Top Payroll Specialist Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Payroll Specialist interview by going through these most asked Payroll Specialist interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: What are your career goals?
  • Question Overview: The interviewer will use this question to determine the applicant's career aspirations. The response will give the interviewer an idea of how well the applicant will fit into the company. The candidate should discuss their goals in relation to the position they are applying for. Their answer will also show the interviewer that they have a plan for their future.

    Sample Answer: My focus would be to familiarize myself with the procedures. I'd organize my tasks to ensure that my work is submitted correctly and on time.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Shows the ability to quickly adapt to procedures
    • - Organization and time management skills

  • Question: What are your weaknesses?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine how the applicant will handle criticism. The interviewer will want to know if the applicant has any weaknesses that could affect their performance in the workplace. The applicant should be honest and provide a weakness that is not related to the job.

    Sample Answer: I sometimes have trouble balancing my work and personal life. I'm working on improving this so that I can be more productive at work.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Shows the ability to quickly adapt to procedures
    • - Organization and time management skills

  • Question: How do you manage stress?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant’s ability to handle stressful situations. The interviewer wants to know how the applicant will react in a negative situation. The applicant should discuss their ability to remain calm and think through the situation. They should also display their ability to work well with others in a stressful situation.

    Sample Answer: I would remain calm and think through the situation. I would also work well with others in a stressful situation.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Shows the ability to quickly adapt to procedures
    • - Organization and time management skills

  • Question: How do you grow yourself?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the candidate’s self-improvement skills. The interviewer wants to know if the applicant is willing to take on new challenges and responsibilities. The applicant should discuss their willingness to learn new skills and how they will apply those skills to their job.

    Sample Answer: I am always looking for ways to improve my knowledge of the software and the industry. I have taken classes in the past that have helped me learn new skills.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Shows the ability to quickly adapt to procedures
    • - Organization and time management skills

  • Question: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
  • Question Overview: The interviewer will want to know if the applicant has a long-term career goal. Their response will give the interviewer an idea on their career aspirations. The applicant should show that they are willing to work hard to achieve their goals. The answer should also show that they have a plan for their future.

    Sample Answer: I see myself as a supervisor in five years. I plan to work hard and gain the experience necessary to be promoted within the company.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Shows the ability to set and achieve goals
    • - Displays qualities of integrity and accountability

  • Question: What do you do if a customer presents a problem that you don't have an answer to?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine how the applicant will handle difficult situations. The interviewer wants to know if they will be able to find a solution or escalate the issue. The applicant should demonstrate their ability to handle customer complaints in a professional manner. Their response should show that they are willing to find a solution to the problem.

    Sample Answer: I would research the issue and find a solution. If I was unable to find an answer, I would escalate the issue to my supervisor.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Shows the ability to quickly adapt to procedures
    • - Organization and time management skills

  • Question: Why did you leave your last company?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's work ethic. The interviewer will want to know if the candidate left the previous job on good terms. The response will also give the interviewer an idea of what the applicant's expectations are for their next job. The applicant should be able to discuss their reasons for leaving in a positive manner.

    Sample Answer: I left my last company because I wanted to pursue a career in a larger company. I believe that this position will offer me the opportunity to learn new skills and grow professionally.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Shows the ability to quickly adapt to procedures
    • - Organization and time management skills

  • Question: How do you deal with an upset customer?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the candidate’s ability to handle difficult situations. The applicant must be able to remain calm and professional when dealing with an upset customer. Their response should show the interviewer that they are able to empathize with the customer and provide a solution to the problem.

    Sample Answer: My focus would be to familiarize myself with the procedures. I'd organize my tasks to ensure that my work is submitted correctly and on time.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Shows the ability to quickly adapt to procedures
    • - Organization and time management skills

  • Question: Tell me about a time you chose to ignore or bend the rules?
  • Question Overview: The interviewer is looking for an honest answer to this question. The applicant should provide a detailed response that will show the interviewer how they handle difficult situations. It is important to note that the candidate should not provide an answer that will reflect poorly on them. The response should be used to show the interviewer that they are willing to take responsibility for their actions.

    Sample Answer: I was working with a new client and I was asked to complete a task by a specific deadline. I was able to complete the task, but it was not submitted on time. I realized that my actions had caused a problem for my employer, so I took responsibility for my actions and made sure that the client was notified of the delay.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Shows the ability to quickly adapt to procedures
    • - Organization and time management skills

  • Question: Why do you want to work for us?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's interest in the company. The interviewer will want to know if the applicant is familiar with the company and its products. The applicant should show enthusiasm for the position and the company. Their response should also include details about their knowledge of the company and its products.

    Sample Answer: I'm very interested in working for your company because I've been a fan of your products for many years. I've always been impressed with your commitment to quality and customer service.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Shows enthusiasm for the position
    • - Knowledge of the company and its products

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had a problem in the workplace and how did you solve it?
  • Question Overview: This question will give the interviewer an idea of how the applicant will handle stressful situations. The applicant should show that they can remain calm and think through the situation before making a decision. Their response should also show that they are able to work well with others when faced with a problem.

