Struggling to Land an HR Job in Pune: Can Anyone Offer Interview Tips and Mentorship?

I am seeking guidance on a few basic interview questions for the HR profile. I recently relocated to Pune from Delhi and have been searching for a job for the last few months. However, I have not been able to crack any interviews. I have 7 years of experience in HR. I would greatly appreciate mentorship and guidance on this matter.

Thanks in advance.

Dear Sneha, seven years in the HR profession are sufficient to know how to crack an interview. Therefore, your query seems incompatible with your experience level. Nevertheless, please confirm how many interviews you have attended and for how many positions your profile matched. Was there a mismatch, and yet you attended the interview?

Secondly, after each interview attempt, did you reflect on how the interview went, and did you take notes on the questions asked and your responses? If you want actual guidance, you need to show your notes. A senior person will be able to guide you thereafter.

HR as a Diverse Profession

HR is a vast profession, and requirements vary from one industry to another and from one company to another. Therefore, there cannot be a standard format for interviews at your level. Standard formats can only work for freshly graduated MBAs.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Hi Sneha, wish you all the best in your job search.

Tips for a successful job search

Choose the industry based on your experience. With seven years of experience, you can contribute to any industry, but past experience will always impact your answers to interview questions. So, think carefully and be prepared.

Consider your strengths

Employee strength handled in the past will also be considered while hiring. Are you best at managing or handling operational work? This will help you decide where you will fit in the job.

Prepare questions for the interviewer

Be prepared with a list of questions to ask the interviewer as well, because an interview is essentially a meeting session where both parties intend to know and understand each other.

Confidence and communication skills

Please know that during discussions, you will be judged on your confidence and communication skills.

Stay updated on statutory compliance

You need to update yourself on statutory compliance, including mandatory deductions in accordance with government laws, contributions, eligibility, necessary documents, TDS, etc. You need to know the recent changes, especially during this pandemic, and be prepared with all this information.

Brush up on employee engagement and welfare

Brush up on employee engagement and welfare. As a department personnel, what was your contribution to organizational developments?

Technical hiring knowledge

If you get an interview call in the IT industry, then you need to know a lot about technical hiring as well.

Keep reading and absorb as much as you can. More power to you, and you will crack it soon.

Regards, Mrudul

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Interview Preparation Tips

Some tips - hope they will help you.

1. First, have your own assessment about your suitability and competitiveness for the job. Hence, it's better to apply for a role/position where your profile/competence matches with the role profile/competence.

2. Just as it is important for a cricketer to have knowledge about the pitch and weather of the ground and accordingly modify strategy and tactics, it is essential for you to know the organization - its business, its vision/mission, performance, values statements, and overall image. You should customize your responses accordingly. For example, in a cost-sensitive/frugal company (Marwari company), you should take care of cost factors while answering questions like "How could you be useful to the company?" Share your achievements from past companies, etc.

3. There are two aspects of an interview:
a) Knowledge Test
b) Personality and Soft Skill Test

4. In the knowledge test, the interviewer is trying to assess your subject knowledge. An important aspect here is that while you narrate the theory, you should also relate it to practice with real-life examples. This will give you an edge. In the Personality Test, they assess your confidence level, communication skills, and ability to tackle challenges, among others. You need to sharpen your communication. Remember KISS - Keep it Simple and Straight. Answers should be short and to the point.

5. The universal question in HR, "Tell me about yourself," does not require you to reproduce information already submitted in your resume. Here, along with the "what" part, emphasize the "how" part - leverage the opportunity to showcase your strengths and achievements that would be of interest to the interviewer.

6. Do not forget to ask questions. Do not be a passive candidate only answering questions. You can ask questions about the company, the role, etc.

7. At the time of conclusion, you may also ask for feedback about yourself. Also, inquire when you would be informed.

8. Extend thanks and leave with a greeting or handshake.

Regards, Shailesh Parikh

[Phone Number Removed For Privacy-Reasons] Vadodara

Preparing for HR Interviews

It is difficult to cover all the nitty-gritties and nuances involved in HR interview questions. Before the interview, you should Google all relevant data about the company from reliable sources and convey it to them or use it when it's your turn to ask questions. The basic point is if the job profile of the company largely matches yours, the chances are very bright.

Honest analysis and introspection of failed interviews would greatly help you face future interviews. Try to think and write down your contributions and achievements in your previous jobs. The interviewer will try to assess the value you will bring to the job.

As a person, you must come across as genuine and honest, and not suppress or hide anything relevant. While you should showcase your competencies as an HR professional, avoid a sales pitch. Maintain a calm and collected posture and display self-confidence in your communication.

All the best, and I hope you land a rewarding job soon.

Regards, Vinayak Nagarkar

HR and Employee Relations Consultant

The role of Human Resources in any organization

The role of Human Resources in any organization is pivotal. Here are some tips for cracking an interview for an HR profile:

- You must have knowledge of the Human Resources field.
- Maintain soft, focused eye contact with the interviewer.
- Listen carefully.
- Leave a positive impression with the future of Human Resources.

Understanding Job Requirements

The first and foremost thing you must know is the job description/specification and the role that is needed for the job. Earlier tips given are true, no doubt. But at the heart of all is what is expected of you with what you already have, e.g., experience, skill sets, and knowledge.

So before applying for the job or responding to a call, analyze what I have just stated. Once the job and you fit well, there is no reason why you can't ace an interview with ease.

Assessing Needs and Preparing

Make a dispassionate assessment of the needs. In case there is a mismatch, then highlight what is closest in your CV/profile. Don't miss reading the annual report of that company available in the public domain. That will give a clue on how to navigate your interview to your playing field where you are more comfortable and secure and know your beans.

You are welcome to seek further clarifications at any time at your convenience.

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