What to Expect in an Initial Interview With HR
- Your first interview with HR is generally a screening interview. In large companies, HR reviews the applications for open positions and chooses the best candidates for managers to interview. HR then interviews the top candidates, either in person or over the phone, to further narrow down the candidate pool. Expect to answer general questions about your resume and experience, interpersonal skills, communication and organizational skills, and the skills required for the job. The HR representative may also ask some behavioral or personality questions designed to gauge how you'll fit in to the company culture. In some cases, the initial interview may take only a few minutes and focus just on clarification, while some initial interviews are far more intense.
- Some companies require aptitude or personality tests before you advance in the hiring process. You may need to take a test of basic skills, such as typing or computer programs, to prove that you're qualified for the position. The tests may be specific to the position, such as a copy editing test for a position in publishing. In some cases, you may have to take a behavioral test that evaluates your ethics, personality or responses to stress. You also may have to provide authorization for a background check or drug test during the initial interview. These may not be conducted until you receive an offer, but the HR department may wish to get the paperwork to avoid delays.
- The initial HR interview helps educate applicants about the company and the position. The HR representative may review the work schedule, attendance and dress code policies and other important information that you need to know about working for the company. You also can expect to field a question or two about your salary requirements. Again, because the nature of the initial interview is to screen applicants, take care in answering questions about your salary and benefit expectations; quoting a number that is too high may remove you from the running. Answer with a salary range, based on your research about the average pay for equivalent positions.
- Although the initial HR interview may seem like a formality, treat it with the same amount of care and respect that you would if you were speaking with your potential future boss. How you perform in the first interview can influence whether you get a second, so research the company and prepare for the questions. If you're interviewing over the phone, find a quiet place where you can talk, away from the kids, animals and commotion of your home. If you're meeting in person, wear appropriate attire, bring copies of your resume and work samples.
