Top Human Resources Manager Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

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

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  • Question: How far is your place from here?
  • Question Overview: This is a question that's asked to test the applicant's sense of direction and ability to read a map. It's best to ask this question if you're interviewing in a rural area where there are few landmarks.

    Sample Answer: I'm about five miles away.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to read a map
    • - Sense of direction
    • - Level of comfort with public transportation

  • Question: Tell me about a time you had to overcome adversity, why should we hire you?
  • Question Overview: The best way to learn about an applicant's character is to ask them to describe a time when they faced adversity. The ideal candidate will be able to describe a situation in which they were forced to take on a leadership role, and how they handled the situation.

    Sample Answer: I was recently promoted to human resources manager at my company. When I took over the position, I realized that I was in over my head. I had to take the initiative and learn everything I could about the position before I could even begin to make a difference.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Level of self-awareness
    • - Level of self-confidence
    • - Ability to take initiative

  • Question: How will you gain respect from others?
  • Question Overview: This is a question that's best answered with a story. The applicant should describe a time when they had to gain the respect of others, and how they went about doing so.

    Sample Answer: I had to gain the respect of my employees when I took over as manager. I did this by showing them that I was willing to work just as hard as they were, and that I was willing to learn from them as well.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Level of self-awareness
    • - Level of comfort in a leadership role
    • - Level of creativity

  • Question: How do you approach improving the culture of your team?
  • Question Overview: The human resources manager is in charge of creating a positive work environment. As such, they should be able to describe their methods for improving the culture of their team. The ideal candidate will have a number of methods at their disposal, including team-building exercises and motivational speeches.

    Sample Answer: I like to schedule a team-building exercise every quarter. It's important to keep the team on their toes and remind them that we're all in this together.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Level of creativity
    • - Level of comfort in a leadership role
    • - Level of self-confidence

  • Question: Why did you leave your last job?
  • Question Overview: This is a question that's best answered with a positive spin. The applicant should focus on the positive aspects of their previous position and use it as a springboard to discuss why they're interested in this position.

    Sample Answer: I left my last job because I felt that I had reached my limit in terms of growth. I'm looking for a position where I can continue to learn and grow.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Positive spin on their last position
    • - Rational self-evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses
    • - Insight into their level of humility and ability

  • Question: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
  • Question Overview: The human resources manager is a position that requires a great deal of flexibility. The ideal candidate will be able to see the long-term picture and have a plan for their career path.

    Sample Answer: I'd like to be in a position where I'm able to make a difference in the lives of others.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Level of ambition
    • - Career goals
    • - Ability to self-evaluate

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you didn't get along with someone.
  • Question Overview: This is a question that's designed to gauge the applicant's ability to work with others. The ideal candidate will be able to describe a situation in which they were able to resolve the conflict in a positive manner.

    Sample Answer: I had a disagreement with one of my co-workers about how to handle a particular situation. We were both passionate about our positions, but we were able to come together and find a solution that benefited everyone.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work with others
    • - Level of self-awareness
    • - Level of self-confidence

  • Question: How have you managed to push back when business leaders were trying to drive an initiative?
  • Question Overview: The human resources manager is often the last line of defense between the company's goals and the employees who will be asked to carry them out. It's important to know how they'll handle themselves when faced with a difficult situation.

    Sample Answer: I've always been able to find a compromise that works for everyone. I'm able to look at the situation from all angles and come up with a solution that benefits everyone involved.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Level of self-confidence
    • - Level of comfort in a leadership role
    • - Level of problem-solving prowess

  • Question: Why do you want to work for us?
  • Question Overview: This is a great opportunity to learn about the applicant's interest in the company. If they're applying for a position in a different department, ask them to describe why they'd like to work for the company as a whole.

    Sample Answer: I've always been interested in the field of human resources. I've also been impressed with your company's reputation for excellence.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Level of interest in the company
    • - Level of interest in the position
    • - Level of interest in the industry

  • Question: How can you contribute to the team?
  • Question Overview: This is a broad question that can be answered in a number of ways. The applicant's response will give you a good idea of their personality and work ethic.

