Most Faced HR Interview Questions & Answers

1) Why are you the best person for the job?

a) "I've held a lot of positions like this one, and that experience will help me here."

b) "Because I am good at what I do."

c) "Our discussion here leads me to believe this is a good place to work."

d) "You need someone who can produce results, and my background and experience are proof of my ability. For example..."

  

2) If asked a point blank question such as:

Are you creative? Are you analytical? Can you work under pressure? etc.

What is the best way to answer?

a) Answer yes or no.

b) Answer yes and give a specific example.

c) Answer yes and give an explanation.

  

3) Tell me about yourself.

a) Outline personal data, hobbies, and interests.

b) Give an overview of your personality and work habits.

c) Give three specific examples of your personality traits and accomplishments.

  

4) What was your GPA? Why is it low?

a) My GPA is 2.8. basically because I had a lot of fun in college.

b) My GPA is 2.8 because I held a full time job while in college, working my way through school. It is not reflective of my ability to do the job.

c) My GPA is 2.8 which I don't think is too low, at least compared to my friends.

5) What are you looking for in a position?

a) "I'm looking for an opportunity to apply my skills and contribute to the growth of the company while helping create some advancement opportunities for myself."

b) "I'm looking for an organization that will appreciate my contributions and reward my efforts."

c) "I'm looking for a position that will allow me to make enough money to support my lifestyle. I am a hard worker and will give a concerted effort to earn the money I need."

  

6) What do you know about our organization?

a) "I've done a little homework and here is what I know about your organization...(cite examples)"

b) "Everything I've seen and heard makes me want to be a part of this organization. I understand your industry is ________ and your primary customer is __________. A particularly exciting part of your business appears to be _________ ."

c) "I know enough to know this is an exciting place to work. It appears to be fit for my career goals."

7) What is a weakness?

a) "I get really frustrated with my co-workers when they whine about everything."

b) "I don't 'toot my own horn'. I like to go in and get the job done and I don't dwell on who gets credit."

c) "I don't think I have a weakness."

  

8) How would you characterize your work style?

a) "I am a very driven person. I make a list of what needs to be done and then tackle the items until I've completed the job.

b) "I show up whenever I'm scheduled to work."

c) "I haven't held a job yet so I don't know what my work style will be."

9) What are your strengths?

a) "I am good at giving constructive criticism to my coworkers. This honesty is something I'm very proud of and have found essential to having open working relationships."

b) "I consider myself to be very consistent. I have proven myself to be someone who can be counted upon to do what is expected."

c) "I would have to chose between two skills. I am very proud of my determination and ability to get things done. At the same time, I am very proud of my analytical abilities and problem solving skills. These skills combine to give me a unique ability to solve problems and then implement the solutions."

  

10) How would co-workers describe you?

a) "They perceive me as a leader. The people who have worked with me learned great deal and accomplished in many cases more than they thought possible."

b) "My employees would tell you they got direction when they needed and the room to work when it was appropriate. I believe a measure of a good manager is how much he is able to get done through others."

c) "They perceive me as someone who cared about t them personally and had high expectations. I get a great deal of satisfaction from helping others do their best. My former employees would highlight three of my priorities which are to build loyalty and a team environment, obtain results and develop people."

  

11) What did you like and dislike about college?

a) "I didn't like the tremendous about of homework some professors assigned us. I liked those professors who realized I had a life outside of class."

b) "I liked the opportunity to be involved on campus. It was a small campus that allowed students to take responsibility, organize events and be a part of the planning team. I can't really think of anything I disliked, college was a wonderful experience."

c) "I liked having Wednesdays off. I think the thing I disliked most was living in the dorms."

  

12) Are you willing to relocate?

a) "No."

b) "I'm open to opportunities within the company so if that involves relocation I would consider it."

c) "I'd move, but I know your headquarters is in Alaska and that's too cold for me."

13) What are your short term goals?

a) "Short term, I just want a job."

b) "Bills are beginning to pile up. In the short run I need to find work so I can keep up with my obligations."

c) "Short-term, I'd like to find a position that is a good fit and where I can contribute to a company's bottom line. The position we are here to discuss today would appear to be such an opportunity. Could you tell me more about it?"

