HR Interview Question and Answer

Solved HR Interview Question. In this section you can find All HR interview question. Common asked interview question with answer. I am Sure it will help a lots.

Tell me about yourself.

It seems like an easy interview question. It's open ended. I can talk about whatever I want from the birth canal forward. Right?

Wrong. What the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two- to three-minute snapshot of who you are and why you're the best candidate for this position.

So as you answer this question, talk about what you've done to prepare yourself to be the very best candidate for the position. Use an example or two to back it up. Then ask if they would like more details. If they do, keep giving them example after example of your background and experience. Always point back to an example when you have the opportunity.

"Tell me about yourself" does not mean tell me everything. Just tell me what makes you the best.

Sample Answer

I'm an ambitious, self-motivated account executive and I'm very happy in my life right now. I'm looking to change jobs because I feel I've achieved all of the goals I set out for myself when I embarked in my previous role, six years ago. I've still got a strong appetite for success and I'm looking for a job that will provide fresh challenges and rewards.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

This is a deceptively difficult question to answer. The key to answer this question is staying focused on your primary objective here - selling yourself as an employee. With this in mind, answer this question in light of your overall interview strategy. Don't describe your record collection, your favorite movies or you pets' names. Do, for example, describe what motivates your career and drives your passions.

Why should I hire you?

The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And don't be afraid to say so. But then back it up with what specifically differentiates you.

For example:

“You should hire me because I'm the best person for the job. I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me the best person for the job--my passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to producing truly world class results. For example . . .” Are you the best person for the job? Show it by your passionate examples.

What is your long-range objective?

The key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to reach those objectives.

For example: “Within five years, I would like to become the very best accountant your company has on staff. I want to work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel I'll be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which might be presented in the long term. For example, here is what I'm presently doing to prepare myself . . .”

Then go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach your goals and objectives.

How has your education prepared you for your career?

This is a broad question and you need to focus on the behavioral examples in your educational background which specifically align to the required competencies for the career.

An example: “My education has focused on not only the learning the fundamentals, but also on the practical application of the information learned within those classes. For example, I played a lead role in a class project where we gathered and analyzed best practice data from this industry. Let me tell you more about the results . . .”

Focus on behavioral examples supporting the key competencies for the career. Then ask if they would like to hear more examples.

What can I do for you?

Employers really don't want a straight answer to this question. They know you want a job. Suggested responses, therefore, should tell employers they gain something by employing you. Answers such as, "Actually, I'm here to offer you something - loyal and efficient work", or ,"I think the question is what I can do for you. I'm here to talk about your need for an expert driver", are good.

Why don't you tell me something about yourself?

Be prepared to talk about your unique qualities. Wind up with something that relates to the job. An example: "I'm a native of Jones County, raised here and educated at Jones Community College. I have a large number of friends who are loyal to me because I get along with almost any type of person. I've met many of my friends while working as a volunteer in the Habitat for Humanity effort in my community, and my experiences there are among the reasons I'd be an excellent construction worker for your company, Mr. (or Ms.) Builder."

What kind of work are you looking for?

Be as specific as you can with this particular employer. The best answer to this question will be found in the job description you obtained prior to the job interview. (You can repeat the duties listed for the position for which you're interviewing.) Other answers that suggest you want to grow and learn or want to demonstrate your good work ethic would be "I want a job in which I'll be able to produce for the company and grow along with it", or, "I want a job where showing up on time and working hard is compensated by a fair wage."

What do you do best?

