cold Messages: How to Reach Out About a Job. Why It Works: While it’s nice to give a specific example of your work ethic in action, sharing that a manager noticed and praised it is also quite effective. Work ethic determines what is good and what is the right moral choice in job-related situations. I’m dedicated to working with my team to discover and implement the most effective approach. At my last review, this was something my manager took note of and praised me for. So while this isn’t a trick question, the employer does want to make sure that you sound hard-working, resilient, and positive/upbeat about your work when they ask questions about work ethic. Even if these adjectives describe you as a professional, you should avoid using them when describing your work ethic on your resume for consulting jobs. You can share a personal story about how you developed your work ethic (like response #2 above) or just dive into a more straight-forward explanation like in example #1. That’s what every hiring manager wants. It also constitutes an individual’s demeanor with respect to his team members, co-workers and his sincerity towards the job. Being honest and sincere, obviously they want you to be honest as it helps eliminate surprises down the … Here’s a good example: We had to completely re-do our inventory when I worked at ABC Company. What is work ethics? I guess I’m fortunate, but I’ve never struggled with motivation or work ethic, and I consider it to be one of my strengths. So, work ethic is something that’s important to me and something I take pride in. For a retail sales associate job, you might say, "I have a very strong work ethic that I have demonstrated as the top seller in my current store. Work ethic is a set of moral principles and values which guide an employee’s performance at work. Describe your work ethic? Philosophically, if one does not have proper work ethics, a person’s conscience may be bothered. In addition to working hard it is also important to work smart. Employers value employees who understand and possess a willingness to work hard. It includes knowing how to take care of yourself. Next, avoid sounding like you dislike work or do it only to earn a paycheck. So I find it rewarding, too. Hiring people with a strong work ethic is critical for many companies to succeed. A strong work ethic may be viewed as a virtue that adds to a person's character. Demonstrating your work ethic often simply means doing small things each day that make you a better teammate to your colleagues, clients and managers. Your work ethic often gets to quality and efficiency, from a management or business perspective. 28 Common Second Round Interview Questions, 11 Final Interview Questions to Prepare For, How to Answer “Are You a Leader or Follower?” (Interview Question). Describe your work ethic? I also have consistently high marks on … Work ethic is the belief that hard work breeds self-satisfaction and that performing one’s duties diligently enhances one’s character. A strong work ethic is difficult to convey on a resume but you can emphasize some values associated with it as you describe your responsibilities in previous jobs. (Hint: You want to show them that it is!). And, if you are asking someone to come up with your … Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good. Be concise: Share your example succinctly, without rambling on too long. Being specific helps employers really get a sense of what kind of worker you are. …And giving the wrong answer to this question could cast doubts on whether you’re the person they want to hire. You never want to sound like you lack motivation. I think I picked up the habit from my father, who always encouraged consistent work and stressed the importance of doing things the right way and not taking shortcuts. If you follow the tips and examples above, you’ll show them that you bring a consistent, positive attitude and great work ethic each day, which will help you get more job offers in any industry. As always, when you relate an anecdote or tell a story during an interview, it's wise to use the STAR technique. I am dedicated to my employers, no matter how hard the work; be it long standing hours or evening shifts." The first song would have to be Trapt’s “Headstrong,” which is only appropriate in this context if you substitute “any task” for “anyone” in lines like, “I’ll take on anyone.” So, rather than being an angst filled fight song, it becomes a high energy motivational piece about never becoming discouraged abou And could be pivotal for career growth. Taking time to relax and recharge. I present the most helpful solutions to my customers at all times. Positive Work Habits: Inculcate good working habits that will impress the people you are working with and your superiors as well. Work ethic is the belief that hard, diligent work has value to an individual. 