Hr interview questions and answers Every company conducts several rounds of interviews in order to find the right candidate. Interviews with HR professionals are used to assess the personality, strengths and weaknesses of candidates to fill the position and to determine if the candidate is a good fit for the job. Interviews can also be used to determine if the candidate is a good fit for the company’s culture. These rounds generally take place after the technical skills assessment.
Your chance to join your dream organization can be decided by the HR interview rounds. These are some of the best tips to help you succeed in your interview.
- Fake it! Be authentic. Bluffing in a HR interview is not advisable.
- Answer the question and be truthful.
- Comfortable, but not too formal clothing is recommended. Avoid accessories.
- Arrive on time at the venue. Log in online at least 10-15 minutes before the interview time to ensure your connection is working.
- Answering questions should not be boring. Engage with hiring managers and be enthusiastic. If the interview is done online, keep your video active.
- Finally, smile.
Let’s take a look at the most frequently asked questions in a HR interview. We will also explain why they are asked and offer some examples of acceptable responses.
Traditional Hr interview questions and answers
1. Please tell me about yourself.
- Ask the interviewer not what you want to know about yourself. Although you may be honest, it sounds rude.
- Don’t talk about what’s already on the resume. Interviewers want to see what the applicant has not seen in your resume. Don’t talk about personal matters.
- You can introduce yourself by using certain adjectives such as problem-solving and innovation, tech-savvy, creative, quick learners, etc. To increase your chances of success in your career, use the words that best describe your character.
- You should mention your achievements and past work that can help you succeed in the job you are applying for.
- It is also possible to tell why you are interested in the job and what the job will be like for you.
- Only focus on the strengths that relate to the job.
A sample answer could be:
I’m a positive person who is a good communicator and quick learner. During my time at XYZ, I was one of the best students in my class. I was involved in various software projects, which gave me great technical exposure. It also taught me the importance of teamwork and the importance of client satisfaction. I have developed enterprise-level web apps for companies to solve problems such as market research analysis, business continuity, and market research analysis. I believe that I would be a great fit for any technology-focused role in your company.
2. Why would you like to work in our company?
- Discuss past projects you have worked on that match the requirements of your current job.
- Discuss your career aspirations for this job role.
- You should have the information you need about the company’s mission, vision, and recent work that has inspired you to join it.
Example answer:
With my skills and experience in XYZ, I believe the job requirements for this position are a great match. Because it was aligned to my career aspirations and skills, I could see myself in this role. Your company has fantastic and promising future projections, which I found out after researching it. I would be proud to work under the outstanding leadership of this company. I found this place to have the perfect balance of my skills and the promise of personal growth.
3. Which are your biggest strengths and which are your weaknesses?
- Be honest.
- Begin by listing the most important skills and attributes that are a good match for the job.
- Always be prepared with a backup claim for every strength you mention. Avoid referring to the weaknesses you don’t have.
- Don’t reveal any weakness that could jeopardize you candidature.
- Don’t mention more than two weaknesses, and always mention what you are doing to improve them.
- Don’t give cheesy, cliché answers such as “I am a perfectionist which I both my strength and weakness”.
Example answer:
One of my greatest strengths is I’m a great team player. I’m also self-motivated, and am quick to learn. I am a hard worker and I do my best to complete any task I’m given. My weakness is that I struggle to learn people skills and meet new people. Talking to strangers makes me nervous. This is something I’ve been working on for a while and I can confidently say that I have made great strides.
4. What are you looking to make a difference?
I’m looking for change because I feel that now is the right time to broaden my horizons. My current job has been a good fit for me for a while. I’m grateful for the many opportunities I was given, but I want to expand my horizons, try new things, and be challenged. I think your company will be the right place for me to grow and push myself.
You might find yourself in a situation where your budget or management constraints have forced you to be laid off. These cases will require you to tell the recruiter the following:
- It was an unforeseeable event, and it wasn’t your fault.
- You should still be positive about the many opportunities in the market.
The sample answer is:
My client was leaving the market, so our company had to disband the department. Unfortunately, this was my first time in the position and I did not stay long. I don’t regret it, as I was very happy with the learning opportunities that were presented to me. This will be a great asset in my future career endeavours.
