HR Interview Questions

1) Tell me about yourself (1-2 min):

• Early years

• Education

• Work History

• Recent career experience

2) What do you know about our organization?

“In my job search, I’ve investigated a number of companies. Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons…”

3) Why do you want to work for us?

You might say that your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved with.

4) What can you do for us that someone else can’t?

Say that your skills and interests, combined with this history of getting results, make you valuable.

5) What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive about it?

List three or four attractive factors of the job, and mention a single, minor, unattractive item.

6) Why should we hire you?

Create your answer by thinking in terms of your ability, your experience, and your energy. (Question 4.)

7) What do you look for in a job?

Keep your answer oriented to opportunities at this organization.

8) Please give me your definition of [the position for which you are being interviewed].

Think in terms of responsibilities and accountability (Task Oriented).

9) How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?

Be realistic.

10) How long would you stay with us?

As long as we both feel achievement-oriented.

11) Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. What’s your opinion?

Mention that a strong company needs a strong staff.

12) What important trends do you see in our industry?

You might consider technological challenges

13) Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job?

Do not mention personality conflicts.

14) How do you feel about leaving all your benefits to find a new job?

Mention that you are concerned, naturally, but not panicked. You are willing to accept some risk to find the right job for yourself.

15) In your current (last) position, what features do (did) you like the most? The least?

Be careful and be positive.

16) What do you think of your boss?

Be as positive as you can.

17) Why aren’t you earning more at your age?

Say that this is one reason that you are conducting this job search. Don’t be defensive.

18) What do you feel this position should pay?

You might say, “I understand that the range for this job is between $______ and $______. That seems appropriate for the job as I understand it.”

“You know that I’m making $______ now. Like everyone else, I’d like to improve on that figure, but my major interest is with the job itself.”

Don’t sell yourself short.

19) What are your long-range goals?

Relate your goals to the company you are interviewing: “in a firm like yours, I would like to…”

20) How successful do you you’ve been so far?

You’re happy with the way your career