6. For the purposes of a job interview, having a “strong work ethic” means you value hard work and take personal pride in putting in your best effort. It also means continuing to always have an initiative to learn and to learn from mistakes. I’m an enthusiastic, positive worker, who’s dedicated to completing the tasks but not complaining about the process. Employers want to hire someone who is motivated, hard-working, and able to stay focused on the job. Answer tips When asked about work ethic, mention taking pride in what you do, accomplishments and striving to always do better. On the other hand, you may feel that work makes … Telling the same story on your resume can present a challenge, however. The first comes from Dell: What songs best describe your work ethic? If there is a riff on the sales floor with my colleagues, I will address the situation right away, with a collaborative mindset. To demonstrate your discipline, it can be helpful to put away things that might hinder or distract from your work. Next, let’s look at a few example answers that follow everything we talked about above. Emphasize benefits to the organization. 3. Many people mistake late arrivals for laziness or a lack of desire, but that isn’t always the case. Interview question for Consumer Sales in Austin, TX.What songs best describes your work ethic. If this company will appreciate collaboration, self-motivation, willingness to work late hours, or any other quality, try to highlight it in your … So I find it rewarding, too. Think of your work ethic like a physical muscle. Chances are, you want to get to work on time, but something is preventing you from doing so. With this question, interviewers seek to get a sense of your fit and what you’d be like as an employee—are you a clock-watcher, doing only the bare minimum? Here are several tips you might consider when improving your work ethic: Minimize distractions. I guess I’m fortunate, but I’ve never struggled with motivation or work ethic, … I’m a hard worker. Maybe you’re: Then, think through your entire career. Ideally, a good work ethics demonstrate the following six points: Positive outlook: A positive outlook is indeed the most important aspect of good work ethics. So take this question seriously. I enjoy my work and I find it easy to stay motivated and productive. Working with integrity and an intrinsic motivation leads an individual to work to the best of his abilities with devotion to his work. Share examples They’re a valuable support for your claims. I’ve also noticed that I feel better at the end of the day when I’ve had a great, productive day. Keeping your priorities in life clear helps you maintain the proper perspective at work. I shared the issue with my team and had everyone brainstorm ideas for a follow-up meeting a week later. Interview Question: “Describe Your Work Ethic”, What the Interviewer Really Wants to Know, How to Describe Your Work Pace During a Job Interview, Best Answers for What is Your Greatest Weakness With Examples, How to Answer Job Interview Questions About Pet Peeves, Anwsering Interview Questions About Strengths and Job Performance, How to Describe Yourself at a Job Interview, How to Answer Interview Questions About Your Previous Job, Answers for Common Interview Question for Sales Positions, How to Answer Interview Questions About Leaving Your Job, How to Answer Job Interview Questions About Mistakes, Job Interview Question: 'What Do You Hope to Accomplish Here? You can see from the sample answers above that there isn’t one “right” response. At my last job, we needed to reduce spending in one cost center area. This means learning the most efficient way to complete tasks and finding ways to save time while completing daily assignments. ', How to Ace Sales Interview Questions About Meeting Sales Goals, 12 of the Toughest Interview Questions With Answers, How to Give a Good Answer to "How Did You Pick Your Major? Your answer to this common interview question can be very revealing. ", Sample Sales Interview Answers About Strengths and Weaknesses, Top 12 Entry-Level Interview Questions and Best Answers, How to Tell an Interviewer Why You Left Your Job. 2. What are your work ethics? Here are two word-for-word answers that would impress an interviewer when they ask, “how would you describe your work ethic?”: I would describe my work ethic as reliable and consistent. That stands for Situation, Task, Action, Response, and it's a helpful way to organize your answer. Work ethics, such as honesty (not lying, cheating, and stealing), doing a job well, valuing what one does, having a sense of purpose and feeling/being a part of a greater vision or plan is vital. Or will you go the extra mile, and always stay until important tasks are complete? It also pertains to how you do your job, or the responsibilities that come attached with it. Why It Works: This answer not only shows the candidate's generous and collaborative nature, but is also a good example of how they helped to solve a problem and reduce spending (two things all companies seek to do). Strong work ethic skills are highly valued by employers because they show you are intrinsically motivated to perform well. "I describe my work ethic as honest, communicative, and dedicated. Here are two word-for-word answers that would impress an interviewer when they ask, “how would you describe your work ethic?”: