HR Interview questions

Tell about yourself?

Keep your answer short and focused on your professional life. This is not the time to bring up relationships, childhood experiences, family etc. A brief history of education, career and special interests is what is called for here. End it with why you are interested in this particular job.

Who are your role models?

The two traps here are unpreparedness and irrelevance. If you grope for an answer, it seems as you have never been inspired. Have a few heroes in mind, from your mental “Board of Directors” – Leaders of this industry, from history or anyone else who has been your mentor. Be prepared to give examples of how their words, actions or teachings have helped you inspire your achievements.

What is your weakness?

Do NOT mention key weaknesses here. This is not the place to say you are bad at meeting deadlines or you never mastered highschool mathematics etc. Turn this question around to your benefit. For example, you are 'overambitious' or 'extremely attentive to detail' or 'like to take on too many projects'. Make it sound positive.

What are your Hobbies?

Everyone has some or the other hobby, and if you have included them in your resume, it’s better you prepare yourself for a question on this. Know every possible thing about your hobby. For example, if photography is your hobby, you should be able to tell the interviewer about features of the camera you have, angles, shots ect. It is also advisable that you carry couple of your works.

Extra co-curricular activities?

Explain work you have done apart from your studies.

What do you know about this organization?

Indicate what you have learnt from your research activities - from their annual reports,
newspapers, word of mouth, other employees etc. Use this to flatter them and show that you have done your homework.

Are you a team player?

You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.

Why should we hire you?

Again, explain that you are very interested in the job and demonstrate what it is about your past experiences, education and qualifications that makes you ideal for the job. Show enthusiasm and support your answers with evidence wherever you can. Elaborate on all the past experiences and skill sets that make you suitable for the job. In cases where your past experience is not directly relevant, you can still find elements of it that can be useful. Play up team skills, computer skills, leadership roles, specific courses and independent research activities that can be useful to the job at hand to show your initiative even where you don't have directly relevant job experience.

Tell me about your dream job?

Be honest. Also mention keywords such as challenging, steep learning curve, good work culture, demanding, rewarding, opportunities for advancement and growth, team environment, opportunity to build and maintain client relationships etc.

What is more important to you: the money or the work?

This one will reveal the real you. Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.

Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?

This is up to you. Be totally honest.

Would you be willing to relocate if required?

You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.

Tell me about the recent trends in IT industry?

Be prepared with two or three trends that illustrate how well you understand your industry. You might consider technological challenges or opportunities, economic conditions, or even regulatory demands as you collect your thoughts about the direction in which your business is heading.

If you are rejected today, then what will you do?

Well this question does not mean that they are rejecting you. So don’t get dishearten. This is more like a ‘stress question’ to judge how you react during a stress situation. This could also be because they want to know your other plans like if you have also applied for other companies or if you are very adamant about joining TCS. Either ways it does not mean that they are going to reject you. And make sure your answer is positive.

Where you’re native place is and for what it is famous?

You obviously know your native place right? But its better you also learn few things about the place as well. This is something about you, and you will be expected to know these little details.

Who is the founder of Google?

Mr. Larry Page and Mr. Sergey Brin? Well yes. But, did you really knew this? No?

Who are the competitors of TCS in the world market as well as in Indian market?
A little study about the current market should certainly help. A good homework will reflect in your answer and that will really be impressive. This will show the interviewer that you are concerned about this interview and job.

How you rank yourself compared with your friends?

Who is the founder of TCS?

Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata established TATA Group in 1869. However it was under Mr. Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata (JRD Tata), that this group was expanded and hence TCS was established in 1968. Currenty Mr. Ratan Tata is the Chairman of the group.

Are names difficult to remember?

Well it is not when you are passionate about TCS.

Who is the present CEO?

Mr. Natarajan Chandrasekaran is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of the company. If you did not know this basic fact about TCS, then you have not done your homework well. Be ready for such questions.

What is the name of the award TCS recently received?

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), has won six awards for outstanding HR leadership at Asia's Best Employer Brand Awards 2010, in Singapore.

What is your aim?

Be honest at this part, because all that the interviewer wants to know is whether your aim and goal match with the company’s objective or not.

Wat r u r skills? Do u hav any certifications on u r skills?

Yes? Well good, however be ready with your certificates to show them (if asked). And if your answer is a No, then be ready to answer ‘why no’!