Top 57 HR Interview Questions and Answers for Freshers and Experienced
Q1. Tell me something about yourself in brief.
This question forms the backbone of the HR questions asked in interview. This is one of the most important questions asked in HR interview for freshers, where often a candidate fails to create an impression.
Possible Answer- “Thank you, Sir/Ma’am, for giving me this privilege of presenting myself. I come from ABC city. My father is a retired Banker, and my mother is a homemaker. I have pursued Software Engineering with a specialization in programming languages and HTML and have done projects like Data Visualization, Bank Management software, etc.
I also hold a certification in Java course that helped me with advanced IT skills in demand. I'm a fast learner and love to take up challenges. I believe there is always room for improvement, and this thirst makes me compete with myself rather than my peers.”
Quick tips-
- Do not mention what is already mentioned in your resume.
- Use adjectives in your speech.
- Focus on your strengths and your talents.
Q2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This is one of the tricky HR questions asked in interview that define your characteristics and job suitability. It is also one of the most common questions asked in HR interview for freshers and professionals.
Possible Answer for freshers- “I’m patient, committed, and a great team player. When it comes to taking responsibility, I’m the first one to do so. I’m a quick learner, always learning something new and executing it diligently. One of my weaknesses is that I’m a bit emotional, for which I get hurt easily.”
A possible answer for an experienced professional - “Over the years, I have developed skills in analysis, critical thinking, planning, and organization. I can work comfortably as a team or as a person. For me, tasks are my priority, and I always ensure that I complete my tasks before the deadline. My weakness is that I’m a bit extroverted, but I’m working on it.”
Quick tips-
- Be honest.
- Focus on your strengths.
- Do not tell about weaknesses that can hamper your resume.
- Avoid any fake strengths.
Q3. How would you be an asset to our company?
This is one of the most common questions asked in HR interview for freshers. Let’s discuss the qualities that will make you a credible candidate for the position.
Possible answer- “I am persistent, practical, and have excellent human relations skills. My professional skills in programming languages and in-depth knowledge of the SQL server will reap fruitful results for the company. If given an opportunity, I will be willing to expose myself to different challenges and roles that would turn me into an asset for the company.”
Q4. Why are you interested in this job?
This can be a tricky question, but you can provide one of the most convincing answers among others.
Possible answer- “I’m interested in this job because I found it an honor to work for a popular company like yours. And when I went through these job requirements, I found that my technical skills and abilities align with this position. Through this job, I can learn more and showcase my technical skills to help accomplish the company’s goals.”
Quick tips-
- Take time
- Do not be materialistic
- Explain clearly
Q5. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
This is one of the most delicate HR questions asked in an interview. The interviewer assesses your future goals and whether you are invested in their business or simply seizing the opportunity.
Possible answer- “Over the next five years, I aspire to gain as much experience and knowledge as possible in the IT sector. If I get an opportunity to work with your esteemed brand, I will make the most of it to catalyze my growth to reach a place where the brand drives through my best efforts. Therefore, I am eager to create different products that embody this company's mission and help positively impact my dream role as an SMO.”
Quick tips -
- Focus on what the interviewer wants to know.
- Make them feel convinced about your job role.
- Assure them that you plan to stay in the company long.
Q6. Why should we hire you?
Your answer to this question can create or ruin your chances of getting hired since it is one of the most commonly asked and important questions asked in HR interview for freshers, and it prepares you to convince the interviewer.
A possible answer for freshers- “I am a motivated, highly open-minded person who can learn quickly. Although fresher, I like resolving problems and learning new things. I need a platform to prove my skills as a Data Scientist. I think this position will sustain my interest and provide me with exciting opportunities to contribute to the growth of this organization.”
A possible answer for experienced- “Based on the job description, I felt the company needed an experienced Data Scientist. I have experience handling large amounts of data and have dealt with critical projects in Data Science. This makes me feel confident about this job role which will enhance my skills and growth of the company.”
Quick tips
- You should say that it adds value to the company
- Showcase your talent that sets you apart from others.
Q7. What is your dream company like?
While answering this question, do not spread your real dream of working for 6-digit pay in a company with frequent access to holidays and flexible work. These will be considered negative markings as they may see you as materialistic.
Possible answer- “My dream company is a place that would give me lots of opportunities to learn and grow and help me exploit my technical skills as a Data Analyst to contribute to the overall development of the company. I appreciate a company that recognizes and appreciates performance based on the skills, and from my research on your company, I believe this company can fulfill my wishes.”
Quick tips-
- Be sincere
- Your answer should align with the working culture of the company.
- Avoid exaggeration.
- Do not cite examples.
Q8. What is your aim in life?
This answer needs to be practical and precise. After listening to your answer, they should feel that you are focused on achieving goals.
A possible answer for freshers- “Currently, my goal is to become an integral part of a renowned organization where I can enrich my dream of becoming a QA tester and face new challenges. I want to apply and expose my knowledge and skills to contribute to an organization’s development. Most importantly, I want to be content with my job.”
A possible answer for experienced- “ As an experienced QA Software Tester, I want to gain more knowledge on it. My ambition would be to contribute as much as possible to my team with my valuable resources that would lead to the overall upliftment of the company. Also, in the future, I want to scale up my responsibilities and skills to move to the management level.”
Quick tips-
- Talk about your vision.
- Show that you are a goal-oriented person.
Q9. How do you deal with feedback and criticisms?
This type of HR interview question exposes our attitude towards feedback and criticism. So, you need to be confident before answering.
A possible answer for freshers- “I’m open to feedback and criticisms. While feedback strengthens me, criticisms encourage me to work harder and reach my goal. I’ve always been enthusiastic about learning new things and acquiring new skills in programming. If anyone offers me constructive feedback or criticism, I’ll consider it and try to improve myself.”
