30+ HR Interview Questions for Freshers (with Answers)

March 15, 2024
hr interview questions for freshers

Quick Summary

  • Key HR interview questions include one’s introduction, suitability, strengths/weaknesses, company fit, and future goals.
  • The candidate can prepare for an HR interview by researching the company, aligning skills with job requirements and practising interview questions.

Table of Contents

You’ve almost made it! After an intense couple of months of sending your CV to different companies that you hope to work for, finally, you’ve received a call back that your resumé has been shortlisted, and you’ve been invited for an interview with HR. Generally, it can be tough for candidates to know what to expect during HR interview questions and how to answer these questions for freshers.

A typical job interview lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour. For this assessment, any organisation’s Human Resource (HR) team has a set of questions to ask all the interview candidates to understand their aspirations. As a fresher, you must prepare in advance for such questions. This guide will help you answer these questions smoothly.

Some of the most commonly asked HR interview questions include-

  1. Tell me about yourself
  2. Why should we hire you?
  3. What are your strengths/ weaknesses?
  4. Why do you want to work with us?
  5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Tips for HR Interview

Tips for HR Interview

Top 30 HR Interview Questions and Answers for Freshers

We’ll look at the top 30 HR interview questions with answers for freshers to prepare you for any question a potential employer might ask:

1. Tell Me About Yourself

This is one of the first HR interview questions for freshers that the interviewer asks. This question aims to understand some background about you and your dreams and contextualize it with the company values.

Answer:

First of all, I would like to thank you and _ (company) for giving me this opportunity to present myself in front of you and accept my candidature.
Coming to myself, As you know my name is
, which means _. I have humble beginnings in (town/city) and grew up understanding the importance of working hard. My father was a _ and always taught me different lessons about the true nature of goodwill and hard work.
I began showing interest in (sales/marketing/etc) during my school years. Studying opened my world to the immense possibilities in this field, and I immediately got excited to finish my schooling and enter this work.
Apart from this, I have a special interest in _ (hobby) and have successfully participated in various competitions where I have shown my talent. My interest in sports manifested in me playing _ (football/cricket) throughout my childhood and am an avid supporter of (sports teams).

2. Why Should We Hire You?

This is another one of the many HR interview questions for freshers that most people fumble at. However, it is extremely easy to understand the answer to such types of HR interview questions for freshers. They aim to understand how you would fit into the company, so talking about its ethos and values is a good start.

Apart from this, many freshers think that because they have no work experience, no company will be willing to hire them. However, being fresher is a strength you have. You are like a blank canvas ready to start your masterpiece. So, you should sell yourself like that.

Answer:

Sir/ Ma’am, as you must have figured from my resumé I am a fresher in this line of work. However, I believe this puts me at an advantage as I will bring to your company the urge and the dedication to learn new things and put them to use. I may not possess the practical knowledge in this field.
However, throughout college, I persisted in learning in-depth about the topics and developed a deep theoretical understanding of important topics used in this field.

3. What are your Strengths and Weaknesses?

This is one of the types of HR interview questions for freshers that is bound to come in every company you face an interview with. You can easily answer this one since all you have to do is know about yourself. One of the most liked questions by interviewers allows them to understand how you rate yourself. More importantly, here they judge if you are aware of what you are good at and anything you know you can improve yourself.

However, a smart thing that many interviewees do is to appear more appealing and try to showcase their weaknesses as positives. It is also essential to mention that you recognize your weaknesses and actively work to overcome them. Let’s take a look-

What are Your Strengths?

1. I am a good communicator who has helped me take on leadership roles in my college.
2. I am a keen observer acutely aware of people’s problems and their strengths.
3. I flourish when I work with a team that is given a particular task to be done within a specified period.
4. I am a quick learner and go out of my way to ask questions to better my understanding.
5. I always try to positively influence people and spread joy around me.

What are Your Weaknesses?

1. I am a perfectionist and am obsessed with attention to detail. This sometimes derails me off the project as I begin to address small issues within the projects minutely.
2. To grow fast in my career, I take on more responsibilities than I can handle.
3. I thrive on feedback on my performance. If I don’t receive them, I sometimes miss my mark and drift in the way I’ve been working.

4. Why Do You Want to Work Here?

There are many ways of answering this question. The purpose of the question is to quiz you on whether you have done some homework or background research on the company. Here, the interviewer expects you to explain why you think you would be a valuable addition to the company.

