While preparing for any job interview, we want to put our best foot forward and we make sure we have the technical knowledge that the job may require. We equip ourselves with all the appropriate answers to the technical questions that may come. But we often tend to forget that our soft skills will also be tested through the HR questions round.
Although the HR questions may seem very generic, answering them may not be too easy. These questions usually focus on the factors such as attitude, confidence, behavior and communication skills of the candidate.
In this blog, we have picked 10 HR Interview Questions that are uncommon and yet highly asked in job interviews by the HR. These questions and answers are from the 225 HR interview questions in the book, HR Interview Questions You’ll Most Likely Be Asked
1: Can you describe how you analyzed a workplace problem you have faced, and how your analysis led to the solution?
Answer:
The correct answer should provide evidence of the candidate’s analytical skills, and the candidate’s ability to look at an issue from different angles and develop the best solution to a problem.
As an example:
The employer wanted to ramp up production to three shifts per day to meet increased demand for a product without hiring more than five new employees. I found a way to rearrange the existing employees’ schedules without creating significant dissatisfaction. Additionally; I was able to fit the five new employees into the schedule in such a way that they were able to work smoothly together to increase the production.’
2: Describe your creativity.
Answer:
Try to keep this answer within the professional realm, but if you have an impressive background in something creative outside of your employment history, don’t be afraid to include it in your answer also. The best answers about creativity will relate problem-solving skills, goal-setting, and finding innovative ways to tackle a project or make a sale in the workplace. However, passions outside of the office are great, too (so long as they don’t cut into your work time or mental space).
As an example:
I participate in a volunteer group outside of work who provides meals for homeless people. The company I worked for was seeking connections to the community and ways for the employees to be involved in something bigger than their specific roles at work, so with permission from the company, I hosted a fundraising event put on by the company where the employees worked a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for the homeless charity. This boosted employee teamwork and comradery and a sense of purpose amongst them.
3: Tell me about a time when you led a team to successfully complete a project.
Answer:
The correct answer should describe a situation where the candidate was able to act as a project manager of a project with a team involved. It should explain how the candidate analyzed what needed to be done, how they delegated the members of the team and oversaw the project, and what the outcome was.
As an example:
Last year my management team was assigned the task of finding a way to improve our company’s overall customer service rating. We were having trouble finding and retaining customer service representatives that were responsive to the needs of our customers. Through customer service surveys and close observation of customer service interactions, we were able to identify a number of customer service representatives that were providing outstanding service to our customers. We assigned these people as trainers and mentors for the purpose of motivating the entire staff to provide a high level of service to our customers.
4: Describe the greatest weakness in your leadership style.
Answer:
The candidate should answer this question in an honest and open manner. It is hard for some people to admit any weakness, making this question a great indicator of the candidate’s willingness to be transparent. Having a solid answer shows the candidate is self aware, and whatever weakness is shared should be immediately followed by how the candidate works on bettering themselves to overcome said weakness.
As an example:
There are times I am not as observant as I should be. While working on a project earlier this year, I failed to see that an important element of the plan had been done incorrectly. My error caused us to miss an important deadline. I am working very hard to improve my observation skills.
5: When delegating tasks, how do you choose which tasks go to which team members?
Answer:
The interviewer is looking to gain insight into your thought process with this question, so be sure to offer thorough reasoning behind your choice. Explain that you delegate tasks based on each individual’s personal strengths, or that you look at how many other projects each person is working on at the time, in order to create the best fit possible.
As an example:
I look at the workload of each staff member and see who is actually available to have more tasks added on. I may rearrange workloads to fit the right person into the right task. For example, if I feel there is someone with a large workload who is best suited for making the spreadsheets I need, I may re-delegate some of their work to another staff member to free up that person’s time to work on the spreadsheets. Additionally if there are members of the team who may not be a good fit for any of the tasks required for the project, I may fit them into a role anyway such as “project assistant” or “reviewer.”
6: Tell me about a time when you met a tough deadline, and how you were able to complete it.
