Human Answer

TRAPS:

When an interviewer presses you to reveal confidential information about a present or former employer, you may feel it’s a no-win situation. If you cooperate, you could be judged untrustworthy. If you don’t, you may irritate the interviewer and seem obstinate, uncooperative or overly suspicious.

BEST ANSWER:

Your interviewer may press you for this information for two reasons. First, many companies use interviews to research the competition. It’s a perfect set-up. Here in their own lair, is an insider from the enemy camp who can reveal prized information on the competition’s plans, research, financial condition, etc.

Second, the company may be testing your integrity to see if you can be cajoled or bullied into revealing confidential data.

What to do? The answer here is easy. Never reveal anything truly confidential about a present or former employer. By all means, explain your reticence diplomatically. For example, “I certainly want to be as open as I can about that. But I also wish to respect the rights of those who have trusted me with their most sensitive information, just as you would hope to be able to trust any of your key people when talking with a competitor…”

And certainly you can allude to your finest achievements in specific ways that don’t reveal the combination to the company safe.

But be guided by the golden rule. If you were the owner of your present company, would you feel it ethically wrong for the information to be given to your competitors? If so, steadfastly refuse to reveal it.

Remember that this question pits your desire to be cooperative against your integrity. Faced with any such choice, always choose integrity. It is a far more valuable commodity than whatever information the company may pry from you. Moreover, once you surrender the information, your stock goes down. They will surely lose respect for you.

One President we know always presses candidates unmercifully for confidential information. If he doesn’t get it, he grows visibly annoyed, relentlessly inquisitive, It’s all an act. He couldn’t care less about the information. This is his way of testing the candidate’s moral fiber. Only those who hold fast are hired.

ChatGPT Answer

Answing the question "On confidential matters..." in an interview can be a bit tricky as the interviewer may be asking about confidential information that you are not at liberty to disclose.

Here are a few examples of how to answer this question:

1. Emphasize your commitment to confidentiality: Express that you understand the importance of confidentiality and that you are committed to maintaining it. For example, "I understand the importance of confidentiality in any professional setting and I am committed to maintaining it at all times."
2. Discuss your past experiences handling confidential information: If you have any past experiences handling confidential information, you can mention them and explain how you have been able to maintain confidentiality. For example, "In my previous job, I worked with sensitive client information on a regular basis and I was able to maintain confidentiality by following strict security protocols and by being discreet in my communication with colleagues and clients."
3. Show that you understand the legal aspects of confidentiality: Explain that you understand the legal ramifications of disclosing confidential information and that you would never do so without proper authorization. For example, "I understand the legal ramifications of disclosing confidential information and I would never do so without proper authorization and in accordance with company policies and regulations."
4. Highlight your discretion: Emphasize that you are discreet and that you can be trusted to keep confidential information private. For example, "I pride myself on being discreet and I can be trusted to keep confidential information private."
5. Show that you are willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement: Express that you are willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement if required by the company. For example, "I understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality and I am willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement if required by the company."

It's important to remember that the interviewer wants to know that you're trustworthy, that you understand the importance of confidentiality, and that you understand the legal ramifications of disclosing confidential information.

Showing your commitment to confidentiality and your discretion will demonstrate that you're a good fit for the company and the position.