14) Where do you want to be in 5 years?

a) "I haven't really thought that far ahead but I think I'd want your job."

b) "If selected I would hope to meet my goals and take advantage of opportunities to learn so I will be considered for other positions within the company. I hope to build my career with a company such as this one."

c) "Long term, I hope to start my own business."

15) Describe a situation you've encountered with a difficult customer.

a) "In my last job I dealt with customers at a retail store. One customer wanted to return an item she had obviously bought several years ago, which was against store policy. I talked to her calmly and explained our policies and encouraged her to shop and I would exchange the item however I could not give a refund.".

b) "I rarely encounter a difficult customer because of my excellent customer service."

c) "I had a customer once who claimed her steak was not cooked correctly....I picked up a knife and cut it open and explained that's the way it's supposed to be."

  

16) Before we go any further, what kind of money do you need to make?

a) "I feel I am worth at least $30,000."

b) "My salary requirements are negotiable. Your firm has a reputation of compensating employees fairly and I trust you would do the same in my case. I am very interested in finding the right opportunity and will be open to any fair offer when I do so."

c) "Money is not very important to me. I need to be able to pay the bills but the work environment is far more important to me."

                             ANSWER #1

Question: Why are you the best person for the job?

a) Incorrect: May denote an inability to sustain consistent performance. Experience is good, however, "a lot of jobs" is not.

b) Incorrect: This is a confident answer but too vague. You will be expected to support your answers with examples and you must be diplomatic. This may come across sounding arrogant.

c) Incorrect: This is a pleasant, flattering statement but sounds self serving. Always position your answering with some give and take. Describe what you can offer the employer.

d) This is the best answer. Acknowledging the need and giving a supported answer is the best tactic here.

ANSWER #2

Question: If asked a point blank question such as:

Are you creative? Are you analytical? Can you work under pressure? etc.

What is the best way to answer?

a) Incorrect: Unsupported answers are often viewed as not credible.Even a closed-ended question normally requires some explanation.

b) This is the best answer. A brief, specific example supports youranswer well and says you are confident, well prepared, and genuine.

c) Incorrect: Specific examples offer a much

ANSWER #3

Question: Tell me about yourself.

a) Incorrect: Normally interviewers want to know about your work habits and demeanor. Detailed information about your personal life is rarely appropriate.

b) Being vague will not set you apart from the competition. When all is said and done, you must be memorable and believable. An overview likely will not accomplish either.

c) This is the best answer. Examples are proof of your ability and a sign of confidence. Giving a clear concise example will be more memorable and set you apart from the group. Before the interview, think the needs of the job and how your personality could be a fit.

ANSWER #4

Question: What was your GPA? Why is it low?

a) Incorrect: This doesn't describe your skills and abilities and sounds like you had a bit too much fun in college.

b) This is the best answer. This shows you have given some thought to your college GPA and are aware of what influenced it outside of the classroom. The more involved and busy you were during college the more likely the employer will accept a lower GPA

c) Incorrect: This has a bitter sound to it. Perhaps you should set your standards higher. This answer doesn't show much motivation, sounds like you are willing to be average. Be careful to steer clear of negatives which will exclude you from consideration.

Go to question #5

ANSWER #5

Question: What are you looking for in a position?

a) This is the best answer. This answer shows ambition, willingness to work for opportunity, and a desire to work for a dynamic organization. In this response you have energy and confidence.

b) Incorrect: This is a one-sided answer. The interviewer may perceive this as an unwillingness to give and work hard for the good of the organization.

c) Incorrect: It is alright to be money motivated to some degree, but be more subtle. Most interviewers are looking for people who are willing to work hard and get the job done. Such a concentration on financial rewards will not look good in most cases

ANSWER #6

Question: What do you know about our organization?

a) Incorrect: Doing your homework is good. This approach however, denotes a lack of confidence in the knowledge you have and leaves a lot of room to ramble. A concise answer is better when possible.

b) This is the best answer. Although this takes a little preparation, this level of knowledge and precise presentation will do wonders for starting an interview on the right foot.

c) Incorrect: This is the right answer if you don't know anything. Remember, when distinguishing yourself from the competition, there is no substitute for preparation.

