6 Relevant Examples for Values-based Interview Questions

While technical interview questions will determine the capabilities and skills of jobseekers, values-based interview questions will discern what type of person they are and if they will fit your company culture. Values-based interview questions and answers are an important segment of an interview as jobseekers will reveal their personal goals, ambitions, motivations, and more. Employers can then determine whether their personality and priorities will align with the company’s mission, vision, and long-term objectives. Read about how a candidate’s attitude may potentially be more important than their skills.

Why ask values-based interview questions The best employees aren’t those who just do the work—they’re the ones who believe in the work. Values-based interview questions are designed to filter jobseekers to find the ones with the most fitting worldview, temperament, and belief system. In short, values-based interview questions are crucial in helping employers make the right hiring decision.

Value: Integrity

What this reveals: Most employees have experienced an ethical dilemma at least once in their careers. How a jobseeker answers this question will let you know how much they value honesty, professionalism, and company policies.

Value: Collaboration

What this reveals: Teamwork can be a challenging task. This situational question will tell you how the jobseeker both responds to crises and how they work with colleagues to meet objectives.

Value: Accountability

What this reveals: Taking responsibility requires humility, self-confidence, and mindfulness. Jobseekers who take accountability for mistakes show that they understand the impact of their actions on the company as a whole.

Value: Social responsibility

What this reveals: Socially responsible employees are those who understand the consequences of even the smallest actions. A jobseeker who understands this will be quick to recommend simple measures like recycling, waste segregation, and plastic alternatives.

Value: Innovation

What this reveals: Innovative individuals recognise innovation everywhere. The jobseeker should be able to answer this question with a simple object, like an iPhone or a Swiss army knife, but it’s how they explain the idea behind it that’s important.

Value: Customer orientation

What this reveals: Customer-oriented businesses like restaurants and retail deal with angry customers regularly. How the jobseeker answers this question will inform you of their temperament and customer service skills, and whether they can handle facing a displeased customer again.

How jobseekers answer these questions will tell you the level of importance they put on these values and whether their core values will align with your company’s. It’s important to note that there are no black-and-white answers to values-based interview questions. Different positions and companies might require different values. For example, a tech company might demand more emphasis on collaboration and innovation, while a hospitality company will prefer jobseekers with a strong sense of customer orientation and integrity. Regardless of the results, employers should watch out for jobseekers whose answers lack sincerity, flexibility, and humility. Being overzealous in values can lead to righteousness and arrogance, both of which are a recipe for a toxic work environment. Having values is important, but jobseekers should generally show understanding and open-mindedness. Aside from assessing their values, you may want to check a candidate’s emotional intelligence during the interview as well. Read our guide on EQ interview questions.