We have put together the top 10 most common interview questions to ask candidates at HR Manager or HR Director level and some of the things to look out for in the answers.
Q1: How do you create a positive work environment for employees?
The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's interpersonal skills and ability to contribute to a positive work environment. What to look for in an answer:
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to create and uphold a positive work environment
Willingness to prioritise employee well-being
Q2: What do you do to promote diversity at work?
The aim of this question is to assess whether the candidate values diversity in the workplace and is willing to uphold your company's brand. What to look for in an answer:
Ability to promote diversity at work
Experience building a diverse team
Q3: What are the top HR risks companies can face and how do you minimize them?
The aim of this question is to test the candidate's technical knowledge and ability to assess and minimize risks. What to look for in an answer:
Ability to list common HR risks companies face
Willing to minimize risks for your company
In-depth industry knowledge
Q4: Do you prioritise business goals or HR strategies in your work?
The aim of this question is to test the candidate's technical knowledge and understanding that HR strategies will only be successful if they support the company's goals. What to look for in an answer:
In-depth industry knowledge
Experience in a similar role
Ability to consider business goals when implementing HR strategies
Q5: How do you handle conflict between two employees?
The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's conflict resolution skills. What to look for in an answer:
Ability to resolve conflict professionally
Experience acting as a mediator
Strong problem-solving and communication skills
Q6: What policy did you implement at your previous company that you are most proud of?
The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's experience and ability to implement successful policies. What to look for in an answer:
Proven success in a similar role
Pride in their work
Ability to create and implement successful policies
Q7: How would you describe your leadership style?
The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's management style to determine if they would be a good fit for your team. What to look for in an answer:
Knowledge of different management styles
Established management style
Willingness to adapt their management style if necessary
Q8: What would you do if you noticed we had a high employee turnover rate?
The aim of this question is to test the candidate's technical knowledge and ability to lower the turnover rate at your company. What to look for in an answer:
Proven success in lowering turnover rates
Experience in a similar role
Strong ideas for lowering turnover rates
Q9: Can you explain company culture and its importance?
The aim of this question is to test the candidate's industry knowledge and understanding of company culture. What to look for in an answer:
Understanding of company culture
Knowledge of why positive company culture is important
Willing to contribute to a positive company culture
Q10: What HR software do you have experience with?
The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's experience with the HR software you use. It also lets you know if they'll need further training to use the software you prefer. What to look for in an answer:
Experience using the same HR software as you
Ability to learn how to use new software
Knowledge of common HR software and what it's used for