The public places immense trust in regulators to make fair decisions, uphold professional standards, and protect the public interest without bias. That’s why, when it comes to assessing integrity in regulatory hiring, organizations need to look beyond technical qualifications and seek candidates whose values and character reflect the responsibility of safeguarding that trust.
Why integrity matters in regulatory roles
In regulation, decisions can affect careers, reputations, and public safety. Staff members may handle sensitive complaints, investigate misconduct, or enforce standards that can have profound implications. A lapse in integrity, even once can damage trust in the entire organization. That’s why integrity must be assessed not only on paper but also through interactions, interviews, and references.
Go beyond the background check
While background checks may confirm that a candidate has no disqualifying criminal history or major red flags, they won’t reveal how someone behaves when faced with ethical dilemmas. To truly evaluate integrity, hiring teams need to look into patterns of behavior, decision-making, and values.
Here are ways to do that:
Behavioral interview questions
Ask them to share with you examples of situations that had challenged their integrity in real life. Ask for examples that show value consistency, even in challenging situations.
- “Tell us about a time when you were requested to do something that went against your professional or personal values. How did you respond?”
- “Tell us about a time when doing the right thing conflicted with meeting a deadline or target. What was your decision?
Ideal candidates will show honesty, responsibility, and willingness to do make the right choice when the moment comes.
Scenario-based assessments
Propose realistic ethical dilemma that they are likely to face in your company. For example, you might describe a situation where a colleague has overlooked a key regulation that could affect public safety. Ask how they would respond.
Look for responses that reflect a concern for public protection rather than personal gain, and a familiarity with relevant policies
Ask reference questions that probe integrity
Most traditional reference calls are about performance and capability, but you can craft questions to probe integrity too. For example, “Can you think of a time when this person had an ethics dilemma? How did they get out of it?” or “Would you be okay with this person having confidential information or making tough choices?”
Individuals who have seen candidates perform can give valuable comments on their character and consistency.
For more on what to ask during those calls, review these 5 key questions to ask a candidate’s references.
Watch out for consistency across Interactions
Pay attention to the manner in which candidates conduct themselves at every stage, not just during official interviews.
- Do they follow through on promises, such as sending requested documents on time?
• Do they speak consistently in later conversations?
• Do they display respect and professionalism in all their interactions, including with administrative personnel?
Values and cultural alignment
Living out the values your company believes in is what integrity also encompasses. In interviews, articulate your company’s purpose, ethical codes, and regulatory mandate. Then ask candidates how they perceive themselves living up to these values in their work every day. True commitment to these values is a good predictor of long-term integrity.
In regulatory hiring, integrity is as critical as technical skills or qualifications. While background checks are important, they only tell part of the story. By adding behavioral questions, ethical scenarios, deeper reference checks, and careful observation throughout the hiring process, organizations can better identify candidates who will not only follow the rules but also uphold the trust placed in them by the public.
Searching for opportunities in the regulatory sector? Browse current openings at RegulatoryJobs.ca.
Want to learn more about regulatory bodies in Canada? Visit RegulatoryGuide.ca.