hear of a recruitment exercise, your first thought is probably to prepare a great resume that would land you the job. That’s fantastic.

A great resume  especially one tailored to the specific opening as well as designed to beat the Applicant Tracking System and the recruiter’s 10-second glance, is non-negotiable.

It will get you into the room, but that is not all. For most openings, you would be required an interview with the hiring manager and/or a panel.

This may scare you as  they are trained for situations like this and experienced. Their job is to try to shake down the applicants to figure if you would be a great addition to that organization.

It’s not all gloomy, though. Remember, they are still human and many people have passed and continue to pass through this unscathed.

If you are a first-timer, here you should give a concise presentation, provide answers to a couple of HR questions and replies about your education, previous employment experience (if any), general question about your profession, and eventually, examine compensation, advantages, benefits, derivations, organization rules and guidelines, conditions and so forth, with the HR.

Don’t worry; it is completely human to be tensed.  Everyone experiences some level of apprehension when interviewing for a job. yet how to guarantee that the appropriate responses that you are going to give are savvy enough and will prompt determination?

So, if you are wondering how to increase your chances of passing through an HR interview and landing a job, you are in the right place.

Here you’d learn how to pass an HR interview and the most asked questions by HR personnel during job interviews among other things.

Human Resources Interview Questions and Answers 

1. Tell Me About Yourself 

This is by a long shot the most widely recognized HR inquiries for entry-level roles in particular and one whose answer must be on the tip of your tongue. That is, you must be prepared to answer it at the snap of a finger.

It serves as an ice breaker and also helps the interviewer gauge what you think are your most relevant skills, qualities, etc. for the role.

You are giving out some information about yourself and you can’t fall flat at responding to it. This question generally sets the temperament and the tone of the meeting, so you should set up your answer as needs are and confidently, too.

At the point when the interviewer asks you, “tell me something yourself”, they are not requesting that you discuss what your identity is or the amount you scored in school. Any data that they can secure in your position continue, isn’t generally data worth rehashing now.

Indeed, you have to discuss your expert self however in such a way that it fits with the business’ concept of what they need in an ideal competitor. Discussion about things that interest you yet guarantee that they are following what the employment necessity inquires.

Discussion about your qualities and accomplishments and enjoy points of interest. Be that as it may, and I rehash, don’t begin portraying your resume or you will exhaust the business.

Before you answer this question, here are a few things to think about:

• Why are you interested in the opening?
• What are the qualities that make you a qualified candidate for the role?
• Why did you apply to that organization?
• What your selling point? That is, what makes you stand out from other candidates?

Sample answer:

“My professional career started with bookkeeping at a computer hardware sales store. There, I became fascinated by the workings of a computer and subsequently developed my love and passion for information communication technology. It was the ‘how can this little thing have such endless possibilities?’ realization that has led to a life of computer programming.

In my former role as a computer programmer and web administrator at FFG Limited, I was tasked with writing codes for computer programs and building mobile applications.  I also maintained, debugged, and troubleshot systems and software to ensure that everything operated smoothly. 

I helped with developing a detection system for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) that captured the plate number of traffic violating vehicles and updated them to a web base where drivers’ information is stored for identification and subsequent prosecution.

I was also tasked with implementing security protocols, modifying programs, creating backups, resolving software problems, updating content, and more.”

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2. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

This is a bit of a trick question, as it a two-in-one question that is quite personal and calls for honesty. But you also have to be careful not to self-sabotage.

You may be asked the two questions together or separately. Either way, be prepared to answer your weaknesses first to wrap things up on a high note.

Another part where the trickiness of this question comes into play is that interviewees often fall into the trap of being braggadocios or overly humble. Finding a middle ground is not as easy as you would assume it to be.

Discussing your qualities during an interview is relatively easy yet speaking about your shortcomings may appear to be an overwhelming task. All things considered, it is practically similar to an unwritten guideline that you should put your best self forward during a meeting.