Here, you don’t always have to only talk about good things about the company. Big firms are always open to criticism about their functioning and admire the people who provide them with new directions. So, if you have some faults that you have found with the company’s workings, you can politely mention them.

Answer:

I have always looked upon your company as the pinnacle of innovation. Your recent strides in the market have proved to be a major success, and I can’t think of any other company where I could develop my initial skills, which will help me in the long run.

5. What are your goals and aspirations in life?

One question always pops up in the list of HR interview questions for freshers. Companies always try and understand the long-term goals of every interviewee. It gives them an understanding of whether you are a valuable addition to the company and can work long and you can easily answer this with the answer given below.

Answer:

Currently, my short-term goal is to nail this interview and get placed in a reputed company like yours, and my long-term goals are to climb up the ladder and see myself as a respectable executive within the company.

6. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?

Sometimes, during an HR interview, answering questions for freshers becomes challenging. This is a commonly asked interview question that interviewers use as an example to test the humbleness of an interviewee. Here, they ask you to think about what you would rate your skills. While some people think it’s better to say no, you can try providing a positive response.

Answer:

Yes, I do believe I am overqualified. However, I always think that there is always something to learn everywhere. And I see a lot of exposure that I can gain for my development with your organization. So, I do not mind taking a low job to learn more.

7. What motivated you to do your job well?

These types of HR interview questions for freshers hinder the area of your motivation. The interviewer asks you this question to find out what will drive you once you join the company to do good work for them.

Answer:

I am always motivated to do a task to the best abilities. My father had told me at a young age that whenever you do a task with your name attached to it, you must do it with 200% dedication because it might continue to live longer than you. You must do it to the best abilities for it to be memorable.

8. Who is your inspiration?

This is one of the HR interview questions for freshers where almost everyone gives the name of some celebrity or life coach who has helped millions of people do good work. Or they might use the name of the company CEO to impress the interviewers.

However, your answer should be unique and guaranteed to impress your interviewers.

Answer:

While there are countless individuals that I have met in my life who can be a source of inspiration for me- from my teachers to my parents however the biggest inspiration I get is from myself. You see, I try to picture myself in 10 years and create an image of my life there and work tirelessly to reach that image. However, I have already constructed another image for myself as I reach that image, which is ten years away. So, I always try to achieve higher than what I have made for myself and that picture of me in 10 years keeps me motivated.

9. Define success

While most people understand this as an activity of the interviewer to test your language skills, HR interview questions for freshers are asked to understand the individual’s definition of success.

Answer:

Success for me is a journey that is full of obstacles. These obstacles come in the form of learnings which I turn into springboards during my run to the finish line. But I believe that if today is better than yesterday, I have succeeded in my work and life.

10. What was the toughest decision you’ve had to make?

These types of HR interview questions for freshers aim to judge your decision-making skills. So you can use this question as a platform to share some of the tough decisions you have had to make in your personal life- be it home, friends, love life, work life, etc. However, if you have none, you can use this answer too.

Answer:

Tough is for the weak. I always calculate my decisions by making a cost-benefit analysis of the available options. Putting the benefit to the cost of the decision helps me greatly in breaking down the toughness of the decision and allows me to weigh the pros and cons easily.

11. Do you have a problem if we relocate you?

This HR interview question and answer for freshers tests the comfortability of the many changes that the company will bring to your life. The biggest is that it might ask you to move from your hometown to a completely different city in a different part of the country.

Answer:

I’ve always had an urge to travel the world since my childhood. So, I don’t think relocation will be a major problem. It will be an adventure that I will look forward to. Though I will miss my family and friends back in my hometown, the internet world has made it easy to stay connected from any part of the country.

12. Would you be willing to work overtime during nights and sometimes on weekends?

HR questions for freshers are mostly filled with questions that seek the length to which you would go to complete tasks for the company. Here is a good time to reaffirm your commitment to your goals and make them believe that you will work your best.

Answer:

As I have said, I always complete all the tasks assigned to me with due diligence. And if those tasks sometimes need me to come in on the weekend, I will not hesitate as my priority is always good quality work.

Stop hustling from 9 to 5. Work at your Own Pace.

13. Can you handle work under pressure?

These types of HR interview questions for freshers aim to help the interviews judge your temperament and ability to work in stressful times. Always understand that every field will have intense moments, and you will be required to continue working in these stressful times. They can be personal or professional. But it would be best if you always continued working.

