Top 71 HR Interview Questions and Answers

Introduction

Hey, we heard you’ve cleared your written test round, congratulations! But don’t slack now, it’s time to pull up your socks for the HR round. The HR round can make or break your career. HR interviews are done to measure a candidate's personality- whether he or she can take up the job role or not.  The company has liked your profile and your performance on paper.  Your resume outshined because of the IT certifications you hold. Now, it’s time for the most difficult part, where you have been called for the HR round, wherein your experience, educational qualification, skillsets, attitude, and aptitude will be tested.

Do you know that almost 70% of resumes get rejected before making it to the HR round?

If you are a fresher and feel nervous about your first experience of the HR interview and what are the questions asked by HR in interview, we put a full stop to it. In this blog, we have covered the top 57 HR questions asked in interviews to test your personality. 

So, fasten your seat belts and get ready to explore the most common questions asked in HR  interview for freshers and working professionals. But before moving on to them, let's quickly look at the HR job description.

What is the HR round interview?

A human resource generalist often conducts the HR round interview at the start of hiring process. In this intial assessment, the interviewer want to know the general information about candidates previous job roles, basic qualifications, major strengths and weaknesses and salary expectations.

The HR round interview in contrast to interview round with your potential manager can be underestimated. There’s also a misunderstanding that HR interview round is just a formality. But the fact is that this interview is crucial for the process of recruitment. 

It facilitates the candidates to create a striking first impression. Also, HR decides whether you should be move forward or not. Therefore you must ensure to display your proficiencies and develop a rapport. 

Let’s answer some of the questions you could have regarding the HR interview.

What can I expect from an HR interview? Is it just for formality?

At the time of the HR interview round, you can be asked general as well as high-level questions, your previous experience and your reason behind searching for new job position. Anticipate to receive questions that refer to your propensity, proficiency, but they don’t ask in depth about particular role specific responsibilities. 

You could be asked about - what are your salary expectations?, what are you looking for in new role? Why are you leaving your existing company? Etc.

No. The HR round interview isn’t just a formality. It is an extremely important step in the recruitment process and mostly evaluates whether you move forward in the hiring process. 

Things to Keep in Mind During an HR Interview

It's essential for you to remember that an HR interview is an opportunity for the interviewer to know about you, but at the same time, you can also learn about the company. Along with that, you must keep the following in mind during the interview:

• Be polite: Be professional and respectful to everybody you come across at the time of the interview, from the front desk representative to the interviewer.
• Dress properly:  Look professional by dressing appropriately. Don’t wear casual dress; ensure that whatever you wear is neat and clean.
• During HR interviews, employers seek to test your attitude, along with your level of resiliency, honesty, willingness to learn new things, and persistence. Ensure to show a positive attitude during the interview.
• Always remember not to talk for a long time when responding to questions. Ensure to give short and exact answers.
• If you don't understand any questions, you must ask the interviewer to clarify them rather than give a wrong answer.

Let’s see what are the questions asked by HR in interview.

Top 61 HR Interview Questions and Answers for Freshers and Experienced

Q1. Tell me something about yourself in brief.

This question forms the backbone of the HR questions asked in interview. This is one of the most important questions asked in HR interview for freshers, where often a candidate fails to create an impression.

Possible Answer- “Thank you, Sir/Ma’am, for giving me this privilege of presenting myself. I come from ABC city.  My father is a retired Banker, and my mother is a homemaker. I have pursued Software Engineering with a specialization in programming languages and HTML and have done projects like Data Visualization, Bank Management software, etc. 

I also hold a certification in Java course that helped me with advanced IT skills in demand. I'm a fast learner and love to take up challenges. I believe there is always room for improvement, and this thirst makes me compete with myself rather than my peers.”

Quick tips- 

• Do not mention what is already mentioned in your resume.
• Use adjectives in your speech.
• Focus on your strengths and your talents.

Q2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

This is one of the tricky HR questions asked in interview that define your characteristics and job suitability. It is also one of the most common questions asked in HR interview for freshers and professionals.

Possible Answer for freshers- “I’m patient, committed, and a great team player. When it comes to taking responsibility, I’m the first one to do so. I’m a quick learner, always learning something new and executing it diligently. One of my weaknesses is that I’m a bit emotional, for which I get hurt easily.”

A possible answer for an experienced professional - “Over the years, I have developed skills in analysis, critical thinking, planning, and organization. I can work comfortably as a team or as a person. For me, tasks are my priority, and I always ensure that I complete my tasks before the deadline. My weakness is that I’m a bit extroverted, but I’m working on it.”

Quick tips-

• Be honest.
• Focus on your strengths.
• Do not tell about weaknesses that can hamper your resume.
• Avoid any fake strengths.

Q3. How would you be an asset to our company?

This is one of the most common questions asked in HR interview for freshers. Let’s discuss the qualities that will make you a credible candidate for the position.

Possible answer- “I am persistent, practical, and have excellent human relations skills. My professional skills in programming languages and in-depth knowledge of the SQL server will reap fruitful results for the company. If given an opportunity, I will be willing to expose myself to different challenges and roles that would turn me into an asset for the company.”

Q4. Why are you interested in this job?

This can be a tricky question, but you can provide one of the most convincing answers among others. 

Possible answer- “I’m interested in this job because I found it an honor to work for a popular company like yours. And when I went through these job requirements, I found that my technical skills and abilities align with this position. Through this job, I can learn more and showcase my technical skills to help accomplish the company’s goals.” 

