In this article, we explore some of the most common interview questions asked during a human resources coordinator interview along with some great answers to help you win the job.
Are you sitting comfortably? Let’s begin!
1. Tell me about your teamwork skills in relation to a HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR position?
Human resources coordinator’s have to play important roles in a team or group. Your ability in setting relationships with other team members should be appeared in your interview answers and you should mention your contribution into the success of the team.
2. What experience do you have when it comes to discussing our recently posted HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR position?
Answer tips:
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you know you do not have much experience in the job you are applying for, plan for this question ahead of time and ensure you can provide some relatable examples based on what you have done.
Almost all interviewers will appreciate confidence and pride in the work experience you have earned and your passion in transfering these valuable skills to your future role or position.
Answer sample
Ever since my first paper route at age 10 I’ve been doing something to keep myself busy and earn money. Back then, it was obviously about earning some spending money. What I didn’t realize was that I was actually starting the journey of establishing what I liked to do and how I fit in to the grand scheme of things. I then worked as a junior computer tech in my last 2 summers of high school. It was here that I discovered what I was passionate about and what I wanted to do. I enrolled in college to get my degree in computer sciences, and I have been working around technology ever since.
3. Our field is always changing. As such, what have you done with regards to personal development when it comes to a HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR POSITION in the last 12 months?
Answer tips:
Here is an opportunity for you to showcase a wide variety of things you may have done both personally and professionally that will get your potential employers interested. Be sure to think about this one in advance in the event that it comes up.
Keep in mind, one of the key things that employers look for is an applicant who is self motivated and goal oriented.
Even if you don’t have something that is specific to the role you are applying for, don’t be afraid to list hobbies or other non-work related activities here. Again, this shows your employer you are the go-getter they are looking for.
In the end, you want to ensure that you are leaving your interviewer with the impression that you are motivated, self sufficient, and manage your time effectively.
Answer samples
That is a really great question. While I haven’t had the opportunity to develop within this particular role per se, I have actually become very involved in my local foodbank this year. This has taught me a great deal about community, teamwork, and taking initiative.
I took it upon myself to enroll in a summer business admin course at the local community college. Through this, I picked up some really great knowledge on communication and teamwork, as well as further develop overall managerial skills. Though it may not be directly applicable to this particular job, I believe the overall experience I gained could be a real asset here.
4. Tell me about yourself
In polling hundreds of different companies & HR departments, this is by far one of the most frequently asked questions in any job interview. Your interviewer will use this as an icebreaker, ideally to put you at ease and get you speaking openly and honestly.
While you definitely want to be prepared for this question, you certainly don’t want to make your answer sound memorized. Keep in mind, while this question may sound like an invitation to share your life story, you can be assured your interviewer has very little interest in hearing about everything you’ve ever done.
The person giving the interview has a job to do as well – respect their time. Unless you are asked about something specific, focus on your education, your work history, relatable hobbies and outside interests, as well as your current situation.
Be sure to start chronologically and tell a linear story. Start where you feel is sensical, then work your way up to the present.
5. I like what I’m hearing but we’ve got a ton of great candidates. Why should we hire you?
An easy question to answer well with one caveat – don’t slam your fellow interviewee’s. On the one hand, you have an opportunity to really stand out from the pack. Alternatively, You shouldn’t assume the skills of other applicants. Focus on your own strengths, and if the interviewer hasn’t given you an opportunity to mention that one “slam dunk” quality about yourself, now would be the time.
Is there a wrong way to answer this question? Consider the responses below:
- “I really need a job right now”
- “I need the money”
- “Your office is really close to my house”
- “I’ve always been interested in what you guys do”
Notice any commonality here? All of these answers demonstrate a benefit to you. While every employer assumes that these sorts of things play in on some level, these are not the reasons they are going to hire you.
In summation, clearly illustrate what in specific has made you a good employee, and how you envision yourself contributing to and benefiting the company.
6. I’m curious – how did you come to find out about our company and what do you know about us?
This can be a great way to stand out from other applicants and demonstrate initiative. Almost every company will have a website, Facebook page, Instagram account, or some sort of digital footprint. Spend a bit of time doing some online research:
- If they have a website, check out their “About us” or “Culture/Mission/Vision” pages.
- Who are some of the principal people who work there? Who are the founders?
- What sorts of things does this company care about? Do they donate to a particular cause or charity? Which one(s)?
- What are their core values? Which of their core values resonate with you?
- Has the company been in the news recently or have they won any awards (Social Media can be a great place to find this information).
