Prepare for your HR Specialist interview. Understand the required skills and qualifications, anticipate the questions you may be asked, and study well-prepared answers using our sample responses.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a federal law that governs how employers can use an applicant’s credit report during the hiring process. Employers are allowed to request an applicant’s credit report if they have a legitimate reason, such as if they’re hiring for a financial position or if the applicant is over age 18. If you’re unfamiliar with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, it’s best to say so and ask for time to research it before the interview.
Answer Example: "I am familiar with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, but I haven’t had an opportunity to use it in my previous roles. I would love the opportunity to learn more about it and apply what I learn to my work as an HR specialist."
This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and abilities needed for success in this role. Use your answer to highlight some of your most important qualities, such as communication skills, problem-solving ability and attention to detail.
Answer Example: "Successful HR professionals need to be organized, detail-oriented and able to multitask. They should also have strong communication skills, as they often need to communicate with employees and managers about various issues. Finally, I believe that empathy is an important quality for HR professionals because they often work with employees who are going through difficult situations."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you would use your problem-solving skills and interpersonal skills to address a challenging situation. Use examples from your experience to highlight your ability to communicate effectively, collaborate with others and implement solutions that are beneficial for both the company and the employee.
Answer Example: "In my previous role as an HR specialist, I encountered a situation where an employee was not complying with a new company policy. The employee was not aware of the new policy and was confused as to why they were being held accountable for not following it. After speaking with the employee, I realized they needed more time to understand the policy change. I worked with my manager to create a training program for all employees so they could learn about the new policies at their own pace."
Employers ask this question to see if you have experience with one of their key HR processes. They want to know that you can implement employee surveys, collect data and use it to make decisions that benefit the company. In your answer, explain what type of surveys you’ve administered in the past and why you chose those over others.
Answer Example: "In my last role as an HR specialist, I used employee surveys to get feedback from employees about their experience working at the company. I found that asking open-ended questions helped me get more insight into their feelings about their job and the company as a whole. For example, one question I asked was ‘what do you like most about working here?’ This allowed employees to share their positive experiences at the company."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you provide feedback to employees and whether you do so in a constructive manner. Use examples from your experience where you helped an employee improve their performance or behavior, or where you helped them achieve their goals within the company.
Answer Example: "In my last role as an HR specialist, I had an employee who was consistently late to work. After several meetings where we discussed the importance of being on time, I decided to implement a late- arrivals policy for the entire company. The employee in question was grateful for the opportunity to change his behavior and began arriving to work on time every day."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you plan to use your time in your new role. Your answer should include a list of tasks that are important for you to complete during your first few weeks on the job, such as learning about the company’s culture and policies or meeting with department leaders.
Answer Example: "My top priorities during my first few weeks on the job would be to get to know everyone in the organization, learn about their roles and responsibilities and develop relationships with them. I want to make sure I am able to provide the best possible HR services to my employees, so I believe building relationships with everyone in the company is essential."
This question can help the interviewer determine how you would handle a sensitive situation. Your answer should show that you are willing to take action when necessary and that you respect employee privacy rights.
Answer Example: "If I discovered two employees were engaged in a romantic relationship, I would first make sure that they were both aware of our company’s policy on dating within the workplace. If they were not aware of this policy, I would provide them with a copy of it so they could understand what expectations there are for them moving forward. If they continue to engage in romantic activities while at work, I would likely take disciplinary action against them."
Employers ask this question to see if you can handle the demands of the job. They want to know that you can manage stress in a healthy way and still get your work done. When answering, think of an example from your past where you had to overcome a stressful situation. Explain how you handled it and what helped you overcome the stress.
Answer Example: "I am a very organized person, which helps me manage stress. When I am faced with a stressful situation, I take a few minutes to breathe and relax. This helps me think clearly and figure out the best way to handle the situation. In my last role, we had an employee who was having issues at home. They were having trouble coming into work because of it. I sat down with them and talked through their issues. We came up with a plan to help them through their personal problems so they could come into work."
