Savitribai Phule Shikshan Prasarak Mandal’s

SKN SINHGAD COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

At Post Korti, Tal. – Pandharpur, Dist. – Solapur, 413304
(Maharashtra)
(Approved by AICTE, New Delhi and affiliated to Solapur
University, Solapur)
Ph.: (02186)250146, Fax: (02186)250142
Website:-www.sknscoe.ac.in

Training & Placement Cell

HR Interview Questions guide for Fresher’s

Best Complements Team T&P

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HR Interview Questions for Fresher’s with best Answers and Examples

Best way to answer frequently asked HR Interview Questions for Fresher’s on Questions like
Tell me about yourself, Why should we hire you, your strengths and weaknesses, how to handle
challenging situation, your hobbies and interests, inspiring person in your life, change
management, flexibility, Why do you want to work for us, about the company, expectations from
your first job etc. Before we start, remember that, in a HR interview, there is no right or wrong
answer. All you have is a right way of answering, but the answer in itself depends on the
candidate

HR interview more often, is not a selection process, but a short listing process, where few of the
selected candidates from previous rounds are weeded out. So more than concentrating on getting
selected, one should be focused on NOT getting rejected. First few minutes are very important
and so does the first few questions. The interviewers do not know anything about you. The
impression you make in the first few questions, is going to set tone for the entire session and
plays a huge factor

Let us split up the questions into few categories, which will be

 About Candidate
 About Company
 About Common stuffs

HR Questions about Candidate

1. Hello, how are you today?

This is more of a “make yourself comfortable” statements. Answer with a pleasant smile. If you
had any trouble during the day, don’t hesitate to mention it. But make sure you express it in a
positive note.

Examples:

 “I am very well today sir, thank you”.

 “I am very well today sir, just that the traffic here is bit of a hassle. But I made sure, I
start a bit early to beat it.”
2. Tell me about yourself.
The FIRST & BEST question for any HR interview. The answer to this basically sets the tone of
rest of the interview. Good news is – You can earn a lot of points if this is answered right.

 Give a brief of your education background (up to plus two is fine, your family and
location, any of your hobbies etc.
 You can also mention one of your major achievements, if it fits the circumstance.
 Keep the answer to just about 3-4 sentences and not more than that.
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  No need to explain your strengths & weakness at this points (as that will definitely come
along).
 A common mistake seen is most HR interview is to start the sentence like “I am basically
from...” No need to start a sentence like that.
 Keep the answer simple, to the point and give space and time for further questions. Do
not stretch it too much.

Example:

“Hi I am Shrinivas and hails from Pandharpur. I am pursuing my BE in Electronics and

Telecommunication from SKN Sinhgad College of Engineering, which is under Solapur
University. I had completed my plus two from KBP College and secured 92% in CBSE Boards. I
have four members in my family and I am the youngest son. I love outdoor sports, specifically
athletics and was a member of college athletic team.”

3. What are your key strengths?

This is another most common question in any HR interview. The idea here is to understand how
much you know about yourself and how confident you are about your strengths.

 Just stay positive. Even a simple answer like “I am a very positive person” is good enough.
 You can also change this as per the requirement of the interview. Knowing a bit about the
profile you are being interviewed helps as well.
 Explaining your strength with an experience from the past is desirable here.

Example:

 “Sir, my greatest strength is my ability to learn things quickly. For example, I had to
represent my college in an inter college science exhibition, and was introduced to the
team at the very last minute. I was able to understand our exhibits and artifacts and
present them with great success”.
 “I think my greatest strength is my positive attitude, even during the most hardest of
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 times. During my college project, there has been couple of occasions, when our idea was
not falling in place and the results were negative. I had to believe and think positively and
keep my team motivated to persist on our idea, and finally we got the desired result.”
 “My best skill would be my verbal ability and articulation skill. I have worked as editor
for our college magazine and have been involved with various literary forums during my
school and college days.

4. What is one thing, which you want to improve about yourself ? (OR) what are your
weaknesses ?

This is a trick question. The expectation here is to answer a negative trait with a positive twist.
Something which in general a weak point of a person, but is alright from an organization
perspective.

Example

 “I tend to try to take up too many things, leaving little time for myself.”
 “I am a perfectionist and sometimes, concentrate too much on one single task to get it to
perfection, using up time from other tasks”.
 “I tend to say Yes, when someone asks for help. I am working on learning to say No at
times”.

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now ?

This is a question intended to know, what are your career aspirations, how long would you be
committed to the organization, is there any immediate plans for you to move on etc. If you have
an actual plan, explain it with reasoning. If you do not have any specific plans as of then, give a
generic answer along with some interesting activity you would like to take up.