5. Please tell me about the gaps in your resume.
After completing my bachelor’s degree I began working for 8 years, without any breaks. This negatively impacted my productivity as well as my work-life balance. To clear my mind and make amends with my family, I took a 6-month break to travel solo to different locations. I learned many lessons from this trip, including the importance of work/life balance, organizational skills, and a new outlook on life.
6. What would be your rating on a scale from 1-10?
Example answer:
I would rate myself as an 8. 8. I rate myself 8 because I recognize that I am imperfect and there is always room for improvement. Learning is an integral part of professional and personal growth.
7. Which is your greatest achievement?
Use a STAR format to answer the question. STAR stands for: S: Situation; T: Task; A: Action and R: Result
My career as a software engineer has seen me achieve many milestones. Our most recent milestone was when we worked on a crucial component of a product that relates to customer payments. Our work was continuous for approximately 2 months. I was the core developer. To complete the task in 2 months, I was appointed as the lead for this component.
We made sure that we were able to meet the deadline by ensuring that we learned all aspects of developing this module. Also, we brought in additional resources to speed up the process. After the deployment, I taught my team how to effectively support the platform. We were able to complete the product before the deadline. The product was launched and the higher management was extremely proud of us. Our team won an award for outstanding performance at the quarterly town hall. It was a proud moment for me.
8. What do you see yourself as in five years?
- It is tempting to be honest and say things about your plans for higher education, plans for starting a startup, or your plans to become a hiring manager at the company. If you don’t have any plan, you can simply tell them that you don’t have one. These are the questions the interviewer won’t want to hear so avoid answering them.
- The recruiter only wants to know how long you plan to stay with the company, and how satisfied your current job is.
Example answer:
Over the past 5 years, I have enjoyed learning from both internal and external training programs. My ultimate career goal would be to become a Technology Architect. I would love to develop products that reflect the vision of the company and help accelerate my journey to becoming a Tech Architect.
9. Why should we hire your services?
- How you would do the job well and how great you would be to the team.
- It is your talent that makes you unique.
- It all boils down to your ability to add great value to the company.
Example answer:
I’m a self-motivated, open-minded individual who can learn quickly. Based on my previous experience in web development, I feel confident I can fulfill this job. I love solving problems and being part of a team. I believe my values align with the company’s. This position will be a great fit for me and provide me with exciting and interesting opportunities to help the organization grow. This opportunity is exciting to me.
10. What can you do to deal with criticism?
Example answer:
I love learning new things, and I may make mistakes. I’m always open to constructive criticism. I will correct myself and learn from my mistakes. I would be able to learn and grow from this feedback. If I get negative feedback, I can ignore it and keep working to do my job well. It won’t dampen my spirit.
Behavioural HR Interview Questions
11. What are these Behavioural Questions?
- Situation: How was it?
- Task: Which tasks were involved in the situation above?
- Action What were you able to do to achieve the goal?
- Result What was your result? This is the most important aspect that tells you if your actions were successful.
Avoid exaggerating and bragging at all cost.
12. Please tell me about a time that you weren’t satisfied with your performance.
After college, I found myself constantly dependent on my team to complete my work. This was not something I liked. I wanted to be able to do my own work and collaborate with others. I quickly learned the project’s working dynamics and was given various assignments. I felt more in control and more responsible the more I completed assignments without any help. I felt more independent, was praised multiple times for my dedication, sense of ownership, and my ability to adapt quickly to the project.
13. Please tell me about a time you were required to work closely with a supervisor.
My manager was my supervisor at my previous job. It was very overwhelming because the manager watched me throughout the day, and it felt almost like he/she was right there with me. Because of the pressure, I felt uncomfortable with all this. The manager didn’t trust me enough to let me do it alone, as I was new to the job.
I began to build her trust by being diligent and without complaining in the projects. Once I felt confident in my abilities, I talked with the manager about giving me a project that didn’t require close supervision. The manager reluctantly gave me one project. I did my best and it was successful, which was how I gained her trust.
14. Tell me about a time when you were satisfied with your work. What was your reaction?
In my previous job, I managed a project that related to blogging. It was an opportunity that could have inspired many people. I researched what topics people would find inspiration from and what would help to make them better. To gain better insight, I conducted a survey that I shared with friends, family members, and neighbors.
The recognition we received when we published our blog was amazing. People liked how relatable the posts were, which was a major reason for the 90% sales of our products. My work was a great success. I contributed to the company’s profits and provided a platform for people to get inspired.