Quick tips- 

• Take time
• Do not be materialistic
• Explain clearly

Q5. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

This is one of the most delicate HR questions asked in an interview. The interviewer assesses your future goals and whether you are invested in their business or simply seizing the opportunity.

Possible answer- “Over the next five years, I aspire to gain as much experience and knowledge as possible in the IT sector. If I get an opportunity to work with your esteemed brand, I will make the most of it to catalyze my growth to reach a place where the brand drives through my best efforts. Therefore, I am eager to create different products that embody this company's mission and help positively impact my dream role as an SMO.”

Quick tips -

• Focus on what the interviewer wants to know.
• Make them feel convinced about your job role.
• Assure them that you plan to stay in the company long.

Q6. Why should we hire you?

Your answer to this question can create or ruin your chances of getting hired since it is one of the most commonly asked and important questions asked in HR interview for freshers, and it prepares you to convince the interviewer.

A possible answer for freshers- “I am a motivated, highly open-minded person who can learn quickly. Although fresher, I like resolving problems and learning new things. I need a platform to prove my skills as a Data Scientist. I think this position will sustain my interest and provide me with exciting opportunities to contribute to the growth of this organization.”

A possible answer for experienced- “Based on the job description, I felt the company needed an experienced Data Scientist. I have experience handling large amounts of data and have dealt with critical projects in Data Science. This makes me feel confident about this job role which will enhance my skills and growth of the company.”

Quick tips

• You should say that it adds value to the company
• Showcase your talent that sets you apart from others.

Q7. What is your dream company like?

While answering this question, do not spread your real dream of working for 6-digit pay in a company with frequent access to holidays and flexible work. These will be considered negative markings as they may see you as materialistic.

Possible answer- “My dream company is a place that would give me lots of opportunities to learn and grow and help me exploit my technical skills as a Data Analyst to contribute to the overall development of the company. I appreciate a company that recognizes and appreciates performance based on the skills, and from my research on your company, I believe this company can fulfill my wishes.”

Quick tips-

• Be sincere
• Your answer should align with the working culture of the company.
• Avoid exaggeration.
• Do not cite examples.

Q8. What is your aim in life?

This answer needs to be practical and precise. After listening to your answer, they should feel that you are focused on achieving goals.

A possible answer for freshers- “Currently, my goal is to become an integral part of a renowned organization where I can enrich my dream of becoming a QA tester and face new challenges. I want to apply and expose my knowledge and skills to contribute to an organization’s development. Most importantly, I want to be content with my job.”

A possible answer for experienced- “ As an experienced QA Software Tester, I want to gain more knowledge on it. My ambition would be to contribute as much as possible to my team with my valuable resources that would lead to the overall upliftment of the company. Also, in the future, I want to scale up my responsibilities and skills to move to the management level.”

Quick tips-

• Talk about your vision.
• Show that you are a goal-oriented person.

Q9. How do you deal with feedback and criticisms?

This type of HR interview question exposes our attitude towards feedback and criticism. So, you need to be confident before answering.

A possible answer for freshers- “I’m open to feedback and criticisms. While feedback strengthens me, criticisms encourage me to work harder and reach my goal. I’ve always been enthusiastic about learning new things and acquiring new skills in programming. If anyone offers me constructive feedback or criticism, I’ll consider it and try to improve myself.”

A possible answer for experienced - “During my years of professional experience, I have learned to transform criticism into positive ideas that I can use daily. I understand that I’m at fault if I'm wrong and criticized. In such instances, I always try to rectify myself, which nurtures my personal and professional skills.”

Quick tips-

• Be confident.
• Do not be stubborn.
• Show that you are flexible.

Q10. What kind of work environment do you prefer?

The main intention of this type of HR interview question is to understand whether you are integrating into the workplace that the company already has. Employers are concerned about making employees more productive and holding them long-term, so they ask this question.

Possible answer- “In my view, an ideal work environment revolves around a team emphasizing learning, working, and growth. During my research on your company, I noticed that you put more emphasis on teamwork, and I believe that I’m fit to work in an encouraging environment that will enhance my skills as a Salesforce professional.”

Quick tips

• Talk about the work culture.
• Research the company.
• Talk in alignment with the company’s vision.

Q11. What would you do if you were working under an arrogant boss?

Interviewers want to know how a candidate can deal with people with different beliefs and ideologies, and as a result, he can get a little tricky to one. While answering these tricky HR questions asked in an interview, avoid emphasis on the negative aspects and increase your chances of finding a job after college.

Possible answer- “Firstly, before concluding the nature of my boss, I will try my best to understand his personality and get to know his problem. If I find that my boss is aggressive, I will take note of things that would upset him and work to avoid that. I will also try asking my colleagues how they have worked on dealing with him. If things worsen, I will contact HR to find a solution.”

Quick tips

• Try to give a positive answer.
• Focus on giving solutions.
• Do not use harsh words.

Q12. What are your achievements?

While answering such HR interview questions, never boast of your achievements. This exposes your real self, which makes a negative impression on the interviewer.

A possible answer for freshers- “As far as my professional skills are concerned, I have achieved accolades for the IT projects I handled during my Software engineering degree. My biggest achievement was earning the Best Project award for my E-commerce Project in my Final Year. Apart from my professional achievements, I have also earned certificates for my team in various sports events.”

A possible answer for experience - “ I have worked on different projects and with different teams. But my greatest achievement was to solve the BlackDuck issue as a DevOps Engineer. This was my by far greatest achievement for which I received appreciation from my team members as well as from overseas clients.”

