Part of the job of an HR manager is to take employees through any additional benefits they can receive at the company. They also make sure that every employee is getting any perks the company promised. This question can help you gauge what the prospective HR manager knows about employee satisfaction and how to maintain it for maximum efficiency and work ethic. What to look for in an answer:

• Understanding of what motivates people
• Specific perks or benefits that can work for your company
• Steps to implement any perks

One of the most important jobs that your new HR manager will have is resolving interpersonal conflicts that occur at the professional level. It is their job to take stock of a particular situation, see both sides of it and take care of the dispute. Ideally, the resolution should be to the satisfaction of both parties whenever possible. This question helps you gauge that skill. What to look for in an answer:

• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Clear communication and interpersonal skills
• Basic understanding of human psychology and ability to handle tempers flaring

HR managers resolve disputes, but part of their job is the basic protection of employees and the company. Your new HR manager needs to stay current with any laws or codes by which your company and its workers need to abide to ensure maximum safety and efficiency. A misstep could be costly for the company. Answers here gauge your hire’s organizational skills. What to look for in an answer:

• Processes to stay current with any laws
• Ability to make sure company maintains compliance
• Plan to update regulations as necessary

Your company might have a corporate culture built up over several years and centered around a particular set of professional values and goals. An HR manager needs to be familiar with the kind of corporate culture you have at your company and how to maintain or expand it. Answers here will give you an understanding of the hire’s personal outlook on these values. What to look for in an answer:

• Positive corporate values that form a work ethic
• Ideas for maintaining these values
• Process for expanding or improving these values

HR managers are responsible for implementing various policies that can affect some of the day-to-day interactions between employees at your company. A good manager should be able to tell you what some of the most effective employee policies are and how they might integrate them into your company quickly. Answers here demonstrate the hire’s knowledge of human resources and company goals. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to prioritize work policies in order of importance
• Analysis of which policies benefit the company
• Steps to implement policies

For HR managers, a quick resolution of employee grievances is essential to prevent things from escalating and ultimately affecting workplace morale and productivity. By asking this question, interviewers want to assess if candidates have the emotional intelligence to handle a variety of grievances and implement strategies to resolve them effectively. A talented HR manager will be observant about signs of discontent in employees and will know how to work with them to find acceptable solutions. The candidate's answer should emphasize:

• Keen observation
• Ability to find the right resolution
• Good communication skills