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Human Resources Manager Interview Questions

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Human Resources Manager interview questions and answers.

  1. How do you prioritize your workload as a human resources manager? See answer
  2. What made you consider human resources as a career? See answer
  3. Tell me about your experience with human resources software or other computer programs essential to your position. See answer
  4. How do you remain proactive with recruitment to have a pool of qualified candidates? See answer
  5. How do you stay current with your knowledge of human resources regulations and best practices? See answer
  6. How does your education qualify you for a human resources manager position? See answer
  7. Describe a problematic employee termination as a human resources manager. See answer
  8. What is your experience with leading human resources projects? See answer
  9. Describe a time that a situation tested your ethics in a human resources matter. See answer
  10. What human resources experience do you have supporting cost reduction measures within a company? See answer
  11. As a human resources manager, how do you contribute to the company culture? See answer
  12. Describe your management style as a human resources manager. See answer
  13. What is your experience in directing inclusion and diversity-based conversations within a company? See answer
  14. What unique skills can you bring to our human resources department? See answer
  15. How do you provide clear direction to your human resources team about the company’s overall goals and objectives?
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Hire your next Human Resources Manager today.

Post a job

Hire your next Human Resources Manager today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Human Resources Manager Interview Questions and Answers

How do you prioritize your workload as a human resources manager?

A flourishing human resources manager must manage multiple projects and tasks while remaining organized and effective. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to prioritize duties and responsibilities. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of the full scope of duties and responsibilities of the position
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills to assess the importance and urgency of each task
  • Time management and organizational skills to manage their schedule and remain organized

Example:

"I prioritize my workload based on various criteria, such as the urgency of requests, timelines of projects, and importance of tasks. Once I've reviewed my day or week, I plan out a detailed calendar with everything scheduled for maximum productivity."

What made you consider human resources as a career?

The purpose of the question is to determine the candidate's personal motivation for pursuing a career in human resources. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of personal motivating factors for their career choice
  • Interest in protecting the interests of employees and employers for a fair workplace
  • Knowledge of the responsibilities involved in human resources

Example:

 "When I started my bachelor's degree program, I was fascinated by the courses that focused on human resources. I decided to specialize in that area so I could make a difference in the lives of employees while also protecting the interests of companies I work for."

Tell me about your experience with human resources software or other computer programs essential to your position.

A competent human resources manager must have strong computer literacy skills and experience with human resources software. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's knowledge of related computer software necessary for their position. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience with human resources software used by your company
  • Strong foundation in computer literacy skills
  • Awareness of available software, including word processing and spreadsheet applications

Example:

 "As a human resources specialist, I've used several specific software programs to track employee profiles, performance management, and compensation management. For example, I'm familiar with Sage HR and Humi programs. I'm also fully fluent in Microsoft Office Suite."

How do you remain proactive with recruitment to have a pool of qualified candidates?

A human resources manager is responsible for recruiting and hiring qualified applicants. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to proactive recruiting to ensure there are qualified applicants available when a position comes available. What to look for in an answer:

  • A systematic, proactive approach to recruitment
  • Awareness of upcoming positions and opportunities
  • Ability to build rapport and professional relationships with qualified applicants

Example:

 "I believe in developing and maintaining a solid recruitment strategy throughout the year. This means developing relationships with universities, trade schools, and colleges for graduating students. It also requires keeping our online presence fresh and updated."

How do you stay current with your knowledge of human resources regulations and best practices?

A human resources manager must constantly update their skills and knowledge base. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's interest in participating in professional development to remain current with the newest regulations and trends. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interest in taking part in professional development opportunities
  • Ability to implement newly learned information into their position
  • Interpersonal skills to network and develop professional partnerships

Example:

 "I'm a member of several professional organizations for human resources managers and specialists. We meet monthly with an opportunity to learn from a guest speaker and network afterwards. I also read numerous publications to stay current on provincial and federal legislature."

How does your education qualify you for a human resources manager position?

A position in human resources management typically requires a bachelor's degree and accredited designation, such as a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation. The goal of this question is to determine the candidate's academic background and ability to apply their knowledge to the position. What to look for in an answer:

  • Completion of company-specific educational requirements, as needed
  • Human resources designation from a recognized governing body, as required
  • Ability to adapt their knowledge to the benefit of the position

Example:

 "I have over six years of post-secondary education, with a CPHR designation. My body of knowledge and theory allows me to create and implement solid human resources programs and initiatives effectively for the benefit of both the company and employees."

Describe a problematic employee termination as a human resources manager.

