Common HR  interview questions & how to prepare for them

A career in human resources can be highly rewarding but also challenging. During a human resources job interview, you’ll be competing against other highly qualified candidates. Therefore, Therefore, making a strong impression is crucial.

Above all else, preparation is key. Preparing for common interview questions will help you feel more confident.

So, what are some common human resources interview questions and how do you answer them?

Why do you enjoy working in human resources?

Interviewers want to see that you are passionate about the human resources industry and positively impacting those you work with. In your answer, explain what motivated you to become involved in the human resources industry.

Can you tell me about a time when you had to collaborate with others at different levels of the company?

Collaboration is vital in any human resources role. In your answer, explain how you will find opportunities for collaboration in the role.

How would you help your team understand shifting priorities?

HR professionals must adapt to changing circumstances. Interviewers ask this question to assess your adaptability and problem-solving skills. Provide a clear example of how you have managed shifting priorities in the past.

How would you describe the culture of your current organisation and what would you do to change it?

Good organisational culture helps to attract and retain employees. Human resources staff are partially responsible for shaping and promoting organisational culture. This question helps interviewers assess your ability to evaluate and improve workplace culture.

What about this company’s culture attracts you?

Interviewers want to know what has drawn you to apply for this particular company. To answer this question, research the company as much as possible.

How would you describe your communication style?

In human resources, communicating with various stakeholders. Interviewers ask this question to assess your communication and interpersonal skills.

How do you communicate with colleagues with a different communication style?

As a human resources professional you must manage differences in opinion and process. Interviewers ask this question to assess how you manage differences in the workplace.

How do you assess the impact of a HR department or initiative?

In human resources you will be responsible for initiating new workplace initiatives. Interviewers ask this question to see if you can gauge whether or not an initiative has been successful.

Describe a time you experienced conflict with a co-worker. How did you resolve this?

In human resources, managing relationships with others is critical. Interviewers ask this question to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to manage conflict with others.

How do you handle deadlines?

In many human resources roles, you will be required to manage multiple projects at once often with tight deadlines. Therefore, the interviewer wants to assess your ability to manage deadlines.

How do you stay organised?

In human resources, you have to manage competing demands simultaneously. Therefore, organisation is essential.

Tell me about a time you made a mistake. What did you do to fix it?

Employers want to hire candidates who acknowledge their mistakes, learn from them, and take corrective action. Provide an example of a mistake you made in the workplace, how you resolved it and what you learnt from the experience.

Can you give us an example of a time when you had to negotiate a compromise with stakeholders with conflicting interests?

In human resources, you will have to work with various stakeholders who will often have competiting priorities. Interviewers ask this question to see if you can manage the different priorities of various stakeholders.

Human resources interviews can be challenging. However, with preparation and self-reflection, you can give yourself the best chance of success.

Are you looking for a human resources career? Public Service Resumes can help. We offer various services including interview coaching for human resources professionals.

Article References

Heine, A (1 December 2023) ‘45 Example HR Interview Questions (With Sample Answers)’, Indeed, accessed 30 January 2025.

Indeed (31 July 2024) ‘HR Interview Questions: Preparing for Your Interview’, Indeed, accessed 30 January 2025.