HR
Interview
Picture this: You're moments away from clicking “join the meeting” and entering the “room” with a recruiter. Heart pounding? Palms sweaty? Or maybe just angry that the HR Specialist will again ask some out-of-the-blue questions you’re not really happy to answer?
Job interviews can be nerve-racking experiences, but they don't have to be. Imagine walking into your next interview feeling as confident as a seasoned pro. It's all about the art of preparation, and we've got you covered. Join us on a journey to unlock the secrets of interview mastery.
Let us start with a brief clarification, why do companies need HR interviews at all. Usually, they’re the first step in the hiring process. Their primary purpose is to screen candidates to ensure they meet the basic qualifications for the position. For an Engineer/Developer or any other Tech Expert it would be best to jump straightforwardly to the tech meeting, right? But unfortunately it’s not that easy. Companies receive an enormous number of applications, depending on the position and its level. It’s just impossible to ensure a technical meeting for everybody. At Blazity, for example, we understand the importance of candidates’ experience in the recruitment process, therefore we don’t want to leave anybody without answers or keep them waiting for too long. Here’s where our HR Specialist steps in.
In the world of job interviews, there are various ways companies like to interview candidates. Probably, you’ve heard some stories (or even experienced them yourself) about questions asking about the number of windows in Warsaw, or what type of an animal you would like to be. These questions can be intentionally challenging or unexpected to see how candidates handle stress or pressure. However, at our place, we keep things simple and direct. Also, we don't fuss over every single detail in your CV; instead, we're more interested in the big picture. This approach not only makes the interview process smoother but also helps us get to know you better and find out if we're a good fit for each other.
You may expect this question especially if your CV “skills” section is not well-described. The Recruiter usually expects a straightforward answer, e.g. “I have 5 years of experience with React.js”. It’s also great to mention whether you’ve been using a language/framework/library commercially or not.
Let’s state it clearly - it’s OK (and important!) to talk about struggles and challenges. What HR people like to hear is how you’re able to solve them. Have you ever heard of the STAR method? It’s an acronym that stands for: Situation, Task, Action, Result. You can use this method for answering almost any question, so it’s better to practice it a little beforehand.
It helps to deliver well-rounded answers with clear points, showing your expertise and ability to take action. Other popular methods are CAR (Context-Action-Result) or PEARL (Problem-Example-Action-Result-Learning). And yes - we, the HR folk, love to hear examples!
This question might be tricky. It can apply to a situation with a team/client, a successful accomplishment of a project goal or any other situation that requires a real-life example. It doesn’t mean you have to come-up with an example on the spot. Best tip is to think about some cases before the interview. If something like a situation mentioned by the Interviewer has never happened to you, it’s best to talk about it openly. The possible solution might be “I’ve never been in a situation like that, but hypothetically I’d try to solve it this way (...)”. Try to avoid general answers, where there is a space for some real-life examples.
Questions about feedback might be structured differently. Sometimes, it's directly about feedback from your annual evaluation, sometimes it might be about your learning experience. Learning from your own mistakes is very valuable. There is no shame in sharing negative feedback as well - as long as you were able to take action upon it and improve.
This question might sound like a broad one, and a trap to fall into generalization. Tell the recruiter about the team's size and roles. Whether the team is self-organizing or who’s the leader (Project Manager, Product Owner or maybe a Tech Lead?). You can talk about working remotely and what tools you use to make sure everybody’s on the same page. It’s great to mention what methodology you have implemented - is it pure Agile or something adapted to project’s needs - or what task management tool do you use. A rule that applies here as well - provide examples.
Depending whether you originate from a product company or a software house, the answer will be different. It would be easier to think about clients as stakeholders - whether they’re internal or external ones. Internal clients might be from the same company (e.g. branches from other countries) or simply from different departments. Tell the Recruiter how do you cooperate - whether it’s based on the ticketing system or do you have regular meetings? Is the product you work on only for internal use or will it be more widely spread? When it comes to external stakeholders (end-users, other companies, etc.) it’s good to mention whether you have been involved in gathering requirements, doing estimates, preparing demos, etc. Various companies have different work dynamics, and sometimes the PM/PO is the only client-facing party but maybe you’ve had a chance to work with client’s tech teams? Simply think about your involvement that does not relate to writing the code only.
Here are some Crafting the Perfect Answers tips.
It’s worth remembering that interview success is not only about what's on your resume but how well you can communicate and show your skills. With some preparation, a positive attitude, and effective communication, you can increase the chances of getting your next dream job. Also, reflect on your interview experiences and learn from them, especially from feedback received. HR interviews are nothing to be afraid of, think of them as a friendly and casual conversation. But don’t forget about highlighting your achievements, experiences, and skills. :) Good luck!