What is an HR interview?
An HR interview is an interview conducted by a human resources representative. The purpose of an HR interview is to gather information about a job applicant’s qualifications, work experience and personality.
Many job seekers find themselves wondering what interview questions they will be asked. While there are many different types of interview questions, some are more common than others.
Here are 10 of the most common HR interview questions, along with advice on how to answer them:
1. How would you describe yourself?
This is often one of the first questions asked in an interview. While this may seem like a simple question, it can be difficult to know how to answer effectively.
When preparing your answer, start by brainstorming key points and accomplishments that you want to highlight. Think about experiences and qualities that make you unique and would be relevant to the job.
Once you have a few ideas in mind, practice your answer out loud so that it sounds natural and confident.
In the actual interview, take your time in responding to the question – there is no need to rush. Start by introducing yourself and then provide a brief overview of your background and experience.
2. Why are you interested in this position?
When interviewers ask this question they want to know that you have a genuine interest in the job.
To formulate an authentic answer, you need to learn as much as you can about the company and the specific role you are interviewing for.
If your goals align with what the company is looking for, mention that. For example, if you are looking for an opportunity to learn and grow, and the company is known for its strong development programs, include that information in your answer.
3. Why do you want to leave your current job?
This question can be difficult to answer. If you are unhappy with your current situation, it is important to be honest about your reasons for wanting to leave. However, avoid saying anything negative about your current employer or co-workers.
Instead, focus on the positive aspects of the new position that you’re interviewing for. For example, you might say that you are looking for a new challenge or an opportunity to learn new skills.
Whatever your reasons for wanting to leave your current job, make sure that you emphasize how excited you are about the new position.
4. What do you know about our company?
Interviewers ask this question to gauge whether or not you have done your research. They want to know if you are truly interested in the company and the position, or if you are just looking for any job.
The best way to answer this question is to do your research on the company beforehand. Find out what they do, their mission statement, and what they’re looking for in an employee. Then, tailor your answer to fit those criteria.
5. What are your strengths?
To answer this question effectively, focus on your ability to do the job, rather than your personality traits.
Make a list of your top 3-5 strengths that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Then, have specific examples ready to back up each one.
For example, if you say that you are an excellent communicator, be prepared to give an example of a time when you successfully communicated with a difficult client or resolved a conflict within your team.
Don’t try to exaggerate or make claims that you cannot back up. Focus on highlighting your genuine strengths and how they would benefit the company.
Keep your answer short and to the point. Avoid rambling on about irrelevant details or information that doesn’t pertain to the question.
6. What are your weaknesses?
No one is perfect, so don’t try to fake it! Be honest, but don’t be too hard on yourself.
Think about what your interviewer is really trying to ask. They likely want to know if you have the ability to self-reflect and improve upon your weaknesses.
As such, you should avoid simply listing off a negative trait or two. Instead, focus on discussing a weakness that you have identified and are actively working to improve.
7. What are your career aspirations?
If you are asked about your career aspirations in an interview, be honest and give a realistic answer.
You don’t want to set yourself up for disappointment by saying you want to be CEO within five years, for example, if that is not a realistic goal.
That being said, you also don’t want to be too modest. If you are hoping to eventually move into management, for example, don’t downplay your ambitions by saying you are happy doing entry-level work forever.
The key is to find a balance between the two extremes. Be honest about your goals and where you see yourself in the future, but don’t set yourself up for disappointment or seem like you are not ambitious enough.
8. What is your greatest achievement?
When you are asked about your greatest achievement in a job interview, it can be difficult to know how to answer, especially if you don’t have a lot of work experience.
However, there are a couple of things you can keep in mind that will help you give a great answer to this question.
First, think about what skills and qualities the job requires, and try to match your answer to those. For example, if the employer is looking for someone who is adaptable and able to think on their feet, you could talk about a time when you had to quickly solve a problem.
Second, even if you don’t have any major achievements yet, you can still talk about something that you are proud of accomplishing at work. This could be something like completing a challenging project or taking on extra responsibility.
9. What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?
When interviewers ask this question, they are looking to see what unique skills or qualifications you can bring to the table.
Instead of giving a general answer, tailor your response to the company you are interviewing with. This shows that you have done your research and are truly interested in the position.
To highlight your distinctive skill set and experience, think about what sets you apart from other candidates, and what skills or technical abilities you have that would be valuable to this company.
10. Describe a difficult situation that you overcame at work.
If you are asked about a difficult situation during a job interview, it is crucial to stay positive and describe how you overcame the problem.
First, take a deep breath and think about what the interviewer is really asking. They want to know if you can handle adversity and solve problems under pressure.
Second, give a specific example and explain what you learned from the experience, and how it made you a better employee.
For example, if you have ever been assigned a project with an unrealistic deadline, describe how you were able to efficiently manage your time and resources to get the job done.