I'm not sure what the panel would be looking for but I would just like to share some experience and opinion on what does it take to be a HR person. Expectations vary i.e. from the Management and the Staff.
Staff
I think the most important thing is that one has to be genuinely interested in people. There's no point of being in HR but is uncomfortable to be with the people.
The staff of the organisation is our customer. Hence, we should always try to assist them within the boundary of the set policies and guidelines. Listen to them. An MD once mentioned, to be with the people, put your ears to the ground. By doing so, you will get to know some underlying issues among the workforce.
Management
Besides the operational works, a HR person is expected to be the strategic partner to the business. We're expected to be able to advise and support the business objectives and direction. HR should be involved in the decision making. However, pls bear in mind, in some organisations, HR is not involved in major business decisions either by default or by lack of credibility.
It has been deliberated over and over again on how HR can be the strategic partner. In recent years, HR role has shifted from the traditional ppl maintenance i.e. recruitment, remuneration, employee relations etc. to a more strategic role. We're now expected to know the business value chain, external economic environments, identify potential issues from the business/ industry change and advise the management.
I hope it helps.
Rgds.