Job prospects who show signs of feeling guilty may actually be the most ethical employees, says Carnegie Mellon professor Taya Cohen, who is an expert on hiring ethical workers. Her research and other studies have shown that employees who feel guilty tend to be better team players and loyal to the firm.
“The guilt-prone employee doesn’t need to be policed,” according to Cohen. “She will act ethically because of her character.” Another strength to look for in job candidates is humility and those values can also have a positive impact across the firm, Mayer notes. It is one trait that Google looks for in its prospects. “Usually when people think of hiring for character, they focus on eliminating unethical applicants,” Mayer writes. “But it’s just as important to pursue the good that new employees bring.”