“What are your core values?” Daniel felt his mind go blank as the hiring manager leaned back in her chair, waiting for his response. He knew this wasn’t just small talk—this question would reveal whether he’d be a cultural fit for the company.
As someone who’s sat on both sides of countless interview tables, I’ll show you exactly how to tackle this values-based question with confidence and authenticity.
Why employers ask “What are your core values”?
Employers use this question to assess cultural alignment and predict long-term success within their organization. They want to understand your fundamental beliefs and whether they align with the company’s mission and workplace culture. This question reveals how you make decisions under pressure, what motivates you professionally, and whether you’ll thrive in their specific environment.
Research shows that approximately 73% of hiring managers now incorporate values-based questions into their interview process, making this a critical question to prepare for. Companies have learned that skills can be taught, but core values are deeply ingrained and harder to change.
Variations of “What are your core values?”
Interviewers often phrase this fundamental question in different ways to catch candidates off guard.
- What principles guide your decision-making?
- What values are most important to you in the workplace?
- Describe your personal code of ethics.
- What drives you professionally?
- What beliefs shape how you approach work?
- Tell me about your fundamental beliefs.
- What principles do you never compromise on?
- What values would you want your team to embody?
- Describe what integrity means to you.
- What motivates you beyond salary?
- What principles guide your professional relationships?
- How do your personal values influence your work style?
How to answer “What are your core values”?
The key to answering this question effectively lies in connecting your authentic values to the role and company culture while providing concrete evidence of how these values show up in your professional life.
Step 1: Choose 2-3 core values that align with the role Select values that are genuinely important to you but also relevant to the position. Research the company’s stated values beforehand and identify natural overlaps. Avoid generic responses like “honesty” without context—everyone claims to be honest.
Step 2: Define each value clearly Explain what each value means to you specifically. This demonstrates self-awareness and helps the interviewer understand your perspective. Avoid corporate buzzwords and speak in plain language about what these principles actually mean in practice.
Step 3: Provide specific examples Share concrete stories that demonstrate these values in action. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples. This transforms abstract concepts into tangible proof of your character.
Step 4: Connect to the company’s mission Explicitly link your values to how you’d contribute to their organization. Show that you’ve done your homework and understand what matters to them. This demonstrates genuine interest and cultural awareness.
Step 5: Keep it authentic Resist the temptation to tailor your answer completely to what you think they want to hear. Authenticity builds trust, and misaligning your true values often leads to job dissatisfaction anyway.
Here’s how this approach works in practice:
“My three core values are continuous learning, collaborative problem-solving, and accountability. Continuous learning drives me to stay curious and adapt—I dedicate time each week to expanding my skills through online courses and industry publications. When our team faced a major system outage last year, my collaborative problem-solving value led me to bring together stakeholders from different departments instead of working in isolation. We identified the root cause 40% faster than our usual process. Accountability means owning both successes and mistakes. When I miscalculated a project timeline, I immediately informed my manager, proposed a solution, and implemented better tracking systems that our team still uses today. I’m drawn to your company because these values align perfectly with your emphasis on innovation, teamwork, and transparent communication.”
This response works because it’s specific, evidence-based, and directly connects personal values to workplace contributions. The candidate shows self-awareness, provides measurable results, and demonstrates genuine research about the company culture.