Commonly Asked HR Interview Questions: Part 1

Most Commonly Asked HR Interview Questions and Their Answers

1. Tell me about yourself?

Very common yet first asked HR Interview Questions which shall be prepared well. Here is an example of its answer:

“Thanks for this opportunity. I am [your name]. I am originally from [native place] and currently living in [current city].

I have done my [highest qualification] from [college name] in the year [pass out year]. {applicable for all}

I have done an internship with [company name] where I worked on projects on [1-2 project name with crisp description]. {applicable for freshers}.

I am currently working at [company name] as [designation]. My roles and responsibilities include [crisp 1-2 liner] {applicable for experienced people}

My interests and hobbies include [hobbies/interests]. {applicable for all}.”

2. What are your greatest strengths?

Strength’s example can be as below but try to answer your strengths that match with the requirement:

• Problem solving
• Analytical skills
• Quality focused
• Team player
• Handling challenging tasks.

3. What is your greatest weakness?

Weaknesses can be as follows; these are also strengths that can sometimes be weaknesses.

• Quality focused
• Micromanagement
• Self-critical
• Extrovert

4. Why shall I hire you?

• Highlight your qualifications and experience.
• Map your candidature to company requirements.
• Show a positive attitude towards the company and job requirements.
• Appreciate company products, culture, and initiatives.

e.g. “You shall hire me because I have the qualifications and experiences you are looking for. I have worked on [projects/skills that match the requirement]. I am highly inspired by the [ some projects/products] of the company. I want to be associated with your organization, learn, and professionally grow while working there”

5. Where you see yourself in next five years?    

• Understand the field and career progression in the target company or field.
• Be realistic while identifying your next five-year target.
• Show your attitude towards learning and career growth.  

e.g. “In the next five years, I want to work on [mention skills, domains, fields] and grow professionally. Also, as part of my career progression I would like to be a [mention designation if you have a target] in next five years”

6. Where have you put at? Where do you stay? Are you open to relocate?

“I am currently living at [current city name]. Yes, I am open to relocating as [give 1-2 strong reasons to relocate].”

Strong reason to relocate: “For career growth, I am already staying away from my hometown, and I have no challenge in relocation.”

7. Are you happy with the Offered Designation?

• {if fresher} Yes, I am happy with the offered designation.
• {if experienced and negotiation required} Do market research for your experience, market trend, career expectations, company norms, different designation roles and responsibilities and negotiate accordingly.
• {If experienced and no negotiation required} Yes, I am happy with the offered designation.

8. Can you work under pressure?

• Show a positive attitude towards working under pressure.
• Give an example.
• Mention that teamwork can help in handling pressure situations.
• Show self-care, how will you handle stressful situations, and how regular pressure situations might impact performance and creativity.

9. What is the toughest thing you have done in your career?

Response varies from person to person.

e.g. “Initially I had a fear of public speaking. But slowly I identified that for better professional growth, I worked on my communication skills and public speaking skills, and I am happy that today I have no problem in meeting new people in a professional set up”.

10. Why do you have a career gap?

{only if the career gap is small like 1-2-6 months}. Mention reasons and how you positively utilized the gap, reasons can be:

• Personal responsibilities like taking care of family.
• Medical issues
• Maternity leave.
• Upskilling.

You can watch these tutorial videos at Most commonly asked HR interview Questions and Answers!!

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