ANSWER #7

Question: What is a weakness?

a) This is the best answer. This answer diplomatically states the importance of looking at someone's individual capabilities and determining if they apply to the open positions. It also identifies two critical skills applicable to almost any position.

b) Incorrect: It is good to be driven but not good to be one dimensional. Describing yourself as a "driven person" may say to the interviewer "this person runs over people and may focus completely on results and not on the appropriate tactics and developing people".

c) Incorrect: It is important to be compassionate to understand the value of people. It is also important to acknowledge the importance of the bottom line and getting results. Being one dimensional give too much of an opportunity to miss what the interviewer is looking for.

 Go to question #8

            ANSWER #8

Question: How would you characterize your work style?

a) Incorrect: Most people want a manager who is driven, but they also need to know that others can work with you. A bit of compassion is advisable.

b) Incorrect: Extreme dedication only to people may indicate a lack of toughness or willingness to focus on results when necessary. Some attention must be paid to the importance of the bottom line and making a profit.

c) This is the best answer. Really understanding people and working hard for results are important. This answer delicately balances the two with clear attention given to bottom line results.

ANSWER #9

Question: What are your strengths?

a) Incorrect: While this answer may be true, it may also send a red flag saying you are critical of others. It would be much better to simply say (and give an example of) how well you work with others.

b) Incorrect: This answer is not a bad answer but it lacks energy and creativity. Consistency is good, but it has nothing to do with action and solving problems and could exclude you from consideration.

c) This is the best answer. This shows you have given some real thought to your strengths and highlights not only the skills you have, but also of what use they are to the employer.

ANSWER #10

Question: How would co-workers describe you?

a) Incorrect: In most cases this is not the best response. It sounds as though you are a task master and rule with an iron hand

b) Incorrect: This is not the best answer in most cases. While this may be true it could give a signal that you do not get involved as a manager. This opinion could exclude you if the interviewer does not agree with you.

c) This is the best answer. This answer depicts a manager who cares about people but is keenly focused on productivity. This answer give clear examples of important aspects of one management style which is largely accepted.

ANSWER #11

Question: What did you like and dislike about college?

a) Incorrect: This sounds as though you are opposed to hard work and are looking for the easy way out.

b) This is the best answer. It is positive, demonstrates your ability to juggle several things at once and shows your commitment to get involved.

c) Incorrect. You may sound like you can't get along with others living in the dorm and that a 5-day a week job could overwhelm you.

ANSWER #12

Question: Are you willing to relocate?

a) Incorrect: This answer portrays youth and inexperience and will ensure you don't get a job if it requires relocation.

b) This is the best answer. It leaves the options open without making a definite decision.

c) Incorrect: This answer is deadly. It definitely closes the door to any opportunities with this company.

Go to question #13

                                    ANSWER #13

Question: What are your short term goals?

a) Incorrect: Will "any old job" do.

b) Incorrect: This may be true--but no employer wants someone who has family or creditor problems or who sees the job under discussion as simply a paycheck. This answer implies a one-way relationship with this potential employee and little interest on the part of the job seeker to become part of the company long term.

c) This is the best answer. This answer alludes to "giving" as well as "getting" AND it refocuses the discussion on the job opening.

ANSWER #14

Question: Where do you want to be in 5 years?

a) Incorrect: This answer might be true but it could very easily threaten the interviewer.

b) This is the best answer: This answer suggests both a desire to move up and an understanding that the exact pace of movement is subject to many factors. Reassuring the interviewer of a desire to stay with a company is always a good idea.

c) Incorrect: This answer might also be true--but it says that you intend to learn on the job and then become a potential competitor. Few interviewers would look forward to training their competitor!

ANSWER #15

Question: Describe a situation you've encountered with a difficult customer.

a) This is the best answer. This answer is clearly explains a situation and the action you took to resolve the situation.

b) Incorrect:This is unbelievable as anyone who has had a job has probably dealt with a difficult customer. If you really have never encountered this, then you need to think of a difficult situation in class, in the dorm or elsewhere during college.

c) Incorrect: This is a very aggressive answer and inappropriate.

ANSWER #16

Question: Before we go any further, what kind of money do you need to make?

a) Incorrect. It is acceptable to be money motivated to some degree, but be more subtle. Most interviewers are looking for people who are willing to work hard and get the job done. Such a concentration on financial rewards will not look good in most cases.

b) This is the best answer. It shows a willingness to work with the organization to determine a fair salary. If you have done your homework you know about how much that would be annually.

c) Incorrect:This is a one-sided answer. The interviewer may perceive this as an unwillingness to give and work hard for the good of the organization.