Example

 “I would like to see myself donning one of the senior positions in the organization
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 contributing to technology as well as participating in business growth. I am hoping, I can
position myself with relevant experience by then.”
 “As a fresher, I am assuming by first five years will be a huge learning curve. I want to
absorb much of the industry knowledge and also to sharpen my technical abilities. In next
five years I see myself playing various roles in the team from a developer to leading a
team.”
 “I would like to see myself as a technical architect in next five years. My core
competency is with technologies, and I would like to work and contribute in the field of
most recent technologies and advancements. I would like to get take up some of the
major technology certifications”
6. Have you been in some challenging situation ? Explain how you handled it ?

This is usually an add-on question to explain your strengths that you mention
previously. This is good opportunity to give a suitable example, as to why you mentioned what
your strengths are.

Example:

 “Yes, we did have some challenging situation during our final semester project
delivery. Usually the kind of code logic we were trying to implemented, works with a
64bit processor, while we were trying to make it work with a lower configuration,
due to budgetary constraints”. Theoretically it was possible, but result was not coming
through and the team wanted to give up and upgrade the hardware. I was positive, that
this will work and that we stick to the plan and figure out our actual problem. It
took some effort to convince my team, a lot more hard work and few extra hours of
reading, but finally we stayed positive and cracked the issue and delivered the project.

The above example, explains your strength like Positive thinking, hard work etc.

 “I have a huge passion for sports and have been a regular member of college athletic
team. There was an event coming up slightly ahead of one of our exam schedule.
Although our coach said, I can skip the competition, I was sure I can win points for the
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 college. So I decided, I will put in extra time in studies late evenings, while also
practicing and attending the event. I had to stretch a bit physically & mentally, and also
manage my time tightly. But finally I was able to win the tournament and also come out
with good scores in exam.

The above showcases, you multitasking capability, time management, passion for things
and hard work
7. Why should we hire you ?

As a fresher, you can’t commit to any expertise in any specific domain. So this question is
intended to understand what quality of yours will be helpful most for the company. Knowledge
about company and what quality of yours suits the organization is the key to answer this. In case
you don’t know much about the company, quick learning ability, flexibility, team player etc are
few common qualities that will fit any organizational needs.

Example:

 “I have had some internships and industry exposure. So being a fresher, it will still be
easy for me adapt to the new environment, which is significantly lessen my training cost.”
 “I have a sharp learning curve, which will help company ramp me up quickly as a
productive resource. An example of my learning curve is my final year project, where I
have worked on a short time frame on an entirely new technology”
 “I am a strong team player a good leader. I have been leading teams for technical and
cultural activities during my college days. In your company I will be a great player within
any challenging team and provide leadership when opportunity arises”.

8. What are your hobbies and interests?

You cannot say, you don’t have any other interests, other than academics. Even if you are very
studious, your answer should include reading non-textbooks and following cutting edge stuffs in
technology. A company looks for a candidate who is more rounded and keeps diverse interests in
life. Identify one of your interests other than academics and prepare answer based on that (Don’t
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include eating, watching TV, sleeping etc.)

Example:

 “I love singing and I also play instruments like Guitar.”

 “An outdoor sport is my interest. Specifically cricket”
 “I am a numismatist (coin/ currency collector). I have been doing it since school days”

9. Who is the most inspiring person in your life

The important part is not who, but why? When you answer this question with a name, you should
follow it up with why he / she is most inspiring person.

Example:

 “My greatest inspiration is Sachin Tendulkar. He had such a humble upbringing & his
hard work took him to the greatest heights in the world of sports. He still keeps himself
rooted and stays humble. I also believe in hard work and humility”.
 “My greatest inspiration is my dad. He has always taught me not to worry about my
weakness and take most advantage of my strengths. This has developed a lot of
confidence in me during difficult times.”

10. Are you willing to change your role and profile when required for project?

As a fresher, your most sought after quality is flexibility. You need to showcase, you are flexible
and ready to learn. Saying you are flexible doesn’t necessarily mean, you will be forced into
things, you don’t like. It just shows your positive attitude to learn and try new things.

Example:

“Yes, most definitely sir. As a fresher, I hope and wish to learn as much things as possible. I
believe taking up different roles and profiles only helps me learn and grow in this industry”
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11. Are you ready to relocate?

As long as you do not have any compelling reasons, being a fresher it is better to be ready for
relocation. Today’s IT industry works on global operation model, where they have offices
located at several locations. These are staffed strategically, as per need and business
requirement and there could be a need for your skills at a particular location.

Being flexible enough to suit the staffing need of a company is a great advantage for a fresher
and since most of fresher move around with less baggage (example: being single), it is easier for
company to move them at short notice. Remember, this applies for a foreign country placement
also. So denying a relocation means, you are also saying “No” to an onsite opportunity as well.

