HR Interview Questions: Top 10 Questions Asked in HR Interview
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Whether you're seeking or applying for an HR role, our guide to interview questions can help you gain an advantage. Discover detailed insights and sample answers for an outstanding performance.
In the first screening phase of a hiring process, a human resources manager (typically a human resources specialist or an HR generalist) asks applicants a series of HR interview questions. The aim of these questions is to assess the applicant's basic skills and interest in the position and to clarify various points in their application and CV.
Here we have compiled a list of the best human resources interview questions and sample answers for applicants.
10 good questions for a personnel interview
- Why did you apply for this position?
- What experiences do you have that are relevant to this position?
- Tell me about your experiences in...
- What did you like most about the job description?
- Why are you leaving your current job? / Why did you leave your previous job?
- What do you know about our company's products/services?
- Tell me about that gap in your resume.
- Describe the workplace where you are happiest and most productive.
- What are your salary expectations?
- Do you have any further questions?
1.Why did you apply for this position?
This question aims to assess the applicant's interest in the position. Is he really motivated to be hired for this position, or is he just applying to every job advert? Applicants should show that their application was a conscious decision.
Answer example:
I have been following your company's successes for some time and know that you have an excellent software development team. I thought this would be the best environment for me to apply the skills I acquired during my internship and master's studies. So I've been regularly visiting your careers page and when I saw this job ad, I thought it was finally time to apply. I have experience in web development and am very interested in the projects you mention in the job advertisement - one of which was even the topic of my thesis. I believe that I am a good fit for the position and that I can develop further within your company.
2.What experience do you have that would be relevant to this position?
This question allows hiring managers to assess whether applicants truly understand the job requirements and whether they believe they can perform the task. The best candidates will readily explain how their previous experience relates to the job posting.
Example answer:
In your job advertisement you mention that you are looking for someone with talent in inbound sales. I worked as a sales associate at a store in my area for about three years. During this time I learned how to approach customers and ask them the right questions to understand what they need. I learned how to deal with difficult customers and resolve crises. I can also be persistent without being pushy, which I think is a huge advantage for any salesperson.
3.Tell me about your experiences in...
This question is similar to the previous question, but proactively asks about the most important aspects of the task. For example, if a company is hiring a copywriter, it will certainly ask about the applicant's experience in various types of writing or editing.
Answer example:
During my time as a marketer at Acme Inc., I wrote a lot of marketing copy. I was solely responsible for writing emails that we sent to prospects and customers, including newsletters. I also wrote short texts for social media and occasional articles for our blog.
4.What did you like most about the job description?
This is one of the best interview questions to ask to start a conversation about requirements and responsibilities. It is also useful for assessing the applicant's understanding of the task.
Example answer:
Firstly, the job description itself was very well written and gave me a good idea of what the job was about. Secondly, I really liked that this accounting role requires collaboration with others. I love accounting, but I don't want to sit at my desk all day and look at numbers - I want the opportunity to work in a team where we exchange opinions and knowledge about new accounting methods and organize the company's accounting department in the best possible way can.
5.Why are you leaving your current job? / Why did you leave your previous job?
The best candidates will give good reasons for leaving their previous position. Negative comments or bad talk about the employer are a red flag. Of course, there is a balance - honest applicants will often give an honest answer, and sometimes their former employer really is to blame for the termination of their employment. These questions in a personnel interview depend on the attitude. For example, it would be reasonable for an applicant to state that he left his previous job because his employer did not pay his employees in line with the market. However, it would be a red flag if he went on a tirade about what a fraud his former employer was.
Example answer:
I really liked my previous job and my team. I started as an assistant and worked my way up to team leader in marketing. However, I think this company has come full circle - I'm now the one coaching others while I'm no longer learning anything myself. Learning is important to me, so I want a new job that challenges me and helps me develop.
6.What do you know about our company's products/services?