Answer:

I have always loved playing the ___________(instrument). I love it so much that I do not even panic or come under stress when playing to a large crowd. This is because I love playing the __________. Similarly, I love working in ____________ (sales/marketing/etc), so I will never feel under pressure. If we love what we do, the pressure doesn’t affect us as it does to those who don’t love what they do. These next set of HR interview questions and answers for freshers are five of the top questions that the interviewers ask to understand your thinking style and how those thoughts differentiate you from the others.

14. How would you differentiate between confidence and overconfidence?

This is one of the popular HR round questions for freshers. The purpose of asking this is mainly to judge your self-awareness and how well you can put it into words in your answer.

Answer:

I believe confidence is the trust we have in ourselves and our ability to complete a task. Overconfidence is the ego within us that surfaces when we think too highly of ourselves and begin to exaggerate our abilities.

15. What do you think is creativity?

Usually, if your job profile is artistic, you will be asked some questions by HR to judge your creativity level.

Answer:

Creativity, I believe, is in each one of us, from the drawing of a car by a 3-year-old to the famed Michelangelo of the Sistine Chapel. Creativity comes to us the minute we open our eyes and see the world as we only fixate on what attracts our attention.

16. Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of work.

You answer this HR question for freshers creatively which will help you create a good impression on the interviewer and make the interview much more interesting for you.

Answer:

I am an avid reader and love reading _________ (author). Also, I am a big movie buff and try to catch the latest film in the theatres every Sunday with my friends and family. I am also a swimmer and love to relax by the pool on a sunny day.

17. Did you ever think of starting your own business?

Answer:

I have always wanted to start a company of my own. But currently, I am a fresher and intend to gain some valuable skills for my overall development. Thus, I think I am not entirely ready to begin a company of my own. However, the dream is still alive.

18. What do you expect from our company?

Answer:

My primary aim is to learn from the company. So, I expect a lot of feedback on my work. As I had explained, I thrive on feedback as I understand the things I am doing wrong and, therefore, can put my mind to making them right.

19. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Answer:

In 10 years, I see myself in a leadership position at your firm. I’m hoping to not only gain more knowledge in my domain but also become an inspiration to my subordinates. I want to be able to mentor or guide people. Hence, being in a leadership position will help me achieve this goal.

Detailed Guide: Where Do You See Yourself in X Years?

20. Do you have any questions for us?

This is one of the crucial HR interview questions for freshers. So, it would be best if you did not let this opportunity get out of your hand. It would be best to ask any questions that pop up in your head about the company or go with this answer.

Answer:

I would like to know what qualities you look for in a fresher applying for this position. And if you can give me some suggestions or advice for my career at your firm.

21. What Skills do you think you need to develop to succeed in this job position?  

You need to answer this question tactfully, as, through this question, HR will judge whether you are willing to develop your skills for better performance or will stay in the same position.  

Answer:

As freshers, you are more than willing to upskill yourself and learn X, Y, and Z skills (skill names) required for this role and improve your ability to perform better.  

22. What do you expect from your first job?  

HRs ask this question to gauge your interests and what difference you bring to the table as fresher. Your answer will show your vision and strategy for your first job.   

Answer:

I expect my first job to be full of learning and new experiences. I would like to learn and gain practical experience from my colleagues and seniors to do my job well and give positive results.  

23. Can you handle criticism? 

This question is asked to know your reaction and your views in a situation where you face criticism on the professional front or have a different opinion from others. So, answer this question after thinking.  

Answer:

I will accept any constructive criticism positively, and when faced with a situation of a different opinion, I would like to hear the other party’s opinions. And after putting my opinions and understanding the difference of views, we can discuss and come up with a solution.  

24. Why should we hire a fresher and not an experienced person for this job role?  

Never try to deride an experienced professional while answering this question, instead, highlight your skills and abilities. Be confident in your knowledge and stay positive, because there is a reason why you have been called for the interview.  

Answer:

I, as a fresher, consider myself the best choice for this position because I can bring various new ideas to the table, have more flexibility in terms of doing work, and I also consider myself more adaptable to dynamic changes in our industry.  

25. Are you planning to pursue Higher Studies?  

HRs ask this question from the freshers to know whether they are planning to stay in the company or would work for a while and leave. However, lying is never a solution so answer the question truthfully.  

Answer:

• If you are planning to pursue a higher degree, give them a reason and how it may and may not affect your job
• If you are planning to pursue a degree from a distance course, tell them so, and inform them how doing this course can help you excel at the work front. Also, discuss leaves you might need, etc.

26. How did your course education prepare you for this job?   

While answering this question, you can highlight any projects or group work you did that taught you something new. This will highlight your theoretical knowledge and teamwork.  

