What Are 3 Things HR Looks For In An Interview?
Congratulations on your coming-up job interview, this is a huge step and means a recruiter saw something in you that would like to see closer during a meeting.
If you want to prepare for your interview, this post might interest you. Keep on reading to learn about the top things HR looks for in an interview that can help you make a great first impression and, hopefully, land the job.
What Is An HR Interview?
An HR interview is a part of your job application process where you’ll be called in for an interview with someone from the human resources department.
The interviewer will ask you questions regarding your CV, such as your work experience, skills, abilities, your goals with this position as well as why you chose the company.
Some topics that are generally discussed in an HR job interview include your expected salary, the reason behind your job search, how you work around people (if you’re a team person or not), how you manage conflict or complicated situations at work and with your coworkers, and more.
When you go in for a job interview with HR, you can learn more about the company’s work method, the expected work hours, and key information about your employment, such as leaves for maternity/paternity, sick days, extra hours, etc.
If you’ve been called in for an HR interview, congratulations, your CV passed the round and recruiters would like to talk to you in person to determine whether you continue the hiring process or not.
After your HR interview, you can ask for brief feedback if you want, which is highly recommended and well-looked at.
Things That HR Looks For In An Interview
Now that we’ve explained what a job interview with HR is, it is time to talk about the top 3 things HR looks for in said interview, that way you can start preparing for possible questions and try your best to make a great first impression.
1. Preparation
Hiring managers look for people who come to the interview prepared, that is, bringing multiple copies of your resume and important documents, as well as with your abilities, skills, and work experience memorized.
Apart from this, you should have some background information about the company on the top of your head. Knowing where you’re applying to is a major part of HR, and they can ask about the latest news on the company, what’s your opinion on their newest partnership, and more.
2. Curiosity
Curiosity is a big part of your HR job interview that can make them interested in you or not. At the end of the interview, you’re encouraged to ask any questions regarding the topics discussed or any other inquiry you might have, therefore having in mind some questions is crucial.
To give you some examples of questions HR loves applicants to ask, check out the following list.
- What challenges can the person who fills this role await immediately after being hired?
- What are you looking for in an ideal candidate?
- Why are you looking to fulfill this position?
3. Behaviour
From the moment you step into the building, you’re being watched, or at least you should think of it like that. From greeting the front desk to the HR’s secretaries, your behavior says a lot about you and how you treat other people, which is key for hiring managers. Make sure to have professional and friendly behavior until you leave the building.
Being polite with everyone, not just the recruiter, will allow people to see you as a cooperative person that is nice to have around, which is surely a quality of a likely-to-be-hired individual.
Job Interview Tips You Need To Know
Job interviews are an essential part of the selection process, and will determine if you’re suitable for a specific role or not. It is normal to be nervous for a job interview, which is why we gathered the top tips for passing your interview with flying colors.
- Tell the truth. This is a major tip (that shouldn’t be a tip at all) that many people tend to overpass. Lying or exaggerating information will only end up coming back at you, and completely throw away your chances of getting hired.
Plus, hiring managers have a wide network where they can share this trait with other recruiters from other companies, destroying any possible chance of getting a job in related fields.
- Be on time. Get to the interview 10-15 minutes early, thus most hiring managers will already be prepared. Showing up on time is not entering the building 3 minutes before your appointment, and if you do this you’re already starting on not-very-good terms.
Unless you had a complication that can be explained (and believed), know that being late will be a bit hard to forget for the recruiter.
- Ask what’s next. After your interview, feel free to ask the recruiter what the next step in the hiring process is, but don’t get into too much detail. Simply thank them for their time, affirm you’re very interested in the position, and that you’ll be keeping a close eye on your email for any news.
Final Words
In this post, we talked about the top 3 things HR looks for in an interview and some great tips for your meeting with a recruiter.
There’s no secret formula to getting hired or having the best interview on the planet, but there are a few suggestions we recommend you have in mind to remain calm, friendly, and professional.
In the end, it is not just about going to an interview hoping to land the role, but rather getting people to know you and making an impact with what you say and can bring to the table. If a hiring manager likes you but doesn’t have an open position for you at the moment, they can recommend another job or company they know that you’ll make a great fit.