This question demands that you praise yourself - something a lot of us are uncomfortable doing. As you prepare for the job interview, think through some of your recent successes you can use to give a good answer to this question. It's best if they relate to ways you improved the current business, generated new business, or saved the company money.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

This is the great-granddaddy of goofy questions, and I give you permission, if you have any misgivings about a job opportunity, to walk out the door when you hear it. It's such a time-waster that only the most hidebound interviewers will utter it, but it lives on.
Here's why it's dumb. No company will guarantee you a job for five years, much less a career path. To construct such a plan for yourself, you'd have to make predictions about industries, companies, and your likes and dislikes that could only serve to constrain your choices. And in any case, why is it so all-fired important to have a dang career plan in mind? Every successful entrepreneur and many top corporate people will tell you their key to success: I did what I felt driven to do at the moment.
So when you get asked this question, you can say: "I intend to be happy and productive five years from now, working at a job I love in a company that values my talents" and leave it at that. Or you can give the expected answer and say: "I hope to be three levels up the ladder, here at Happy Corp." Or you can say: "I hope to own this company," just to shake things up.
But for an interviewer to ask the question at all is a bad sign. Come on, people! There are millions of thoughts in the human brain. Can we change the ones we use in job interviews every decade or so?

When would you expect your next promotion?

It's difficult to give an exact time without knowing the personnel structure within XYZ Corp and specifically the line of responsibility associated with this position. However, I'm an ambitious person and through hard work, dedication, and with the guidance of a good manager, I aim to gain my next promotion as soon as possible, ideally ahead of 'normal' timeframes.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

This is a question that could easily catch you out. Be sure not to cross the fine line between ambition and arrogance in your answer. Avoid giving glib answers e.g. 'In three months time', that may reduce your credibility. Try to tell the interviewer how you will achieve your next promotion, e.g. through hard work, rather than when.

What do you know about this industry?

The telecommunications industry is currently going through a period of rapid expansion. The major industry players are positioning themselves for the delivery of the next generation of telecommunication services. New developments in mobile, broadband and satellite communications mean that it's an incredibly exciting time to be in the industry. I've no doubt that the telecommunications industry will be a driving force of the worldwide economy in the 21st century. I know that XYZ Corp intends to be a frontrunner in that expansion. For that reason, this job is highly attractive.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

This question assesses the depth of your knowledge about the industry in question. If you are new to the area, you may have to research this question before you attend the interview. You should not spend a long time answering the question. After all, the interviewer already knows the answer. Give a brief synopsis of the industry and where you believe the firm sits within the industry. Use this question to inform the interviewer of your desire to work in this industry.

What kind of salary are you seeking?

Answer1: I would expect a salary which reflects the experience and qualifications that I bring to the role. What range do you have in mind?

Answer 2: I've got a strong background in this industry and my skills are a perfect match for this role. I would expect my compensation to be at the upper end of the position's salary band. Can you tell me what that salary band is?

Answer 3: Based on the information I have about the position, a salary in the range 28,000-32,000 would reflect the experience and expertise that I would bring to the role.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

When preparing for the interview you should try to discover the salary range for the job from the recruitment consultant or human resources department. This information can put you in a strong position when the time comes to negotiate a salary.

Unless pressed, you should not give a specific number here. Instead you should specify your value relative to a 'salary band'. Most firms have salary bands for each position. You should aim to negotiate a salary towards the peak of the range for the position in which you are interviewing.

If you are pushed for a specific salary, respond with a target range. This will help lay the groundwork for future negotiations. You should qualify yourself by specifying that your answer is based on the information that you have to hand about the job. Do not give the actual range that would satisfy you, as your prospective employer may try to bargain you down at a later point. For example, if your target salary range is 26,000 - 30,000, you should specify a higher range such as 28,000-32,000.

Do you expect to work regular hours? Would working irregular hours cause a problem?

I don't have a problem working overtime. I understand that in today's competitive marketplace there is a need for flexibility in regard to working hours.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

In today's modern working environment most jobs require flexibility with respect to your working hours. By expressing your willingness to work irregular hours or do overtime you will impress upon the interviewer your eagerness to succeed and contribute to the firm.

Name three adjectives that best describe your ideal work colleague.

It's difficult to think of an 'ideal' work colleague. I'd like to think I work well with most people. If I had to choose three adjectives I'd say: Communicative, intelligent, likeable.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

If you thought being asked to give three adjectives to describe yourself was difficult, this variation is arguably harder. The key to answering this question is to hedge your answer with a preface declaring that you think you work well with most people, then give three adjectives that would describe the best employee / colleague you can think of. The qualities you look for in a colleague will be seen to reflect your own qualities.