Answer:

I worked on various projects with my classmates and by myself too. During that time, I learned to put my theoretical knowledge into practical work to get results; and working in a team taught me to take collective responsibility as a team and as a member of a team. Which I think will also help me perform well in this job position.   

27. How did your experience in the Internship prepare you for the role you are applying for?  

This question is for candidates who have done any internship related to the job they are applying for. If you haven’t done any internship, then don’t worry HR wouldn’t ask you this question. But if you have done internships, highlight your experience and the work you get to do.  

Answer:

During my internship, I got to work on different projects, from which I learned A, B, and C, skills that can help me excel at my work in the role I’m applying for. The experience I gained during my internship prepared me as a professional and sharpened my communication and collaborative skills.  

28. What did you understand about the job role?  

This question shows the candidate’s awareness and in-depth research is done on the job profile, the responsibilities of the position, skills required, company expectations, etc. So, answer wisely do your research well before the interview and highlight all the required points while answering.

29. What are your salary expectations?  

No doubt, this is a tricky question; HRs ask this question to the freshers to contemplate how candidates put a price on their worth. So, before answering, you need to do market research on the expected salary given to freshers for the job position you are applying for. Then you can quote the expected range to HR, but always remember, as a fresher, your first aim should be to grab any good opportunity that comes your way. After that, you can work on the rest of the things.  

30. When can you join the company?  

The purpose of asking this question is to judge the position of the candidate, so answer wisely. If you show too much eagerness and say Yes immediately, it will give the upper hand to the interviewer. So, take a pause, think about your options, and then answer.   

Summarizing

HR interview questions for freshers revolve around factors that help the interviewers understand your personality and attitude. So, be yourself. Using these answers as a guide when you falter while answering the questions during the HR round would be best.

Making the right first impression is the key to any job interview. In addition to crafting an effective resume, showing up on time and dressing appropriately, it’s important to prepare for all questions that might be thrown your way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 What are the basic questions asked in an HR interview?

Ans. You may find the following questions common in an HR interview.

The HR may ask:

  • Tell me something about yourself
  • Why do you think we should hire you?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Why do you want to work with us?
  • What are your expectations from the company?

Q.2 How do I prepare for an HR interview?

Ans. Some of the best ways to prepare for an HR interview are:

  • Research and gain knowledge about the recruiting company. Try to gather the latest information about their business and their position in the market.
  • Read the job description thoroughly and ensure that your skills and qualifications fulfil the requirements. Even if there is a gap, prepare yourself to explain it promptly.
  • Be familiar with your resume and prepare to answer any question relating to it.

Q.3 How should a fresher prepare for an interview?

Ans. These tips will help a fresher to ace his/her interview:

  • Grasp knowledge about the company and job role
  • Be well-prepared for the basic questions asked in an interview
  • Review your resume and prepare for questions related to it
  • Practice communication skills
  • Appear for mock interviews
  • Learn to be punctual and maintain a positive body language

Q.4 How can I practice the interview?

Ans. You can appear for Mock Interviews with experts but there are also various ways of practicing for an interview at home as a fresher. You can do it yourself.

  • You can pen down the most asked HR interview questions and practice them accordingly.
  • Practice answering questions by standing in front of the mirror.
  • Record yourself while practicing and analyze your speaking skills.
  • Make your friend or any family member an interviewer and let them interview you. Use their feedback to improve your skills.
  • Refer to various interview clips available online.

Q.5 What are the 5 hardest interview questions?

Ans. These five questions are considered to be the most complicated questions asked during an interview:

  • What is your weakness?
  • What do you think makes you the right fit for this job?
  • Why did you leave your previous job?
  • What urges you to take this job?
  • How will you manage a dispute with your colleague?

Q.6 What is the best way to answer about your weakness?

Ans. Although it is a weakness, you should always present it in a positive tone. You should answer this question in the affirmative. Rather than mentioning your drawback, prefer stating that you are learning the particular field. For example: “I possess fluent communication skills, but I am working on enhancing my writing skills.” is preferred over “My strength is I can communicate fluently, and my weakness is writing.”

Q.7 How can I introduce myself as a fresher?

Ans. As a fresher, you should begin your answer with a self-introduction following the basic information about yourself. State your academic and co-curricular achievements and explain your proficiencies in different fields. Refer to your existing knowledge and skills to make HR realize that you are the best fit for this job. Be confident and answer smartly. Represent yourself as a good contributor to the company.

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