15. Please tell me about a time when you had difficulty working on a project.
- Use the STAR approach to describe a problem related to your work.
- Never say negative things about any supervisor or company.
- Interviewers should try to understand the root cause of the problem.
- Do not bring up personal issues in your daily life.
- Instead of dwelling on the damage, focus on the lessons.
Example answer:
My current company received a bug report by a client stating that their databases were not performing well when complex queries were called too often from the interface.
To determine the root cause of the bug, I first checked the logs. This gave me an idea of the origins of the bug. I reproduced the bug on the production server, and then tried to replicate it on my local system. During debugging, I discovered that the Java code contained a bug where certain lines had been commented out by developers who had left the company.
This code was quickly fixed and I did some performance testing to make sure it doesn’t happen again. We were able to fix the issue quickly and get the server running again with improved performance. Regression testing should be done after each release to make sure that the new functionalities are working properly.
16. Please tell me about a time when you were able to demonstrate leadership qualities.
This event is a memory of mine. My company used to host a summer barbecue every year. However, this year the person responsible for organizing it had moved on to a new job. This was something I had done before, so this year I organized the barbecue.
The annual barbecue was a social event that included a variety of fun activities. To find out what activities employees were most interested in, I conducted a survey. I created teams to conduct each activity and made a list. I made sure that the activities didn’t exceed the budget and sent out reminders to keep track of progress.
I distributed posters and walked through offices with a group of people to inform them of the exciting activities we had planned and ensure they arrived on time. It was an incredible day. The event ran smoothly because we had everything in place and everyone had a lot of fun.
The higher management showed great appreciation for my organizational skills. Everyone said they had a great day.
17. Did you make any mistakes in your career? Please tell me about it.
- Discuss a mistake that you were able rectify and didn’t cause any major damage to your company.
- Discuss what you have learned and work together to fix the error.
- Avoid making any mistakes that could indicate a weakness in your personality.
Example answer:
When I first joined my company, I can recall one instance. I was asked to do two projects simultaneously, and I accepted the offer even though it was not something I could handle. I didn’t want to tell my manager I couldn’t handle it because I didn’t want him to be less proud of me. I wasn’t supposed to tell my clients that I was working in another project, which was causing me double stress and preventing me from meeting the deadlines.
My manager was notified and I communicated the situation to him. He then assigned a new resource to me to help with the project delivery. It was important to keep my supervisors informed about any task, and be open to them if there are any obstacles.
18. What was your approach to managing disagreements with your manager
- Describe the reason for the disagreement.
- What did you do to overcome this?
- Which learning result did you achieve?
- Your manager should not be abused or spoken of as ill.
- It is impossible to tell if you have ever had a disagreement. This would only prove that you don’t have the ability to lead or lack creativity.
Example answer:
This brings back memories of a time when my manager and I disagreed about why certain features should be included in the product. He was against it. There were many discussions about the pros and cons of this feature. I explained to him why that feature would be a great idea and how it would improve the lives of our users. I presented him with several scenarios and reasons why this feature was a good idea. My manager agreed that the reasons were sufficient and gave his approval for us to get started.
The clients were very pleased with the final result and applauded us for going above and beyond to add this feature. The result was well received by my manager. Effective and graceful communication was the key to success. As members of a team, ideas should be shared respectfully when there is disagreement. The collective vision of the group is to successfully launch the project. If my manager had the best idea for the project, I would accept it.
19. How would you handle it if the priorities of a project suddenly changed?
- You must ensure that you are able to communicate the correct information to the interviewer.
- Show us examples of how you can handle stress and pressure.
- Do not boast and do not tell the interviewer how you feel during these situations.
Example answer
It is possible for companies to alter the priority of a project. I can understand this. Due to different circumstances, the vision of a project might change at a later date. If the priority of the task I work on changes, I will try to understand why and will decide if it is in my best interests. I will then start working on the new task with a higher priority than the one I have been assigned. My ultimate goal is to do great things and put my best effort.
Opinion based HR Interview Questions
20. Imagine the following scenario: You win a million dollars in the lottery. What if you were still working?
Example answer:
I will be thrilled if I win this lottery because it would allow me to save a lot of money for my future and that of my family. I will not be quitting my job as I love my job and love learning new things every day. I also want to explore other domains. After a fulfilling career, my only wish is that I retire.