Example Answer #1: I would describe my work ethic as reliable and consistent. Sensitivity and empathy, these areas are beneficial in work ethics as they allow for the worker to understand and be sensitive to others when needed, and helps empathize when challenges occur. Keep your answer succinct Share an example without giving too much background. In a retail store, sales and service performance are keys. Dictionary definitions link moral character and virtue to work ethic, but interviewers are mostly interested in your behavior on the job. Be specific: Provide examples that show how you have demonstrated your work ethic. Examples of ethical behaviors in the workplace includes; obeying the company's rules, effective communication, taking responsibility, accountability, professionalism, trust and mutual respect for your colleagues at work. I enjoy my work and I find it easy to stay motivated and productive. As it turned out, one of my team members had a great idea that we used to reduce costs by 10%. You won't build up your muscles if you work out sporadically, regardless of how much you sweat when you do hit the gym. And finally, show that you’ve thought about this question in advance by responding clearly, and don’t act like you’re caught off-guard or unsure what to say. Work ethic is a belief that hard work and diligence have a moral benefit and an inherent ability, virtue or value to strengthen character and individual abilities. They also want to make sure you’ve thought about this topic in general. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others. During a job interview, the people you speak with at a company will be trying to get a sense of what kind of worker you are. TRAPS: This … Do you consider yourself successful? It’s much better to show them that you take pride in doing good work, or that you find it rewarding to contribute to the team’s efforts. People with strong work ethics perform their work with 100% dedication. So along with a strong work ethic, you need to show consistency. This shows you’re trustworthy and reliable. A hiring  manager prefers that first type of person because it’s easier to predict the results of their work and easier to rely on them to get important tasks done. 1. Look for examples of instances when you've demonstrated your work ethic. Join 10,000+ job seekers in our email newsletter and we'll send you the 30 must-know questions, plus our best insider tips for turning interviews into job offers. The trick to answering this question is to avoid simply reciting a string of adjectives. They’re paying you and they want to make sure they’re getting good value for that investment. Use the steps and examples above to prepare a good, direct answer that you can go to! Strong Work Ethic. Someone with a strong work ethic has a positive, willing attitude when it comes to putting effort into a job. I try to show up each day with the same effort and mindset so that I can deliver consistent results for my team and be someone they can count on. Work ethics require that you relate well with your coworkers, a quality that's more possible when you are caring. Focus on the job Highlight what the company is seeking in your response. Basically, work ethic can refer to how you feel about your job or career, so it covers your attitude and behavior. If you have a strong work ethic, you’re more likely to meet organizational goals and put your best foot forward every day. So in this article, we’ll look at how to answer this question in a job interview… with sample answers, mistakes to avoid, and more. The people who see results -- physically and mentally -- are the ones who set a pace they can maintain, and then resolve to maintain it. Is work ethic something that’s important to you? A strong work ethic energizes you and your employees to face challenges head-on. In honor of #InternationalWomensDay, we asked some of the women of UPS to share their thoughts on the special day and their experience in the workforce. As long as you show them that you work hard and come into work each day with a consistent effort and positive outlook, you’ll impress the interviewer. Work may make you feel energized, proud, and positive about yourself and your accomplishments. These examples of ethical behaviors ensures maximum productivity output at work. Work ethics is basically the modus operandi of doing a task keeping in mind the harmony and synergy of the coworkers involved. Having a good work ethic does not mean keeping your eyes glued to your computer monitor. How would you describe your work ethic with 3 words and why did you choose these words? Why It Works: This answer establishes the candidate's preferred work style (one project at a time) while also highlighting other key workplace skills, such as flexibility and collaboration. Play to Win. If you have been assigned with a particular task then stick with it and do not whine about it. Describe your work ethic. Tom Willett: 3/20/07 11:19 AM: My work ethic has nothing to do with your work ethic. Work Ethic Definition and Meaning Traditionally, work ethic has been understood as a value based on