HR Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Human resources manager deal with the whole range of HR activities. They are involved in recruitment, training, career development, compensation and benefits, employee and industrial relations, employment law, disciplinary and grievance issues etc. Depending on the size of the organization, these HR jobs may have overlapping responsibilities. Good educational knowledge and experience is needed for HR jobs. Prepare yourself with the following HR Manager Interview questions and answers. These questions are frequently asked in interviews.

1 Q: Why do you think you are suitable for the post of HR Manager?

A: Relate your educational qualification, work experience and personal qualities with the job role to answer this question. An HR Manager needs to have people skills which means he or she should be able to deal with persons while meeting the company’s policies, structure and rules. Also you can mention your long term goals which coincides with this job and the job involves things which you enjoy doing.

2 Q: What according to you are the skills that an HR Manager should possess?

A: The skills required for HR Manager include good communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, leadership and management skills, negotiating skills and should be technically competent and a credible person. Describe with examples where you have demonstrated these skills in your previous jobs.

3 Q:. Why do you want to leave your job?

A: There may be different reasons for this answer. However, whatever you answer it should be positive. You should not convey to the interviewer that you are leaving because you are bored, overworked, underpaid etc. Such answers create a bad impression in the minds of the interviewer. You could very well say that you are looking for growth, new learning or challenges. Keep the answer short and simple.

4 Q: What have you learned from the mistakes of your previous jobs?

A: You need to describe about your mistake even if it is a small one. Making mistakes and admitting the same is a great quality considered by interviewers. Assure the interviewer that you are one of those persons who do not repeat the mistakes and instead take it as a lesson learnt.

5 Q: What are your strengths?

A: You have to be prepared for this question as this is one of the most frequently asked questions in HR Manager Interview. Provide three to four strengths which also relate to the role of an HR Manager. You should also describe the situations where you have shown your skills.

6 Q: What are your weaknesses?

A: You should avoid denying that you don’t have any weakness. You can describe a weakness that could also be considered to be strength and the steps you have taken to combat it. Keep the answer short and do not sound negative.

7 Q:. As an HR Manager, have you ever had to fire anyone?

A: This is a very critical question. Firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in employees. Mention that you will do it when it is the right thing to do. If something happens, you will look after the interests of the company and will also take into account the consequences of doing such a thing. And if you did fire someone, admit that the situation was not easy and it was a well decision for both the company and the individual.

8 Q:. Tell me a suggestion you have made and implemented in your previous job.

A: You need to be prepared with a good answer for this question. Describe the suggestion you made and how it was accepted by the company. Also mention the result of the suggestion which helped the company. Give an answer which relates to the job you are interviewing for as well.

9 Q:. What would your previous boss say about you?

A: Be very selective about what you are going to say and try to relate to the position of HR Manager. Mention about your performance reviews or appreciation emails from your previous boss. These are a good source of proving what your boss said about you.

10 Q: Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?

A: The interviewer wants to find out whether you are a loyal and dedicated person. Answer in a yes. An HR Manager has to put the interests of the organization ahead of his own interests. He or she has to think about the organization and its employees.

11 Q:. How successful you have been so far?

A: Be positive in your answer and show that you are happy the way your career is progressing. Say with confidence about how you were successful in each job roles. But don’t say much about your success. You should know where to limit yourself.

12 Q: Why do you think Human Resource Management is important?

A: An organization cannot build a good team of working employees without good Human Resources. A strong setup of HRM is essential for managing regular activities and avoiding problems. HRM helps a company to achieve its objective from time to time by creating a positive attitude among workers. HRM facilitates professional growth, better relations between union and management exists and helps in allocating jobs to the right persons.

13 Q: What is the difference between personnel management and Human Resources Management?

A: Personnel management deals with the employees, their payroll and employment laws. On the other hand, Human Resources Management deals with the management of the work force and contributes to an organization’s success. Personnel management is independent from an organization whereas the Human Resources Management is an integral part of an organization. While Personnel Management tends to motivate the employees with compensations, rewards and bonuses, Human Resources Management tends to provide motivation through human resources, effective strategies for facing challenges, work groups and job creativity.