While your interviewer won’t expect you to have in-depth company history, a little here can go a long way.
7. I don’t expect you to go into too much detail – but why are you leaving your last job?
An innocent question. But a question that if answered improperly, can be a deal breaker. While many individuals will be looking to a new job as a means of increasing their salary, “not being paid well enough at your last job” is not something you want to mention to your interviewer. After all, are you not likely to leave this particular job if you found you could make more down the street?
If you’re currently employed and leaving of your own accord, craft your response around enhancing your career development and a seeking out of new challenges.
If your current employer is downsizing, be honest about it, remain positive, but keep it brief. If your employer fired you or let you go for cause, be prepared to give a brief – but honest – reply. No matter how tempting it may be, or how “unfair it was that they let you go” steer clear away from any and all drama and negativity. Any experienced employer understands that sometimes things happen. Staying positive is key here.
8. What are your strengths?
While this question is an invitation to do some chest pounding, remember to illustrate strengths that will benefit the employer and are relative to the position. For example:
- being a problem solver
- being a motivator
- being a natural leader
- the ability to perform under pressure
- a positive attitude
- loyalty
Are typically all solid strengths, but again, consider the position. For example, mentioning you are an excellent “team player” in a job where you largely work alone suddenly becomes irrelevant to the employer and demonstrates a genuine lack of self awareness.
Beyond this, present your strengths with confidence – this is not the time to be modest.
9. What are your weaknesses?
Another tricky one. The purpose of this question is to see how you view and evaluate yourself.
One the one hand, if you suggest you don’t have any weaknesses, your interviewer will almost certainly see you as a lair, egotistical, or both.
Don’t fall into the trap of trying to present a positive skill in disguise as a weakness, like “I work too hard” or “I am a perfectionist”. Any experienced interviewer will see through this in a heartbeat.
Additionally, revealing that “I’m not really a morning person and have been known to come in late” raises immediate and obvious red flags.
The trick here is to respond realistically by mentioning a small, work related weakness and what you are doing or have done to overcome it.
10. What do you see yourself doing in five years?
This one is all about job commitment.
Some people make job hopping a career in of itself, and your answer here can be telling. Here, your interviewer is determining if you are:
- someone who sets goals
- someone who has a vision
- someone who is reliable
- someone who demonstrates commitment
- someone who is loyal
While no interviewer expects someone to stay at a company forever, try and craft your response in such a way that shows progression in your career, and alignment with the Company’s needs and future. Again, self awareness is key – your employer doesn’t want to send you down an unwanted path, resulting in wasted time and energy for everyone.
11. What are your salary expectations?
Many consider this question to be a loaded gun – dangerous in the hands of the inexperienced. Often times, an interviewee will start talking salary before they’ve had an opportunity to illustrate their skill set and value making any sort of leverage valueless. Here, knowledge is power, as salary often comes down to negotiation. Do some research into your industry to establish base rates of pay based on seniority and demand but keep in mind – your employer is hiring you for what they believe you are worth, and how much benefit they feel you will provide.
One relatively safe approach is simply asking the interviewer about the salary range. If you wish to avoid the question entirely, respond by saying that “money isn’t a key factor” and your primary goal is to advance in your career.
12. Do you have any questions?
This one you can almost be assured will be asked, and you better have some ready.
By asking questions you demonstrate initiative, and show that you care enough about the job to have done some research. Ask questions that focus on areas where you can be an asset. Beyond this, other questions may be more direct including productivity, expectations, training, and other logistics. All this being said, try and limit the questions to no more than three or four.
Lastly you’ll want to ask about the next step in the process and when to expect to hear about the position.
Top job interview materials:
For more details, please click links below:
1. Top 10 job interview books
2. 10 things to do after every job interview
8 bonus tips for knocking it out of the park:
1. Background Research
As indicated above, research on the company you’re applying for is critically important. Arm yourself with knowledge on the products, services, and types of customers this company deals with. You may even want to let them know who you feel their competition is! Beyond trying to make yourself look good, researching the culture of the company can provide great insights into whether or not you and your potential employer are aligned.
2. Practice makes perfect
To be certain, interviews do not always follow the same format and each interviewer will have his or her own style. That said, there are certain questions you can expect to be asked in almost any interview for any position. By understanding and practicing responses for these “oldies but goodies”, you can show up to each interview that much more confident.
