Give an example of a time when you had to be quick in coming to a decision during your HR career. What decision making processes did you have to use in this situation?

When asked this question, your interviewer wants to know your process when deadlines are present and how you react when vital decisions are at hand. The human resources industry has a blanket reputation for making slow and calculated decisions. With that said, you will not always be afforded a lot of time in your choices as the next HR representative with this organization. Talk to your interviewer about how you go about making decisions in critical times where you may be under pressure. Provide a specific example of a time when you succeeded in this type of situation.

"Two weeks ago, I had to make a decision quickly on an associate's employment who has been struggling with performance issues. After reviewing their file, I determined that the associate did not receive adequate coaching. Rather than terminate their employment, I decided to help the manager put them on a performance improvement plan. I put the plan together in just a few hours but was very diligent in my methodology. I checked in with the manager earlier this week, and the performance improvement plan has been effective already."