The result of HR interview like any other interview would depend heavily on how well you have prepared for it. But even more than preparation the result is determined by your presentation and behavior in the interview. Following interview tips will help you present yourself best in an HR interview.
- Appearance
First impressions are important. Your appearance and attire tells the interviewer about your personality as well as your seriousness about the job and interview. You should dress formally for the interview unless strictly casual attire is mentioned. How formally would depend on the company and the position for which you are applying. In general choose conservative colors and make sure your clothes match each other and with your shoes.
- Arrival
Arrive for the interview at the appointed time. It is better to arrive about 5 minutes early as in practice there is some time difference in watches of different people. If it looks like you are going to be late, inform the concerned person as soon as possible.
- Introduction
By introduction, I refer to initial phase of the interview. You should knock and ask permission before entering the interview room. Introduce yourself with both your first and last name. Do not initiate the handshake or sit without invited. Let the interviewer take the lead. During handshake be firm but not too much so. If you have a bag with you, put it beside the chair and not on the table. Appear confident, open and friendly without being too casual.
- Body language
Interviewers have to make a judgment call about your fitness for the company and job in a relatively short time. Their decision is very much affected by your confidence, which is largely determined by your body language. Pay special attention to your language during an HR interview. Do not slouch or sit too relaxed. Sit straight or lean slightly forward without being aggressive or intruding in the interviewer's personal space. Crossing your arms at chest or legs at knee level projects arrogance or defensiveness, avoid it. Keep both your feet flat on ground or one foot forward and other back and slightly lifted, this projects a ready stance.
Do not make excessive gestures while talking, as this will distract the interviewer from what you are saying. In general hold still and avoid unnecessary movements like frequent changes of posture, drumming your fingers on table, foot tapping etc.
- Eye Contact
Eye contact is a very important part of body language. Lack of eye contact may appear as lack of attention or as if you are trying to hide something. Always maintain eye contact when answering a question or when interviewer is talking to you. You may look elsewhere when trying to remember something or solving a problem but always maintain eye contact while answering. But don't stare at the interviewers either as this may appear as hostile.
- Interest in Job
HR interview round is usually the initial phase of the selection process. Avoid the subject of salary and other such benefits at this point. Focus more on the job details and what you can do for the company and not on what the company can do for you. The time for salary negotiations would be when you are actually offered a job.
- When Answering
When answering questions, first, listen carefully to what the interviewer is asking. If you have any doubts about the question ask question and clarify them. Keep your answer to the point and informative. Do not answer in yes or no but avoid lengthy answers that may divert from the subject as well. In general keep your focus on the job and requirements of the company. Avoid going into personal details that are not really related to the job. Use of industry specific jargon may display your knowledge and familiarity with the field but keep it natural and limited otherwise it may seem like you are trying to impress the interviewer, which you are but don't make it too obvious.
- Asking Questions
If you are asked if you have any questions about company, don't say that you have no questions. This would make you look uninterested. Ask questions that represent your genuine concerns and just to be safe have some prepared questions that are suited for most purposes. You can easily find such list of questions on the internet. Choose the questions that are suited to your particular situation.
- General Tone
An interview can be formal and official or informal and casual. Let the interviewers set the general tone of the interview and follow their lead. But don't get distracted, no matter how casual they are being it is still a job interview and you should stay alert and maintain expected decorum even if the interviewer is not. In any condition never use slang or offensive language.
- Closing
Closing is the last but not the least part of an HR interview. Make sure to enquire about the next step of the selection process. If you have any doubts ask questions. When interview is finished make sure to send a follow-up / thank you note or mail for giving you this opportunity.
The points given above cover your behavior during an HR interview and are not concerned with the preparation for the interview as such. These will provide you with a guideline about how to present yourself best in the HR round. In general you should pay attention to the interviewers. Listen carefully to their questions and pay attention to their body language and follow their lead.