Answer:
Explain how you were able to prioritize tasks, or to delegate portions of assignments to other team members, in order to deal with a tough deadline. It may be beneficial to specify why the deadline was tough – make sure it’s clear that it was not a result of procrastination on your part. Finally, explain how you were able to successfully meet the deadline, and what it took to get there in the end.
As an example:
I was placed with the large task of submitting a state report I had never done before, due to my coworkers sudden absence. I researched the topic on my own downtime when I could, reached out to other companies to see how they were completing the project, and I found an online training I could take during business hours. With permission from my boss, I delegated my clerical duties to the department secretary until I was able to finish the state report. I was able to submit it ahead of schedule and it added value to my job and me as an employee, as I was asked to assist with other projects after that, received a great performance review and raise during the subsequent evaluation period.
7: What inspires you?
Answer:
You may find inspiration in nature, reading success stories, or mastering a difficult task, but it’s important that your inspiration is positively-based and that you’re able to listen and tune into it when it appears. Keep this answer generally based in the professional world, but where applicable, it may stretch a bit into creative exercises in your personal life that, in turn, help you in achieving career objectives.
As an example:
I am inspired by the success of others. When I see teammates around me succeeding, that motivates me to keep going and succeed in my own role. I enjoy being in a role where I am free to motivate and encourage others. When the team is all positive and working well
together and succeeding in the company mission, it makes going to work a lot easier. Alternate response could be I am inspired by books. I read frequently and often find myself able to feel relaxed and at peace when I read. Reading helps me sleep better and wake up refreshed for work. I also find myself feeling more creative at work when I read more, and at times even drawing ideas from certain books I read, and implementing those ideas in to the workplace.
8: What would be the biggest challenge in this position for you?
Answer:
Keep this answer positive and remain focused on the opportunities for growth and learning that the position can provide. Be sure that no matter what the challenge is, it’s obvious that you’re ready and enthusiastic to tackle it, and that you have a full awareness of what it will take to get the job done.
As an example:
The biggest challenge of this position would be that I have years of experience in engineering but for a public sector. Moving into the private sector would be an adjustment as there would be different rules and protocols to learn. With that said, I have a solid foundation and knowledge in the field and would be able to fully adjust and settle in to a new position in private sector.
9: When do you think a team can be involved in decision-making?
Answer:
A problem which arises at the team level must be discussed by all the team members in order to identify a suitable solution for the problem. The manager’s experiences can be called for if necessary.
As an example:
When the topic of the decision is something that is totally outside of the realm of expertise and experience of any team member and would only confuse the individuals on the team, careful consideration needs to be made as to how to approach the team for input. Misunderstandings may cause confusion. It’s important to include the team if you have all information gathered and presented in a clear manner so an informed decision may be made. It is good to get input from team members for the best outcome so everyone feels they have a say. Ultimately the manager needs to oversee the process and be the final decision maker.
10.Why do you want this position?
Answer:
Keep this answer focused positively on aspects of this specific job that will allow you to further your skills, offer new experience, or that will be an opportunity for you to do something that you particularly enjoy. Don’t tell the interviewer that you’ve been looking for a job for a long time, or that the pay is very appealing, or you will appear unmotivated and opportunistic.
As an example:
I want this position because it’s a great opportunity working for a growing company where I can see myself staying for many years. I feel I have reached the highest potential at my current employer and am seeking growth in a stable organization that has a positive mission. Your company is on trend to continue its growth, has great reviews, and many opportunities to work on larger scale projects in my field. I crave creativity and fast paced environments. I believe with your growing company that is constantly taking on new clients, I would be a huge asset and bring many great ideas to the table.
Hope this blog gives you some insight into the more creative and uncommon interview questions asked by the HR and guides you with the approach you can take to answer them.
Good luck with your job hunt!
HR Interview Questions You’ll Most Likely Be Asked is your one stop guide for a collection of many such questions that can be asked during an HR interview and ways to outsmart those questions!
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