Can anyone help with job application question?

[lannistunut]

Hi, I am applying for a management position after a long break.

The form asks for an example of managing a difficult situation, I was going to use when I had someone unwell and had to do lots of HR stuff. Is that ok, I'm not breaching confidentiality? Have given no identifying details e.g. organisation or health details or outcomes, just how I handled the process.

Suddenly panicked, it is a long time since I talked about management not just tasks.

I gave a similar answer. I didnt go into detail about the person. Used STAR and focused on advocating for them and sticking to policy. Managing expectations. Linking to hse advice.

But they might want to hear more about a situation that was more like a 'can we hit targets' external type issue

Was it the situation that was difficuit, or the response that was complex?

Is dealing with HR issues a core part of the new post?

Unless there is more background managing illness is pretty run-of-the-mill.

Thank you @SuperLoudPoppingAction

I have a later question about overseeing team workload in which I do discuss hitting targets. I am up against someone who is technically strong but not maybe so hot on people skills so wanted to emphasise that?

I am so doubting myself it is dreadful.

It will be fine if it’s not too outing. Make sure you say how you kept track of the outcome afterwards. They love that

@EdithWeston

Was it the situation that was difficuit, or the response that was complex?

Is dealing with HR issues a core part of the new post?

The situation was difficult because I was brand new so had to talk with them about personal things despite not knowing them. It was also an example where I could talk about following processes whilst also being human.

HR is a big part of the role yes, I would have to deal with anything like that in the team.

@Auntieobem

Unless there is more background managing illness is pretty run-of-the-mill.

That would be good, because I will need to do it a lot, or bad because I should have managed more complicated situations?

I could use performance management I suppose, that always seems more miserable!