How Can I Prepare for an HR Manager Interview Without Practical Experience?

Dear Sir,

I completed my MSW in HR in 2000, and I have been shortlisted for an interview on 19th June 2008 for the position of HR Manager. However, I lack practical experience in HR issues. I would greatly appreciate your guidance on the topics I should prepare for the selection process. Your assistance would be invaluable to me.

Please advise at your earliest convenience.

Regards,
Pratibha
Email: pratibha.singh.57@gmail.com

One can also gain knowledge in HR issues by going through various case studies of HR and their solutions to it. The articles in Cite HR would be sufficient enough on an in-depth basis.

Dear Pratibha,

Prepare on Recruitment, Selection, Compensation & Payroll, Performance Management, Training & Development, Employee Relations, Labour Welfare & Statutory Compliances. The basic knowledge of the above points is very essential.

I have also completed my MSW (PM & IR) in 2003. Please feel free to ask any queries.

My contact details:
Email: lalit_ghodke1807@rediffmail.com
Cell: 9821623064

Hello friends,

Please find below some tips for attending an interview. Although a lot of material is available on this subject on the net as well.

Introspect on your strengths as a person and also your knowledge. Try to link how your strengths, knowledge, skills, and attitude will be useful for the position.

You would be able to perform HR activities related to bringing people together to form teams, taking care of various requirements, and developing recognition and reward systems. Additionally, you can mention your computer literacy and ability to work in teams or with others.

Regarding your personal strengths – you may be able to highlight strengths such as detail orientation, quality consciousness, diligence, problem-solving attitude, analytical ability, ability to learn new things, ability to take up new initiatives, and ability to communicate with people. You may not have all of these, but certainly, you have some, and you can honestly project those strengths.

Some of the questions you need to prepare for are:
- Tell us about yourself – you should be able to provide a brief overview of your name, qualification, and family details in 5-6 sentences.
- What are your strengths? You should be able to list 3-4 strengths and provide examples if required.
- What are your weaknesses?
- What are the subjects you liked in your studies and why?
- Why do you think you are suitable to work in the HR function?
- What do you think is the role of an HR manager?
- What salary/remuneration are you expecting?
- How long will you stay with the company if selected?

During the interview, be relaxed and do not look away from the person who is asking the question. Always maintain continuous eye contact with the interviewer – do not stare but do not look away.

If you are unsure about a question, it's okay to say, "Please pardon me, but I have not understood the question." If you do not know the answer, you can say, "I am sorry, I do not have an answer to this question."

Be confident, honest, fearless, and polite. "Be yourself."

Some useful links for interview tips:
- Human Resource Interview Tips
- Interview Tips

You can find more tips by searching on Google for "Interview Tips."

Regards,
Nishikant

Hello friends,

Please find the list of questions given below. I regret and apologize that these may have gotten garbled, probably due to bullet numbering. The questions are:

Tell us about yourself – you should be able to do so in 5-6 sentences, briefly mentioning your name, qualifications, and family details.

What are your strengths? You should be able to list 3-4 strengths and, if necessary, provide examples.

What are your weaknesses?

What subjects did you like in your MSW program and why?

Why do you think you are suitable to work in HR function?

What do you believe is the role of an HR manager?

What salary/remuneration are you expecting?

How long do you plan to stay with the company if selected? Please be honest and ensure that your commitment is reasonable and can be delivered upon.

Regards,
Nishikant