Why would you like to work for me?

I've been aware of your reputation for some time. You're regarded as an innovator within the industry and beyond. I appreciate that your team's success is due to a number of factors, not least of which is hard work. I'm an excellent team player, I'm a very good problem solver, and I work hard to get the job done. For these reasons, I'm confident I'd be an asset to your group. I hope that my experience shows I'm suitably qualified to fulfill the position. I know that your position within this firm speaks for itself. My ideal manager is someone that fosters excellence, innovation, and success, as well as personal and professional growth. It's widely recognized that XYZ Corp's strongest asset is its staff thanks to its strong belief in training and development. For these reasons, this is a highly desirable role.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

There are two approaches to answering this question. If you know the interviewer personally or by reputation you can allude to qualities in him that you respect and the complimentary qualities you could bring to him and his team. If you do not know the interviewer, answer this question by referring to how your qualities would match those of a suitable, hypothetical manager.

What are your weaknesses? How do you overcome them?

I'm always ready to learn new skills and adapt my methods to become better at what I do. If I become aware of a weakness in my knowledge base or in the way I perform my duties, I do my best to fill that gap whether through formal training, informal training, or directly from my colleagues.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

Avoid directly answering this question, if possible. Naming a weakness will only invite a response like If you're aware of this weakness, why haven't you taken corrective measures to fix it? A popular approach is to name a positive weakness such as I'm too persistent or I'm too ambitious . Make sure that your answer is sincere and not too glib, or you will be revealing a weakness without even knowing it.

You've been out of work for a long time, haven't you?

I chose to spend time evaluating my options before deciding on my next career move. I have been offered jobs since my last employment but I wanted to wait until I found a job that fulfilled my career goals.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

This can be a very difficult question to answer. Evaluate your situation carefully and consider all the reasons you have been out of work. In this day and age many people take brief career breaks. Do not be afraid to state this in an interview. Highlight any achievements (e.g. travel, personal projects) you made between jobs as these can speak to new abilities you gained between jobs.

What do you know about this organization?

I know that XYZ Corp. has been in existence for four years. It was founded by John Rush in his garage and he has built it into the third largest office supplies firm in the state with aspirations to make it number one within two years. It's renowned as an ambitious and highly progressive company and I believe it has a very bright future. I also like the fact that XYZ Corp isn't a company that rests on its laurels.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

The interviewer wants to know how hungry you are for this job. If you haven't even prepared for the interview, by doing the most basic research, then the chances of you getting the job are close to zero. You can be sure that other candidates will have done their research. Check out the firm's website (if they have one) and business directories in your local library. You should also contact the firm itself, through their Public Relations department.

What do you think it takes to be successful in an organization like this ?

I think that determination, a willingness to work hard and a desire to excel in everything you do are key attributes for a successful employee in a company like XYZ Corp. A successful employee would also need to handle pressure well, be a great communicator and an excellent team member. These are attributes that have helped me succeed in my past positions and ones that I would like to apply in XYZ Corp..

Advice from the recruitment consultant

The interviewer wants to know if you're prepared to give what it takes to contribute to the firm. The question also alludes to your understanding of the firm's ethos, and how well you will fit in. Use this question to highlight the qualities that you bring to the firm.

What concerns you about this company?

I have no concerns about this company. My research has shown that ABC Corp is dedicated to the development and advancement of its staff. I've also learnt that the benefits package is one of the best within the industry.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

The interviewer is trying to assess how well you think this company matches your needs and goals. The more concerns and doubts you have, the more you're telling the interviewer how you're the wrong person for the company (and the job).

Where do you see this company going?

XYZ Corp is the number three firm in the corporate security sector. The company does not hide the fact that it wants to lead the sector within two years. I believe that the firm can achieve this. It's a young company with a dynamic workforce and a tremendous growth rate. XYZ Corp's bright future make it a very attractive place to work.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

The interviewer is trying to find out how much you know about the firm's future plans and corporate vision - after all, you're interviewing to be part of that vision. If you know about the industry in question this could be a straightforward question to answer. If you don't have the knowledge to hand, contact the firm's Press or Public Relations office. Most firms, even small ones, have corporate mission or policy statements that will help color your answer.