21. What would you do if your boss was a terrible boss?
Before jumping to conclusions about my boss’s bad character, I will first try to understand my boss and find out what his problem is. If my boss is aggressive, I will take note of what would make him mad and work to avoid that. I will also ask my colleagues about their experiences with dealing with him. If the situation gets worse, I will reach out to HR for a resolution.
22. What do you consider an ideal work environment?
- Do your research on the company that you are interviewing for. Get a sense of the culture and hierarchy.
- Discuss the workplace culture that is focused on growth.
- You should emphasize the benefits of a team-oriented workplace.
- Make sure that your conversations are aligned with the company’s vision.
- Do not mention a workplace that offers flexible working hours, vacations, bonuses, or fun. It is possible, although it may not be ideal.
Example answer:
My ideal work environment revolves around a group that is focused on learning, working together, and taking the company to new heights. This is where team members’ skills and abilities can be leveraged to improve. I noticed that your company places more emphasis on teamwork while I was researching it. This impressed me. I think I work better when I have a supportive environment.
23. What does motivation really mean?
I love learning new things and feeling satisfied when solving a problem. This drives me to be the best at my job. I enjoy challenges because they challenge me. Learning should never stop and stagnation is not an option. This belief motivates me to continue learning and keeps me motivated to do more. This job description is what I see. It will give me the motivation to keep going.
24. What would your ideal company look like?
- In your search for the ideal workspace, be sincere.
- Your words should be in line with the company’s work culture.
- Don’t exaggerate and give an example of a specific employer.
Example answer:
My ideal company would offer me lots of learning and growth opportunities, and allow me to use my talents to help the company grow. I appreciate a company that recognizes and values performance. Based on my research about your company, I believe this company can offer me these opportunities.
25. What can you do to make sure that certain tasks are completed efficiently?
- Please describe a situation in which you had to multitask and how you managed to meet deadlines.
- Multi-tasking is not something you love.
- Avoid giving generic or vague answers.
- In STAR format, you can also provide examples to support your claim.
Example answer:
When I’m given multiple tasks, I calm down and try to have a positive outlook so that I can accomplish the task. Then, I organize them according to their priority and create a plan to establish deadlines for each task. I inform my supervisor whenever I feel blocked or facing roadblocks. I also don’t hesitate asking for help from my coworkers. If I notice that I cannot meet deadlines, I will inform my manager in advance and detail what I did. My manager is usually able to see the reason for delays. I would be granted an extension and my tasks will be completed.
26. Which would you rather be feared or liked?
Sincere, I prefer to feel respected within my company. Fear doesn’t command respect. I want to be a leader that is respected by my team.
27. If you’re hired, how long do you expect to be with us?
I plan to stay in the company as long I am valued and respected for what I do and as long my management considers me an asset.
28. What animal would you choose to be if you could be reborn?
- When answering questions, ensure that your explanation is relevant to the job you are applying for.
- Choose animals with good traits.
- Choose animals that have traits that are not compatible with your job.
- These are the traits that animals exhibit. These traits can be matched with your skills.
- Lion: Strong and well-known as the King of the Jungle, he is always ready to fight.
- Dog: A dog is known for its loyalty and friendliness.
- Elephant: A hardworking animal that can do hard work.
- Cows are loved and loyal.
- Dolphin: A dolphin is known for its selflessness and generosity.
- Butterfly: Can transform from one stage into another, and is always ready to fly.
- Ant: A hard worker who can lift weights twice as much as their body weight.
- Owl: These wise creatures are known for seeing larger pictures.
- Dove: A symbol of peace and nonviolence.
- Chameleon: Jells well across all environments. Also known for being sneaky. This animal can be avoided.
- Snake: This snake is known for being difficult and should be avoided.
- Tortoise: This animal is known for being slow and lethargic. Avoid this animal.
Example answer:
I’d like to be reborn as an lion. Lions are known for their love of challenges and pride. It will do whatever it wants, and it can thrive in a fight (or challenge). That is why I want be a Lion.
29. Do you agree to lie in any circumstance?
I believe in honesty. My willingness to tell a lie depends on the outcome and the situation. If my lies are not harmful to anyone and have a positive outcome for the company, the employees and the company, then I am okay with it. But lying is not something I enjoy doing.
