Warren Buffett Says Integrity Is the Most Important Trait to Hire For. Ask These 12 Questions to Find It

12 questions to ask when interviewing and hiring for integrity.

Practically speaking, assessing integrity is really about asking the right questions that will get to the core of a person's character (in addition to standard tests/assessments, "job auditions," and role-play exercises). But first, whomever is on the interviewer's seat must be skilled in the science of behavioral interviewing. Here are twelve questions I have used in the past:

1. Tell me about a time when you experienced a loss for doing what is right. How did you
react? 

2. Tell about a time when your trustworthiness was challenged.  How did you react/respond?

3. Tell about a specific time when you had to handle a tough problem which challenged fairness or ethnical issues. 

4. When was the last time you "broke the rules"? What was the situation and what did you do?

5. What would you do if you suspected that an employee was stealing?

6. Describe a situation where you saw an employee or co‐worker do something you thought was inappropriate. What did you do?

7. Think of a situation where you distrusted a co-worker/supervisor, resulting in tension between you. What steps did you take to improve the relationship. 

8. When working with people, in general, describe your preferred relationship with them. (this question is used to assess honesty and the capacity for open communication.)

9. What values do you appreciate the most in a team environment? [you're looking for things like honesty, fairness, openness, transparency, and inclusiveness in your answers.)

10. If we ever got into a bind with a client, would you be willing to tell a little white lie to help us out?

11. What would your current/past manager say makes you most valuable to them? (Besides intelligence, energy or technical and hard skills, listen for clues that point to integrity.)

12. What are the characteristics exhibited by the best boss you have ever had, or wished that you have had? (A person of integrity will mirror those they follow or look up to, so listen for clues.]

Remember: No integrity = no trust. Your hiring team must ensure that, no matter how talented, experienced, and smart job candidates are, they will protect your company, your employees, and your customers by hiring people every person can trust.

Integrity, intelligence, and energy = a great hire.