What do you know about our products?

I know that XYZ Soft specialize in the development of software solutions for small and medium sized businesses. The firm's best-selling products are leaders in the field - the XYZ Project Management Tool and the XYZ Personnel Management Tool. I feel that XYZ Soft has a solid product and customer base upon which it can build in the future. I understand that the firm's aim is to develop existing and new products with the aim of breaking into the Corporate sector. It's an ambitious aim but one that I believe XYZ Soft are more than capable of achieving. A major attraction of this position is the opportunity it offers to be a part of the challenging and exciting times ahead at XYZ Soft.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

The interviewer is trying to discover whether you have done the necessary groundwork to lay the foundation for a successful interview or you have been lazy and taken the easy route. This could be a strong indication of your work ethic and future behavior. The interviewer is also trying to assess how genuine your desire to work for this firm is. After all, why would you want to work for a company whose products are unknown to you.

You shouldn't go into too much detail about each and every product here. Demonstrate your knowledge of the firm's major product(s) and how you perceive they fit into the firm's future strategy. You can also use this question to express your strong desire to work for the firm by illustrating a desire to be involved in the development of these and future products. You can learn about the firm's products from its Public Relations department, its website, a business directory in your local library or even by searching on the Internet.

What do you know about this organization?

I know that XYZ Corp. has been in existence for four years. It was founded by John Rush in his garage and he has built it into the third largest office supplies firm in the state with aspirations to make it number one within two years. It's renowned as an ambitious and highly progressive company and I believe it has a very bright future. I also like the fact that XYZ Corp isn't a company that rests on its laurels.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

The interviewer wants to know how hungry you are for this job. If you haven't even prepared for the interview, by doing the most basic research, then the chances of you getting the job are close to zero. You can be sure that other candidates will have done their research. Check out the firm's website (if they have one) and business directories in your local library. You should also contact the firm itself, through their Public Relations department.

What attracts you to this company?
What interests you about this company?"

ABC Corp is a leading national software vendor. It has set itself aggressive targets to achieve in the near to medium term. In particular, the firm aims to become the leading vendor on the Internet within three years. I respect the history of the firm from a small start-up to one of the largest employers in the state. I also respect the principles upon which it has grown. The firm has achieved magnificent results to date and I would like to help it achieve its goals in the future.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

There is not very much to this question. You could use it as an opportunity to demonstrate the research you have performed. Try not to over-extol the virtues of the company as it may be thought

What concerns you about this company?

I have no concerns about this company. My research has shown that ABC Corp is dedicated to the development and advancement of its staff. I've also learnt that the benefits package is one of the best within the industry.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

The interviewer is trying to assess how well you think this company matches your needs and goals. The more concerns and doubts you have, the more you're telling the interviewer how you're the wrong person for the company (and the job).

Why did you apply for this job?
Why do you want this position?
What interests you about this position?

I've worked in the travel industry for five years and I've enjoyed every minute. I'd like to work for XYZ Corp because they are industry leaders and I want to work with the best people and the best products I can. There are exciting times ahead for the firm, particularly in light of the firm's recent announcement that it was expanding it's product range by 25% over the next 24 months. I feel that my drive, creativity and determination will be an asset to the firm and will enable me to succeed in this role. This position would enable me to apply my skills in an exciting and challenging environment. I think this position is a perfect match for my talents and my career goals.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

This is a great chance to sell yourself but don't waste the opportunity by reciting your resume. You should describe the assets you bring with you to the company and express the depth of your interest in this job. Your answer should be direct and unequivocal. Leave the interviewer in no doubt that you are the perfect person for the job.

If offered to you, how long do you plan to stay in this role?

I approach every new job with a long-term view. I would like to think that I can make a positive contribution to XYZ Corp for the foreseeable future.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

Recruiting, hiring and training a new employee is an expensive process and represents a major investment by an employer. The interviewer wants to ensure that your goals are compatible with the firm's investment.

