What are the frequently asked questions in HR interviews?

Applying for your dream job is no easy task. There is significant competition in the market to secure high-paying opportunities across different industries. Research has revealed that only 20% of all applications qualify for the final interview round. This means that only 1 in 7 candidates are eligible to appear for a personal interview with company recruiters.  Therefore, preparing for the interview with a list of frequently asked questions can be a great way to participate in the interview confidently.

If you want to discover what are the frequently asked questions in HR interviews, then look no further. We are here with 5 frequently asked HR interview questions. Keep scrolling!

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Q1. Please tell us more about yourself. 

• The answer to the question-what are the frequently asked questions in HR interviews, begins with this crucial point. This simple question tests how well you can articulate your talents, interests, and background. 
• Prepare for this question by writing down a quick list of things you want the interviewer to know about you. 
• Remember not to give a complete personal & employment history. 
• Use this question as an opportunity to pitch yourself and tell why you are a good fit for the job. 
• Use the present, past, future formula. Begin your answer by talking about the circumstances leading you to the current state of your career. 
• Talk about the past and what has led you to this point in your professional life. 
• Segue into your career goals and why you have applied for the specific position. 

Q2. Why do you want to work for this company? 

• This is among the most important frequently asked questions in HR interviews. Answer this question by highlighting your interest and passion for the work the company is collectively doing.
• Begin by talking about your different professional experiences and how they match the qualifications required for this job. 
• You can also use this as an opportunity to talk about your future career goals and how they align with the companys goals. 
• Ensure that you do your research on the companys vision and mission statements. Your answers need to be aligned with these statements and reflect your interest in the company.
• If you can talk about a company characteristic that has inspired you, this will help the interviewer recognize your sincerity.  

Q3. What do you think are your strengths & weaknesses? 

• This question help recruiters understand how suitable you are for the job profile. 
• It is always great to be honest when answering this question. Tactfully stating your strengths & weaknesses can also indicate how aware you are of your professional performance. 
• State your strongest qualities & skills that are relevant to the job. 
• Make sure you have the evidence supporting your skills. You can present this with official documents and recordings.
• State your weaknesses carefully. Do not jeopardize your candidature with the information you share. 
• Think of qualities and not quantities when answering this question. 

Q4. What is your most significant educational or professional achievement to date? 

• With this frequently asked HR interview question, the interviewer provides you with an open space to share your biggest achievements. 
• One of the best ways to answer this question is by using the STAR format, which is as follows-
  • S – Situation 
  • T – Task 
  • A – Action
  • R – Result
• In a few sentences, describe the situation that you intend to share. Ideally, you need to create the situation with the task required to complete. Remember to give a little background information for the interviewer to understand the context. 
• Describe the action you took towards completing the task and the result you achieved through your efforts. 
• It would be beneficial to have relevant documents supporting your achievement during the interview. 

Q5. Where do you see yourself, professionally, in the next 5 years? 

• Your long-term goals are a key determining factor for how well you will perform a given role. 
• This question helps HRs identify if your long term vision matches with the company’s goals. 
• Writing down your points before this interview can help you structure your answer better. 
• Break your answer down and talk about where you see yourself in a year, two years, and 5 years. 
• This approach to answering the question can help an interviewer understand how serious you are about your career. 
• The interviewer will also recognize your sincerity towards doing well when employed and achieving your career goals. 

Key takeaways 

• Interviews are often the final stage of most screening processes to employment opportunities. 
• A handful of applicants qualify for this round. Therefore, making a strong impression during the interview is critical to securing your dream job.
• Preparing well-in-advance with the listed frequently asked questions in an HR interview can help you answer confidently.
• Consider practicing answering these questions in front of a mirror or with your friends and family. 
• Structuring your answers beforehand can help you avoid tripping on your words while under pressure in an interview. 

If you are still confused about what are the frequently asked questions in HR interviews, feel free to reach out to us or drop a comment below!

Liked this blog? Read next: Career Guidance Why you need it and its benefits

FAQs 

Q1. How important is it to be active on professional platforms like LinkedIn? 

Answer – LinkedIn is a reputed professional platform and a great place to form a reliable network. Maintaining an excellent presence on LinkedIn can document & support the progression of your academic or professional career. 

Q2. How do I state my salary expectations during the interview? 

Answer – Before the interview, do your research on the current salaries being provided to employees in the position you are applying for. Wait for the interviewer to first provide you with an estimation of the salary the company will pay. This can give you an idea about how much you can negotiate.

Q3. Should I ask questions about the company during the final stages of the interview? 

Answer – Yes, asking questions about the company will demonstrate your eagerness to be a part of the work culture. You will also be provided with the relevant information you need to know about the organization that may not be available online.