3. Have some examples ready
While many candidates tell their interviewer that they posses certain desirable qualities, the proof as they say, is in the pudding. Spend some time in advance of your interview coming up with concrete examples of prior work achievements and how they demonstrate a desired ability. Be prepared for the recruiter’s questions and to anticipate them based on job position requirements. Instead of simply saying “I am well organized”, trying attaching an example or strategy. “I am a well organized person - here is an example of a project I spear-headed where organization was clutch”. Looking for the slam dunk? Finish your response with “Did that help answer your question?”.
4. Dressing for Success
First impressions can make or break so many things in society, and your interviewer’s impression of you is no exception. Whether anyone is willing to admit to it or not, the reality is you will be judged from the moment you arrive at the door. This is where some of the aforementioned research comes into play. What is the culture of the company like? Are they a highly formal suit-and-tie affair, or a casual silicon valley “hipster” organization? If you under-dress, you can appear to be too relaxed, and someone who does not appear to be taking this position seriously. However, overdressing can be perceived as over compensation. When in doubt, dress sharp, in classic business casual.
5. Play it cool
Assuming you have done some practice, you are ready to play it cool - as well you should. Make sure you’ve planned out your route well in advance, and provided ample extra time for unexpected traffic and parking issues. You should smile when greeted, and keep in mind that your interviewer may be just as nervous as you. During the interview, speak clearly and deliberately. Your body language is also important; don’t slouch back in your chair or appear “hunched over” in a defensive position. Sit tall, proud, and confident.
6. Be honest
Some candidates think using elaborate techniques to “talk around” difficult questions keeps them in the power position. A much better approach is honesty. If you are asked a question and simply don’t believe you have well developed skills in that area, don’t be afraid to let the interviewer know, rather than answering with unrelated and tangential examples. Try taking control in these situations by saying something like “While I don’t have experience in that particular area, I feel my experience in this area may be beneficial”.
7. Don’t be afraid to close the deal
Once the interview is over, the likelihood is both you and the interviewer have a good idea of where one another stand. As you stand up post interview and engage in a final handshake, be upfront. Confidence here can go a long way. If you believe you nailed the interview, be bold: “I’m going to be straight with you - I think that went really well and I think I’d be a great asset here. Where do I stand as of now?”. Alternatively, if you don’t think it went well…you probably have your answer already.
8. Be sure to ask questions
Try and prepare 2 or 3 really great questions that imply you’ve done some homework in advance of the interview. You can really impress your interviewer by asking practical questions regarding specifics about the company as well as the role itself.
FAQs
How do I prepare for an HR coordinator interview? ›
- Questions About Why You Want to Work in HR. ...
- Questions About Your Job Search Overall. ...
- Questions About HR Coordinator Job Requirements. ...
- Questions About Your Communication Skills/Personality. ...
- Questions About How You Handle Deadlines.
The HR coordinator job requires you to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, for starters. Other than that, you need to have great decision-making, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
What are the 5 hardest interview questions and answers? ›- What is your greatest weakness?
- Why should we hire you?
- What's something that you didn't like about your last job?
- Why do you want this job?
- How do you deal with conflict with a co-worker?
- Here's an answer for you.
- Tell me about yourself.
- Walk me through your resume.
- How did you hear about this position?
- Why do you want to work at this company?
- Why do you want this job?
- Why should we hire you?
- What can you bring to the company?
- What are your greatest strengths?
Human Resources Coordinator jobs
Some of the most important hard skills a human resources coordinator can possess include experience with HRIS, ability to perform background checks, managing payroll, and data entry.
HR coordinators are mainly responsible for assisting HR managers with recruiting, employee record-keeping, and payroll processing. Some of their administrative duties include scheduling interviews, producing reports on HR activity, and planning workplace preparation sessions.
What do you say in Tell me about yourself? ›- Structure your answer in a way that makes sense. Stick to the past-present-future format, and you're all good!
- Keep it relevant and brief (1-2 minutes max). No one wants to hear your whole life story.
- Mention any of your top achievements and relevant work experiences.
The first thing you should do when answering “why should we hire you?” is to highlight any skills and professional experience that are relevant to the position you're applying for. To make your answer all the more valid, make sure to always back up everything you say with examples, experiences, and achievements.
Why should we hire you answer for human resources? ›“Over the years, I have acquired relevant skills and experience, which I shall bring to your organization. I have also worked tirelessly on my communication abilities and teamwork skills, which I will put to use in my future career, which would be in your organization if I am selected for the position.
What are the top 3 interview mistakes? ›- Being unprepared.
- Dressing inappropriately.
- Talking too much or not enough.
- Criticising previous employers or colleagues.
- Failing to ask questions.
What not to say in an interview? ›
- “So, Tell Me What You Do Around Here” ...