What do you know about the position you've applied for?
What duties do you think this job entails?

The Media Marketing Co-ordinator reports to the Marketing Director. Her role is to co-ordinate all media advertising, particularly print, radio, and television. The Co-ordinator works with Media agencies to profile advertising opportunities, then, working within a strict budget, she organizes cross-media advertising campaigns. An important aspect of the role is to disseminate the customer response to the adverts in order to measure its success and thus improve future campaigns.At my last job in ABC & Co I worked closely with several different media agencies, including some that specialized in new media platforms such as the Internet. I also gained invaluable experience as a member of the team that established ABC & Co as a national brand by launching ABC DooDaa nationwide. I feel that I can bring this expertise to the Media Marketing Co-ordinator role and help XYZ Corp achieve it's goal of doubling it's customer base every year for the next three years.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

You should gather as much information as possible about the job you're applying for. If you don't even know what the job is, how can you possibly claim to be the best candidate for it? Researching the position demonstrates initiative, determination and good preparation and is a great way to impress the interviewer at the start of the interview.

When answering this question make sure to include references to your skills and how they match the requirements of the job. You can gather more information about the position from the location where you learnt about the opening - a job center / recruitment poster etc. If you have the name of an appropriate contact, for example a person in the firm's Human Resources department, you should contact them and request further information. You should also gather information concerning the role in general from a careers directory in a library or on the Internet.

Do you feel overqualified for this job?

I don't think there's such a thing as being over-qualified for a job. Every position brings with it a new environment, new people and new challenges. I feel that the skills I would bring to a new job can only help me to do a better job, and would in no way hinder the challenges I would face.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

Don't let this question distress you. It's seldom meant as an indication that the interviewer thinks you're not right for the job, rather it's a 'placed' question to test your response. The interviewer wants you to prove that you will not be bored by the job on offer. Remember, people are seldom perfectly qualified for a job. If you are over-qualified, you should be capable of showing that you will enjoy other challenges that the job presents.

Do you feel underqualified for this job?

I don't think I'm underqualified to the extent that I will be unable to do the job expected of me. Every job requires some degree of training and I am fully prepared to learn whatever is necessary so I can succeed at my job. Of course I have a wide range of skills that I could bring with me to this position.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

Don't let this question distress you. It's seldom meant as an indication that the interviewer thinks you're not right for the job, rather it's a 'placed' question to test your response. The interviewer wants you to prove that you are up to the job on offer. Remember, people are seldom perfectly qualified for a job. If you are under-qualified, you should be capable of showing that you are willing to learn the necessary skills to perform the job.

Why are you seeking a new job?

I've worked with ABC & Co for three years. During that time I've achieved all of the goals I set myself and I've enjoyed every minute. Now, however, my aspirations extend beyond those of ABC & Co. I would like to tackle a new challenge in a different environment.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

While this is a straightforward question, you should make sure to accentuate the positive in your answer. Do not tell the interviewer that you're bored with your current job!

What has been you favorite job?

It's hard to pick a single favorite job because there's been aspects of every job that I've enjoyed, each for different reasons. My ideal job would involve working in a challenging environment for an ambitious, forward-moving company. I get most satisfaction from a job well done, and from contributing to the success of a progressive organization.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

Your answer can lead to trickier questions such as 'If it was so good, why did you leave the job?' and 'What was your worst job?'. Your answer will also cause the interviewer to use your favorite job as an indication of your demands and expectations of any new job. A better answer could involve selecting your favorite aspects of a number of jobs. Alternatively you could highlight the features of your ideal job. Remember even though the question seems to refer to your job history, the interviewer is in fact trying to find out more about you. However you answer the question make sure to promote yourself as best you can.

Are you a team player?

Almost everyone says yes to this question. But it is not just a yes/no question. You need to provide behavioral examples to back up your answer.

A sample answer: "Yes, I'm very much a team player. In fact, I've had opportunities in my work, school and athletics to develop my skills as a team player. For example, on a recent project . . .?