Quick tips-

• Be grounded.
• Do not exaggerate.
• Keep it simple.

Q13. What are your hobbies?

This question allows you to speak and showcase your hobbies to impress the interviewer. This is one of the easiest questions asked in HR interviews which you can answer comfortably.

Possible answer: " I’m career-oriented and passionate about widening my professional skills. My hobbies include learning about different programming languages and mastering them. During my leisure time, I love to explore cybersecurity and adopt the various skills of an ethical hacker.”

Quick tips-

•  talk about too many hobbies.

Q14. What motivates you?

This is, again, a wide and encompassing question that the candidates can easily misinterpret. 

A possible answer for freshers- “My passion for work is my greatest motivator. Working as a team for Project Management excites me, and the willingness to learn more about my domain keeps me motivated.”

A possible answer for experienced- “Learning new things and the feeling of contentment that comes while solving a problem drives me to do my best in my job as a PMP Manager. I love to take on challenges and meet deadlines. I love being productive and achieving milestones. It gives me a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction”.

Quick tips-

• Be honest.
• Cite an example.
• It should be relevant to your job.

Q15. What do you know about our company?

This is one of the most crucial and common HR questions asked in an interview that can seal the deal. 

Possible answer- “It has been my dream to work in such a renowned IT company. As per the sources, the company has an enchanting vision for its employees. It seeks to enhance the professionalism among the employees by brushing up their I.T. skills and building a working environment among its employees. I have been following the company for a long time as it would help me be more focussed and an expert in programming languages as a DotNet developer.”

Enroll in our DotNet training program to grab the best job role. 

Quick tips-

• Do not lie.
• Research well about the company.

Q16. Are you a disciplined person?

This is a crucial point in any HR questions and answers. This question will expose minute details about your personality. 

Possible answer- “Organization is my innate quality. I keep all my documents, certificates, and records labeled and classified. The tags are such that I can pick up anything I need instantly in a matter of seconds. This makes me quite skilled as a Data Scientist as I always keep things organized.”

Quick tips-

• Be precise
• Keep it simple.

Q17. How much would you rate yourself out of 10?

This question has to be answered diplomatically. It is both an easy as well as a complex question to answer. It is asked to test the decision-making capabilities of a candidate.

Possible answer- “On a scale of 10, I will rate myself an 8. This is because I believe that there is always room for improvement. The interest to learn and grow will keep up my thirst for making me a perfect I.T professional.”

Quick tips-

• Answer diplomatically
• Do not answer in a way that can land you in trouble.

Q18. What are the things most important for you in your job?

Here, you have to answer to impress the interviewer. This question is targeted to show your dedication to the company, and this answer should highlight this.

Possible answer- “Since I’m new to the job market, I’m keen to learn more about the company I would be working for. The most important aspects for me would be to know how the company provides training, what are my career opportunities as the best way to fuel my career in cloud computing, how I can get support from my team to shoulder responsibilities, how I can organize my tasks, and how to learn new things that will make me more successful in the coming years.” 

Quick tips-

• The answer should be to-the-point.
• Do not beat around the bush.

Q19. What is your salary expectation?

You must answer this question carefully because you do not want to be underpaid for the employment role. It is one of the most integral HR questions asked in interview, which needs extra attention.

Possible answer- “Since I am a fresher, I aim to learn more about this job position. As for the salary, I’m sure it will be in accordance with my skills and experience. I look forward to growing as a professional with your company, and I’m ready to accept the standard industry salary offered for this position."

Quick tips-

• Do not ask for more.
• Be humble.
• Avoid mentioning exact figures.

Q20. What are your career goals?

This question has to be answered carefully. Here, you have to talk about your short-term and long-term career goals. But when answering this question, never show that you will join another better organization in the long run.

Possible answer- “My short-term goal is to improve my I.T skills. I would like to pursue professional Python certification through online Python training that will enable me to learn more about it and prepare me for the industry. My long-term goal would be to join as an executive in your company.”

Quick tips-

• Align to the company’s side.
• No negative words.

Q21. Tell me how you will handle it if a project's priorities change.

Here, interviewers want to know how the candidate will deal with the situation when priorities are changed. It also reflects the candidate’s ability to handle stress and solve problems.

Possible answer- “I understand very well that there may be legitimate reasons for a company to change the priority of a project in the IT career path. The vision of a software project at some point would change at another time due to various conditions. If the priority of the task on which I work changes, I will try to understand why it happened and start working on the new task of higher priority”.

Quick tips-

• Avoid boasting.
• Cite instances where you have dealt with pressure.
• Make sure that you honestly answer this question.

Q22. Are you willing to relocate? 

Judge the question and answer accordingly. There are a few important tips for your questions asked in HR interview for freshers.

Possible answer- “I certainly would. If my opportunity is appropriate, rewarding, and doable, I don't think that will be a problem for me.”

Quick tips-

• Do not say ‘YES’ at once for freshers.
• Know the purpose of relocation.

Q23. If you win the lottery, would you still be working?

This question is a big trap and is based on scenarios.

Possible answer- “I'll be so excited if I win such a raffle. This would mean that I would have hefty savings for myself and my family's future. I will not quit my job because I love my job and I love learning new things continually, and I always want to explore more skill sets. I just want to retire after a very rewarding career."

Quick tips-

• Do not show that you are materialistic.
• Answers should be focused on the company.
• Show that you are an asset to the company.

Q24. What software packages are you familiar with?

