HR consultants plan and implement strategies to solve human capital problems and build a better work environment. If you’re preparing for an HR consultant interview, expect the hiring manager to ask questions that test your problem-solving skills in dealing with HR issues. When preparing for the interview, review questions in these areas to help boost your confidence and increase your chances of getting the job. In this article, we answer five essential HR consultant interview questions and provide sample answers.
HR Consultant Interview Questions and Answers
What methods would you use to identify human capital inefficiencies?
Explores the candidates analytical skills and attention to detail.
How would you monitor and measure the success of a new HR strategy?
Examines the candidates measurement techniques.
Interview Questions for HR Consultants:
Assesses the candidates work experience.
General HR consultant interview questions
Recruiters ask general HR consultant interview questions to get to know you personally, your goals and your values. These questions give interviewers insight into your personal life and whether your goals and values align with the companys mission and vision. Examples of general HR consultant questions include:
Tell me how you organise, plan and prioritise your work
Interviewers ask this question to determine whether you can handle large workloads and organise yourself with an effective system. They want to know how you respond to stressful situations in the workplace. This question challenges your ability to manage time, meet deadlines and set priorities. In your answer, mention strategies or software you use for organisation and their effectiveness.
Example: I stay organised using project management software to track weekly priorities and deadlines. I break down each project into smaller parts, which I find helpful in time management and deciding which tasks to prioritise that day. I usually start with priory tasks and do the rest as the day progresses. I also have a planner where I plan my approach to completing projects. Planning out strategies makes it easier for me to prioritise work depending on the deadline and urgency.
Describe your ideal company culture
Hiring managers ask this question to determine what you know about their companys culture and working environment. They want to establish whether you understand the positions responsibilities and their business process. Focus your answer on your values and ideal work environment and how they tie in with those of the company.
Example: My ideal company culture encourages both team and individual work. I love working with my team members to complete a task that helps the company run operations smoothly. I also appreciate working independently on projects, as this helps test my skill set and how far I can go on my own. I know your company emphasises teamwork and the ability of each member to contribute equally. I believe I can contribute my skills to a group of professionals who understand the value of both team and individual work.
Disclaimer: The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.
Direct the interview towards case questions or actual case studies. Great human resources candidates can employ a structured and critical thought process and explain how they reach conclusions. They should demonstrate deep theoretical knowledge and strategic acumen. Ask about past jobs too. Unless hiring for junior positions, you’ll want someone with hands-on experience on solving HR issues as well as coaching clients in various topics. Project management, excellent communication and relationship building skills are all critical.
These HR Consultant interview questions can assist you in designing an effective interview process. Ask questions that will help you assess your candidates for a human resources consultant. Similar titles include HR Business Partner, Employee Relations Consultant, Staffing Consultant, or Recruitment Consultant.
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When a major HR problem arises, what is your first reaction?
When things go south in the workplace, the HR professional is often the first place a company will look for answers. To get a feel for how you handle problems within the workplace as an HR Consultant, your interview will be looking to hear that you have your emotions under control and that you are ready to step into action at any given moment. Your job is people, and people are unpredictable. Your interviewer also wants to hear that your reactions to problems reflect maturity and professionalism. Demonstrate that you take a systematic approach to problem-solving rather than react impulsively when an HR-related problem occurs.
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 31st, 2021
“My first inclination in the event of a major problem is to roll up my sleeves and jump in to fix it or help mitigate some of the potential blow out. This initial reaction is especially true when the problem involves an employees wellbeing, or if there is a risk of harassment or a confidentiality breach.”
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 31st, 2021
“When a major problem arises, my first instinct is to jump in and fix the issue. I am a doer and also think in a reverse-engineering manner. I start with the desired result and work my way backward, figuring out where the roadblock initially occurred. After this initial reaction, I work closely with others in a team effort to get things figured out.”
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 31st, 2021
“I start by asking questions to slow the person down who is reporting the situation to me (they are often emotional). I am calm when I ask questions, but I respond with empathy to what I have heard. I speak slowly and tell them what I am hearing is important, and I want to get all the facts down, so I will take notes. If the person affected is reporting the situation to me, they often need to be taken care of before addressing the issue.”
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview CoachRachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Your method comes from a place of care, empathy, compassion, and understanding. Well done.
The below-given HR Consultant interview questions can help you in conducting a great interview. Ask questions that help you assess hard and soft skills required for the position. Similar designations include Recruitment Consultant, Staffing Consultant, Employee Relations Consultant and HR Business Partner. 
HR Consultants are responsible for planning and implementing initiatives to solve issues related to human capital and build a better workplace. They can work in consultancies or independently where they provide services on a project basis. A bachelor’s degree in HR is a must for this role. Master’s degree or a certification can be a plus. Most HR candidates will have experience of working as HR, but their specialization (like legal compliance, payroll, recruitment etc.) may differ. During the interview ask case questions or actual case studies. Great HR candidates can present a critical and structured thought process and tell how they reach conclusions. They should show strategic acumen and strong theoretical knowledge. Ask questions about their previous work experiences too. Unless hiring for a junior profile, you will want an experienced candidate who can solve HR issues. Excellent communication skills, relationship building skills, and project management are all important.
FAQ
How do I prepare for an HR consulting interview?
- Describe a time when you had to solve a problem with a tight deadline.
- Tell me about a time you produced a solution for a client that saved them money.
- Have you ever made a mistake during a project? …
- Talk about a time you provided an innovative solution when conventional approach failed.
What should I ask a HR consultant?
- How much experience do you have? …
- Who are some of your other clients? …
- What are your qualifications? …
- What services do you offer? …
- What is your approach to HR? …
- Will you be the only person working with me?
Why should we hire you as HR consultant?
