Hello Seniors, Could you pls help me with some questions that can be asked at an HR interview? And what kind of answers the employers are looking for in a suitable candidate? Thanks,
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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Dear Sharon,
Why not you give some details about your qualifications, the position you are going to interview for, and your own experience, if any, so that our friends can provide you with excellent tips? Only when we define our problem well, do we get good and correct solutions.
R. Sundararajan
From India, Madras
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13Why not you give some details about your qualifications, the position you are going to interview for, and your own experience, if any, so that our friends can provide you with excellent tips? Only when we define our problem well, do we get good and correct solutions.
R. Sundararajan
From India, Madras
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I am working in an insurance company as an associate (data processing) but since I am studying for an MBA in HR, I wish to apply for an HR job. Anything in HR is fine i.e. generalist, payroll, etc. So, I want to know, what questions I should expect in such an interview and what should I say to convince the company that I want to make my career in HR only.
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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Dear Sharon,
In your case, the interview could be a technical interview since you are qualifying yourself in MBA HR as well as would like to move into HR function. Since you are a learner and applying for a front-line position in HR, they will not question you in depth in the subject. The Interview committee would like to satisfy itself as to how you will fit in the HR department. They would like to know whether you have some basic knowledge in HR, smartness, pleasing disposition with good communication skills.
Normally the questions would be along these lines:
a) What is your career goal?
b) Why do you want to change over to HR function?
c) How do you think that you are suitable for the HR Department?
d) Three important qualities required of an HR functionary?
e) Evaluate yourself for the above three qualities on a ten-point scale?
f) In HR, in which branch do you have a special liking or expertise?
g) How do you think that you could contribute in the HR department?
h) Will you be willing to work in shifts?
i) Will you be willing to work in outstations?
There are hundreds of opportunities for front-line positions in HR in major metropolitan cities.
Go well prepared, pleasantly dressed with a cheerful countenance. You are getting the post!
When you get a post, you are giving us the feedback, and we will feel very much delighted.
Good luck.
R. Sundararajan
Sharon.bd said: "I am working in an insurance company as an associate (data processing) but since I am studying for an MBA in HR, I wish to apply for an HR job. Anything in HR is fine, i.e., generalist, payroll, etc. So, I want to know, what questions I should expect in such an interview and what should I say to convince the company that I want to make my career in HR only."
From India, Madras
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In your case, the interview could be a technical interview since you are qualifying yourself in MBA HR as well as would like to move into HR function. Since you are a learner and applying for a front-line position in HR, they will not question you in depth in the subject. The Interview committee would like to satisfy itself as to how you will fit in the HR department. They would like to know whether you have some basic knowledge in HR, smartness, pleasing disposition with good communication skills.
Normally the questions would be along these lines:
a) What is your career goal?
b) Why do you want to change over to HR function?
c) How do you think that you are suitable for the HR Department?
d) Three important qualities required of an HR functionary?
e) Evaluate yourself for the above three qualities on a ten-point scale?
f) In HR, in which branch do you have a special liking or expertise?
g) How do you think that you could contribute in the HR department?
h) Will you be willing to work in shifts?
i) Will you be willing to work in outstations?
There are hundreds of opportunities for front-line positions in HR in major metropolitan cities.
Go well prepared, pleasantly dressed with a cheerful countenance. You are getting the post!
When you get a post, you are giving us the feedback, and we will feel very much delighted.
Good luck.
R. Sundararajan
Sharon.bd said: "I am working in an insurance company as an associate (data processing) but since I am studying for an MBA in HR, I wish to apply for an HR job. Anything in HR is fine, i.e., generalist, payroll, etc. So, I want to know, what questions I should expect in such an interview and what should I say to convince the company that I want to make my career in HR only."
From India, Madras
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Trying to anticipate what you might be asked and then spouting a "canned" answer to the questions will get you nowhere. Seasoned interviewers can spot this immediately and mark you down straight away. I, for one, would never employ anyone who tried to tell me what they think I wanted to know.
