Preparing for an HR Interview: What Questions to Expect and How to Answer Them?

Could you please help me with some questions that can be asked at an HR interview? What kind of answers are employers looking for in a suitable candidate?

Thanks,
Regards

Why don't you provide some details about your qualifications, the position you are interviewing for, and your experience, if any? This way, our friends can offer you excellent tips. Only when we define our problem well do we get good and correct solutions.

Regards,
R. Sundararajan

I am working in an insurance company as an associate (data processing), but since I am studying for an MBA in HR, I wish to apply for an HR job. Anything in HR is fine, i.e., generalist, payroll, etc. So, I want to know what questions I should expect in such an interview and what I should say to convince the company that I want to make my career in HR only.

Interview Preparation for HR Role

In your case, the interview could be a technical interview since you are qualifying yourself in MBA HR and would like to move into the HR function. As a learner applying for a front-line position in HR, they will not question you in depth on the subject. The interview committee would like to assess how well you will fit into the HR department. They are interested in whether you have some basic knowledge in HR, smartness, a pleasing disposition, and good communication skills.

Common Interview Questions

- What is your career goal?
- Why do you want to transition to the HR function?
- How do you think you are suitable for the HR department?
- What are three important qualities required of an HR functionary?
- Evaluate yourself for the above three qualities on a ten-point scale.
- In HR, which branch do you have a special liking or expertise in?
- How do you think you could contribute to the HR department?
- Will you be willing to work in shifts?
- Will you be willing to work in outstations?

There are hundreds of opportunities for front-line positions in HR in major metropolitan cities. Go well prepared, pleasantly dressed, with a cheerful countenance. You are getting the post!

When you secure a position, please provide us with feedback, and we will be delighted.

Good luck.

Regards,
R. Sundararajan

Interview Preparation: Be Genuine and Informed

Trying to anticipate what you might be asked and then spouting a "canned" answer to the questions will get you nowhere. Seasoned interviewers can spot this immediately and mark you down straight away. I, for one, would never employ anyone who tried to tell me what they think I wanted to know.

When I interview people, I only want to know one thing - CAN YOU DO THE JOB. You would have to convince me 100% that you have read the job description, you know something about the company, and that you have the skills, knowledge, and experience to do the job we are interviewing you for. I am not interested in airy fairy notions either; you would need to give me concrete examples of work you have done previously and how that relates to performing the duties of this job.

Guidance from Seniors

I do not think that youngsters seeking guidance from seniors is wrong. People come from different cultural and educational backgrounds, and not everyone is endowed with the same amount of knowledge and maturity in handling situations. This is especially true in a vast country like India. Only those who need help seek guidance and advice in a professional forum like this. One can observe that most of what we share is guidance and advice, which is perfectly in order. Even Einstein said, "If I have seen further, it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants." Then what about lesser mortals?

R Sundararajan

Interview Preparation

Trying to anticipate what you might be asked and then spouting a "canned" answer to the questions will get you nowhere. Seasoned interviewers can spot this immediately and mark you down straight away. I, for one, would never employ anyone who tried to tell me what they think I wanted to know. When I interview people, I only want to know one thing - CAN YOU DO THE JOB? You would have to convince me 100% that you have read the job description, you know something about the company, and that you have the skills, knowledge, and experience to do the job we are interviewing you for. I am not interested in airy-fairy notions either; you would need to give me concrete examples of work you have done previously and how that relates to performing the duties of this job.

Regards

Agreeing with what John has to say, please be honest and prepare yourself well. Simply memorizing the answers of others and regurgitating them in front of the interviewer will not land you a good job, nor will it convince the interviewer. Mr. Sundarajan has shared some frequently asked questions in interviews, so prepare your answers and approach the interview with confidence. Also, ensure that you are knowledgeable about the company, their products and services, the job profile, and why you prefer HR.

Assuming you are a fresher, there may be questions regarding your choice of subject and specialization, most of which is covered by Mr. Sundarajan.

All the best, and do well.