Interviewing for a new job? here is a tip!

If you are looking for a new job, or know someone who is, or if you want to understand your own company, here is a quick tip to set yourself apart.

I have seen reports that say as many as 15% more firms last year instituted formal ethics policies. My guess is that after the next round of business corruption reports and investment failures that the number of firms with open ethics policies will be increasing.

Would you want to do business with an investment firm that did not have a transparent honesty policy? Be on the look out for advertising from firms about how they are dealing with the meltdown and how their ethics policies have improved performance for clients.

So, when you go for your next interview, make sure you have fully checked out the firm that is recruiting you. Study their policy. If they don’t have a written ethics policy, either pass or find out why? I once hired a major construction firm for a project. I was shocked to learn they had no formal safety manual. When I challenged them, they pointed out that safety wasn’t second in their firm, it was first, and that safety was embedded in every policy manual, including ones on the desk of typists for proper posture and chair selection. I guessed they had directions on how to avoid paper cuts, they were that serious about safety.

The take away, know your companies ethics policies and abide by them. If you are looking for a new position check the written policy of the prospective firm. Ask pointed questions of the interviewer, such as: “Can you provide me with an example of where your written ethics policy was crucial in protecting an employee and/or a client from harm.” This might surprise the interviewer and set you apart as a serious person worth a second look.

If they seem clueless then  you can suspect the policy is a sham. if they are proud of their firm they will know at least where to look to find the written policy.

If you don’t agree with what they have written pass. If you get the job, live by the policy, in spite of what you might think you see from others around you. If the policy is a sham, get a new job.