Share an experience in which one of these methods helped you find a great employee. Tell me about your last experience recruiting, interviewing, or hiring an employee. What techniques did you find most effective in finding the right person for the job?
If you want to ace your next HR Specialist job interview, it’s important to anticipate the type of questions recruiters and hiring managers will ask. Doing so can help you craft responses that highlight your skills and experience to match the job description and improve your chances of being hired.
In this article, we’ve listed the 60 common HR Specialist interview questions you need to know, plus tips on answering them.
Of course, the interview questions will depend on the area of HR you specialize in, for example, recruitment, training & development, or compensation & benefits. Below, you’ll find sample questions from different areas of HR.
Role-specific interview questions are designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to perform the job’s duties against the skill set needed to handle the role effectively.
I applied through other source. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at State of California in Jul 2014
Interview
I sent a resume and application. I was called in for an interview about two weeks later. The interview was very easy. I was interviewed by two people. It consisted of 6 questions. I was handed a list of the questions to look at. I could look ahead at the upcoming questions while they were writing down my answers.
Interview Questions
None of them were unexpected. They asked about computer experience, what to do if I was asked to provide confidention information to someone not authorized to have it.
Personnel Specialist Interview
Application
I applied online. I interviewed at State of California
Interview
Applied online via portalReceived email with date and time of phone interviewReplied confirming interview date and timeWas emailed documents to sign authorization to contact references (current and former supervisors) Phone interview3 group panel6 questions20 minutes to answerOption to skip and return to questions if needed
Interview Questions
*Tell us about your Hr experience*Why should we hire you?*An employee overheard a colleagues wage rate is much higher than his and is extremely upset. How will you explain this to the upset employee? *What agencies have you worked for to prepare you for the role?*Name 4 things that help you not disclose confidential information*How do you prioritize your daily duties?
Example: “I took a continuing education course on employment law last year, which helped me understand some of the most common issues that arise in my current role as a personnel specialist. I also regularly read articles from HR publications and subscribe to newsletters from professional organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management. These resources help me stay informed about new developments in employment law.”
If you’re interested in becoming a personnel specialist, you’ll need to have strong administrative skills and knowledge of human resources practices. You’ll also need to be able to effectively communicate with people, both verbally and in writing. During a job interview, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase these skills and demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the job. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of common personnel specialist interview questions and answers.
The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the legal requirements that apply to personnel specialists. Your answer should demonstrate that you understand these regulations and can comply with them in your work. If you are unfamiliar with any laws or regulations, consider researching them before your interview so you can discuss them confidently.
This question can help the interviewer determine how often you update your files and whether you do it in a timely manner. It also helps them understand if you have experience with updating large amounts of information at once. Your answer should include when you update personnel files, what you update and how often you do so.
Example: “I believe I am an ideal candidate for this position because of my extensive background in human resources. Throughout my career, I’ve worked as both a recruiter and a talent acquisition specialist, which has given me valuable insight into the hiring process. In my previous roles, I’ve helped companies hire thousands of employees, so I know what it takes to find the right person for the job.”
Human Resources Specialist Job Interview Questions & Answers
During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:
Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.