Interview Questions for Brainteasers HR
30. Which do you prefer – perfection and late delivery or quality and on time delivery?
Use examples to support your argument and then answer the question “What is right?”
This is the answer:
It is better to be professional and on-time. The organization’s time is its money. There is always improvement and enhancements if we do our job well and are on time. If we fail to deliver on time, no amount of perfection will make up the difference.
31. Judy’s mother was the mother of four children. April was the eldest, May was the second and June was the third. What was the name for the fourth child?
32. How many times does the clock’s hands overlap in a single day?
- Take the time to understand the answer.
- While answering, take a note of your thoughts.
- Demonstrate that you are actively involved in solving a problem.
- Don’t just mumble answers.
- Don’t say that I don’t know everything without trying.
Example answer:
We all know that there are 24 hours in a given day. The hand overlaps first at 12:00. It then overlaps again at 1:05, 2:20, 3:25, 6:25, 6:30, 7;35, 8:40 and 9:45 twice a day. The overlap will not occur at 11:55, as the hour hand moves towards 12, while the minute hand remains at 11. The result is 22.
33. Two vessels, each 3l and 5l in volume, are all you need to get unlimited water. These two vessels are all you need to get 4L of water.
- Fill the vessel 3L with water.
- Transfer all water from the 3l vessel to the 5l vessel
- Fill the 3l container with water again, and then pour it into a 5l vessel jug until it is full.
- We now have 1 litre of water in the 3l vessel
- Completely drain the 5l container of water.
- You can pour the 1-litre water in a 3l to 5l vessel.
- The 3l vessel should be filled with water. Pour this water into the 5l vessel. Now we have 4l water in our 5l vessel
Salary related questions
34. What should you expect?
35. How much do you earn now?
- Do your best not to tell your salary.
- Companies don’t add more than 35%-40% to the salary in the current market.
- Only in exceptional cases, if you have been interviewed well enough to be deemed the best fit, will the company offer more raises.
- Some companies have a specific range that is dedicated to a certain position.
- The job of a recruiter is to find a candidate that can do more for less money. You might find yourself in a difficult position if you reveal your income.
Here are some tips for answering this question:
- You can find out the salary offered by the company for this job by looking on sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Indeed. Or you can connect with other employees on Linkedin.
- Avoid stating your current income.
- Ask the interviewer about the range he/she provides for the role.
- Do not lie.
Example answer:
My employer considers my salary information confidential and therefore I cannot disclose it. I agree to this agreement. If you can share the salary range you would receive for this job, I will let you know. You can also provide a range of salary based upon my research and my skills.
36. What salary expectations do you have?
- Find out the salary range that the company offers for this position.
- Ask for a range from your interviewer. If you’re not comfortable with this, then explain it to them. If you are still asked for a number, give the range you want.
- Negotiation is possible, so be open to negotiation.
- Don’t just list a number. Be specific about why you are worthy.
Example answer:
Since 2006, I’ve been working in the software industry. I’ve worked on many projects, and I have seen a lot of success since my beginnings. Along with my technical skills, I also have leadership qualities that I believe will be a benefit to you. Based on all of this, and my research, I believe that if my compensation falls within the range Rs15,00,000.000 to Rs20,00,000. then it will not be a bad idea
37. Consider your qualifications and calculate how much you believe you should get paid.
- Find out what the market trends are for your skills and abilities.
- You can show the interviewer that you are a great candidate by selling yourself.
- Don’t try to downplay or minimize your abilities just to please the recruiter.
- Don’t give a precise amount of money right away. Be sure to back it up by stating why you feel worthy.
Example answer:
Since 2006, I’ve been working in the software industry. I’ve worked on many projects, and have seen a lot of success since my beginnings. Along with my technical skills, I also have leadership qualities that I believe will be a benefit to you. Based on all of this, and my research, I believe that if my compensation falls within the range Rs15,00,000.000 to Rs20,00,000. then it will be a good idea.
Here are some examples of answers. This list is extensive. An HR may ask you specific questions about your job to assess how well you understand the role. Although it may seem like a casual conversation, the HR round is crucial and can lead to your dream job. Below is a summary of all the tips you can use to get through this interview.
Good luck and get that dream job!
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