This question exposes your skills to the interviewer. Such HR interview questions will expose your skills in front of the interviewer. 

Possible answer- “I am familiar with operating systems such as Windows and Linux. I know Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint from the Microsoft Office suite well. I am also familiar with conventional Web Browsers, Photoshop, and AutoCAD.”

Quick tips

• Make sure that you know your skills thoroughly.
• Don't talk about any skill that you do not know.

Q25. Do you have any questions for us?

Many candidates give up answering this question. But recruiters take notice of candidates who answer these types of vocal HR questions asked in interviews.

Possible answer- “In addition to the work profile, what other company expectations do I have?” “What are the company values?”, “What is the best part about working here?”

Quick tips-

• Do not ignore this question.
• Answer cleverly to avoid any negative impression.

26. Do you have any serious medical conditions?

Make sure you discuss pertinent health conditions everywhere and anywhere when discussing them during the interview. Also, don’t amplify the situation since it could generate a negative impression. 

Possible answer - “ A serious medical condition often includes pregnancy or any other severe disease, but if you don’t have any of these conditions, then avoid giving too many details. Or say I don’t have any severe medical issues.”

Quick tips- 

• Give brief answers.
• Sum up the medical condition in short sentences. 

27. Did you ever conflict with your current or previous boss?

This is, again, a tricky question, so answer it wisely.

Possible answer - “ I never had any conflicts with my current or previous boss.”

Quick tips - 

• Don’t use negative words.
• For freshers, don’t say “Yes”. 

28. What do your friends or co-workers say about you?

Always give an honest answer to this question. Don’t exaggerate.

Possible answer - “ I know that whatever they say will be true and not made up. As I like developing strong professional relationships with my colleagues, many of them have become best friends. I recently completed an internship, and my head manager's feedback was that initially, I was slightly lost. Still, during the course of time, he felt that he could count on me.” 

Quick tips-

• Keep your answer short. 

29. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?

This type of question doesn’t apply to freshers about to go through the HR interview round. Skip to the next question if you’re a beginner. It is often asked of managerial or above-level candidates. 

Possible answer - “I’ve got an inclination to recognize poor performers within a few months of joining. Once I spotted one, I had a communication with my colleagues and other members of the team. Then I did the one-on-one meeting with that employee and gave him a few warnings, both written as well as verbal, over a period of a month. But in the end, I had to fire that candidate since there were zero signs of improvement.”

Quick tips-

• Don’t show any negativity.
• Don’t lie.

30. What is the most difficult thing you’ve ever accomplished?

The interviewer wants to know what you’ve accomplished and how through this question. Therefore, be confident in your attitude.

Possible answer - “During school, I wasn’t a good public speaker, as facing a crowd would make me nervous. But my close friends advised me to try my hand at it if I wanted to shine through. Since then, I started to participate in different public speaking competitions, and for the first time, I won a second prize. This helped boost my confidence.” 

Quick tips -

• Tell the truth in brief sentences.
• Show your self-confidence.

31. Can you differentiate between hard work and smart work?

The interviewer wants to know your opinion through this question.

Possible answer - “According to me, something every wage earner is doing today, including a worker or a laborer. On the other hand, smart work is something that educated people are alleged to do, and few of us might be doing it in reality. And I also think that a healthy mix of both is a secret method to be successful. ”

Quick tips -

• Take your time 
• Answer clearly

32. How do you feel about working weekends and night shifts?

This question might be hard to answer for a fresher, but experienced candidates can answer it easily.

Possible answer - “I don’t have issues working at weekends and doing night shifts, if my company wants my presence compulsory at night or at the weekends for steady growth and development, I’ll certainly work towards it.”

Quick tips- 

• Talk about your point of view.
• Show that you are a flexible person.

33. Give an example of a time you had to respond to an unhappy manager or customer or  colleague, or friend.

This question is applicable to experienced professionals. 

Possible answer -” Personally, I don’t like conflicts and try to avoid them as far as possible. But if any situation occurs, I ask my seniors or professors to handle it. “

Quick tips- 

•  Be honest 
• Your answer should be relevant to the situation

34. What makes you angry?

The interviewer is testing you on how you can deal with irritating situations.

Possible answer- “ Normally, I get angry when someone accuses me of something I didn’t do. Also, disorderliness or chaotic situations irritate me. But my experiences have taught me how to deal with people and adjust ourselves.”

Quick tips-

• Be humble
• Avoid giving details

35. Are you open to taking risks? or Do you like experimenting?

This is one of the most common HR questions asked in an interview. The interviewer is checking whether you’re an avid learner.

Possible answer - “According to me, it's always better to plunge into new waters and the latest tools and technologies. I’m robust and compliant, which helps me learn new things quickly and easily. And about experimenting, I think is in itself a learning experience. I like experimenting because it helps me master a specific skill.”

Quick tips-

• Answer wisely 
• Take your time

36. What are you most proud of?

This is one of the most common questions asked in HR interviews. 

A possible answer for fresher - “I think it is still to come. The day I get my job in your reputed company will be my proud moment, which is still pending.”

A possible answer for experienced -” My proudest moment was when I won the “Best Performer of the Year” award in my previous company.”

Quick tips-

• Be simple and straightforward.
• Avoid using adjectives.

37. What has been your greatest failure?

This question is applicable to experienced candidates but sometimes could be asked to freshers.

Possible answer- “Our sales team could not achieve our target despite a huge rise in ROI. Eventually, it impacted the percentage of our overall sales, and the deal slipped out of our hands.” 