Top 10 personnel specialist interview questions and answers
1. Top 10 personnel specialist interview questions and answers In this file, you can ref interview materials for personnel specialist such as types of interview questions, personnel specialist situational interview, personnel specialist behavioral interview… Other useful materials for personnel specialist interview: • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-80-interview-questions-and-answers • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-top-18-secrets-to-win-every-job-interviews • topinterviewquestions.info/13-types-of-interview-questions-and-how-to-face-them • topinterviewquestions.info/job-interview-checklist-40-points • topinterviewquestions.info/top-8-interview-thank-you-letter-samples • topinterviewquestions.info/free-21-cover-letter-samples • topinterviewquestions.info/free-24-resume-samples • topinterviewquestions.info/top-15-ways-to-search-new-jobs Useful materials: • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-80-interview-questions-and-answers • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-top-18-secrets-to-win-every-job-interviews
2. 1. Why do you want this personnel specialist job? Again, companies want to hire people who are passionate about the job, so you should have a great answer about why you want the position. (And if you dont? You probably should apply elsewhere.) First, identify a couple of key factors that make the role a great fit for you (e.g., “I love customer support because I love the constant human interaction and the satisfaction that comes from helping someone solve a problem”), then share why you love the company (e.g., “I’ve always been passionate about education, and I think you guys are doing great things, so I want to be a part of it”). Useful materials: • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-80-interview-questions-and-answers • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-top-18-secrets-to-win-every-job-interviews
3. 2. What have you learned from mistakes on the personnel specialist job? Candidates without specific examples often do not seem credible. However, the example shared should be fairly inconsequential, unintentional, and a learned lesson should be gleaned from it. Moving ahead without group assistance while assigned to a group project meant to be collaborative is a good example. Useful materials: • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-80-interview-questions-and-answers • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-top-18-secrets-to-win-every-job-interviews
4. 3. What challenges are you looking for in this personnel specialist position? A typical interview question to determine what you are looking for your in next job, and whether you would be a good fit for the position being hired for, is “What challenges are you looking for in a position?” The best way to answer questions about the challenges you are seeking is to discuss how you would like to be able to effectively utilize your skills and experience if you were hired for the job. You can also mention that you are motivated by challenges, have the ability to effectively meet challenges, and have the flexibility and skills necessary to handle a challenging job. You can continue by describing specific examples of challenges you have met and goals you have achieved in the past. Useful materials: • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-80-interview-questions-and-answers • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-top-18-secrets-to-win-every-job-interviews
5. 4. Describe a typical work week for personnel specialist position? Interviewers expect a candidate for employment to discuss what they do while they are working in detail. Before you answer, consider the position you are applying for and how your current or past positions relate to it. The more you can connect your past experience with the job opening, the more successful you will be at answering the questions. It should be obvious that its not a good idea talk about non-work related activities that you do on company time, but, Ive had applicants tell me how they are often late because they have to drive a child to school or like to take a long lunch break to work at the gym. Keep your answers focused on work and show the interviewer that youre organized (“The first thing I do on Monday morning is check my voicemail and email, then I prioritize my activities for the week.”) and efficient. Useful materials: • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-80-interview-questions-and-answers • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-top-18-secrets-to-win-every-job-interviews
6. 5. What is your biggest weakness? No one likes to answer this question because it requires a very delicate balance. You simply can’t lie and say you don’t have one; you can’t trick the interviewer by offering up a personal weakness that is really a strength (“Sometimes, I work too much and don’t maintain a work-life balance.”); and you shouldn’t be so honest that you throw yourself under the bus (“I’m not a morning person so I’m working on getting to the office on time.”) Think of a small flaw like “I sometimes get sidetracked by small details”, “I am occasionally not as patient as I should be with subordinates or co-workers who do not understand my ideas”, or “I am still somewhat nervous and uncomfortable with my public-speaking skills and would like to give more presentations and talk in front of others or in meetings.” Add that you are aware of the problem and you are doing your best to correct it by taking a course of action. Useful materials: • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-80-interview-questions-and-answers • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-top-18-secrets-to-win-every-job-interviews
7. 6. Why should the we hire you as personnel specialist position? This is the part where you link your skills, experience, education and your personality to the job itself. This is why you need to be utterly familiar with the job description as well as the company culture. Remember though, it’s best to back them up with actual examples of say, how you are a good team player. It is possible that you may not have as much skills, experience or qualifications as the other candidates. What then, will set you apart from the rest? Energy and passion might. People are attracted to someone who is charismatic, who show immense amount of energy when they talk, and who love what it is that they do. As you explain your compatibility with the job and company, be sure to portray yourself as that motivated, confident and energetic person, ever- ready to commit to the cause of the company. Useful materials: • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-80-interview-questions-and-answers • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-top-18-secrets-to-win-every-job-interviews
