If a job interviewer ask you, what are your principle and values, what will you write?

Just be honest with yourself.

Ask what kinda of work attitude do you adopt? e.g. loyal to the company, goal orientated person, never give up when face difficulties.. such stuffs you can mentioned. Never try to mention any weaknessses if not ask. If you are in that situation, reason how to are going to change it and how is the weaknesses can be use as an advantage.

There are many: Integrity, honesty, fairness, dedication, integrity, accountability, honesty, mutual respect, empowerment, empathy, openness

I would pick 3–5 out of this list depending on the nature of the job.

always remember folks, if a company is making a profit
it is the employee doing the employer a favour
not visa versa. They are not doing you a favour
so don’t feel indebted…ever
of course there is the rare exception.

@mattbrowne Thanks. I will use this list, really helpful.
I was thinking that just go to that company’s website and read its values, mission, etc. and pick something up from that. However, they might catch for copying. So, it’s better to add some more to it.

A strong work ethic.
Belief in being on time and regular in attendance.
Honest communication with others.

I follow the golden rule. In the business world, that means I put myself in the employer’s shoes and consider how I would want an employee of mine to perform. No unapproved personal business or goofing off at work. Staying on task, going through the proper channels, always thinking of ways to improve, striving to do my best under all circumstances, keeping my private life out of the office, not participating in behavior that would undermine the success or integrity of the company.

You do need to research the company. If you really want the job, you wouldn’t mention honesty and integrity if the job is in a boiler room or the company is like Enron. You’d mention that you are motivated to achieve, especially when the financial rewards are high.

Your principles would be rules you live and work by, such as fairness, good teamwork, and personal responsibility. These should be your own and not something you got from elsewhere.

Your values would be things that are essential to you and to your character, such as integrity, loyalty, and persistence. These should be your own and not something you got from elsewhere.

You may not be able to guess what kind of information the company is really looking for in asking you to write such a paragraph. You write it as honestly, thoughtfully, and competently as you can. Most likely it is not a test of your English skills. Memorized answers and answers that others fed you will not serve you well in the long run, especially if you are claiming honesty as one of your virtues.

@daloon, are you serious? Are you suggesting that you can research a company, learn that it is corrupt at the top, and apply for a job as an unscrupulous money-grubber? I imagine that Enron, like any other company, was filled with people who were trying to do their jobs and believed in what was being told to them from above, at least as much as anyone believes top management, and that hiring managers, interview teams of individual contributors, and HR representatives would have tried in good faith to hire honest, capable people (people who would serve the company well and not try to cheat it) at any level.

Researching a prospective employer is important, but your personal principles and values shouldn’t be defined by the company.

@Jeruba It all depends on how scrupulous you are, yourself. You want a good fit with a company. There are different perspectives on sales techniques, and I think that if you research a company, you can get an idea about their approach, and whether you fit with it or not.

Some people are so desperate for jobs, that they will try to pitch themselves in any way they can. They will try to change for the employer. While, I don’t think this is helpful in the long run, it could work. In any case, I do think you should research the company carefully, looking for clues about the culture, and thinking about whether you fit in there.

You may not be able to learn if a company is corrupt at the top, but you can surely get an idea as to the culture, and then make guesses about what top management is like. I wouldn’t apply for a job as an “unscrupulous money-grubber” unless I was an unscrupulous money-grubber. It’s the kind of thing that is hard to pretend to be if it goes against your principles.

@everyone, basically, my answer was right on the spot with yours. I was checking if I needed to answer them with a direct example or make a hypothetical scenario at work to relate it. I wrote something really general, but truthfully. For the record, I wrote down, being respectful, honest and being very motivated.

@prasad – Visiting a potential employer’s website is an absolute must. Learn as much as you can about the company before the interview.