When I interview people, I only want to know one thing - CAN YOU DO THE JOB. You would have to convince me 100% that you have read the job description, you know something about the company, and that you have the skills, knowledge, and experience to do the job we are interviewing you for. I am not interested in airy fairy notions either; you would need to give me concrete examples of work you have done previously and how that relates to performing the duties of this job.
From Australia, Melbourne
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When I interview people, I only want to know one thing - CAN YOU DO THE JOB. You would have to convince me 100% that you have read the job description, you know something about the company, and that you have the skills, knowledge, and experience to do the job we are interviewing you for. I am not interested in airy fairy notions either; you would need to give me concrete examples of work you have done previously and how that relates to performing the duties of this job.
From Australia, Melbourne
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I do not think that getting some guidance from seniors by youngsters is wrong. People come from different cultural and educational backgrounds. All are not endowed with the same amount of knowledge and maturity in handling situations. This is truer in a vast country like India. Only those who need help seek some guidance and advice in a professional forum like this. One can observe most of what we share is only guidance and advice, which is perfectly in order. Even Einstein said, "If I have seen further, it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants." Then what about lesser mortals?
R Sundararajan
Trying to anticipate what you might be asked and then spouting a "canned" answer to the questions will get you nowhere. Seasoned interviewers can spot this immediately and mark you down straight away. I, for one, would never employ anyone who tried to tell me what they think I wanted to know. When I interview people, I only want to know one thing - CAN YOU DO THE JOB. You would have to convince me 100% that you have read the job description, you know something about the company, and that you have the skills, knowledge, and experience to do the job we are interviewing you for. I am not interested in airy fairy notions either; you would need to give me concrete examples of work you have done previously and how that relates to performing the duties of this job.
From India, Madras
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R Sundararajan
Trying to anticipate what you might be asked and then spouting a "canned" answer to the questions will get you nowhere. Seasoned interviewers can spot this immediately and mark you down straight away. I, for one, would never employ anyone who tried to tell me what they think I wanted to know. When I interview people, I only want to know one thing - CAN YOU DO THE JOB. You would have to convince me 100% that you have read the job description, you know something about the company, and that you have the skills, knowledge, and experience to do the job we are interviewing you for. I am not interested in airy fairy notions either; you would need to give me concrete examples of work you have done previously and how that relates to performing the duties of this job.
From India, Madras
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Hi Sharon,
Agreeing with what John has to say, please be honest and prepare yourself well. Simply memorizing the answers of others and regurgitating them in front of the interviewer will not land you a good job, nor will it convince the interviewer. Mr. Sundarajan has shared some frequently asked questions in interviews, so prepare your answers and approach the interview with confidence. Also, ensure that you are knowledgeable about the company, their products and services, the job profile, and why you prefer HR.
Assuming you are a fresher, there may be questions regarding your choice of subject and specialization, most of which is covered by Mr. Sundarajan.
All the best, and do well.
From India, Delhi
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Agreeing with what John has to say, please be honest and prepare yourself well. Simply memorizing the answers of others and regurgitating them in front of the interviewer will not land you a good job, nor will it convince the interviewer. Mr. Sundarajan has shared some frequently asked questions in interviews, so prepare your answers and approach the interview with confidence. Also, ensure that you are knowledgeable about the company, their products and services, the job profile, and why you prefer HR.
Assuming you are a fresher, there may be questions regarding your choice of subject and specialization, most of which is covered by Mr. Sundarajan.
All the best, and do well.
From India, Delhi
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Hi, I'm working in HR Shared Services. I wish to expand my learning to include how HR works in India. Is there a standard method in the functioning of HR in India for corporates (with regards to the systems used, policies)?
How can I get short-term experience in this role (internship or crash course)? I have already completed a part-time MBA; however, my college does not have any placements, so I have to search on my own. I would welcome any advice on this.
Regards,
Sharon BD
From India, Mumbai
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How can I get short-term experience in this role (internship or crash course)? I have already completed a part-time MBA; however, my college does not have any placements, so I have to search on my own. I would welcome any advice on this.
Regards,
Sharon BD
From India, Mumbai
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