Tell me about a time when you had to provide guidance or interpretation of company policies and procedures to employees or management.

Employee Relations Advisor Interview Questions

Sample answer to the question

In my previous role as an HR Assistant, I had to provide guidance and interpretation of company policies and procedures to employees and management. One specific example was when an employee approached me with questions about our vacation policy. They were confused about how the accrual worked and how many days they had available. I took the time to explain the policy to them in detail, including the calculation of accrual and the different categories of leave. I also provided examples of how they could use their vacation days. Additionally, I offered guidance on how to request time off and submit the necessary paperwork. The employee appreciated my help and felt more informed about our policy after our conversation.

A more solid answer

In my previous role as an HR Assistant, I frequently provided guidance and interpretation of company policies and procedures to employees and management. One notable instance was when our company implemented a new timekeeping system. Many employees were struggling to understand how to properly record their working hours and breaks. To address this issue, I organized a training session where I explained the new policy in detail, provided step-by-step instructions on using the timekeeping system, and answered any questions or concerns. I also created a comprehensive guide that was distributed to all employees for future reference. As a result of my efforts, employees had a better understanding of the new policy and were able to use the timekeeping system accurately and efficiently.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more details about the situation and the candidate's problem-solving skills. It showcases their ability to proactively address a common issue faced by employees and their effectiveness in implementing a solution. However, the answer could be further improved by highlighting the candidate's adaptability and ability to work in a fast-paced environment as mentioned in the job description.

An exceptional answer

In my previous role as an HR Assistant, I encountered a situation where I had to provide guidance and interpretation of company policies and procedures to both employees and management. Our company underwent a major restructuring, which required significant changes to our policies and procedures. This created confusion and uncertainty among employees and leaders alike. To address this, I took the initiative to organize a series of town hall meetings where I explained the rationale behind the changes and how they would impact individuals and teams. I also conducted one-on-one meetings with department managers to address their specific concerns and provide guidance on implementing the new policies. Additionally, I developed an updated employee handbook that provided clear explanations of the revised policies and procedures, ensuring everyone had easy access to the information. As a result, employees and management felt more informed and confident in navigating the changes, leading to a smoother transition and improved employee relations overall.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a detailed account of how the candidate effectively addressed a challenging situation involving significant changes to company policies and procedures. It demonstrates their strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as their ability to effectively communicate and provide guidance to both employees and management. The answer also highlights their adaptability in a fast-paced environment, as they were able to organize town hall meetings and conduct individual meetings to address concerns. Overall, the answer showcases the candidate's comprehensive approach to resolving complex issues and promoting positive employee relations. However, the answer could be further enhanced by mentioning their emotional intelligence and empathy, as mentioned in the job description.

How to prepare for this question

Review the company's policies and procedures thoroughly to ensure a solid understanding of them.
Practice explaining complex information in a clear and concise manner.
Research common challenges or issues related to employee interpretation of policies and procedures and think about how you would address them.
Prepare examples of situations where you have provided guidance or interpretation of company policies and procedures in the past.
Consider how you can demonstrate your strong analytical and problem-solving skills in your response.

What interviewers are evaluating

Interpretation of company policies and procedures
Effective communication
Attention to detail