15 HR Intern Interview Questions and Sample Answers

Introduction

An HR intern can be summarised as a temporary employee of an organisation with an option of converting into a permanent employee. They are usually tasked with doing administrative work and supporting daily HR activities. Their responsibilities are comparatively limited (subjective from company to company) and do not require much qualification. HR intern interview questions can be a bit tricky if you are not aware of the foundations.

An HR intern position is beneficial in terms of experience and learning a lot, especially when considering it is your first step to your career. Most organisations prefer candidates fresh out of college, with a degree and a zeal to perform. This blog will help you to prepare for an HR intern interview round with relevant questions and sample answers.

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HR Intern Interview Questions

An HR intern interview would consist mostly of basic questions, as the candidates are mostly freshers. Here are some of the relevant questions with their sample answers.

• Can you tell us about yourself and why you want to pursue a career in HR?

Sample answer: “I am currently pursuing/completing my degree in Human Resource Management and have developed a strong interest in the field. I recently completed a project on the recruiting strategies, and this position would provide me a hands-on experience in the field. As for the second part of the question, I believe HR plays a crucial role in shaping the company, and it offers an opportunity for me to pursue my interests in working with people, creating a positive work environment, and problem-solving. HR allows me to combine my interpersonal skills with business strategies and thus create a bright career path ahead of me.”

• What do you understand about the role of HR in an organisation?

Sample answer: “The HR department is responsible for recruitment and selection, employee engagement, training and development, payroll management, compliance with labour laws, performance management, and workplace culture. Each function ensures smooth business operations and a motivated workforce.”

• How do you stay updated on HR trends and best practices?

Sample answer: “I try to attend seminars and webinars conducted by HR organisations in association with my university/college. I also maintain a LinkedIn profile wherein I connect with HR professionals and learn the best practices and trends from them. I also believe in continuous learning by completing various certifications on HR online.”

• What HR software are you familiar with?

Sample answer: “I have a working knowledge of Applicant Tracking System (ATS), (X) payroll software, and people analytics dashboard. I have also received certifications from (Y) Academy on various tools and software.

• Can you describe a situation where you had to handle and resolve a conflict or disagreement in a team setting?

Sample answer: “As part of my project, there was a conflict in the method used for data collection within my team. I asked for the details of each of the methods suggested, conducted research, and provided the pros and cons of both methods. In this way of clear communication, my team was able to take up the better methodology instead of not arriving at a solution at all.”

• How do you prioritise tasks and manage time in a fast-paced environment?

Sample answer: “I create a to-do list, with tasks being prioritised according to the impact they have. I restrict myself to finishing it within the allocated deadline. Additionally, I am always open to accommodating suggestions and revising the original plan if necessary.”

• What do you think are the most important qualities in a person who is working in HR?

Sample answer: “I believe that the main role of an HR member is to uphold the human element in the organisation by using interpersonal and communication skills. Professionalism and discretion are necessary along with empathy due to dealing with sensitive scenarios very often. Additionally, a keen sense of detail and strong documentation are also some of the key qualities for an HR.”

• Have you had any prior experience with recruiting?

Sample answer: “This is my first potential job, so I don’t have any real-time experience handling recruitment. However, I am familiar with the various steps involved, like screening resumes to identify qualified applicants, conducting interviews to find the right fit, and facilitating a smooth onboarding process for new hires. I also know that organisations use recruitment and onboarding tools to streamline the process, reducing time and enhancing the experience for all involved.”

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• Why do you want to intern specifically with our company, and what do you hope to learn?

Sample answer: “I have a strong academic foundation in HR and a passion for fostering positive workplace environments. I am eager to apply my knowledge in a real-world setting, and my strong communication and organisational skills make me a great fit for this role. I am also a quick learner, and I am excited to contribute to your HR team.”

• What do you know about our company’s HR department?

Sample answer: “I researched your company and learnt that you focus on employee well-being, diversity initiatives, and professional development programs. I admire how your HR team emphasises continuous learning and engagement. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute and learn from a dynamic HR team like yours.”

• What is employee onboarding, and why is it important?

Sample answer: “Employee onboarding is the process of integrating new hires into the company. It includes orientation, training, and helping them understand company culture and policies. Effective onboarding improves retention, increases productivity, and ensures employees feel valued from day one.”

• What are some relevant college courses you have taken?

Sample answer: “I have taken up the Business Ethics and Business Communications courses, which are sub-courses of the HR major. The ethics course has been relevant in making me understand the value of confidential employee information. The communications course helps me to understand and hone my skills for effective communication.”

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Sample answer: “My key strengths are communication skills, organisational capabilities, and a strong attention to detail. For the second part of the question, public speaking is one of my biggest weaknesses. I am comfortable with one-on-one and small groups, and to improve, I find ways to open up and speak wherever possible.”

• How do you handle criticism?

Sample answer: “I view them as an opportunity for growth and development. I seek out criticism and improve the areas in the limelight. A few years ago, I used to sound rude unintentionally all the time. My friend was the one who said that my tone was a bit intimidating. This helped to change the way I talked in a slight way, and the results were very evident.”

• How do you approach problem-solving?

Sample answer: “I seek out the root cause of the problem and then brainstorm ideas to solve it. I then weigh the pros and cons of each and implement the most relevant one. I also review the outcomes to use it for future problem-solving.”

Tips for Answering HR Intern Interview Questions

Here are some of the tips that would help you to crack the HR intern interview:

• Have a bright attitude that would create an impression right away.
• Be punctual. It shows if you are serious or not. If you are late due to any unforeseen circumstances, apologise in a professional manner.
• Keep your phone on silent or switch it off if you have a habit of checking it from time to time.
• Research the organisation.
• Provide clear and concise answers to the questions.
• Always ask relevant questions about the role and the organisation.

Conclusion

Preparing for an HR intern interview requires a mix of HR knowledge, strong communication skills, and a proactive attitude. By demonstrating your expertise, you can showcase your ability to drive initiatives that are aligned to the company’s values. Always remember to give your personal anecdotes and experiences as part of your answer, as those would help the interviewer to apprehend your capability.

Having detailed knowledge in HR management would be really beneficial for an HR intern interview. Master the foundations with Entri’s HR Management Course to pass the interview with ease. All the best to your career!!