- “Ugh, My Last Company…” ...
- “I Didn't Get Along With My Boss” ...
- 4. “ ...
- “I'll Do Whatever” ...
- “I Know I Don't Have Much Experience, But...”
- What are your weaknesses? ...
- Why do you want to work here? ...
- Where do you see yourself in five years? ...
- Why do you want to leave your current company? ...
- Why is there a gap in your work history? ...
- Tell me about a time you made a mistake. ...
- What can you offer us that other candidates can't?
- Decide what you can do. Pinpoint which parts of the situation you have the power to change or influence for the better. ...
- Get support. Find someone to talk to about your situation. ...
- Care for yourself. Take especially good care of yourself when stress in your life is high.
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in working for this company?
- Tell me about your education.
- Why have you chosen this particular field?
- Describe your best/worst boss.
- In a job, what interests you most/least?
- What is your major weakness?
Tip. A 10-minute job interview should be compelling enough to reveal the candidate's motivation, personality and soft skills. For best results, ask open-ended and behavioral questions that challenge potential hires to demonstrate their thinking.
What are the 3 C's of HR? ›Three Cs to Improve Employee Retention: Compensation, Career Path, and Culture.
What are hard skills for HR coordinator? ›Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Working understanding of human resource principles, practices and procedures.
What are 4 skills that you need to work in human resources? ›- Organisation. Being organised is imperative to succeed in an HR role. ...
- Time management. Time management plays heavily into the organisational skills required of HR professionals. ...
- Communication. ...
- Confidentiality. ...
- Adaptability. ...
- Teamwork. ...
- Problem Solving. ...
- Leadership.
HR generalists typically have a broad range of responsibilities, including a supervisory role, while HR coordinators typically administer health and benefits plans and serve as liaisons between employees and insurance providers.
What are the 5 roles of HR? ›Human Resources manages 5 main duties: talent management, compensation and employee benefits, training and development, compliance, and workplace safety. An HR department can help provide organizational structure and the ability to meet business needs by effectively managing the employee lifecycle.
Why am I interested in this position? ›
“I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting/forward-thinking/fast-moving company/industry, and I feel I can do so by/with my …” “I feel my skills are particularly well-suited to this position because …” “I believe I have the type of knowledge to succeed in this role and at the company because …”
Can you tell me about yourself best answer? ›A simple formula for answering “Tell me about yourself”
Present: Talk a little bit about what your current role is, the scope of it, and perhaps a big recent accomplishment. Past: Tell the interviewer how you got there and/or mention previous experience that's relevant to the job and company you're applying for.
When answering, mention what your top strengths are, provide examples on how you've used them in the past, and finally, describe the results you've gotten. Be super specific with your answers. Don't just say “I'm good at X” - really dive deep and give the interviewer a comprehensive answer.
Why should I hire you best answer example? ›You should hire me because I pursue all the skills and programs which have been you are looking for and I am a quick learner as well. Because I am a good team member. That helps your organization. You should hire me because as I am a fresher I can learn many things and grow my career.
What can you bring to the company? ›- your enthusiasm for the profession and the employer and your desire to make your mark.
- your personal qualities, such as your drive and willingness to learn.
- the skills the employer seeks and how you have demonstrated them in the past – your answer should show why you would be competent in the job.
- 1) Avoid talking about what you're not.
- 2) Tell a story about yourself.
- 3) Allow yourself to be vulnerable.
- 4) Don't hide who you are.
- 5) Pose thoughtful questions to your hiring manager.
- meeting deadlines, targets or goals.
- mentoring and coaching others.
- learning new things.
- coming up with creative ideas to improve something, or make something new.
- analysing complex data in order to draw clear and simple conclusions.
- working well as part of a team.
- Leadership. Even in entry-level positions, most employers look for evidence of leadership qualities. ...
- Teamwork. ...
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills. ...
- Analytical Skills. ...
- Dependability and a Strong Work Ethic. ...
- Maturity and a Professional Attitude. ...
- Adaptability and Flexibility. ...
- Good Personality.
- Arriving Late. ...
- Jumping Into The Discussion Of Pay And Benefits. ...
- Answering Your Phone. ...
- Talking Badly About Your Previous Or Current Employer. ...
- Being Brief, Hiding From Questions, Or Talking Too Much. ...
- Not Asking Questions. ...
- Dressing Inappropriately. ...
- Being Unprepared.
The more familiar you are with the material you have prepared, the less nervous you'll feel. Get a friend, relative or trusted colleague to do some interview role-play with you. Choose someone you know will be supportive and kind, but also honest.
