The Top 10 questions asked in the HR interview - 2023

1. Why did you apply for this job?

This question is intended to assess the candidate's interest in the position. Are they really motivated to be hired for that particular job, or are they just mass applying to every job posting under the sun? must prove to be a good decision.

Example answer:

I've been following your company's performance for some time and know that you have a great software development team. I thought it was the perfect environment to utilise the skills I learned in my internship and master's course. So I've been checking your career page regularly, and when I saw this job posting, I thought it was finally time to give it a try. I am very interested in the project you mentioned. One of them was even the subject of my thesis. I really think I'm a good fit for this job, and I think I can grow even more in your workplace.

2. Do you have relevant experience for this role?

This question allows recruiters to assess whether the candidate really understands the requirements of the role and whether they believe they can do the job. The best candidates will be happy to explain how their previous experience relates to their job posting.

Example answer:

You mention in your job posting that you are looking for someone with inbound sales talent. Actually, I worked as a salesperson at a nearby store for about three years. During this time, I learned how to approach customers and ask the right questions to understand what they need. I learned to deal with difficult customers and solve crises. Also, I think that being persistent without being pushy is a great advantage for sales representatives.

3. Please describe your experience:

This question is similar to the previous one, but actively asks about the most important aspects of the role. For example, if a company hires a copywriter, they will certainly ask about the candidate's various types of writing or editing experience.

Example answer:

When I worked as a marketing specialist at Acme Inc., I had to write a lot of marketing copy. I was responsible for writing emails to send to prospects and customers, including newsletters. I also write short texts for social media.

4. What did you like best about the job description?

This is one of the best HR interview questions to ask to start a conversation about requirements and responsibilities. It is also useful to assess how well the candidate understands the role.

Example answer:

First, the job description itself was very well written and gave me a good understanding of what the role entails. Second, I really liked the fact that this accounting role involved collaborating with others. I love accounting, but I hate sitting at my desk looking at numbers all day. We exchange ideas and knowledge about new accounting methods and account for your company in the best possible way.

5. Why did you leave your previous job or why did you leave your current job?

The best candidates give a good reason why they should leave their previous role. Being negative or looking down on your employer is a red flag. Of course, there are other considerations as well. Honest candidates often give honest answers, and former employers may be responsible for the termination of the employment relationship. These questions in a HR interview depend on your attitude. For example, it is reasonable for a candidate to mention that they left their previous job because their employer was not paying their employees a fair market price. But if they start ranting about what a scam their previous employer was, that's a red flag.

Example answer:

I really liked my previous job and team. I started as a junior and worked my way up to marketing team leader. But I think my time with this company has come full circle. In fact, I am in a position to mentor others while I am no longer learning. Learning is important to me, so I want a new job that will challenge me and help me grow further.

6. What do you know about our products and services?

The purpose of this kind of HR question is clear. HR wants to make sure the candidate has researched the company and understands what they are applying for. Candidates don't have to have a deep knowledge of the company and its products, but they should know everything they can discover with a simple online search. This works there, which is a plus.

Example answer:

I know that your company manufactures machinery and equipment. In fact, a few years ago, he used your brand when he worked for Acme SA. I am really impressed with the quality and durability of these devices. I also learned that your company recently opened a new manufacturing facility. This is a good sign of your company's success.

7. What are the gaps in your resume?

This is one of the most common HR interview questions. This may be related to anything "out of the ordinary" or interesting in the candidate's resume, such as obvious gaps in the candidate's work history. The purpose of these HR interview questions is to clarify these points and make sure there are no red flags.

Example answer:

After completing my master's degree, I started working non-stop for her for 6 years. So I decided to take a break from work and travel to another country to do some volunteer work. This allowed me to clear my head and help others while learning new skills (such as communication and organisational skills).

8. Describe your happiest and most productive workplace.

It can also take other forms, such as: B. "What could we do to make you happy if you were hired?" or "What would you like to find here in your current job?" Examples of culture-specific interview questions aimed at the candidate's suitability as an employee of the company There is usually no right or wrong answer. It all depends on whether each candidate is a good fit for the individual company.

Example answer:

I like a workplace that emphasises both autonomy and teamwork. I like collaborating with others and exchanging ideas, but I also need the flexibility to work non-stop for a while. We also appreciate the lack of limitations such as: B. The dress code is casual, except when meeting with clients or partners.

9. What salary do you expect?

Similar HR questions relate to various "technical" aspects of the job, such as: B. willingness to travel or move, or ability to plan shifts. HR professionals use this question to make sure they aren't talking to candidates who expect excessive salaries (or who generally can't meet the job requirements). Candidates should not be asked to reveal their salary history or current salary—in fact, it is outright illegal in some jurisdictions—but the expectation is to make sure the two are in sync.

Example answer:

After researching the average salaries for this type of job in my area, I would expect the salary for this job to be somewhere between X and Y. But I think we can discuss this further later if I feel I'm a good fit for the role. What is your salary estimate?

10. Do you have any questions?

Regardless of the stage in the hiring process, applicants should always be given the opportunity to ask questions so that they can decide if the position is a good fit for them. I have. Another reason HR uses this question is to find out if the candidate is genuinely interested in learning more. You should ask smart questions about the company and, nts should always be given the opportunity to ask questions so that they can decide if the position is a good fit for them. I have. Another reason HR uses this question is to find out if the candidate is genuinely interested in learning more. You should ask smart questions about the company and, preferably, about your role.

Example answer:

What is the next step in the recruitment process? I also read an interview with him online, where the CEO of your company wants to use speech recognition technology. It fascinates me. Does this role include working on these types of projects?

We hope you enjoy these HR interview questions and answers. In addition to these typical HR interview questions, you can find more general and advanced questions in our complete interview question library. Hundreds of questions are organised by role and type.