Human Resources Manager Mock Interview
Master 40 HR Manager interview questions covering employee relations, compliance, and strategic workforce planning.
Question 21 of 40
Tell me your most proven strategy for motivating under-performing employees.
How to Answer
Example Answer
Community Answers
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
The interviewer wants evidence that you can develop underperforming employees who have potential but are performing below expectations. This employees' underperformance could result from a personal issue or a demotivating factor within the workplace environment. Some methods for helping an under-performing employee come around include:
- Scheduling a one-on-one meeting, with evidence of low performance prepared
- Working together on a step-by-step performance plan
- Offering further on-the-job training or job shadowing opportunities
- Providing outside resources such as counseling services or mentorship opportunities
No matter how incredible the workplace culture and overall opportunity, every organization will have the odd employee who isn't performing up to standards. Those individuals likely face termination if you aren't able to effectively coach them or their direct manager on new work methods that result in satisfactory participation. Discuss how you would tackle such a problem. If you have experienced this situation in real life, be sure to include a story-based example to draw the interviewer in.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"If an employee is underperforming, but they are usually a high performer, my approach will be different than with that of someone typically unmotivated. I would schedule a one-on-one meeting with their direct manager and bring up their past performance compared to their current performance. Then, I would ask what was affecting their motivation to succeed. For the most part, an employee will open up, which will allow me to create an action plan. This plan could include more responsibility, additional training, or the opportunity to teach another employee something new. When people feel important and seen, they tend to perform at a much higher level."
Write Your Answer
0 - Character Count
Unlock All 40 Human Resources Manager Questions
Unlock expert responses that demonstrate your people leadership and strategic HR expertise.
Get StartedJump to Question