HR Interview Questions

The following are typical questions that may be asked by an interviewer:

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What accomplishment has given you the most satisfaction?
3. What do you think is your greatest weakness?
4. What has been your most rewarding college experience?
5. What led you to major in ________________?
6. What course have you liked the least? The most?
7. What are your long-range goals?
8. What major problem have you encountered and how have you dealt with it?
9. How do you work under pressure?
10. Are you willing to relocate?
11. What do you know about my organization?
12. Why do you want to work for us?
13. Why should I hire you? What makes you a better candidate than the others I am interviewing?
14. Do you have plans for continued study?
15. What questions do you have about my organization?
*16. When you have some free time, what do you enjoy doing the most?
*17. Tell me about a time when you experienced a failure and how you reacted to it.
*18. Tell me about a time when you were under considerable pressure to meet one or more goals.
*19. Describe a situation where you had to resolve a problem at work and explain how you resolved
it.
*20. Describe a situation where you did not agree with something your boss asked you to do and
how you resolved the problem.
21.What role did you play in the group?
22.What problems did the group have to resolve or projects did they complete?

Previous questions listed with an asterisk (*) are considered behavioral in nature. Studies completed from 1984-88 by various research groups showed that the current methods used by interviewers did not predict the success of the applicant. It is so expensive to recruit and train new employees, they had to find a better method of selection. Some companies have reported a 70% success rate with this method vs. 20% with normal interviewing methods. Behavioral interviewing is a method of asking questions which requires the interviewee to relate past experiences or behaviors in certain circumstances. It is also referred to as "situational" interviewing. Employers are seeking certain competencies which can often be determined with this line of questioning; the competencies are:

1. Communication skills - The ability to think on your feet, formulate ideas and relate them in a succinct manner.
2. Leadership skills.
3. Management of resources - Time and money.
4. Direction setting - Goals.
5. Teamwork experience.
6. Leading, directing, developing people.
7. Adaptability.

It is equally important for you to have an idea of the types of questions employers expect candidates to ask during employment interviews. Obviously, there will not be enough time to ask all -- or even most -- of the following questions, so choose them wisely. Most importantly, ask the questions which are important and relevant to you as you consider a particular employment opportunity. In any case, avoid asking questions which are adequately covered in the recruiting literature most companies provide. It is perfectly permissible to ask for clarification of information provided in recruiting literature, annual reports and the like, but do not give the interviewer the impression you have not "done your homework" prior to the interview.

For more information... vijesh@muthunagar.com