While nobody is requesting that you be anything short of your best, yet playing your qualities as shortcomings would not generally serve you here. This is why it is advisable to get a genuine weakness and discuss it. Tell the interviewer how you are attempting to defeat your weakness(s). Make it bona fide and pertinent.

Additionally, with regards to discussing your strengths, you don’t have to boast and keep a mental note of the number of qualities you are citing. Ensure that the qualities you talk about are in a state of harmony with the job you are interviewing for. There’s no need to bring up your athleticism when you are applying for the role of a social media manager. Except, of course, you can somehow connect them.

Sample answer:

“My greatest weakness is my fear of failure. It’s normal for every human to want to succeed at every time, but it isn’t as al possible. We all have moments where things don’t go our way, and accepting this is something I am working on.”

Another weakness is that I am overly critical of myself. I have since added self-reflection and celebration of even the tiniest achievements to help contain it.” 

“I have several strengths. I am dedicated, patient, hardworking, and self-motivated.          

“I am not afraid to push myself to achieve set goals and I am very forgiving of people’s mistakes.”

3. What Is Your Greatest Fear?

This is similar to the “what are your strengths and weakness?” question. Unlike the above though, it is not tied to your character Try not to be too explicit except if the questioner demands.

The interviewer is attempting to uncover information about you that they feel is helpful. Your fears and apprehension could disclose to them a great deal about how you approach the job (if selected) and your attitude to life in general. So, consider this while picking your answer.

Keep your answer positive. It may appear to be that it must be addressed contrarily, yet responding to this inquiry successfully expects you to create a hopeful answer.

Try not to be negative in your reaction and avoid mentioning disappointments because of this fear except if explicitly asked by the interviewer.

Sample answer:        

“My biggest fear is public speaking. My shyness often creeps out when I’m faced with addressing people publicly. To combat this, I am undertaking a session at the Lagos public school to hone my public speaking skills and curb my shyness”

4. Why Do You Want To Work For This Company?

‘…because I need a job and you’re hiring’.

This is probably the most practical and true reason why most of us apply for job openings. However, it is both tacky and unprofessional you blurt this out to an interviewer.

Once again, diplomacy is key during a job interview. You should give the interviewer what they want to hear at all times. Honesty and individuality are important but should not override practicality.

For what reason is this question so significant, you might ask? Consider it from the employer’s point of view: The business needs to employ somebody whose goals and visions are in tune with the organization’s central goal and needs to have a beneficial outcome for the association and its customers or clients.

Likewise, looking for a worker who is a solid fit for the position and the organization can be an expensive and tedious cycle. In this way, candidates need to project to them how they would help them achieve these goals and projections.

Be that as it may, the interviewer may also bring it up at the beginning of the interview to ease you in. It can also come up close to its end, as the interviewer looks to affirm your commitment to the role now that it has been established that you are quite a good fit for it.

Sample answer:

“I’m excited about this job opportunity, as it would allow me to contribute my skills to this organization while also picking up additional knowledge and helping achieve the goals and vision of this organization.”

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5. What Are Your Salary Expectations?

Yet another interview question that poses a challenge to many people.

Interviewers may pose this question to get a feeling of whether they can bear the financial cost of hiring you. They may also do this to assess how flexible you are and gauge how much you think you’re worth professionally.

By investigating and setting up an answer early, you can exhibit to the business that you’re adaptable with your compensation, yet you likewise recognize what you’re worth.

Sample answer:

I’m open to talking about what you deem fit to be reasonable compensation for the position. Nonetheless, in light of my experience and remuneration package, my knowledge of the industry and skill set, I’d anticipate a compensation in the overall scope of $X to $Y. Once more, I’m available to examining these numbers with you.

6. Where Do You See Yourself In the Next Five Years?

Let’s face it, a good number of us live life one-step-at-a-time. Therefore, questions like this, especially when posed during an interview may frighten us.

What is your more extensive career objective? Do you expect to stick to your current field? Think about these as you respond to this HR interview question. Consider how your answer fits into your job description. Now is not the time to tell how you’re planning to relocate. Remember you’re trying to show how you fit into the company’s long-term goals.