Example:

 “Yes, most definitely. I believe being at different locations helps me learn about new
culture and people.”
 “Yes, I don’t see a problem in relocation. It’s always a better learning experience than
being around with same environment and people”

12. Are you flexible with timings (if have to work in shift) ?

This question yet again checks about your flexibility. The same answer above applies here. If
there is a genuine problem for you to work in night or early morning shifts, mention that.

13. Do you wish to pursue higher education?

If you are seriously considering higher education, it’s wise to say so.

 If you are unsure (may be – May not be), your answers could be –
o “I am interested in higher studies, but not immediately. I want to get
started working and then look for higher education based on my experience and
career progressions.”
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 o “Yes, but not immediately. I plan to take up part time studies, with either an MBA
or an VLSI engineering masters, depending on which will be more beneficial for
my line of work.”
 Some companies support and provide various incentives for part time, full time
studies. If you already know of any such programs, it will be good to align your answer
according to that.

Interview Questions on about Company

In today’s world, with so much information available online and through various sources, it is a
grave mistake to not read up about the company, you are attending the interview. For a good
knowledge about the company during the interview shows your genuine interest in getting placed.
Few basic things that you need to look up about a company are

 Domain expertise of the company

 Various industries they cater to
 Few niceties about being employed at that company (Eg: Best employer award by
Times magazine)
 Locations they operate from and main business geographies.
 Company history, its current leaders
 General working culture
 Any subsidiaries or affiliated companies

14. Why do you want to work for us?

Mention some good word about the company at the same time, try to align a strength of yours
with the company vision or goal or working culture.

Example

 “Working for an organization, which has won best employer award multiple times, in
itself is a motivating factor. But more importantly, I would like to start off my career at a
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 place, which values ethical practices and encourages overall development of a person.”
 “I have always admired XYZ (company), for the cutting edge products and
developments, iIt bring about in the modern world. The impact of our work, is directly
reflected among the society in general, which is a great feeling. I would like to be a part
of this modern day game changer bandwagon.
o Note the clever & subtle use of “our” work instead of “your” work. You
already seems to be a part of company.
 “I believe, life is always a mix of hard work and fun. I find the work culture of xyz to
carry the same principle. “Work hard... Party harder”. What better way to start off my
career, than at a place, where I will feel like home.”

15. What is one thing that you like about our company?

Again, always know about the company before choosing your answer. A wrong line of answer
could cost you the job itself. Like you go to a research Organization & tell about your partying
habit, you most likely lose the chance to get through. Most likely one of the above answers
applies here also. The difference is, you don’t have to align this with your interests & strengths.

16. What are your expectations from your first job?

You can always quote a simple vision or strategy which you like about the company. As a
fresher, your most important expectation should be “To Learn” & this is what most
companies expect from you. There could be additional personal expectation like contributing to
society, placing yourself within corporate world, paying off your education loan etc.

Examples:

 “I have had lot of studies during all these years, but mostly theoretical leanings. My first
& foremost expectation from my first job would be to learn how all these are applied in a
practical and industrial way. I also want to be a part of the corporate culture and learn
how this is run.”
 “I consider my first job as an extension of my studies only. More like a practical class. I
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 want to learn a lot of new technologies, learn how the corporate world works, be part of a
big energetic team and contribute to the projects, develop my soft skills and to prepare
myself for tougher challenges in future.”

17. Do you have a referral in this company?

The question could be for two reasons

 To understand, if you are familiar with the company culture.

 If you will be motivated enough to join the company, if given an offer.
 If there is someone close to you, working in the company, or if there are many people you
know as working here, there is a high probability, you will be a long term prospect for the
company.

So, If you know anyone or many, working in the company, give the name, department &
employee number. No need to tell any fake names or numbers, because in case of any
verification, you might lose out a chance to make it.

Note: Reach out to them & get this information before hand

General HR Questions
18. Was it difficult to find the location?

Mostly an opening statement, to make you comfortable. Be calm & start chatting up about your
experience. Such conversations will also help you cool your nerves before the interview.

19. Do you want to ask us anything

MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION!! Never ever, go into an interview without preparing to ask
any question. Always keep a question handy. This is your opportunity to voice any of your
concern regarding the job profile, company profile, location, timing etc; if not already covered. If
you really do not have any questions, ask some general questions like does company provide any
higher education opportunity, does company encourage corporate social activities. Etc.
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20. Suppose you win a huge money in jackpot, would you still work?

Few trick question like this might be thrown at you during HR interviews. These are not harmful
or make-or-break your chances type of questions, however, it is wise to take such light hearted
questions, in its light hearted manner (of course with a smile).

