- Can you describe a time when you went the extra mile at work?
- When things are slow at work or you’ve finished your tasks, what do you do?
- How do you define work ethic? …
- When have you worked the hardest?
The success of your recruiting strategy depends on many factors, but one is key: your ability to accurately assess a candidate during the interview process. It’s critical to learn to ask interview questions to determine work ethic. You want to differentiate between those who clearly stand out among their peers versus those who just get by or otherwise “struggle to the minimums.”
As a recruiter (or small business owner), you may have little time to prepare and conduct interviews. Even more important, you may lack resources to conduct formal testing, background checks and drug screens to aid in your hiring decision. Here are some interview questions that will help you assess work ethic by examining a candidate’s accomplishments and achievements.
How would you describe your work ethic?
Work ethic definition: What is the work ethic?
Work ethic is a set of moral principles and values which guide an employee’s performance at work.
Work ethic determines what is good and what is the right moral choice in job-related situations.
Work ethic is used as a guide for employees’ attitudes towards work and behavior on the job.
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What is a “strong work ethic”?
The phrase “strong work ethic” is used for an employee who exhibits a set of values and belief in work as a moral good.
This means that employees with a strong work ethic are intrinsically motivated to perform their best.
A strong work ethic is reflected in employees desire and determination to work hard to meet their job’s goals while adhering to the workplace policies and rules.
Employees with a strong work ethic are hard working, dedicated and reliable to deliver their best work on time.
In short, employees with a strong work ethic are those who are motivated and work hard and smart.
The importance of a work ethic
Having employees with a strong work ethic is critical to a company’s success. According to research, employers often cite a strong work ethic as the most desired characteristic in a new employee.
Today Express Employment Professionals, the largest franchised staffing firm in North America, released findings that reveal what traits are most important when hiring a candidate for a job. Respondents were asked to rate various traits on a scale of one to five based on how important they are when evaluating applicants. Work ethic topped the list with an average rating of 4.45.
Many expert studies have shown that a strong work ethic results in excellent work performance. Companies whose employees show storng work ethic excel in their work performance have a significant advantage in the market.
Thus, companies whose employees have a strong work ethic are more likely to achieve their goals and achieve higher revenue and profit.
Hiring employees with a strong work ethic is a must for every company who wants to build a successful and profitable business.
Recognizing a strong work ethic is a key for differentiating top performers from average job candidates.
Candidates with extensive relevant experience and the right skills won’t be an asset for your company unless they exhibit a strong work ethic.Struggling to hire candidates with strong work ethic?Accelerate your hiring by finding, attracting and selecting top talent faster and more efficiently. Schedule a call with our product specialists and learn how TalentLyft can help you hire more candidates with strong work ethic!
Interview Questions That Focus on Achievement
We all know that the right hire can drive excitement and productivity among team members, just as easily as a hiring mistake can quickly undo much of the employee productivity that you’ve developed over the years. The stakes in this game are high. Focusing on achievements and accomplishments comes in a number of forms, but particular interview questions get to the bottom line more efficiently than others.
Terry Comp, principal of LTC Performance Strategies, a boutique performance consulting firm in Valencia, California, recommends doing away with the traditional “Tell me about yourself” interview question and asking instead, “Walk me through your career progression, leading me up to what you do now in your current role at XYZ Company.”
The logic? Focus on progression through the ranks and the assumption of greater responsibilities. “People who promote and build their careers think beyond their basic job duties and fit the generalist role that every small company needs. They also often have a greater ‘achievement awareness’ that translates into higher productivity, creativity, and employee engagement,” according to Comp.
An introductory interview question to ask such as, “What makes you stand out among your peers?” is an excellent litmus test in probing for an individual’s level of self-esteem and awareness of accomplishments. If the job candidate stumbles in coming up with an answer, you could gently lead them to a similar interview question, “Why would your former bosses say you’re special? What do you think they would remember most about you?” Anyone could answer the question, but not everyone could answer it in a sincere and open way.
And don’t forget the traditional queries, “Tell me about your greatest strength and greatest weakness: Approach this as objectively as you can in terms of what your most respected critic might say about you.” Yes, this combo might seem a bit worn because it’s been used for so long but, according to Comp, “I’m still surprised at the answers I get to these very simple questions in terms of shedding light on the individual’s personality, work ethic and common sense, especially among earlier career candidates.”
FAQ
What are the 5 characteristics of work ethic?
- Reliability and Dependability. Reliability goes hand in hand with a good work ethic. …
- Dedication to the Job. …
- Productivity that Doesn’t Quit. …
- Cooperation and Teamwork. …
- Self-Disciplined Character.
How can you tell if someone has a good work ethic?
- Punctuality. Whoever said “90% of success is showing up,” had a point. …
- Focus. It’s never been harder to find your focus than this year. …
- Dedication. Focus for one day and you’re on the right track. …
- Professionalism. …
- A Desire to Improve. …
- Initiative. …
- Productivity.
