Human resource officers handle a lot of issues in the workplace. Along with earning a degree in their field from a university, they are in charge of ensuring that a company’s staff are content. They do this by first acing their HR interview questions, and then by cultivating a positive work environment and working on conflict resolution in their new role.
Interestingly enough, when a job applicant scores an interview, they most likely answer questions written by an HR professional.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect HR position, you will want to know what kind of questions you may be asked. Below, we will go over the basics of what to expect in an HR role, followed by HR interview questions and answers.
Human Resources: What to Know Before Your HR Interview
Before we get to the most common HR interview questions, let’s take a step back and examine what an HR professional deals with on the job. There are crucial skills that you must have to execute the job properly.
HR Responsibilities
Although HR professionals are masters of conflict resolution and defusing potential toxic workplace situations, they’re more than just executive babysitters. Those who dedicate their time to HR have quite a few key responsibilities.
Writing HR Interview Questions
Human resource managers are cornerstones of the hiring and interview processes. Some of the sample questions below are the brainchild of HR professionals.
Often, HR officials will also act as the interviewer. Who better to determine which candidate would be a good fit for a company? They can screen potential employees while they carry out the interview.
Attend to Employees’ Needs
Using their social skills, HR professionals are often seen as unofficial workplace counselors, supervisors, and even mentors. If an employee is having an issue at work, especially with a coworker, the HR official will step in to mediate to find a solution.
They try to keep the company’s work culture positive and progressive so that everyone can be happy.
Skills a Human Resource Professional Needs
Communication Skills
Having good communication skills in the office is a must. Using their social skills and experience, HR managers improve the working environment at a company. They help both managers and employees and screen future team members for interviews.
Leadership Skills
To be responsible for your team members’ job satisfaction requires you to take charge. As an HR official, you must not only be a team player but also a driving force in the office through effective leadership.
HR Interview Questions: Getting the Job
If you want to be an HR professional, what questions should you expect in your HR interview? Most of the time, you’ll encounter standard interview questions.
However, along with questions like what are your strengths and weaknesses, you’ll likely also receive questions related to your behavior. The aim of these questions is to get you to demonstrate your character traits and what you would do in a specific situation.
There’s a great set of rules you should follow for these behavioral questions, called the STAR method. It stands for situation, task, action, and result.
This framework will help you form the perfect answer for a question like “Can you describe a time when you de-escalated a conflict?” You will then map out the experience in a linear fashion, explaining what you did correctly and why it sets you apart from other job-seekers.
Let’s now explore some of the most common HR interview questions and how you can best answer them.
Why Are You Leaving Your Previous Job?
When asked why you’re leaving your previous job, there are many reasons you can give. For example, maybe you are searching for better job prospects, or maybe you despise your current job.
Whatever the true reason, don’t be negative in your answer. An interviewer doesn’t want to hear that you hated your previous employer or that didn’t get along with anyone. This is a red flag. Don’t make the grave mistake of speaking ill of a past supervisor.
Instead, answer by giving a rational, professional reason for leaving your previous job. Maybe your HR department was downsizing, you want to go in a new career direction, or you need a job that allows for more time with your family. Either way, stay consistent with your answers.
If also asked how other bosses would describe you, you have a great chance to explain how well you execute your responsibilities.
Are You a Team Player?
When asked if you’re a team player, your answer should always be “yes.” If you have any experience in HR, you know that being a team player and working closely with others is arguably the most important part of the job.
This is where the STAR method can help you. When you say you’re a team player, you should also bring up a specific example of when you helped your former coworkers.
If you are also asked if you’re a good team leader, you will have the opportunity to describe your accomplishments in your previous HR position. Human resource professionals deal with managing team members and groups. Describe how your management style is a success in the workplace.
Feel free to sample an answer using the STAR method to better illustrate your answer when you effectively led team members on a project.
What Is Your Screening Process for New Hires?
If asked this question, you must explain how you execute one of the key duties of HR personnel. You should walk the hiring manager through your screening process, as well as any practical training methods.
Clearly explaining your methodology will illustrate why you’re a good fit for the company, and will show that you can hire talented individuals.
Final Thoughts on HR Interview Questions
With this list of sample HR interview questions, you’ll be more prepared to get down to business and nail your HR interview. Describe your skills and past responsibilities, ask questions, use the STAR method, and remember to thank the hiring manager for their time.
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If you keep all of these details in mind, it can make all the difference in helping you secure the job.
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