Quick tips- 

• Don’t mention exact facts and figures.
• Answer to the point.

38. Do you have any regrets?

Think about your professional experiences and also explain how you handled the situation.

A possible answer for fresher - “ I don’t have any regrets for now.”

A possible answer for experienced - “ I regret refusing a job position offered to me at a company 2 years ago.” 

Quick tips -

• Start with past experiences.
• State the situation clearly.

39. Are you demanding as a boss?

Freshers can skip this HR question since it isn’t relevant to them.

Possible answer -” As a manager, I make sure that I always help my team members and assist them in growing their individual career paths. I try to resolve their challenges along the way and help make their lives easier and also assure that the project gets delivered on time.”

Quick tips -

• Show that you do your job on time
• Explain how you struggled to keep up with your work.

40. Can you describe your time management skills?

Through this HR question, the interviewer wants to know how you manage your time. 

Possible answer - “I prepare my task list and then prioritize the tasks per my senior's instructions. Then I try to complete urgent tasks on priority and deliver them. If any part is unclear, I prioritize complex or time-consuming tasks over simpler ones. All along the process, I keep updating my seniors about my work progress.”

Quick tips-

• Show that you aren’t a time waster nor a money waster.
• Show your skills

41. What three things are most important for you in a job?

This is the most frequently asked HR question.

Possible answer - “ I think honesty, loyalty, and determination to achieve the target are most important.” 

Quick tips -

• Be specific and concise.
• Show them your motivation.

42. What makes you happy?

When answering this question, focus on the positives.

Possible answer - “ I feel happy when I accomplish my goals and when I’m with my family.” 

Quick tips - 

•  Identify the things that make you happy.
• Show how small things can make you happy.

43. Can you handle the pressure?

When answering this question, explain how you deal with pressure.

Possible answer - “I’ve a good ability to work under pressure because it helps me put out the best in me and also helps me to grow. When I’ve strict deadlines, I learn quickly and perform best as I plan my tasks accordingly, ans work in more systematic ways. I also try to complete my tasks more efficiently.“

Quick tips - 

• Briefly explain the pressure situations
• How you dealt with them

44. Do you have any other offers in hand?

Don’t get intimidated by this HR interview question. If you want to be open about the other offer you can tell that or keep it confidential. Interviewers often ask this question to know your demand in the job market. They might also want to know whether you accept any other job by the time you reach the offer stage.  

Possible answer - “ No, I don’t”

Quick tips-

• Play safe
• Keep it a secret even though you’ve other offers in hand until the salary negotiation phase comes up.

45. Do you know anyone who works for us?

The intention of asking this question is to find out whether you already have a mentor in the company or if any of your friends or relatives have already been working in their company.

Possible answer -” No, none of my friends or relatives work in this company. I’ve always adored your company since it is one of the highly reputed companies.”

Quick tips -

• Show your ability to balance work and personal life.
• Show your strong work ethic.

46. Do you have a good work ethic?

The interviewer wants to know whether you are disciplined and organized.

Possible answer -” I’m indeed a disciplined person and try to complete my work in a timely and organized manner. Because I think well-planned and organized work execution is the base for best quality work.”

Quick tips -

• Show how you maintain your work schedule.
• Show how you don’t tolerate compromising the quality of your work.

47. You have changed jobs/jumped ship too many times already. Why so?

This question exclusively applies to experienced candidates who’ve changed or jumped jobs too many times already.

Possible answer - “Even though I’ve changed jobs too many times, I genuinely think that I’m a far better employee now because these switches have helped me build excellent communication and interpersonal skills, learn different skills and quickly adapt to the rapidly changing work environments.”

Quick tips -  

• Try to give a balanced answer.
• Explain the reasons for job changes.

Now that you’ve learned about questions asked in HR interviews for freshers and experienced professionals, let's look at the other types of questions for IT beginners and working professionals. 

48. Tell us about the gap in your CV.

The interviewer wants to know why you took a break from your job. He wants to ensure that the gap is not the reason due to any red flags in your career.

Possible answer: "After graduation, I began working constantly for six years without any break. Such a long duration hampered my productivity and work-life balance. Thus, I decided to take a break from the job market for four months to refresh myself and spend time with my loved ones. I also learned important lessons, including the vitality of work-life balance, organizational skills, and a new way to look at life”.

Quick tips -

• Aim at giving a precise and balanced response.
• Elaborate on the reason for the gap in valid terms.

49. Elaborate on when you had to work under close supervision.

Through this question, the interviewer analyzes and comprehends how properly you can work independently in a team.

Possible answer - “ In my earlier job, I was performing under the strict supervision of my boss. It was exciting since the manager noted everything I worked on the whole day. It felt as if he was virtually present beside me every time. However, soon I realized that he did not rely on me much doing the job all by myself as I was a fresher. Even I got uncomfortable due to the extra workload. I worked on attaining his trust through hard work. I asked him to assign me a project that did not require strict supervision. The manager assigned me a task to which I met her expectations and retained his trust.”

Quick tips -

• Give a detailed account of how you handled the close monitoring.
• Also, mention the hurdles and the way you overcame them.

50. How did you select your university?

The interviewer wants to understand how you make important decisions and how you frame them accordingly.

Possible answer - “ I chose this university because I have a great passion for learning coding and programming. Computer science has been my all-time favorite subject, and I am also interested to know more about data science and its related concepts.”