Is it OK to mess up an interview question? ›
However, messing up a job interview doesn't have to make you feel insecure. Be humbled by the experience. Recognise that you're human and it's okay to make mistakes. What's important is that you accept that you will be clumsy from time to time, yet you still keep pushing forward to get to where you want to be.
Is it OK to bring notes to an interview? ›While it is completely acceptable to bring notes to an interview, not everything is acceptable. Here are a few things which are acceptable to use in an interview: Important questions that you want to ask the interviewer about the role you have applied for, or something about the company and the nature of work.
What is a good weakness to tell interviewer? ›- Lack of Patience.
- Lack of Organization.
- Trouble with Delegation.
- Timidity.
- Lack of Tactfulness.
- Fear of Public Speaking.
- Weak Data Analysis Skills.
- Indecisiveness.
- Inexperience with specific software or a non-essential skill.
- Tendency to take on too much responsibility.
- Nervousness about public speaking.
- Hesitancy about delegating tasks.
- Discomfort taking big risks.
- Impatience with bureaucracies.
Yes, I can work under pressure, because it gives us the ability to do work. Pressure is one part of this life to overcome success you achieve anything.
Can you work under pressure and deal with deadlines? ›If I have a pressing deadline, I work to prioritize my most important tasks and get my work done. I find that being adaptable helps me handle pressure quite well. Another strategy I use is finding a positive mindset. I try to reframe every challenge as an opportunity.
What are 5 keys to interviewing? ›- 5 KEYS TO INTERVIEWS.
- Non Leading / Fair / Neutral.
- Provide opportunity to tell their story & what they remember.
- Solidify all details.
- Explore corroborating evidence.
- Be open & accommodating.
As a rule of thumb, it is recommended that you spend just 20% of your preparation time researching the company in question, and 80% of your time focusing on yourself and your relevant skills and experience.
How can I introduce myself in a minute in interview? ›- Dress Appropriately. ...
- Prepare What To Say. ...
- Begin By Greeting the Interviewer. ...
- Include Your Educational Qualifications. ...
- Elaborate on Professional Experience (if any) ...
- Mention Your Hobbies And Interests. ...
- Be Prepared For Follow Up Questions.
During an HR round, you can expect high-level, general questions about you, your past work experience, and your motive for looking for a new position. Expect to receive questions that allude to your aptitudes and competencies, but that don't go too in depth about role-specific responsibilities.
What are good questions to ask in an interview for an HR position? ›
- What do you like most about working here?
- How has this position changed over time?
- What does my potential team's role hierarchy look like? ...
- What are the main things HR does to assist the department I would be working for?
- What are you most excited about in this company's future?
Excellent communication skills, the ability to express your opinions diplomatically, and patience are key skills in this role. You might answer something like this: “As an HR professional, I would demonstrate that I'm a team player and work in line with my business leaders by communicating effectively at all levels.
What are 3 good interview questions and answers? ›- Tell me something about yourself.
- How did you hear about this position?
- Why do you want to work here?
- Why did you decide to apply for this position?
- What is your greatest strength?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What do you know about this company/organization?
- Decide what you can do. Pinpoint which parts of the situation you have the power to change or influence for the better. ...
- Get support. Find someone to talk to about your situation. ...
- Care for yourself. Take especially good care of yourself when stress in your life is high.
Your skills and qualifications. If you can prove that you've got all the skills that the company is looking for in a candidate, you'll have effectively answered the question. Your passion and motivation. You can highlight how good of a company fit you'd be and how much you love working in your field or industry.
How to pass HR interview? ›- Research the company you're interviewing with. ...
- Research the person who is interviewing you. ...
- Carefully read the job description and understand every point, as well as how your own skills fulfil all the requirements. ...
- Review your CV and be prepare to answer questions about it, as well.
- What do you personally like most about working for this organisation? ...
- How would you describe your organisation's culture? ...
- Can you tell me about the kind of supervision you provide? ...
- What have past employees done to succeed in this position?
- Foster relationships with colleagues. ...
- Communication is key. ...
- Learn to listen to coworkers. ...
- Act and react objectively in the workplace. ...
- Identify recurring conflict situations.
- Prepare What to Say. An interview always starts with an introduction. ...
- Research the Company and Interviewers. ...
- Dress Appropriately. ...
- Be Logical and Clear. ...
- Be Genuine and Sincere. ...
- Be Aware of Body Language. ...
- Maintain Eye Contact. ...
- Always Act Professionally.