Introduction. Such important concepts as conscience, common sense, reputation, justice, due to their abstractness and ambiguity, are used less and less in the practice of labor activity. The situation that has arisen provokes the emergence of so-called “ethical temptations,” when in order to satisfy their questionable needs, employees are ready to distort not only the meanings of their work, but also significantly reduce their opportunities for development and self-realisation in labour. 

The aim of the study is to substantiate the need to include “ethical risks” in professiograms and psychograms. 

Methods. Comparative analysis of report topics at Russian scientific and practical conferences on career guidance; theoretical and methodological analysis of scientific publications on the subject of research; elements of an expert survey. 

Results. The study clarified concepts of “conscience” and “common sense”, indicated their connection with such closely related concepts as “image” and “reputation” of an employee, as well as with the concepts of “justice” and “self-esteem”. Examples of professions with increased risks of “dealing with conscience” and ignoring common sense were provided. External and internal factors that provoke disregard for common sense by employees in different professions are also highlighted. 

Practical significance. It seems appropriate to gradually include aspects reflecting ethical risks in career guidance programmes intended for various ages and educational levels