People centric

5 Tips to Help You Prepare for an HR Interview

Whether you are an active job seeker or a passive talent who wouldn’t mind keeping up with the
market trends, needs, and requirements, you should always aim to grasp how companies
choose their employees.

Being in the loop is paramount, and that’s why you should know how to prepare for an HR
interview. Surely, tech talents are usually more focused on the hard skills and showcasing their
vast experience.

And while employers are keen on attracting and welcoming expert candidates, soft skills and
HR interviews both play significant roles in the process, so don’t neglect them. Keep reading to
learn how to nail your next job interview.

Each Stage of an HR Interview is Equally Important

HR professionals have some major responsibilities. One of them is preparing HR interview
questions with a distinct purpose. And although most interviewers tend to standardize
screenings, the best ones personalize their approach along the way.

Namely, face-to-face or online meetings can help companies get to know their potential
employees. That way, employers can learn more about their candidates’ strengths, pain points,
motivation, goals, background, key competencies, etc.

Now let’s take a look at what you should do prior to an HR interview.

What Should I Prepare for an HR Interview?

Before you start googling interview questions, start by researching the company and its
requirements. Besides your skill level, every reputable firm is also interested in your skillset
and motivators. These are often more important than tech skills as they can make a long-term
difference.

Here’s where to start:

  • Research the company
  • Learn about its company culture and values
  • Communicate your interest in the organization
  • Come up with a set of questions
  • Stay focused, honest, and transparent

Once you master these simple tasks, you will outdo your previous job-hunting achievements.
Start on time, and don’t skip any of these crucial steps. Now let’s talk about research.

Do the Research

Pre-interview canvassing can be very powerful. It helps you understand a job and improve your
performance. There are times when the employer looks great on paper, but the job doesn’t match your needs and plans. That’s why you need to pay close attention to the company’s
website.

Focus on its ongoing projects and read the mission statement. Once you get to understand what
the company is all about, expand your job search by taking a closer look at its social media
pages. This will give you a glimpse into the company’s culture.

It’s also helpful to read reviews from former employees and candidates. The era of online
reputation management grants you the ability to find out more about a company before taking
the leap of faith.

Here’s what you can do beforehand:

  • Explore the employee and candidate experience
  • Learn about every strong suit the organization has
  • Check out the online community the brand has built
  • Find out if the company’s financially stable and sustainable
  • Compare its perks with similar employers
  • Don’t ignore any red flags

If you do the initial research, the lengthy and complicated hiring process will pay off. You can
also expand your research by looking at the company’s culture.

Learn About the Company’s Culture and Values

A brand focused on maintaining a healthy and transparent culture will document and share its
progress and accomplishments along the way. Follow the company on social media to get an
idea of how it operates.

However, the gold or blue dress paradox taught us not to believe everything we see online.
That’s why it helps to consult relevant people from your network. Remember, good news travels
fast, but bad news travels way faster.

Get Personal and Speak Your Mind

Do cold calls and unsolicited emails give you the chills? If so, then you’re aware of the
downsides of impersonal communication. Give the company’s representatives enough material
to know and remember you.

Although most interviewers prepare a set of questions, they usually won’t hesitate to engage in
a lighter conversation. Candidates can go by a similar rule. Connect the dots and show how
your goals and aspirations match the company’s aims.

If you don’t believe it yourself, don’t even try to sell the story. The odds are you might pass to
the next stage, but you won’t stick around for long. However, once you see you could truly be a
part of the team, try to make them see it too.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

At some point, the interviewer may ask if you have any questions. That’s a great opportunity to
obtain some valuable insights and score bonus points. At Nul Tien, candidates are encouraged
to ask about anything they deem relevant.

Here are some ideas:

  • Team and project — Ask about team size and structure, as well as the length of the
    project you’ll be working on.
  • Onboarding process — Ask about what it’s like, how long it lasts, and what is expected
    of new hires during onboarding.
  • Development and training — Find out about how the company invests in its
    employees. Ask if it offers a training program and any opportunities for career
    advancement.
  • Company culture and values — Ask about anything related to corporate culture and
    values.
  • Other questions — You can ask about the work schedule, whether you can work
    remotely or not, benefits, etc.

Be Honest

Honesty helps both sides truly understand each other and see if they’re compatible. Lying on
your resume won’t get you far, and it may shatter your reputation. The same goes for the
screening and interviewing processes. Don’t make the truth better or brighter than it is. Many employers will hire you despite your lack of a certain skill. You just need the right mindset and a go-getter attitude.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional things to have in mind during a job interview:

  • Arrive on time — Always respect other people’s time, and let them know if you are
    going to be late.
  • Be attentive — Listen carefully to what the interviewer has to say to avoid unnecessary
    repetition.
  • Keep it polite — Good manners will leave a lasting impression on the employer.
  • Stay professional — Don’t overshare and focus on the role.

Land Your Dream Job

Hopefully, you have a better understanding of what you should or shouldn’t do during an HR
interview. The above tips can help you reach your goals, so stick to the proven practices, and
learn as much as you can about your potential employer. Check out the company’s website, social media pages, reviews, etc. Talk to relevant people in your network and seek professional advice. Expect honesty and transparency, and never settle for less. However, always practice what you preach, and keep your objectives aligned.