Navigating a Job Interview After a Break: Should I Mention My Consultancy Role?

Hi Seniors,

I had applied to Hindustan Copper Ltd. 6 months ago. I took their online exams for management trainee HR. After that, I did not receive any reply, so I joined a consultancy for a few months. However, I had to leave the job due to some health problems. Now, I have received a call from HCL for a personal interview round. I would like to know if I should inform them that I was working with a consultancy during the interview.

Also, I am unsure about how to prepare for the interview as I have been out of the workforce for a few months. Which subjects should I focus on for preparation?

Typically, I only read about different topics and activities in the HR world on citehr. What else can I do to prepare for the interview as I do not want to miss this opportunity?

Hi Nandani,

Congratulations on the new opportunity. I am not much senior, but in my opinion, you have to tell them that you were working with a consultancy in your spare time. Otherwise, they may ask why you are sitting idle. It will benefit you because it shows that you are active and aggressive towards your career.

Regarding preparation, be sure to prepare for the requirements, processes, and other HR questions.

Best of luck.

Regards,
Madhu Gupta
hrd770@gmail.com

Hello Nandani,

As you are a fresher, I suggest you to gather more information about HCL. It's always better if you know about the company before facing the interview. Also, try to acquire some knowledge about HR basics and stay updated on new developments in HR.

Gain a detailed understanding of the HR profile and link it to your competencies as well; this will demonstrate your confidence. Also, feel free to discuss your previous experiences; it won't do any harm. :)

I tried to upload a file but failed; I guess my server is having some issues. I can email it to you if you need it. Please reply back :)

Best of luck :)

Also, surf the net on preparing the following:

1. Interview Questions like "Tell us something about yourself."
2. Challenges faced by you.
3. Strengths / Opportunities in you.
4. Key Achievements of yours.

Read everything about the company, including the financials, and see the magic as you bloom with confidence. Just follow the above-mentioned steps, and then give me a party after selection.

Hi Nandini!

I feel that you should be sharing your experience as it would help in filling up the gap from the time you finished your education till now; otherwise, the gap could become a negative point. The interviewer might think that you are incompetent to secure a job anywhere. I understand your concern that the consultancy experience is not considered good, but still, you see something is better than nothing, so it would be good to share your experience rather than stating that you were idle until now.

Regarding the preparation, keep yourself updated with the latest happenings in the HR field. Prepare yourself with ample ideas that you can present when they ask about reducing the attrition rate, how to keep employees motivated, and other related matters.

Regards,
Tandeep

Hi,

It's always better to be transparent because when you are on the other side of the table interviewing someone, you would expect the same. The essence is certainly to crack the interview and get through, but at the same time, your integrity and honesty will always pay you rich dividends. It's a fact that they have called you now, so in the interim, anyone would expect you to be engaged with any organization.

As a fresher, you should always have the fire in the belly to learn things and not show that you know a lot of things. Your attitude should be positive and optimistic but not overconfident. Please see what is happening in HR now, what trends are going on, what retention strategies are being implemented, and what employee benefits organizations are considering?

All the best for your interview.

Regards,
Arindam

Dear Nandini,
I will list my suggestion how to prepare for the interview.

Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), a public sector undertaking under the administrative control of the Ministry of Mines.It is a manufacturing company.

1. About the company profile.
2. About the Vision & Mission of the company.
3. About the products of the company.
4. Current market situation of the company.
5. About the plants & office.
6. HR Basics such as
Ø Recruitment
Ø Selection process
Ø Training & Development Training Needs Identification
Ø Developmental Deliverables (for Career / Succession Planning)
Ø Trainings Required (Objective, Priority, Evaluation Parameters)
Ø Performance Evaluation
Ø Time Management
Ø Compensation & Benefits Administration Salary Structure (Fixed, Variables, Perks)
Ø Employee Welfare Schemes
Ø Employee Relations Employee Benefit Schemes
Ø Legal Compliances (Employment / Labor / Compensation Acts,PF,ESI,PT, bonus, gratuity.
Ø Have a basic idea about Kaizen and 5 S because it is manufacturing comapny.

Please herewith find the attached file of HR interview question which has been posted by our seniors and website of HCL.

Hindustan Copper Limited <link updated to site home> ( Search On Cite | Search On Google )


Prepare well for the interview,be confident .All the best for your bright future.

Warmest Regards,
Mohan.M.S
"willingness to walk the extra mile to achieve excellence"

Dear Ms. Nandini,

Our friend, Mr. Mohan, has provided you with valuable insights. I believe these inputs will greatly benefit you.

When it comes to experience, it is essential that you share details of your previous employment; otherwise, it may lead people to question your competency. Additionally, it is important to exhibit confidence when discussing your knowledge and the company. Therefore, I recommend thoroughly preparing yourself about the company.

Regarding HR, it is crucial to stay updated on the latest developments and emerging trends in the field.

Wishing you the best of luck.

Kameswarao

Hi Nandini,

I am not an HR person, but I want to tell you one thing: honesty is the best policy, so you should only speak the truth.

My best wishes for your interview.

Regards,
Shailesh Prajapati

Dear Nandini,

Honesty is the best policy. I think all the important points are covered by my CiteHR friend on the same. I just want to say that, give your best in the interview and firstly go through the company's profile on their Career Page of their site; they have mentioned their way of working, go through that. Also, disclose information about your previous job and the reason for resigning.

I wish you "All the Best."

Regards,
Priyanka Vinda
HR

Congratulations on securing the interview!

Remember the four basic functions of HRM are:
1. Acquisition
2. Development
3. Motivation
4. Maintenance

Differentiate between efficiency and effectiveness, as well as the vision and mission of the company.

Good luck!

Hi Nandhini,

Greetings! I hope you are doing well. Congratulations on the interview call from HCL, and best of luck. Nandhini, in my view, it would be better if you don't mention your work experience in consultancy because it was only for a few months. Therefore, we can't consider it as valuable experience. Join as a fresher and give your best.

Regards,
Shylu Govind:icon1:

Dear Nandini,

I had sent some details on 5S to your Gmail ID. Please check it. Prepare well for the interview. All the best for your future.

Warmest Regards,
Mohan M.S.