It may be a well-worn cliché, but the people within any business, and its culture, are crucial to its success. The HR department is responsible for managing the business's employees - taking responsibility for everything from recruitment to training and employee safety issues. People in HR jobs play a crucial role in this, providing support to help the team achieve its aims.
Before the interview, it's important to spend some time researching the position, and the company. The interviewers will expect a thorough knowledge of the company's current operations and history. If this knowledge is missing, they are likely to perceive this as a lack of research and commitment on the candidate's part.
Interviewees should arrive approximately 15 minutes before the interview is scheduled to start, and ensure they are well dressed and presented on arrival.
Making eye contact, and offering a firm handshake, will help individuals to make a good first impression before the interview gets underway.
Further information for HR assistant job candidates
When undertaking an interview for a HR assistant position, it's important to display evidence of the skills that will be required to be successful. Demonstrating an ability to listen carefully will be important for candidates, as will being able to express opinions and ideas succinctly.
If the individual has any experience in a customer service role, it's often good to reference this, as they will effectively be providing a service to the other employees within the organisation if employed.
While some knowledge of HR practices will be required, the HR assistant is usually an entry-level position, and many employers will be equally interested in core skills, such as communication, work ethic and work values.
The interview is likely to touch on issues such as employment law, as well as basic HR topics, such as the importance of employee confidentiality. Candidates may also need to display knowledge of relevant software that they will be expected to use to keep records accurate and up-to-date.
Interview questions
- What relevant experience do you have?
- Why is employee confidentiality so important?
- Do you enjoy interacting with people on a day-to-day basis?
- Do you have any experience in recruitment?
- What do you think the purpose of the HR department is within a company?
- How would you personally measure the success of an HR Department?
- How would you handle a situation where an employee complained about their manager to you?
- How important is the HR department in defining the company's culture?
- What do you think makes for a happy workplace?
- Have you ever felt aggrieved as an employee in a previous position? Why, and what did you do about it?
General interview questions
- What are three of your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why are you interested in working for our company?
- Why do you want this particular role?
- How do you about working in a team?
- What are your future ambitions?
- Why did you leave your previous position?
- What drives you to constantly develop yourself professionally?
- What is your greatest career achievement?
- Do you have any questions for us?