A human resources manager supports other management in the hiring and discipline of employees. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's experience in terminating employees from a company and handling conflict. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to follow human resources best practices for terminating employment
  • Desire to treat all employees fairly and with respect and dignity
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving ability when handling a problematic termination

Example:

 "Although I'm confident in my knowledge and abilities, terminating an employee is rarely an easy thing to do. I had one employee who was extremely volatile and, thus, very memorable. I knew that the termination might not go well, so I planned my strategy. First I..."

What is your experience with leading human resources projects?

A human resources manager is instrumental in leading department projects and initiatives. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's expertise in project management. What to look for in an answer:

  • Organizational skills to effectively plan and implement projects
  • Interpersonal skills to create and build a high-performing team
  • Communication skills to provide clear direction and focus

Example:

 "As a human resources manager, there are constantly small or informal projects to work on. And over my five years of experience, I've led numerous large-scale projects. For example, my previous company changed their health care benefits provider, and that project was over a year in planning and implementation."

Describe a time that a situation tested your ethics in a human resources matter.

A human resources manager must remain unbiased and objective in their position. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's moral compass regarding ethical work practices. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of human resources best practices
  • Interest in treating all employees with fairness and respect
  • Ability to follow company policies and procedures or bring unfair policies to light

Example:

 "I once worked for a manufacturing company whose plant manager wouldn't hire women even if they exceeded qualifications and skills. I took it as my responsibility to identify this discriminatory behaviour and approach the executive team with my findings. It was difficult to call out another management team member..."

What human resources experience do you have supporting cost reduction measures within a company?

A human resources manager must remain flexible to support the company's overall goals and objectives, including cost reduction measures. The purpose of the question is to evaluate the candidate's experience dealing with layoffs, job sharing, or other cost-cutting methods. What to look for in an answer:

  • Critical thinking and analytical skills to develop effective cost-savings measures
  • Ability to remain objective and compassionate to affected employees
  • Awareness of human resources best practices

Example:

 "I was working in human resources during the last economic downturn and quickly learned about job-sharing options for employees, which was a great cost reduction measure that allowed us to maintain our workforce without layoffs."

As a human resources manager, how do you contribute to the company culture?

A human resources manager is part of a company's management team and has the opportunity to lead by example. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to contributing to the company culture. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of a company's unique culture
  • Interest in leading by example and contributing to the company
  • Ability to follow company policies and protocol

Example:

 "My first contribution is leading by example to my department. Observing the company's dress code, hours of work, and unique company language are all parts of creating a strong culture within the organization. I also ensure that all HR communication is branded to the company's look and message to remain consistent with the culture."

Describe your management style as a human resources manager.

Every manager develops their own style of leadership and supervision. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's description of their management style as a human resources manager. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of professional strengths and weaknesses as a manager
  • Interest in developing their management skills
  • Ability to treat all team members with respect and kindness

Example:

 "I would describe my management style as a combination of collaborative and mentoring. I believe in having the best people in the right positions within my team to function effectively. It's my responsibility to provide guidance and direction while leading the team towards our goals and objectives."

How do you provide clear direction to your human resources team about the company's overall goals and objectives?

A human resources manager is responsible for managing the HR department by providing clear direction and leadership. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to communicating the company's goals and objectives to their team. What to look for in an answer:

  • Strong communication skills to share the importance of the team's contribution to the overall success
  • Ability to keep company goals and objectives visible and top of mind
  • Interpersonal skills to develop a team that is working towards a common goal

Example:

 "I believe in having an open discussion with my team on the company's goals and objectives. I hold a monthly team meeting to discuss updates and progress, along with recognizing team members who have contributed."

What is your experience in directing inclusion and diversity-based conversations within a company?

A human resources manager typically leads the way to company discussions about inclusion and diversity. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's expertise in these critical topics. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of what diversity and inclusion means in the workplace
  • Ability to intelligently discuss the issues or have access to experts
  • Willingness to explore their own biases and assumptions about diversity and inclusion

Example:

 "Over the years of being in human resources, the topics of inclusion and diversity are much more openly discussed now. I have been instrumental in starting the conversations in my previous positions. I also have several experts that I rely on for reliable information and ideas."

What unique skills can you bring to our human resources department?

During an interview, a candidate wants to present their best qualities and characteristics. The goal of the question is to allow the candidate the opportunity to share their uniqueness that can contribute to your company. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of their professional strengths
  • Interest in contributing to the success of your company
  • Ability to identify unique skills that benefit their position

Example:

 "I have several years of experience working with overseas recruiters to find highly qualified work visa candidates. I'm also well educated on Canadian work visas and permits from both the company and the candidate's perspective. This is becoming a fantastic opportunity to hire skilled employees for contract positions that your company would typically use."

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