Personal Integrity

sdianel wrote:
when we interviewd we used the STR process. Like "tell me about a specific time that... and 1. what did you do and 2. what was the outcome. STR is Situation - Task- Result. Here are some examples:
What do you do to ensure that you are on time for meetings and appointments? Tell me about a time when you were late for an important meeting. What did you do?
Follow up question could be: how many times in the last 2 years have you been late to work, what were the reasons and what did you do?
Tell me about a time when you had to be absent from work. How did you arrange for the necessary coverage of your job?
How many days did you miss from work in the last year? Can your last employer verify this information?

As a counterpoint here and with respect, I find the STR type of interview to favor those with good verbal skills and very often tells you really nothing of substance about a person. Good interviewers can game that process so fast it will make your head spin.

I have been hiring (and firing) people since the 70's for all kinds of positions. I actually like to interview people. What I do is get them to relax by just having a bit of general conversation first. I watch the body language, eye contact and the way they speak very carefully for clues about what kind of person sits before me. But probably the most important thing I do is give them an HONEST view of the job they are applying for, not a sugar coated one.

I also change my tone and demeanor to VERY serious when talking about work schedules, being on time and appropriate behavior. When I do this I ask them directly if they understand me and do they have a problem with anything I have told them. I also tell them very clearly what the consequences will be for NOT being on time. I make it clear to them this is one of my HIGHEST priorities and if they think they cannot meet my expectations this will not be a good fit.

People who are not on time as employees (except for those with real reason)get a warning, the second time they get it in writing and the third they go out the door. This quick reaction has several good effects..it puts all the other employees on notice that you will act and that being on time is of the highest importance.

And for the record: As for the military and especially law enforcement I have found them no more reliable than the general public. And in some cases found them so hidebound against change they are a liability. There is one group I have found to be very good however. But the numbers are so small as to be difficult to judge clearly and that is Ex Peace Corps volunteers.