8. 7. What do you know about our company? Follow these three easy research tips before your next job interview: 1) Visit the company website; look in the “about us” section and “careers” sections 2) Visit the company’s LinkedIn page (note, you must have a LinkedIn account — its free to sign up) to view information about the company 3) Google a keyword search phrase like “press releases” followed by the company name; you’ll find the most recent news stories shared by the company Remember, just because you have done your “homework”, it does not mean you need to share ALL of it during the interview! Reciting every fact you’ve learned is almost as much of a turn off as not knowing anything at all! At a minimum, you should include the following in your answer: 1. What type of product or service the company sells 2. How long the company has been in business 3. What the company culture is like OR what the company mission statement is, and how the culture and/or mission relate to your values or personality Useful materials: • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-80-interview-questions-and-answers • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-top-18-secrets-to-win-every-job-interviews
9. 8. Why do you want to work with us? More likely than not, the interviewer wishes to see how much you know about the company culture, and whether you can identify with the organization’s values and vision. Every organization has its strong points, and these are the ones that you should highlight in your answer. For example, if the company emphasizes on integrity with customers, then you mention that you would like to be in such a team because you yourself believe in integrity. It doesn’t have to be a lie. In the case that your values are not in line with the ones by the company, ask yourself if you would be happy working there. If you have no issue with that, go ahead. But if you are aware of the company culture and realize that there is some dilemma you might be facing, you ought to think twice. The best policy is to be honest with yourself, and be honest with the interviewer with what is it in the company culture that motivates you. Useful materials: • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-80-interview-questions-and-answers • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-top-18-secrets-to-win-every-job-interviews
10. 9. Did the salary we offer attract you to this personnel specialist job? The interviewer could be asking you this question for a number of reasons. Obviously, the salary is an important factor to your interest in this job, but it should not be the overriding reason for your interest. A good answer to this question is, “The salary was very attractive, but the job itself is what was most attractive to me.” Useful materials: • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-80-interview-questions-and-answers • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-top-18-secrets-to-win-every-job-interviews
11. 10. Do you have any questions to ask us? Never ask Salary, perks, leave, place of posting, etc. regarded questions. Try to ask more about the company to show how early you can make a contribution to your organization like “Sir, with your kind permission I would like to know more about induction and developmental programs?” OR Sir, I would like to have my feedback, so that I can analyze and improve my strengths and rectify my shortcomings. Useful materials: • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-80-interview-questions-and-answers • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-top-18-secrets-to-win-every-job-interviews
16. Other interview tips for personnel specialist interview 1. Practice types of job interview such as screening interview, phone interview, second interview, situational interview, behavioral interview (competency based), technical interview, group interview… 2. Send interview thank you letter to employers after finishing the job interview: first interview, follow-up interview, final interview. 3. If you want more interview questions for entry- level, internship, freshers, experienced candidates, you can ref free ebook: 75 interview questions and answers. 4. Prepare list of questions in order to ask the employer during job interview. 5. Note: This file is available for free download. Useful materials: • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-80-interview-questions-and-answers • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-top-18-secrets-to-win-every-job-interviews
17. Fields related to personnel specialist career: The above job description can be used for fields as: Construction, manufacturing, healthcare, non profit, advertising, agile, architecture, automotive, agency, budget, building, business development, consulting, communication, clinical research, design, software development, product development, interior design, web development, engineering, education, events, electrical, exhibition, energy, ngo, finance, fashion, green card, oil gas, hospital, it, marketing, media, mining, nhs, non technical, oil and gas, offshore, pharmaceutical, real estate, retail, research, human resources, telecommunications, technology, technical, senior, digital, software, web, clinical, hr, infrastructure, business, erp, creative, ict, hvac, sales, quality management, uk, implementation, network, operations, architectural, environmental, crm, website, interactive, security, supply chain, logistics, training, project management, administrative management… The above interview questions also can be used for job title levels: entry level personnel specialist, junior personnel specialist, senior personnel specialist, personnel specialist assistant, personnel specialist associate, personnel specialist administrator, personnel specialist clerk, personnel specialist coordinator, personnel specialist consultant, personnel specialist controller, personnel specialist director, personnel specialist engineer, personnel specialist executive, personnel specialist leader, personnel specialist manager, personnel specialist officer, personnel specialist specialist, personnel specialist supervisor, VP personnel specialist… Useful materials: • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-80-interview-questions-and-answers • topinterviewquestions.info/free-ebook-top-18-secrets-to-win-every-job-interviews
FAQ
What does a personnel specialist do?
The job of the Personnel Specialist is done for the purpose of overseeing updating employee and applicant data, maintaining employee status records, providing information to a variety of internal departments and outside agencies, processing of district/state/federal reports, and monitoring assigned programs and …
What are the 5 Ps of interview preparation?
Don’t show up to an interview disorganized or disinterested. Employers are tired of it. …
First, prepare. …
Next, practice. …
Be professional. …
Always participate. …
Finally, infuse passion and personality.
What do the 3 P’s of Interviewing stand for?
Preparation, Practice & Positivity – the 3p’s of interviews.