    Sample Answer: My focus would be to familiarize myself with the procedures. I'd organize my tasks to ensure that my work is submitted correctly and on time.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Shows the ability to quickly adapt to procedures
    • - Organization and time management skills

  • Question: What do you think is one blindspot in our company?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine how well the applicant can identify problems and offer solutions. The interviewer wants to know if the applicant is able to identify the weaknesses of the company and offer ways to improve them. The applicant should be able to discuss the problem in a professional manner that will not offend the interviewer. Their response should be detailed and show that they have researched the company.

    Sample Answer: I believe that one blindspot in our company is the lack of communication between departments. I would implement a weekly meeting with all departments to discuss progress and any issues that may arise.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Displays qualities of integrity and accountability
    • - Shows ability to identify problems
    • - Shows ability to provide solutions

  • Question: How would you handle failure?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant’s ability to cope with failure. The interviewer wants to know how the applicant will react to a situation where they are unable to complete a task. The applicant should show that they are able to learn from their mistakes and move forward in a positive manner.

    Sample Answer: My focus would be to familiarize myself with the procedures. I'd organize my tasks to ensure that my work is submitted correctly and on time.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Shows the ability to quickly adapt to procedures
    • - Organization and time management skills

  • Question: How do you prioritize your tasks?
  • Question Overview: The interviewer will use this question to learn how the applicant manages their time. The applicant should be able to show that they are organized and can prioritize their work. The response should also show that they are able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

    Sample Answer: I organize my tasks by importance and due date. I make sure that I have the correct information before I begin working on the task.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Lists multiple errors that are common to their job
    • - Provide solutions to prevent discrepancies
    • - Displays qualities of integrity and accountability

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you failed: what it was, how you fixed it, and the outcome.
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine how the applicant reacts to failure. The interviewer will want to know how they deal with problems and how they learn from their mistakes. The applicant must be able to provide a detailed explanation of the situation, the actions they took to resolve it, and the outcome.

    Sample Answer: I once had a problem with an employee who was not completing their work correctly. I took the time to review their work and found that they were making mistakes in their calculations. I sat down with them and explained how to solve the problem. After that, they were able to complete their work correctly.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Shows the ability to quickly adapt to procedures
    • - Organization and time management skills

  • Question: Why do you want to leave your current company?
  • Question Overview: The interviewer will use this question to determine the applicant's reasons for leaving their current job. The applicant must be able to explain their decision in a professional manner. They should not criticize their previous employer or coworkers. Their response should be positive and highlight their strengths and accomplishments.

    Sample Answer: I'm looking for a new challenge in my career. I'm excited about the opportunities that this position offers me.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Shows the ability to quickly adapt to procedures
    • - Organization and time management skills

  • Question: Tell me about a difficult situation with a client and how you handled that.
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine how the applicant will handle difficult situations in the workplace. The interviewer wants to know how the applicant will react to a difficult client. The applicant should show that they have experience dealing with clients and that they can resolve issues in a professional manner.

    Sample Answer: I once had a client who was upset about a mistake I made. I apologized for my error and explained that I would correct it immediately. I also offered to refund any money that was lost due to my mistake.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Listening skills
    • - Ability to resolve issues
    • - Ability to handle difficult situations

  • Question: What do you know about Paycom?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant’s knowledge of the company. The interviewer will want to know if the candidate has done their research on the company. Their answer will show the interviewer if they have a genuine interest in the company. The answer should include details about the company and what they do.

    Sample Answer: I know that Paycom is a leading provider of payroll services for small businesses. I have also read about their mission statement and values.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Shows genuine interest in the company
    • - Knowledge of the company and what they do

  • Question: How much experience do you have with payroll?
  • Question Overview: The interviewer will use this question to determine the applicant's level of experience. The response will provide a better understanding of the applicant's knowledge of the job. The interviewer can use this question to open other discussions about the applicant's experience and responsibilities.

    Sample Answer: Many of the common mistakes revolve around incorrect information entered into the software. I would prevent these inaccuracies by thoroughly checking my input multiple times.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Lists multiple errors that are common to their job
    • - Provide solutions to prevent discrepancies
    • - Displays qualities of integrity and accountability

  • Question: What is your expected salary?
  • Question Overview: The interviewer will use this question to determine if the applicant is willing to negotiate their salary. The applicant should be prepared to discuss their salary expectations. They should also be prepared to discuss the factors that will influence their decision. The applicant should show that they are willing to negotiate their salary for the position.

    Sample Answer: My focus would be to familiarize myself with the procedures. I'd organize my tasks to ensure that my work is submitted correctly and on time.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Shows the ability to quickly adapt to procedures
    • - Organization and time management skills