Find your degree. Advance your career. Begin a new life. |  |
Preparing for a Human Resource Job Interview |
|
 |
August 22, 2005
by Sally Clark
sally.clark@educationfactor.org
Education Factor Senior Columnist
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts keen competition for human resource jobs due to the high number of qualified college graduates entering the field. Get an edge on the competition by sharpening your interview skills.
You've made it through the initial screening process and have managed to land an interview with a great organization. Congratulations! Now you need to make the best impression possible to close the deal. What follows are some tips on how to prepare for a human resource job interview.
Get to Know the Organization Inside Out
Before your interview, learn as much as possible about the organization you'll be interviewing with. How many people do they employ? What is their current human resource recruitment strategy? Much of this information can be gleaned from your experience with them as a job candidate.
Be Prepared to Offer Ideas
Managers want to know that the person they hire has ideas on how to improve their human resource processes. They may ask you how you might improve upon their current recruitment process or human resource development efforts. Be prepared to offer some of your own insights. While you may not be able to have a good grasp of their internal processes, you can present imaginary or real case studies that demonstrate your ability to think critically and independently.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
Often during an interview you may be asked if you have any questions. This presents a good opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the company and their human resource initiatives. Avoid questions relating to what you stand to gain from the job opportunity. Instead, ask questions that show an interest in their mission and goals or the human resource policies of their organization.
Dress Professionally
A professional appearance is vital to your making a positive impression. Women should wear business suits with either pants or a skirt and men should wear a suit and tie or a tie with a sport coat with dark-colored dress shoes. Don't wear cologne or perfume and always lean toward the more conservative choice when it comes to appearance.
Make a dazzling impression to a potential employer by following these tips as you prepare for your next human resource job interview.
About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer based in Arlington, Virginia.
Sources
|
 |
Additional Articles |
 |
Law Schools
Graduate Schools
|
|
|
|