Behavioral Human Resources Interview Questions and Answers

Sample human resources interview questions you can expect to be asked in your HR job interview. These can be used for the HR manager interview or for a generalist human resources job interview.

In the human resources sector behavioral interview questions are standard so prepare for competency-based and situational interview questions that explore the core abilities regarded as essential in a HR professional.

Use the answer guidelines to prepare your own winning interview answers and get the HR job you want.

Behavioral Interview Questions and Answers for Human Resources Positions

1. Tell me about a recent experience you had handling a grievance issue.

This behavioral HR interview question explores your ability to manage conflict and evaluates your communication skills. In your example focus on:

• the behavioral process you used to deal with the grievance issue
• what methods you used to uncover the cause of the grievance
• clarifying the different perspectives of the parties concerned
• looking for a constructive solution
  
• monitoring future behavior

2. Tell me about a recent situation where you had to counsel an employee on discipline.

Human resources interview questions about:

• performance management
• employee relations

explore your ability to analyze problems in order to effectively manage employee relations and intervene appropriately.

Counseling means talking to the employee and arriving at a solution within the framework of accepted disciplinary procedures.

Focus on your ability to go beyond just following procedure to gather all the relevant information to identify underlying issues and problems and identify cause and effect relationships.

Communication skills interview questions

3. What steps have you taken to improve the organization's recruitment and selection procedures?

This question looks at your ability to influence, innovate and take the initiative. Show how you are a self-starter who proactively generates and implements ideas for improvement.

Use this as an opportunity to mention other recommendations you have made to improve the HR function within the organization.

4. Describe a significant Human Resources challenge that you were confronted with recently? What steps did you take?

The interviewer is looking for evidence of your ability to gather and organize information in order to understand and solve a problem.

Focus on how you secured all the relevant information  and analyzed it to come up with a possible solution.

Problem-solving behavioral interview questions

5. Describe a situation where confidential information was shared inappropriately within the organization.

Confidentiality and integrity are core to the job of an HR professional. Maintaining and promoting confidentiality and ethical norms are essential activities.

6. Give me an example of a major organizational change that you contributed to.

These human resources interview questions explore your organizational awareness and your ability to identify potential organizational problems and opportunities from an HR perspective.

Focus on your interaction with a wide range of people in the organization and your ability to stay in touch with what is happening at all levels in the organization.

General Human Resources Interview Questions

What recent changes have you had to implement with regard to Human Resources management in the organization?

What training programs have you been responsible for?

Take me briefly through your employee orientation program.

Tell us about a performance review program that you have introduced.

Outline the Human Resource information systems you use.

What HR policies and procedures have you developed and implemented?

What HR software are your familiar with?

Skills-Based HR Interview Questions

Go to frequently asked skills-based and technical  human resources interview questions with sample answers and be well prepared for your job interview.

Good Questions to Ask the Employer

Asking the right questions in your interview is essential to making a good impression.

Know the good interview questions to ask the interviewer about the job opportunity.

Human resources is a key function of a successful organization. Prepare a list of good questions to ask about the organization.

Readers also liked...

Trainer Interview Questions

HR Skills Based Interview Questions

Human Resources Job Applications

Human Resources Assistant Job Description

Employee Relations Manager Job Description

To Top of Page