This is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you are interested in the job and know what it entails. You can ask questions about the company’s benefits package or how often you will be required to travel for work.
Answer Example: "I do have a few questions for you. First, what is your favorite part about working here? Second, what are some of the challenges you face as an HR specialist? Finally, what do you see as my biggest challenge in this position?"
This question can help the interviewer understand your selection process and how you determine who is most qualified for a job. Your answer should include a step-by-step process for evaluating candidates, including any criteria you use to make your decision.
Answer Example: "I first look at each candidate’s resume to see if they have the required education and experience for the position. If they don’t have all of the required qualifications, I ask them why not and if there is anything we can do to help them get the additional training or experience they need. Next, I review their cover letter and any supplemental materials they submit with their application, such as references or portfolio samples. Finally, I conduct phone interviews with each candidate to get to know them better and determine if they are a good fit for the position."
This question is a great way to show your HR skills and how you can improve a company’s performance. When answering this question, it’s important to explain what steps you would take to improve employee retention rates and why those steps are important.
Answer Example: "I would start by conducting surveys with my team members to find out what they like about working at our company and what they would like to change. I would use this information to create an action plan for improving retention rates by addressing any issues employees may have with their job. I would also encourage managers to have one-on-one conversations with their employees to learn more about their needs and concerns."
Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your interviewing skills and how you use them in the hiring process. Use your answer to highlight your ability to conduct interviews professionally, ask questions that reveal important information about candidates and communicate with other members of the team about their interviews.
Answer Example: "I always start by greeting the candidate warmly and making them feel comfortable. Then, I ask them to tell me about themselves and what they’re looking for in a job. This helps me get an idea of their personality and whether they’re a good fit for our company. After that, I ask them several questions related to the job description so I can see if they have the skills and experience we need. Finally, I ask them if they have any questions for me so they can feel more confident in their decision to apply."
This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you’re qualified for this role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight any specific skills or experiences that make you an ideal candidate for the job.
Answer Example: "I am highly qualified for this position because I have extensive experience in HR. I’ve been working in the field for over five years, and during that time I’ve learned how to handle a wide variety of situations. I’m also an excellent communicator, which makes it easy for me to work with others. My communication skills have helped me develop strong relationships with employees and managers alike."
This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn about your experience with HR software. It’s important to be familiar with the different programs available and which ones are best for different situations. Before your interview, make a list of all the HR software programs you’ve used in the past and write down which ones were most effective for you.
Answer Example: "I’m familiar with several different HR software programs, including Zenefits, Workplace by Facebook and HR 360. I’ve used Zenefits in the past when I worked at a small business where the HR team needed a simple solution. Workplace by Facebook is great for larger organizations because it allows employees to access their benefits information online. HR 360 is an all-in-one solution for managing employee records and compliance issues."
This question is a great way to see how you value your role as an HR professional. It also allows you to show your knowledge of the industry and what it takes to be successful in this role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention one or two specific skills that are important for HR professionals to have.
Answer Example: "I believe the most important role of an HR professional is to ensure that their company has a positive culture. I have seen many companies with great products or services that fail because of their employees’ morale. It’s important to create an environment where employees feel valued and appreciated. This leads to higher productivity and fewer employee complaints."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you prioritize your work and manage time. Your answer should show that you have a strong understanding of what’s important in your role as an HR specialist, including updating employee files.
Answer Example: "I update employee files at least once a month, but I also check them more frequently if there’s a change in an employee’s information. For example, if an employee gets married or has a child, I make sure to update their information as soon as I receive the update. This helps me ensure that we have accurate records for all employees."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you adapt to change and handle new responsibilities. Use examples from previous roles where you had to learn new processes or procedures due to changes in the law or company policy.
Answer Example: "I recently had a case where a new law impacted my responsibilities as an HR specialist. The company I worked for was implementing a new benefit program, and I had to make sure we were following all applicable laws when doing so. This included researching the different laws and making sure we were complying with them. In this case, I had to adjust my responsibilities to include researching and understanding the new laws."