The purpose of these types of questions is clear: the hiring manager wants to ensure that the applicant has researched the company and knows what they are applying for. Applicants do not need to have in-depth knowledge of the company and its products, but they should definitely know everything that can be found through a simple online search - if they have used the company's products/services before or know someone who has If you work there, that's obviously a plus.
Example answer:
I know that your company produces machinery and equipment. In fact, I used your brand when I worked at Acme SA a few years ago. I was really impressed by the high quality and durability of the devices. I also saw that your company recently opened a new production branch - a good sign for the success of your company.
7.Tell me about that gap in your resume.
This is one of several very common interview questions that may relate to something "unusual" or interesting on a candidate's resume, such as: a job that only lasted a few months or seemingly had nothing to do with the applicant's career, or a gap in the applicant's resume. These interview questions are designed to clarify these points and ensure there are no red flags.
Answer example:
After completing my master's degree, I worked continuously for six years. So I decided to take a break from work and travel to other countries as a volunteer. This helped me clear my head and help other people, while also gaining new skills (such as communication and organizational skills).
8.Describe the workplace where you are happiest and most productive.
This question can also be asked in another form, e.g. B. "What can we do to make you feel comfortable if we hire you?" or “What do you like about your current job that you would like to find here too?” These are examples of questions aimed at assessing the applicant's suitability as an employee of the company. Usually there is no right or wrong answer. It all depends on whether the applicant is a good fit for the company in question.
Example answer:
I like workplaces where both independence and teamwork are valued. I like collaborating with others and exchanging ideas, but I also want the flexibility to work undisturbed for a while. I also appreciate it when there are no restrictions, such as: a casual dress code unless I am meeting with clients or partners.
9.What are your salary expectations?
Similar HR questions relate to various "technical" aspects of the job, such as: E.g. willingness to travel or move or ability to follow a shift schedule. Hiring managers use this question to make sure they aren't talking to a candidate who has excessively high salary expectations (or is generally unable to meet the job requirements). Applicants shouldn't be asked to reveal their salary expectations or current salary - in fact, this is illegal in some countries - but expectations are a good way to ensure both parties are aligned.
Example answer:
I've done some research on the average salaries for this type of job in my area and I think I would expect a salary between X and Y for this job. But I think we can discuss this further at a later date if you think I'm suitable for the job. Can you tell me the salary range you have in mind?
10.Do you have any further questions?
No matter what stage of the recruitment process applicants are in, they should always have the opportunity to ask their own questions to help them decide whether the role is right for them. The other reason HR asks this question is to find out if candidates are genuinely interested in learning more. You should ask intelligent questions about the company, and preferably questions that are related to the job.
Answer example:
Can you tell me what the next steps in the hiring process are? Also, I read in an online interview that your CEO said your company wanted to work with voice recognition technology. That fascinates me. Will this position involve working on these types of projects?
We hope you enjoyed these HR interview questions and answers. In addition to these typical HR interview questions, you'll find many more general and advanced questions in our library of all interview questions. It contains hundreds of interview questions and the next stages of the hiring process, broken down by role and type.
Frequently asked Questions
What questions should your HR department ask during interviews?
Common interview questions include questions about relevant experience, problem-solving skills, and examples of teamwork and leadership skills.
Why are interview questions important for HR?
- Interview questions help assess an applicant's qualifications, skills, and cultural fit for the job. They provide valuable insight into an applicant's skills and potential for success in the position.
What is the best way to prepare for an interview?
- To prepare for an interview, you should research the company and industry, read the job description, practice answering common questions, and prepare specific examples that demonstrate your relevant skills and accomplishments.
What three qualities should you emphasize in an interview?
- Three qualities to emphasize in an interview are adaptability, communication skills and a proactive attitude. Support these qualities with examples of how you have demonstrated them in previous jobs.
Mastering HR interview questions is vital for both hiring managers and candidates. With our expertly crafted questions and model answers, you can navigate interviews confidently, ensuring alignment between job requirements and applicant skills. Elevate your hiring process with the right questions, courtesy of IceHrm's comprehensive guide.
