How To Prepare For The HR Round Of Your Job Interview

A HR round or HR interview is usually the final phase of an interview process. An individual gets referred to the HR, after he or she clears the technical or skill-based rounds. These rounds determine the technical or skill-based suitability of the candidate, and may be conducted through telephonic discussions, personal rounds, video conferencing, written or online assessments, etc.

The HR round is an equally important round, since the HR gauges the person's abilities and background to assess their fitment for the job position.

It is important for the candidate to understand the criticality of the HR interview, and prepare accordingly. In many organisations, the final decision regarding the candidate's selection or rejection may be taken by the HR, who judges the candidate's overall personality, stability factor, the value they may be bringing to the company, and so on.

If you are looking for tips to clear the HR round of your job interview, then you must ensure the following:

1. Positive Attitude

It goes without saying that a positive mindset is required to pass any interview, and it holds true for the HR round as well. Displaying and maintaining a positive attitude is an advantage, and can help you come across as someone with a positive personality.

2. Confidence

Being confident while keeping up a positive body language is essential. Both low confidence & overconfidence should be avoided.

3. Honesty

You should be honest in answering all the questions. Just in case you are unaware of an answer, you must express your lack of knowledge. Beating around the bush may not be a good idea.

4. Prior Research Regarding The Company

Researching the company before the interview would help you learn about its background, performance, turnover, future plans, etc. to better understand the HR's expectation from the candidate.

Now, let us explore some of the common questions asked during HR interviews:

1. Tell Me About Yourself

This is usually one of the first questions asked. It would help the interviewer understand your confidence level and your thinking & articulating ability. Your answer should be crisp and to the point, and should include your main attributes, qualifications, employment history and skills relevant to the job. Also, personal details such as family background should be brief.

2. Strengths And Weaknesses

You need to focus on your main strengths such positive attitude, persistence, consistent approach, confidence, etc., and could quote your weakness as the lack of a skill not related to the job position. Also, you could give examples for each.

3. Why Do You Wish To Leave Your Current Job?

This question is asked to understand the exact reasons why you are looking for a job switch. Depending on your total tenure with the current company, your answer to this question could be assessed. For example, if the tenure is not much, you should really have a valid reason for the quick job change.

Even if the tenure is more, the interviewer would want to know if you are on good or bad terms with your employer. Whether you are trying to escape from work, any person/persons or situation. It is important to frame your answer positively by responding that you are seeking growth and better challenges.

Also, you must speak about your current employer positively and refrain from sharing any negative aspect of your current job.

4. Where Do You See Yourself Five Years Down The Line?

Through this question, the interviewer would wish to ascertain whether you have a career plan in mind, and in case the offered role is in tandem with your career aspirations. Also, your answer should shed light on your plans to continue in the company. Your answer to this question should be realistic with a clear mention of your ambitions or the career path you have decided for yourself.

5. Why Should We Hire You?

This is when you need to highlight your own reasons for the job fitment. You should think of reasons why you are apt for the job and how you could benefit the company. The interviewer would basically want to make sure that you are someone who will be suitable for the position and will be committed in the long run.

Apart from the above mentioned questions, there may be other questions related to any learning or challenging experiences you may have gained during your academia or job, your knowledge about their company, current salary & expected salary, time required to join in case of a selection, etc.

Ensuring proper dress code should be a priority too. It is very important to appear well-groomed and professional. Furthermore, you should establish clear communication, be on time for the interview, maintain good listening skills, do not indulge in over talking and do not show casual attitude.

These are some of the pointers that can aid in preparing for the HR interview, and it would be advisable to prepare in advance and practise well. These tips would help you sound upfront, ready and confident and to make the required positive impression on the HR interviewer.