Example

 “Depends on how much if left after my shopping”

 “Never really thought about it... maybe, I will start a company then”.
 “I always wanted to encourage entrepreneurship and motivate youth in job creation. I
guess I might invest the money in some startups and still be working”

21. About any current news

 If you are in the habit of reading news, don’t skip it for interview.
 Keep yourself updated, especially on the fields of your expertise and stream of education.

Avoid

 Shabby and casual dressing

 Reaching late for interview
 Lies and false facts
 Stretching your answers beyond required time
 Arguments or debates
 Negative answers or criticisms

What does HR looks for

So now that we know the importance of HR interview round, what exactly does an HR look for
during the interview ? Here are few core parameters, that most companies will try to evaluate a
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fresher against, during the HR round

Communication skill

Some candidates think, this is language skill. Sorry to disappoint, but communication is not
always about language. It’s neither about your American accent nor Shakespearean English. Of
course you need the basic skill to talk in English, but nothing more. The three key elements of
good communication are

o Listen – Actively listen to what the interviewer is asking. DO NOT

interrupt the question or answer before question is complete.
o Absorb – Understand the meaning and context of the question. If you do not,
don’t hesitate to ask. Remember, no question is stupid.
o Tip: Some candidates, who are not comfortable asking “Can you please repeat?”
or “Can you please elaborate?”, can do this an alternate way. Explain the question
back to interviewer as you understand & get confirmation. E.g. Q: “What are your
outside interests?” You: “So you asking about any of my hobbies and interests
other than in academics... right?”
o Answer clear and loud– Once you get the question, answer in clear words, short
and to the point and of course loud. Murmuring under your breath is often
frustrating for the interviewer.

Confidence
It’s pretty common for a fresher’s to get intimidated by the environment and the interviewers and
to feel lot of nerves. But hey RELAX! Understand the fact that the company wants you as much
as you need them. They called you in for HR round, because they want to select you, not reject
you. So just be yourself, like you would be at your home or college playing with your friends.
Few things what shows confidence are

o Sit straight and keep a comfortable posture. Do not lean or sit on edge of the seat,
nor lean back too much.
o Keep eye contact. Don’t look into oblivion (read ceiling, curtains etc.),
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 while answering.
o Keep a pleasant and smiling expression and show an interest in the proceedings.
o Answer with simple, clear words and loud enough for the interviewer to hear.
o It’s okay to say “Don’t know”. That shows your comfort in accepting things you
don’t know about.
 Note: Don’t overdo “Don’t know” stuff. That might turn against you.

Compatibility with the company

Each company has a different working culture. When a company evaluates a candidate, one
major quality they will look for is how compatible you are with their working culture. Although
you get information online on major corporate, preparing for this becomes slightly tricky for
lesser known companies. So getting prepared for this part is not 100% feasible, but here are few
things you can do, to avoid failing this.

o Show flexibility – HRs see a fresher’s as a fresh clay, which could be molded to
suit the company environment. Show them you are that, rather than a hard
seasoned pot. Keep your options open, like working hours, location etc. unless
absolute necessary. Understand that, it is important to kick start your career,
rather than looking for comforts.
o Stay neutral – Do not overreact or speak out extreme suggestions about any
general topic, for which your opinion is asked for. They might be trying to
evaluate you against one of their company policy.
 Example: “What is your opinion on gay rights?” Don’t answer with a
condescended tone or be disrespectful. Just answer neutral something like
“Everyone should have the right to make choices based on personal
preferences, which should go in line with the legality of the country”.

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 o Stay legal/ moral – All company policies are based on legal code of the country
and moral values. Understand this and while answering, stick on these lines. If
question is “What will you do if you see a female colleague being harassed by
your friend?” Your answer should be “I will report it to the manager.” An illegal
conduct has zero tolerance in any corporate culture.

Learn ability
The USP of a fresher to any company is the flexibility in utilizing his/her ability within its
different operations - This could be for an expansion plan, an existing delivery process, for a
product development team. This is only effective, only if the learning ability of a candidate is
strong and steep enough - that is efficient and quick. The learning could be of a new technology,
a new culture, a new life style.

o Your academic graphs is one of the important indicators for this (& hence the cut
offs). But that’s just one aspects and remember, you already cleared that hurdle.
o This is mostly evaluated by few indirect questions – like asking about your
experience with team work, any challenges you faced, project works, other
trainings (academics / non-academics) you did outside regular schooling.
o It will be prudent to have at least one example which will showcase you are
Salary willing and efficient in learning new stuffs.
Of course you know this – the compensation. A fresher doesn’t hold much bargaining power. But
nevertheless, this is a common question asked during the interview. “What is your expected
CTC?” Learn about the fresher’s package of the company & try to stay within the limits. All that
a HR is trying to look here is, are you really interested in a company like theirs. So when a
mid level company usually offers a package of 3-4 L for a fresher, and your answer is 10L,
then it says you are looking for a top level company.

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