Emphasize teamwork behavioral examples and focus on your openness to diversity of backgrounds. Talk about the strength of the team above the individual. And note that this question may be used as a lead in to questions around how you handle conflict within a team, so be prepared.

Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?

Note that if you say no, most interviewers will keep drilling deeper to find a conflict. The key is how you behaviorally reacted to conflict and what you did to resolve it.

For example: "Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but there have been disagreements that needed to be resolved. I've found that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other person's perspective, so I take time to listen to their point of view, then I seek to work out a collaborative solution. For example . . .?

Focus your answer on the behavioral process for resolving the conflict and working collaboratively.

What is your greatest weakness?

Most career books tell you to select a strength and present it as a weakness. Such as: "I work too much. I just work and work and work.?Wrong. First of all, using a strength and presenting it as a weakness is deceiving. Second, it misses the point of the question.

You should select a weakness that you have been actively working to overcome. For example: "I have had trouble in the past with planning and prioritization. However, I'm now taking steps to correct this. I just started using a pocket planner . . ."then show them your planner and how you are using it.

Talk about a true weakness and show what you are doing to overcome it.

This is a threat of reference check question. Do not wait for the interview to know the answer. Ask any prior bosses or professors in advance. And if they're willing to provide a positive reference, ask them for a letter of recommendation.

Then you can answer the question like this:

"I believe she would say I'm a very energetic person, that I'm results oriented and one of the best people she has ever worked with. Actually, I know she would say that, because those are her very words. May I show you her letter of recommendation??

So be prepared in advance with your letters of recommendation.

What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?

Focus on two words: leadership and vision.

Here is a sample of how to respond: "The key quality in a successful manager should be leadership--the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person who can set the course and direction for subordinates. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I'd like to tell you about a person whom I consider to be a true leader . . .?

Then give an example of someone who has touched your life and how their impact has helped in your personal development.

If you had to live your life over again, what one thing would you change?

1. Focus on a key turning point in your life or missed opportunity. Yet also tie it forward to what you are doing to still seek to make that change.

   For example: "Although I'm overall very happy with where I'm at in my life, the one aspect I likely would have changed would be focusing earlier on my chosen career. I had a great internship this past year and look forward to more experience in the field. I simply wish I would have focused here earlier. For example, I learned on my recent internship..."... Then provide examples.

   Stay focused on positive direction in your life and back it up with examples.

In reviewing these responses, please remember that they are only to be viewed samples. Please do not rehearse them verbatim or adopt them as your own. They are meant to stir your creative juices and get you thinking about how to properly answer the broader range of questions that you will face.

What is most important to you - salary or advancement?

Answer 1:
Of course, salary is important, but I don't believe that it's the most important aspect of any job. I'd rather be promoted with the aim of making a greater contribution to the firm's goals. Ideally I would hope that my salary would reflect my position within the company and the contribution I made to the organization.

Answer 2:
Could you tell me more about how salary or advancement occurs within the company?

Advice from the recruitment consultant

This is a tough question but not a trick one. You should be honest in expressing your preference, providing you are willing to back it up with solid reasoning. Be wary of coming across as greedy or power-hungry.

How do you feel about your current employer?

I very much enjoyed my time at ABC & Co. We parted on very good terms and I still have some great friends there. I learnt a lot during my stay at the company - it was a very rewarding experience. I decided to leave because I wanted to move to a company with greater ambitions where I could continue to fulfill my career goals.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

Be honest in your appraisal of your former employer. You should not be too critical or too gushing. Use this opportunity to describe the skills you attained at your previous employment. You should also state the terms, hopefully good, which you currently enjoy with your former employer.

How would your subordinates describe you?

I think they would describe me as being a tough but fair boss who is easy to approach, open to suggestions, and driven to achieving success.

Advice from the recruitment consultant

The interviewer is trying to assess how your future subordinates will look upon you based on the views of those at your last job. This is an opportunity for the interviewer to get an insight into your managerial approach and skills.