Quick tips -

• State the university program details.
• Expose your interest in the subject.
• Do not discuss the distance factor from your home to the university.
• Do not state that your peers were a student of that university.

51. Can you tell us about the moment when you were satisfied with your work?

The interviewer wishes to know the meaning of success, its definition, and how you perceive it. Through this question, they can evaluate your concerns for the development of the organization besides your own personal achievement and development.

Possible answer - “ Previously, I managed a project related to blogging that could easily influence numerous people. Hence I researched topics from which people can gain inspiration and motivation and how that would help them to get better. I also conducted a survey that I shared with my friends. On publishing the blog, The recognition achieved was tremendous. People adored the blog posts, and I was really satisfied with my work as I played a big role in the profit maximization for my company and offered people a medium to derive motivation from.”

Quick tips-

• Focus on the time when you were happy regarding your job achievement.
• Do not overstate the areas which are irrelevant to this question.

52. Mention the time when you showed leadership abilities.

This question is mainly asked to verify your competitive ability in certain circumstances. 

Possible answer - “ My previous organization used to set up a summer barbeque, and this year I volunteered to arrange the barbeque. I conducted a survey among the workers to know the kind of activities they liked. I enlisted them and made teams to conduct those activities. I also ensured that the activities were pocket-friendly. I delivered posters and gave a round on the office floors to ensure everyone knew the interesting things we had planned. The day was amazing, and everything went seamlessly.”

Quick tips -

• Mention the event in detail.
• Highlight those areas where you showcase your leadership skills.

53. Was there a moment in your career where you made an error? Elaborate.

This is a tricky question which you must answer carefully. The interviewer wants to know the type of mistake you made and how well you would work if you get recruited. 

Possible answer - “ When I joined my first company, I had to handle two projects. Although I knew It was difficult, I did not reveal that to my boss since I did not want him to underestimate me. I was not allowed to disclose to any of the clients that I was engaged in another work also. This caused greater pressure, and I couldn’t meet the deadline. I realized I must have properly interacted with my boss, who perhaps would have designated another resource to collaborate with me for the project delivery. I understood the importance of keeping my boss updated with the tasks at every point.”

Quick tips -

• State the mistake you made, which you could correct and did not cause any serious harm to the company.
• Talk about your learning while working to rectify the error.
• Do not speak about the error that showcases any black spot in your character.

54. How will you define motivation?

The interviewee can misinterpret this question. You need to understand the question and be honest with your response. 

Possible answer - “ Learning fresh concepts and the feeling of contentment that emerges while settling an issue makes me feel on top of the world. I appreciate the challenges and hurdles that come my way since they help me perform better. I feel that learning is a never-ending process; if we pause learning, then we become stagnant, and this feeling motivates me to grasp something unfamiliar each day. Seeing the job description, I know that the job will offer me the motivation to remain ahead.”

Quick tips -

• Assure that you are humble while answering this question.
• Your answer must be linked to the job that you are interviewed for.
• State an example to produce the answer in a clearer format. 

55. What, according to you, will be your ideal organization?

This is again another tricky question where the interviewer evaluates your appropriateness for the job. 

Possible answer - “ My dream organization would be the place that would offer me various chances and help me grow and develop as an individual. The company would escalate my potential to promote overall development. I admire an organization that will realize and adore my performance, and I feel this company can provide me with such golden opportunities.”

Quick tips -

• Do not let out your wish to work for a 6 figure salary in the organization.
• Be sincere as to what you visualize about your dream workspace.
• Whatever you answer must align with the company’s work ethic.
• Don’t exaggerate and pinpoint any particular worker as an instance.

56. How would you guarantee that a specific count of tasks is finished properly?

Here, the interviewer wants to know your way of multitasking. Each employer expects that the individual must be capable of handling various projects simultaneously.

Possible answer - “ The initial step I take while handling multi-tasks is to calm down and set up an optimistic mindset that I can complete the task. Then, I arrange them according to the priorities, set a plan to create deadlines and start working on the task. I also let my seniors know when I face roadblocks. I don’t mind taking assistance from my teammates. My boss was kind enough to understand the reason for the delays, and I would get an extension on the deadline, and I guaranteed that the tasks would be finished. “

Quick tips -

• Elaborate on the situation where you performed on multitasking and how you met the given deadlines.
• Avoid talking lamely and giving casual responses.
• Avoid talking about how much you disapprove of multitasking.

57. What would be your choice  - being feared or being admired?

You must answer this diplomatically.

Possible answer - “ To be honest, I choose to be well respected in my company. Fear does not indicate respect. I want to perform in a way so that my teammates won’t fumble to bother me with any doubts or queries in their task.”

Quick tips -

• Try to answer the question logically since the recruiter will not want someone who likes to scare everybody in the company.

58. How long can you work with us if we recruit you?

The hirer wants to verify how long you can survive in the current organization. 

Possible answer - “ I am planning to remain and serve in this company for a very long time as long as I am valued and respected by everybody for my work and as long as the management visualizes and considers me as a valuable resource in this company.”

Quick tips -

• Avoid being too honest and reveal the plan of hopping to another company or if you have the plan to pursue higher studies.

59. What would you prefer to be if you were reborn as an animal?

This may seem a weird question, but the recruiter is not in the mood to joke with you. He asks this question to know your personality, mindset, and innovativeness.

Possible answer - “I would love to be reborn in the form of a lion. A lion is famous for its adherence to facing challenges boldly and for its pride. It targets its desire and toils hard to achieve it. It can also survive in a war or hurdle. Hence I would love to be a lion.

