How Should I Answer When Asked About Daily HR Challenges in an Interview?

If an interviewer asked, "As an HR professional, what kind of challenges have you faced in your daily work routine?" what kind of reply should I give? Please help me.

Dear Nonica, A question was asked about "daily work routine," how can it become a "major" question? The answer to this question will vary from person to person. There cannot be a fixed reply that will apply to all the candidates.

Though the question may appear simple, it has depth too. From the reply given, a seasoned interviewer could find out not only about the work the candidate does but the processes followed in the company's HR Department as well.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

To such a question, you should answer by emphasizing the positive aspects of your personality, such as your commitment, ability to motivate others, listening skills, cognitive abilities, and conflict resolution skills. You can also provide an illustration of how you have dealt with similar issues in the past.

Dear KK!HR,
The question pertains to challenges in the "daily work routine." However, if the candidate responds by highlighting personal qualities such as commitment, ability to motivate others, etc., the interviewer might perceive it as a mismatch between the question and the answer. The interviewer could reiterate that the inquiry was about the "daily work routine" and not the candidate's strengths.

Challenges in the Daily Work Routine
The challenges within a daily work routine are contingent upon an individual's position. They will differ for a General Manager, Manager, non-managers, etc. These challenges stem from a lack of skillset, unavailability of physical resources, inadequate manpower, and other factors. If a candidate consistently faces the same challenge(s) for an extended period, it may indicate a lack of interest from both the candidate and their superior in addressing workplace issues. Furthermore, these challenges serve to showcase a candidate's intellectual, mental, and emotional capabilities.

A response stating "No, I do not encounter any challenges" could lead the interviewer to perceive the candidate as having a closed-minded personality.

This is why I previously mentioned that the question is nuanced. While seemingly straightforward, the response can unveil numerous insights about the candidate, their manager, or the organization.

Thank you,
Dinesh Divekar