How to Say You Have Integrity on a Resume

In today’s competitive job market, standing out from the crowd is essential. While highlighting your skills and experiences is crucial, it is equally important to showcase your personal values and qualities, such as integrity. Employers seek individuals who demonstrate honesty, reliability, and ethical behavior. Therefore, it is vital to effectively communicate your integrity on your resume. Here are some tips on how to do so:

1. Incorporate relevant keywords: Employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes and identify candidates with specific qualifications. To demonstrate your integrity, include keywords such as “honesty,” “ethical,” “trustworthy,” and “reliable” throughout your resume. This will increase the chances of your resume being selected for further review.

For example, instead of simply stating that you are reliable, you could say, “Consistently demonstrated reliability consistently meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations in previous roles.”

2. Highlight ethical achievements: If you have received recognition or awards for ethical behavior or integrity in your previous roles, ensure that you include them on your resume. This could be in the form of a specific project you successfully completed while maintaining high ethical standards or any instances where you went above and beyond to uphold integrity.

For instance, you may write, “Received company-wide recognition for upholding ethical principles while handling sensitive customer data.”

3. Showcase your commitment to honesty: Employers value candidates who prioritize honesty and transparency. Demonstrate your commitment to these values providing specific examples of situations where you upheld the truth, even when it may have been challenging.

For instance, you could say, “Acted with integrity reporting a potential compliance violation to management, resulting in corrective action and preventing any legal repercussions.”

4. Emphasize your ethical decision-making skills: Employers appreciate individuals who can make sound decisions based on ethical considerations. Highlight instances where you made challenging choices that upheld ethical standards and positively impacted the organization or team.

For example, you could mention, “Exercised ethical decision-making skills recommending an alternative vendor with better ethical practices, resulting in cost savings and improved reputation for the company.”

5. Show your commitment to professional ethics: If you belong to any professional organizations or have obtained certifications related to ethics or integrity, be sure to include them on your resume. This demonstrates your dedication to maintaining high ethical standards in your field.

For instance, you could mention, “Member of the Association of Certified Ethical Professionals (ACEP), actively participating in ongoing professional development and networking opportunities to ensure ethical excellence.”

FAQs:

Q: How do I demonstrate integrity if I don’t have any specific examples?

A: While specific examples are helpful, you can still demonstrate integrity emphasizing your commitment to ethical behavior, honesty, and transparency. Highlight any relevant training you have received or any personal values or principles that guide your decision-making.

Q: Should I include references to showcase my integrity?

A: While it is not necessary to explicitly mention references on your resume, you can provide a list of references upon request. Choose individuals who can vouch for your integrity and ethical behavior, such as previous supervisors or colleagues who have witnessed your commitment to these values.