Quick tips -

• While responding to this question, ensure that your answer aligns with your chosen job role.
• Avoid selecting animals with weak traits.
• Avoid selecting animals with attributes that are contradictory to your job role.

61. Will you prefer lying for the organization under any such situation?

Remain prepared for this question, as it is a tricky one. 

Possible answer - “ I admire the principle of truthfulness and humility. Hence, my willingness to be a part of the lie would rely on the circumstance and its possible results. If my lie won’t harm anybody and contribute a positive impact on the company and the workers, then I am ready to do so. However, I disapprove of lying overtly.

Quick tips - 

• Here, you have the matter of integrity and the organizational advantages altogether.
• Remain diplomatic and answer smartly.

Top 5 questions to be asked in HR interviews for IT professionals at entry-level

To get entry-level IT jobs, you need to be thorough with your subject knowledge. Recruiters do not ask technical questions, but they verify your technical skill by asking basic questions about your subject area.

Q1. Which operating systems are you familiar with?

This is a fundamental HR question asked in interview for freshers. 

Possible answer- “ I’m quite familiar working with Windows, Linux, and Mac. But I’m always looking up to learn more.”

Quick tips

• Be honest.
• Show your willingness to learn new things.
• Check for the job description.

Q2. What is an IP address?

With such HR interview questions, an interviewer looks for straightforward answers exposing the candidate's technical skills.

Possible answer- “ An IP address or Internet Protocol address is a series of numbers to identify any device on a network. This is done to communicate over the internet and on other devices.”

Quick tips

• Use simple terms
• Define why it matters.

Q3. How is Java different from C++?

This is one of the core HR questions asked in interviews for freshers that tests their knowledge of programming languages. To get a job, basic concepts of programming languages are a must. Check out our online Java training for an in-depth understanding.

Possible answer- “C++ is a compiled language, while Java is an interpreted language. Java is a machine-independent language, whereas C++ depends on the machine. C++ supports multiple inheritances while Java doesn’t.”

Quick tips

• Do not elaborate.
• Be short and to the point.

Q4. What are some of the applications of Data structures?

Data science is among IT companies' leading and most popular technologies. Companies worldwide are looking for certified Data professionals to keep their data safe. This has led to a rise in Data Science certification courses among job-seekers. 

Possible answer- “ Some of the applications of data structures are- numerical analysis, statistical analysis, database management, and simulation.”

Quick tips

• Be thorough with your concepts.
• Research well.

DQ5. How quickly can you adapt to new technology?

This exposes your technical as well as your logical skills. These HR interview questions should be answered carefully, framing you as a dedicated employee.

Possible answer- “ I can cope quickly with new circumstances. Since I am clear about my job role and mentally prepared to take up challenges, I feel I have the potential to learn fast and adapt to changing situations. During college, I had to approve new papers and projects every six months, and I really enjoyed doing it. Similarly, I’m also keen on working with new technologies in my professional area.”

Quick tips-

• Show your willingness to take up challenges.
• Expose your dedication and hardworking nature.

Top 5 questions to be asked in HR interviews for IT working professionals

The demand for IT certification courses has increased. And why not? With the most popular job-oriented short-term courses after graduation, you can easily grab a noteworthy job with a six-figure salary. Can you believe these courses help you get high-paying jobs without a degree? A deep understanding of the core concepts will help you to crack any interview, whether for freshers or experienced.

Q1. Why did you leave your last job?

Be very careful while answering this query. It is tricky for experienced IT professionals and must be dealt with intellectually.

Possible answer- “It was because of a professional shift. There’s no doubt that I have learned a lot from my previous work experience, but now, I want to learn more and newer things. This would give me greater insight into my work skill where I can take up new challenges and meet deadlines.”

Quick tips-

• Never blame anyone.
• Do not talk about salary issues.

Q2. Tell me about a time when you experienced difficulty working on a project.

Such questions fall under the behavioral HR questions asked in the interview. The interviewer wants to know how you will handle a difficult situation and how you have combated it.

Possible answer- “ The most difficult project I had to work on was a software development project. The client was particular about each detail, and I had to keep changing to meet the client’s requirements. It was a stressful experience, but I got rewarded as the client was totally content with the work.”

Quick tips-

• Show how you dealt with the situation in a positive way.
• Show that you are ready for challenges.   

Q3. Is there anything that makes you different from other candidates?

In this question, you can showcase your strengths and abilities. Show your interviewer that you are perfect for the job.

Possible answer- “ I believe that I’m different from the rest as I have earned quite some experience in my working area. I have worked on different projects with different teams. I also have great communication skills and have communicated with offshore clients. This way, I build effective relationships with my colleagues as well as with my clients.”

Quick tips-

• Don’t brag about yourself.
• Do not be afraid to speak.

Q4. What skills do you need to be a full-stack developer?

This question will test your knowledge as an experienced candidate. 

Possible answer- “As a full stack developer, one should possess proficiency in programming languages like Java, C++, and SQL. He should also possess front-end and back-end framework knowledge like BootStrap and Angular JS. Apart from this, a thorough knowledge of databases is required along with data structures and coding.” 

Quick tips-

• Provide every detail to show your skills and knowledge.
• Revise your skillset.

Q5. Are you a team player?

Here, you can impress your interviewer with your behavioral pattern. Such types of questions are often asked in HR interviews for experienced candidates to check whether they are capable of building and maintaining a team or not. 