Nobody is anticipating that you should know precisely what you will do in five years. Be that as it may, having a thought will tell the interviewer that you are forward-thinking and well-prepared.

Sample answer:

 “In five years, I would love to be a senior web developer that others can approach for ideas, help, and strategy. I’ve been lucky to have worked with amazing mentors and managers in my past positions, so I’d like to pass the favor on and provide similar guidance, potentially taking on a leadership role. As I am committed to an organization’s larger goals, I’m excited by the prospect of getting more experience in that.”

7. What Motivates You?

This question is one that tosses the chances of numerous candidates since it is extremely broad and confusing.  It can also throw you off if you haven’t contemplated it ahead of time. The most fitting responses to it regarding your inspiration are straightforward, yet are expected to also associate with the position you are going for by proposing that you would be fit for the work.

Discussion about how you need to fill in your present position. The interviewer is searching for somebody who will be the most committed to the job. You have to sell yourself as a bankable applicant. Zero in on learning, accomplishments, and development.

Sample answer:

“I’m motivated by the fact that, when I leave work at the end of the day, I know I’ve helped make a difference in the world and helped connect people. Seeing ideas I birthed come into fruition gives me immense joy and satisfaction.”

8. What is Your Ideal Workplace?

This question comes up during interviews because employers are trying to see if your work conditions and character line up with their organization. Along these lines, they regularly get some information about your ideal workplace. To give them a legit and viable answer, it’s ideal to do your research about the company culture before the interview and completely get ready for what you may state.

An ideal workplace differs from person-to-person. This is why you need to give an answer that showcases your individuality but is also in line with the organization’s work culture.

To find out if your ideal work environment is similar to what your prospective organization offers, research their policies and values by going online and asking their employees (if possible).

Sample answer: 

“My ideal workplace is one where teamwork is encouraged whilst individual growth and performance are also not stifled. A place where creativity flourishes and knowledge is freely shared.”

9. Are You Willing to Relocate/Travel?

Are you ready to move for the work?” Sure, in principle it fundamentally requires a straight yes-or-no reaction (“yes I will move” or “no I won’t”), obviously things aren’t generally that straightforward.

If you truly need the work yet battle to focus on migrating, you need to sort out the most ideal approach to break that news to the questioner without harming your odds. What’s more, in case you’re satisfied with moving under specific conditions, you’ll have to communicate those conditions unmistakably before pursuing something you can’t finish on later.

Handling this questioning requires an awareness of why it’s asked—other than the undeniable explanation: The recruiting chief needs somebody who can work in a specific area full time, and needs to get rid of any individual who can’t or won’t do as such.

In some cases, they are attempting to get a feeling of the applicant’s  level of interest and adaptability, particularly when this detail is excluded from the job description.

Sample answer:

As stated earlier, there’s no straightforward answer. Your response would be influenced by willingness to travel or relocate.

However, if you are not sure, you can slide in a ” “I like my present living arrangement  and couldn’t want anything more than to proceed with my career here, but this position is a great opportunity for my career and if moving is a required, I would be up for it.”

10. Do You Have Any Questions?

This is usually the last question asked during interviews. As it was to an end, the interviewer will ask, “Do you have any questions for me?”

At the point when you hear this question, you may feel uneasiness inside, since it can feel like you’ve covered totally everything over the span of the interview.

But you should always respond affirmatively. Never say ’No’, as it gives off the impression that you are over it and rushing things through.

Which is why researching the company, industry and role is fundamental before any interview. Here’s a list of questions you can ask:

• What does a typical day look like for a person occupying this position?
• What are your short- and long-term goals for a new hire with this job title?
• How has this role grown or adapted to suit the needs of the organization?
• What qualities do you look for in a candidate?
• Do you have any concerns about my experience or skill set?
• Are there reservations regarding my fit with the role or company?

These and other questions  can help you gauge the interviewer’s perception of you as well as end the interview on a high note.