hard work and diligence. I’ve also noticed that I feel better at the end of the day when I’ve had a great, productive day. So now that you know why they ask this question, let’s look at how you should answer to impress them. And you don’t want to sound like you’re unpredictable, either. Alison Doyle is the job search expert for The Balance Careers, and one of the industry's most highly-regarded job search and career experts. Employers prefer someone who is predictable and steady over someone who does amazing work one day but then struggles the next day. it can be just as important to an employer! In your answer, address one or both concerns. Kesh: 3/20/07 10:23 AM: I'm going to apply for a new job and just trying to see what I can do to strengthing my comments at my ineterview on Thursday. This will show the employer that you’ve thought about this topic in the past and take pride in your work ethic. The following are common types of work ethic. A work ethic may include being reliable, having good social skills and the ability to work well with everyone. You are sensitive to others' feelings and circumstances, you take your time to assist your coworkers and you strive always strive to maintain harmony within your group. I know this is a bit of a cliché, but I’m very dedicated to seeing tasks to completion. These are the stories that you’ll want to share in your response. Detail any instances where you worked overtime to meet a deadline or handle … It’s not just about diligence or being a “hard worker.” There are many other competency areas that are frequently … Showcase qualities valued by the job at hand: Think back to the job description and any research you did about the company. When an interviewer asks you to describe your work ethic, they’re looking for a couple of specific things. Coming to work late, dressing inappropriately and shuffling jobs are considered as signs of not following good work ethics. It is a set of values centered on importance of work and manifested by determination or desire to work hard. If so, your work ethic clearly needs some fine tuning. Capitalists, for example, believe in the necessity of working hard and in consequential ability of enhancing one’s character. The level of respect you show your co-workers and people you come into contact with at work, and how you communicate and interact with them, also defines your work ethic. Re: Describe your work ethic? Start by sharing a few key characteristics, and think about what traits sum you up. Realistically, I accept that no one wins at everything, 100% of the time, but that is always my objective. The best way to answer this interview question is to sound like you’re consistent, reliable, and hard-working. Eating right. Showing 1-9 of 9 messages. When answering interview questions about your work ethic and work habits, avoid the following mistakes: First, don’t brush this question off or act like it’s not an important topic. This sounds like a silly thing, but I brought in a big bag of candy, and created a scavenger hunt to accompany the task. Your feelings about work relate to how work affects your performance, and is an important contributing factor to overall work ethic. Highlight any instances where a previous client or employer selected you for a prestigious project or challenging task. Describe your work ethic? It drives you to try your best and to fight to stay at the top of your game. What are some examples of times when you’ve demonstrated those traits? Once you're on the job, showing that you have integrity and a strong work ethic is something you can demonstrate. Here’s why: They’re buzzwords. After we implemented the strategy, I nominated her for a company-wide prize. Why It Works: This answer shows the candidate’s personality—any company seeking an upbeat, positive presence would be delighted by this response. Talked about above you ’ re consistent, reliable, and able to motivated. A virtue that adds to a person ’ s dedicated to seeing tasks to completion diligently enhances one ’ character! We talked about above the steps and examples above to prepare a good ethic. Take pride in your response sharing a few key characteristics, and it 's wise to use the and... Re consistent, reliable, and able to see that you know why they ask this,!: my work and i find it easy to stay motivated and productive and do not whine about it mean... Are good to seeing tasks to completion focus mainly on completing your own tasks guide for employees ’ towards... To describe your work ethic Definition and Meaning Traditionally, work ethic needs! 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Yourself and your superiors as well some fine tuning your eyes glued to computer. Capitalists, for example, believe in the necessity of working hard and in consequential ability of enhancing ’! What are some examples of ethical behaviors ensures maximum productivity output at work with integrity and intrinsic... While completing daily assignments this will show the employer that you relate well with,... Something i take pride in what you do, accomplishments and striving to always have initiative.