Possible answer- “Yes, I’m a team player. I like to nurture and keep up the team spirit. My strong communication skills help me coordinate with my team members. As a team player, I believe in helping and reaching out to others in need. I always ensure that I complete the task assigned to me with the supervision of my team members.”

Quick tips-

• Show your willingness to work as a team
• Do not hesitate.

What Questions Should A Candidate Ask At the End Of the Interview?

Well! As you can see we’ll be on the receiving end of questions in any interview. But at the end of the interview the interviewers always asks us "Do you have any questions for me?" thus you also get a chance to know the company and people you’re looking to work for. At this time you can ask some valuable questions to make a strong impression. Here we’re listing a few useful questions which will make hiring managers hear too. [Along with possible answers ]

• Can you tell me more about the company culture and what it's like to work here?

A company culture can be explained as a sum of traditions, beliefs, behaviors, values and point of view. You’ll find a positive work culture here that provides happiness, excellent work satisfaction and helps in improving productivity. 

• What are some of the biggest challenges that someone in this role might face?

The answer to this question will depend on the job role and the different tasks a candidate needs to work on. Often it’ll be getting to know the team members and finding the best in them. 

• How does this role fit into the larger goals and mission of the company?

When answering this question its important for the interviewer to consider professional goals and future aspirations. So the possible answer could be,’ when working for this company, you’ll be able to sharpen your skills which will help to fulfill our company’s goals and missions. 

• Can you walk me through a typical day or week in this role?

When answering this question the interviewer will have to think about what the candidate has to do during the average day of work, take into account different roles and responsibilities, etc. 

The possible answer to this question could be, ‘to not recite workday hour by hour but concentrate on completing major tasks and how to go about it.’

• What are the next steps in the hiring process, and when can I expect to hear back from you?

Based on the company’s chronology of hiring, the next step might be interviewing other aspirants, there could be another interview scheduled for you, analyzing your references, taking tests, etc.

Preparation Tips for HR Interview

Take a look at these important tips that can help you to prepare better for the interview. Not just questions but the entire application and interaction process must be seamless from the time the application is made until the call letter is received. Here are some of them-

• Review the job description:  Explore all the desired experiences and skills mentioned. Don't lie on your CV. The key is to choose opportunities that align well. The relevant information will enable you to present laudable responses during the interview process.
• Frame a solid resume: After reviewing the details of the employment profile, align your responses with the same template. For example, just as key terminologies are needed to frame a response, your CV should also have all the elements a recruiter is looking for. Thus, go through the job description carefully.
• Know about the company: It is crucial to research well about the company you wish to work for. The HR interview questions and answers are often about the company’s history. So make sure you learn more about their products, their specializations, their positioning within the industry, and their employees.

Conclusion

The interview process does not always have to be stressful for applicants. Preparation in advance is the key to calming nerves, being well prepared for it will drive all the stress away. This article gives a list of key HR questions asked in interviews. 

By preparing for these questions, you can confidently come to the interview and be prepared to deal with any questions you are asked. By pursuing professional IT certification courses by JanBask Training, you will earn industry-related experience that will give you detailed knowledge about the subject matter. This will help you to add finesse in addressing your HR interview and secure your job.

We wish you good luck with your upcoming HR interview round.

FAQs

Q1. How do I stand out in an interview?

Ans:-  Always be thorough with your preparation. Your knowledge and skill set should be at your fingertips. Your body language should reflect your personality and create a positive impression on the interviewer. Do not lie as it would earn negative results.

Q2. Should I ask back questions?

Ans:- If you have any doubts, feel free to ask. Recruiters like vocal candidates. Do not ask anything out of the context or anything that may hurt the sentiment of the company. Do not feel shy to ask meaningful questions.

Q3. What are tricky interview questions?

Ans:- Tricky interview questions are meant to force you to think. These questions are framed to see the candidate’s skills and the tactics to combat a difficult situation. These HR questions and answers focus on the technical as well as behavioral patterns of a candidate.

Q4. How should I dress before going for an interview?

Ans:- You should always be in your formal attire. Do not wear anything casual. Moreover, your dress should be neat and clean and should speak of your personality.

Q5. What should I carry with me for the interview?

Ans:- Carry only your essentials. This may consist of your CV, your documents related to personal and professional ones,, and your belongings. 

Q6. What kind of certification course can get me an edge in an interview?

Ans:- At JanBask Training, you can enroll in a myriad of courses which will give you an edge in any I.T interview. There are- Salesforce courses, Cloud Computing courses, Programming courses, Cyber security courses and many more. Visit our official website to know more.

Q7. What will I learn from IT certification courses?
Ans:- From these courses, you will-

• Gain an in-depth understanding of the technologies.
• Learn how to design and deploy web applications
• Learn about its architecture & latest technologies
• Implement security features.

Q8. I am a science graduate, which course is right for me?
Ans:- Being a science graduate, you can pick any of these courses mentioned above. These courses will give you an in-depth knowledge about the subject and make you fit for the job role.

Q9. What are the benefits of an online course?
Ans:- With online courses, you can-

• Get access to self-paced live virtual videos from top industry experts
• 24*7 learning support and peer-to-peer interaction forum
• Highly interactive cloud computing classes with hands-on experience on industry-relevant projects
• Earn access to customized I.T courses for beginners and experts.
• Online classes are flexible and convenient. One can access them anywhere and anytime at your own pace.

Q10. Can I get a job without the certification program?
Ans:- To earn better job opportunities, you need to be clear of the certification exam; without qualifying for the entrance, job opportunities will be limited.