    Sample Answer: I'm a team player who's always willing to pitch in. I'm also a strong leader who's able to take charge when necessary.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Level of self-confidence
    • - Level of self-awareness
    • - Level of self-motivation

  • Question: What are your future career goals?
  • Question Overview: This is a good opportunity to find out if the applicant is looking for a long-term position with your company or if they're simply looking for a stepping stone to a higher position.

    Sample Answer: I'm hoping to use this position as a springboard to a management role.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Level of ambition
    • - Level of commitment to the job
    • - Level of commitment to the company

  • Question: What is something that not many people know about you?
  • Question Overview: This is a great opportunity to learn more about the applicant's personality. You may be surprised to find that they're a talented musician or have a passion for a certain sport. This is also a good way to learn whether they're comfortable talking about themselves.

    Sample Answer: I'm a pretty good cook. I like to experiment with new recipes and often invite friends over for dinner.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Level of self-confidence
    • - Level of comfort in an interview setting
    • - Level of creativity

  • Question: What will you contribute to the company and position?
  • Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will give you a good idea of what they expect from the position. The ideal candidate will be able to describe how they'll be able to contribute to the company's success.

    Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker who's always willing to take on new challenges. I'm confident that I can help the company achieve its goals.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Level of self-confidence
    • - Level of self-awareness
    • - Level of self-motivation

  • Question: How would you communicate with the team?
  • Question Overview: A human resources manager will be expected to communicate with a number of different people on a regular basis. The ideal candidate will be able to describe their preferred method of communication, as well as the method they find most effective.

    Sample Answer: I prefer to communicate with my team in person. I find that it's easier to maintain a sense of camaraderie when we're all together.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Level of comfort in a leadership role
    • - Level of comfort in a supervisory role
    • - Level of comfort in an office environment

  • Question: What do you know about us?
  • Question Overview: This is a straightforward question that gives you a chance to learn more about the applicant's research skills. They should be able to provide a brief overview of the company's history, its current standing in the industry, and any recent newsworthy events.

    Sample Answer: I've read several articles about your company, including one in the Wall Street Journal about your recent expansion into China.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Insight into their research skills
    • - Level of comfort with the company's history
    • - Level of comfort with the company's standing in the industry

  • Question: Why do you want to join ModSquad?
  • Question Overview: This is a great opportunity to get a feel for the applicant's personality and goals. You want to hire someone who's excited about the prospect of working for your company, so look for a response that demonstrates their enthusiasm.

    Sample Answer: I'm excited to join ModSquad because I've been a fan of your products since I was a kid. I love the idea of being able to work with such innovative technology every day.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for the company's mission
    • - Level of comfort with the position
    • - Level of self-awareness

  • Question: Why should we hire you?
  • Question Overview: This is the most important question of the interview. The applicant should be prepared to discuss their skills and experience in detail. They should also be ready to discuss their personality and how it will contribute to the company.

    Sample Answer: I've been working in human resources for over ten years, and I've been able to use my experience to help build a number of successful companies. I'm confident that my skills and experience will allow me to contribute to your company's success as well.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Technical skill level
    • - Depth of knowledge of compliance issues
    • - Level of comfort in an office environment
    • - Rapport-building skills

  • Question: What makes you different from other candidates?
  • Question Overview: This is a great opportunity to learn more about the applicant's personality and work ethic. Are they willing to take on any task, or do they prefer to work with a certain level of autonomy? What makes them unique?

    Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker who's always willing to take on new challenges. I'm also very comfortable working with people from all walks of life.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Insight into their personality
    • - Level of self-confidence
    • - Level of humility

  • Question: How has your previous experience prepared you for this role?
  • Question Overview: The human resources manager is a jack-of-all-trades. They're responsible for everything from hiring to firing and everything in between. The ideal candidate will be able to describe how their previous experience has prepared them for this role.

    Sample Answer: I've worked in several different departments during my time with the company, so I'm familiar with the various needs of each.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Depth of knowledge of the field
    • - Level of comfort in a supervisory role
    • - Level of problem-solving prowess