HR Interview Questions & Answers

Ace your next interview with expert-crafted questions and winning answers

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Q1 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

Tell me about yourself

Sample Answer:

The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q2 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

Why did you leave your last job?

Sample Answer:

Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q3 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

What experience do you have in this field?

Sample Answer:

Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q4 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

What do you know about our company?

Sample Answer:

This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q5 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

What have you done to improve your knowledge in previous years?

Sample Answer:

Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q6 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

Are you applying for other jobs?

Sample Answer:

Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q7 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

What kind of salary you accept from us?

Sample Answer:

A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q8 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

Do you know anyone who works for us?

Sample Answer:

Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q9 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

Why do you want to work for our company?

Sample Answer:

This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q10 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

Are you a team player?

Sample Answer:

You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q11 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

How long would you expect to work for us if you hired?

Sample Answer:

Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I’d like it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I’m doing a good job.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q12 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?

Sample Answer:

This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q13 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?

Sample Answer:

Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q14 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

Have you ever been asked to leave a position?

Sample Answer:

If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q15 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

Explain how you would be an asset to this company

Sample Answer:

You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q16 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

Why should we hire you?

Sample Answer:

Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q17 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

Tell me about a suggestion you have made

Sample Answer:

Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q18 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

What irritates you about co-workers?

Sample Answer:

This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q19 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

What is your greatest strength?

Sample Answer:

Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q20 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

Tell me about your dream job.

Sample Answer:

Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can’t wait to get to work.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q21 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

What is more important to you: the money or the work?

Sample Answer:

Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q22 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?

Sample Answer:

There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q23 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor

Sample Answer:

Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q24 Descriptive

Technical Skills & Experience

Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?

Sample Answer:

This is up to you. Be totally honest in this field.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q25 Descriptive

Behavioral Interview

Tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you handle the situation?

Sample Answer:

I focus on understanding their perspective first. In my previous role, I had a colleague who was often critical during meetings. I scheduled a private conversation to understand their concerns. It turned out they felt their expertise wasn't being valued. By acknowledging their knowledge and involving them more in decision-making, we improved our working relationship and team productivity increased significantly.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q26 Descriptive

Behavioral Interview

Give me an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change at work.

Sample Answer:

When our company switched to a new project management system mid-project, I took the initiative to learn it quickly by attending training sessions and practicing during lunch breaks. I then helped train my teammates, creating quick reference guides. This proactive approach helped our team adapt faster than others and actually improved our efficiency.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q27 Descriptive

Behavioral Interview

Tell me about a time when you made a mistake. How did you handle it?

Sample Answer:

I once sent an email with incorrect project timelines to a client. As soon as I realized the error, I immediately called the client to explain the mistake and provided the correct information. I also implemented a double-check system for all client communications. The client appreciated my honesty and quick response, and we maintained a strong relationship.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q28 Descriptive

Behavioral Interview

Describe a situation where you had to persuade someone to see things your way.

Sample Answer:

I needed to convince my manager to invest in new software that would streamline our workflow. I prepared a detailed cost-benefit analysis showing potential time savings and ROI. I also arranged a demo and gathered support from team members who would use it. By presenting data-driven arguments and addressing concerns about implementation, I successfully secured approval for the purchase.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q29 Descriptive

Behavioral Interview

Give me an example of when you went above and beyond your job responsibilities.

Sample Answer:

I noticed our onboarding process was causing confusion for new hires. Even though it wasn't my responsibility, I created a comprehensive welcome guide with FAQs, office maps, and key contacts. I also volunteered to be a buddy for new employees. This initiative reduced onboarding time by 30% and improved new hire satisfaction scores significantly.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q30 Descriptive

Behavioral Interview

Describe a time when you had to give constructive feedback to a colleague or subordinate.

Sample Answer:

I had to address a team member's tendency to interrupt others during meetings. I scheduled a private conversation and used specific examples while focusing on the behavior's impact on team dynamics. I suggested techniques like taking notes during discussions and offered to give them a signal if they were interrupting. They appreciated the feedback and showed immediate improvement.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q31 Descriptive

Behavioral Interview

Tell me about a time when you had to learn something new quickly for your job.

Sample Answer:

When our department adopted a new analytics platform, I had only one week to become proficient before training others. I dedicated extra time to online tutorials, practiced with sample data, and reached out to users in other departments for tips. I also created documentation as I learned. By the training date, I was confident enough to lead sessions and answer questions effectively.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Q32 Descriptive

Behavioral Interview

Describe a situation where you had to handle multiple competing priorities. How did you decide what to focus on?

Sample Answer:

I use a matrix to evaluate tasks based on urgency and importance. When I had three major projects due simultaneously, I assessed each one's business impact, stakeholder expectations, and dependencies. I communicated with all stakeholders about realistic timelines, negotiated deadline adjustments where possible, and focused on high-impact deliverables first. This systematic approach helped me complete all projects successfully.

Pro Tips:

Practice your answer beforehand and tailor it to the specific role and company.

Interview Success Tips

Research the Company

Know their mission, values, recent news, and how you can contribute.

Practice Your Answers

Rehearse responses but keep them natural and conversational.

Prepare Questions

Have thoughtful questions ready to show your genuine interest.

Body Language

Maintain eye contact, sit up straight, and show enthusiasm.