/HR Investigations Specialist/ Interview Questions
JUNIOR LEVEL

Tell us about a time when you had to address concerns or complaints about the fairness of an investigation. What steps did you take?

HR Investigations Specialist Interview Questions
Tell us about a time when you had to address concerns or complaints about the fairness of an investigation. What steps did you take?

Sample answer to the question

In my previous role as an HR Assistant, I had to address concerns about the fairness of an investigation into an employee complaint. When I first heard about the concerns, I immediately scheduled a meeting with the employee to understand their perspective and gather more information. I also reviewed the investigation process and documents to ensure they were unbiased and thorough. To address the concerns, I reached out to our HR manager and discussed the situation with them. We decided to bring in a third-party investigator who had no prior involvement in the case to ensure impartiality. Throughout the process, I communicated regularly with the employee to update them on the progress of the investigation. After the investigation was concluded, I provided a detailed report to the employee and addressed any remaining concerns they had. Ultimately, the employee felt that their concerns were heard and that the investigation was fair and unbiased.

A more solid answer

In my previous role as an HR Assistant, I encountered a situation where an employee raised concerns about the fairness of an ongoing investigation. To address this, I immediately scheduled a meeting with the employee to listen to their concerns and gather additional information. I assured them that their concerns would be taken seriously and handled objectively. I then reviewed the investigation process and documents to ensure compliance with company policies and employment laws. Recognizing the importance of impartiality, I recommended involving a neutral third-party investigator who had no prior involvement in the case. With the approval of HR leadership, we hired an experienced investigator who conducted thorough interviews and reviewed relevant evidence. Throughout the process, I maintained clear and open communication with the employee, providing regular updates on the progress of the investigation and addressing any questions or concerns they had. Once the investigation was concluded, I prepared a detailed report with findings and recommendations, which was shared with the employee. I also facilitated a meeting between the employee and the HR manager to address any remaining concerns and ensure a fair resolution. The employee expressed their satisfaction with the process and felt that their concerns were addressed in a fair and unbiased manner.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides a more comprehensive account of the steps the candidate took to address concerns about the fairness of an investigation. It includes specific details about reviewing the investigation process and documents, involving a neutral third-party investigator, and maintaining open communication with the employee. However, it could still be improved by providing more examples of conflict resolution and highlighting the use of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

An exceptional answer

During my time as an HR Assistant, I encountered a complaint from an employee that raised concerns about the fairness of an ongoing investigation. To address this issue, I immediately scheduled a meeting with the employee to actively listen and empathize with their concerns. I reassured them that their feedback had been heard and that I would take immediate action to ensure a fair and impartial investigation. I collaborated with our HR team to revisit the investigation process, paying careful attention to our policies and employment laws. Recognizing the significance of independent expertise, I proposed engaging a reputable external investigator with a proven track record in conducting objective investigations. With the approval of HR leadership, we engaged the investigator who conducted confidential interviews and meticulously analyzed relevant evidence. Simultaneously, I maintained regular communication with the employee, providing updates and transparently addressing any questions or concerns. To ensure a fair resolution, I collaborated with the investigator and HR leadership to develop a comprehensive report with objective findings and recommendations. This report was then shared with the employee, followed by a meeting to address any remaining concerns and provide an opportunity for them to provide further input. I also initiated discussions with management to implement proactive measures that would prevent similar concerns in the future. The employee expressed appreciation for the thoroughness and fairness of the investigation process, acknowledging that their concerns had been addressed with utmost integrity and transparency.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by demonstrating a high level of empathy, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. It emphasizes the candidate's ability to actively listen and empathize with the employee's concerns, as well as their initiative in proposing a solution that involved an external investigator. The answer also highlights the candidate's proactive approach in preventing future concerns and engaging management in discussions. It could still be improved by providing more specific examples of conflict resolution and showcasing the candidate's critical thinking skills.

How to prepare for this question

  • Familiarize yourself with your organization's investigation process and policies to ensure you can speak to them confidently during the interview.
  • Reflect on your past experiences in addressing concerns or complaints about fairness in investigations. Be prepared to discuss specific steps you took and the outcomes of those situations.
  • Highlight your ability to stay objective and maintain confidentiality throughout the investigation process.
  • Demonstrate your expertise in conflict resolution by mentioning any training or certifications you have completed in this area.
  • Showcase your excellent written and verbal communication skills by providing examples of how you effectively communicated with employees during sensitive investigations.
  • Discuss any experience you have with data entry and report writing, as these skills are essential for maintaining accurate records of investigations.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Investigative and interviewing techniques
  • Discretion and ethics
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Conflict resolution

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