Discovering Your Strengths: HR Questions for First-Time Job Seekers

 

Landing a dream job not just requires a strong resume and technical knowledge, it also involves being able to answer difficult HR interview questions gracefully. With that in mind, we sought out some of the most challenging HR questions and provided expert advice on how to answer them. Read on to learn more!

Importance of HR Interview Questions

The goal of any HR interview is to assess a candidate's qualifications for the job they are interviewing for. HR interview questions help interviewers to determine whether or not a candidate is a good fit for the desired position. Every question is thoughtfully crafted to draw information that will either support or detract from a candidate's suitability. The most common questions in HR interviews are about a candidate's past experiences, education, and skills.

HR Interview Questions and Answers for Freshers 

Q. Tell me something about yourself?

This question is usually the first question in an interview, and it is a way to break the ice. You should answer this question by giving a brief overview of your education, work experience, and skills. You should not go into too much detail, but you should provide the interviewer with enough information to determine if you are a good fit.

Sample Answer: 

Thank you for allowing me to introduce myself. My name is Aman and I am from Meerut City in Uttar Pradesh. I completed my bachelor of technology with the CSE branch from XYZ University.

First of all, I want to introduce myself with my soft skills. I am optimistic, smart, self-confident, hardworking, and have a positive mindset. My technical skills include proficiency in Java programming language, C programming language, and HTML. Also, I have a good command of MS Excel and web technologies.

My interests include dancing, Internet surfing, chess, and listening to music. In my leisure time, I enjoy reading news articles on my mobile phone.

Q. What are your strengths?

When answering this question, you should focus on your strengths related to the job you are applying for. For example, suppose you are applying for a position in customer service. In that case, you might say that your strengths include excellent customer service skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Sample Answer:

My time management skills are exceptional, and I'm well-organized, efficient, and systematic. I enjoy excelling at my job.

Q. Why are you interested in this job?

Be sure to do your research on the company before you go in for the interview. Talk about how your skills and experiences make you the right candidate for the job.

Sample Answer:

It's an honor and a privilege to work for an established company like yours. As I researched the job opening you have, I realized that my abilities align with your requirements. Through this job, I can showcase my technical skills to help the company's development.

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

This is a question that is often asked in job interviews. It is meant to assess your long-term goals and whether they are aligned with the company's. It can also be used to gauge your ambition and determination. 

Sample Example:

Over five years, I'd love to take advantage of every opportunity the company will give me to gain knowledge through the external and internal training programs. My dream career objective is to be a Technical Architect. Hence, I am looking forward to creating different products that embody the mission of this company and contribute to making a positive impact while speeding up my path to becoming a Tech Architect.

Q. Would you like to work overtime or odd hours?

You need to be very sincere in answering this question. Do not tell a fake story or make a compromise to get the job. If you are comfortable with overtime working, you could say this:

Sample Answer:

I understand that putting extra effort impacts the company's development, so I'm happy. If it means I'm contributing to the company, I'll be glad to contribute.

Q. How do you handle stress, pressure, and anxiety?

It is a common interview question to determine your performance under pressure and stress.

Sample Answer: 

Under pressure and stress, I usually utilize my soft skills and handle every situation calmly. I also perform physical exercises and mind relaxing activities like meditation to deal with work stress and pressure.

Q. Is there anything that makes you different from other candidates?

You have to answer this question in a way that showcases your strengths and qualities. Talk about the things that make you stand out from other candidates. Don't be afraid to brag a little bit – after all, you want to show the interviewer that you're the best.

Sample Answer:

There are a few things that make me different from other candidates. First, I have a lot of experience working with different teams and managing projects. I’m also great at communicating with people, so I can easily build relationships with clients and coworkers. Finally, I have a strong interest in learning new things and taking on new challenges.

Q. Tell me about a time when you were not satisfied with your performance?

There are a few reasons why interviewers might ask this question. One possibility is that the interviewer wants to understand if you can take feedback and improve upon your weaknesses. They may also be looking to see if you can admit when you have made a mistake and how you coped with the situation.

Sample Answer: 

I was not satisfied with my performance when assigned to lead a project and failed to meet the deadline. I felt like I let my team down and was very disappointed. I learned that it is important to set realistic goals and communicate with team members if there are any delays.

Q. Are you willing to relocate for work?

The purpose of this question is quite straightforward. It intends to know if the candidate is willing to move to a new city for work. Whether it is a yes or a no, clearly put forward your point of view. In case your answer is no, for the time being, keep the option of relocating in the future open.

Q. When can you start?

The interviewer to assess whether you have other commitments or job offers that are preventing you from starting immediately. Without seeming overexcited, you must express your willingness to start as soon as possible unless you genuinely have a prior commitment.

Q. How flexible are you regarding overtime?

In case you are willing to work for late hours, you may go ahead and express the same. However in case you are not willing to work overtime or at odd hours, just put it out there honestly and politely.

Q. What are your long-term goals?

This is a basic question asked in an interview and can be asked in two ways, “What are your long-term goals or Where do you see yourself in the near future”. The answer should be given cleverly involving all your skills and experiences so that the person sitting in front of you gets a complete idea that what you want to achieve in your life. While giving the answer you can also portray your leadership skills and let them know that if you are given a promotion in the future then you will be able to handle things accordingly. 

How to answer this question?

“My long-term goals include becoming a full-stack developer and working with one of the 10 Fortune companies. I realize that in order to attain that objective, I must thoroughly understand both back-end and front-end programming, and I want to study both over the next three years through direct practical experience and the completion of number of learning modules. In college, I studied back-end development. I intend to focus on front-end development over the next year in order to become equally adept in both. Working for your company as a junior front-end developer will help me achieve this goal and set me on the path to becoming a full-stack developer..”

Q. Can you be trusted with responsibilities?

Now, this is out of a box question, it is not necessary that you will be asked this question but if someone asks you the same then you can tell them about the situations you were in the previous organization and the ways you used to handle it. It is not necessary that you tell them about the handling of projects but small things also count. 

How to answer this question?

“With my prior track record and referrals, I’d say yes. You can trust me. But I do feel that trust is earned, not demanded. Even the top companies of the world required years and consistency to gain trust. I just want to say that if you have faith in me and give me the opportunity, then I will make sure you will not regret and I will surely earn your as well as everyone else’s trust. I’ll ensure to see to the end of every project and responsibility given to me without fail and I can give you my word on this that you’ll not be disappointed. “