A possible answer for experienced - “During my years of professional experience, I have learned to transform criticism into positive ideas that I can use daily. I understand that I’m at fault if I'm wrong and criticized. In such instances, I always try to rectify myself, which nurtures my personal and professional skills.”
Quick tips-
- Be confident.
- Do not be stubborn.
- Show that you are flexible.
Q10. What kind of work environment do you prefer?
The main intention of this type of HR interview question is to understand whether you are integrating into the workplace that the company already has. Employers are concerned about making employees more productive and holding them long-term, so they ask this question.
Possible answer- “In my view, an ideal work environment revolves around a team emphasizing learning, working, and growth. During my research on your company, I noticed that you put more emphasis on teamwork, and I believe that I’m fit to work in an encouraging environment that will enhance my skills as a Salesforce professional.”
Quick tips
- Talk about the work culture.
- Research the company.
- Talk in alignment with the company’s vision.
Q11. What would you do if you were working under an arrogant boss?
Interviewers want to know how a candidate can deal with people with different beliefs and ideologies, and as a result, he can get a little tricky to one. While answering these tricky HR questions asked in an interview, avoid emphasis on the negative aspects and increase your chances of finding a job after college.
Possible answer- “Firstly, before concluding the nature of my boss, I will try my best to understand his personality and get to know his problem. If I find that my boss is aggressive, I will take note of things that would upset him and work to avoid that. I will also try asking my colleagues how they have worked on dealing with him. If things worsen, I will contact HR to find a solution.”
Quick tips
- Try to give a positive answer.
- Focus on giving solutions.
- Do not use harsh words.
Q12. What are your achievements?
While answering such HR interview questions, never boast of your achievements. This exposes your real self, which makes a negative impression on the interviewer.
A possible answer for freshers- “As far as my professional skills are concerned, I have achieved accolades for the IT projects I handled during my Software engineering degree. My biggest achievement was earning the Best Project award for my E-commerce Project in my Final Year. Apart from my professional achievements, I have also earned certificates for my team in various sports events.”
A possible answer for experience - “ I have worked on different projects and with different teams. But my greatest achievement was to solve the BlackDuck issue as a DevOps Engineer. This was my by far greatest achievement for which I received appreciation from my team members as well as from overseas clients.”
Quick tips-
- Be grounded.
- Do not exaggerate.
- Keep it simple.
Q13. What are your hobbies?
This question allows you to speak and showcase your hobbies to impress the interviewer. This is one of the easiest questions asked in HR interviews which you can answer comfortably.
Possible answer: " I’m career-oriented and passionate about widening my professional skills. My hobbies include learning about different programming languages and mastering them. During my leisure time, I love to explore cybersecurity and adopt the various skills of an ethical hacker.”
Quick tips-
- talk about too many hobbies.
Q14. What motivates you?
This is, again, a wide and encompassing question that the candidates can easily misinterpret.
A possible answer for freshers- “My passion for work is my greatest motivator. Working as a team for Project Management excites me, and the willingness to learn more about my domain keeps me motivated.”
A possible answer for experienced- “Learning new things and the feeling of contentment that comes while solving a problem drives me to do my best in my job as a PMP Manager. I love to take on challenges and meet deadlines. I love being productive and achieving milestones. It gives me a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction”.
Quick tips-
- Be honest.
- Cite an example.
- It should be relevant to your job.
Q15. What do you know about our company?
This is one of the most crucial and common HR questions asked in an interview that can seal the deal.
Possible answer- “It has been my dream to work in such a renowned IT company. As per the sources, the company has an enchanting vision for its employees. It seeks to enhance the professionalism among the employees by brushing up their I.T. skills and building a working environment among its employees. I have been following the company for a long time as it would help me be more focussed and an expert in programming languages as a DotNet developer.”
Enroll in our DotNet training program to grab the best job role.
Quick tips-
- Do not lie.
- Research well about the company.
Q16. Are you a disciplined person?
This is a crucial point in any HR questions and answers. This question will expose minute details about your personality.
Possible answer- “Organization is my innate quality. I keep all my documents, certificates, and records labeled and classified. The tags are such that I can pick up anything I need instantly in a matter of seconds. This makes me quite skilled as a Data Scientist as I always keep things organized.”
Quick tips-
- Be precise
- Keep it simple.
Q17. How much would you rate yourself out of 10?
This question has to be answered diplomatically. It is both an easy as well as a complex question to answer. It is asked to test the decision-making capabilities of a candidate.
Possible answer- “On a scale of 10, I will rate myself an 8. This is because I believe that there is always room for improvement. The interest to learn and grow will keep up my thirst for making me a perfect I.T professional.”
Quick tips-
- Answer diplomatically
- Do not answer in a way that can land you in trouble.
Q18. What are the things most important for you in your job?
Here, you have to answer to impress the interviewer. This question is targeted to show your dedication to the company, and this answer should highlight this.
Possible answer- “Since I’m new to the job market, I’m keen to learn more about the company I would be working for. The most important aspects for me would be to know how the company provides training, what are my career opportunities as the best way to fuel my career in cloud computing, how I can get support from my team to shoulder responsibilities, how I can organize my tasks, and how to learn new things that will make me more successful in the coming years.”
Quick tips-
- The answer should be to-the-point.
- Do not beat around the bush.
Q19. What is your salary expectation?
You must answer this question carefully because you do not want to be underpaid for the employment role. It is one of the most integral HR questions asked in interview, which needs extra attention.
Possible answer- “Since I am a fresher, I aim to learn more about this job position. As for the salary, I’m sure it will be in accordance with my skills and experience. I look forward to growing as a professional with your company, and I’m ready to accept the standard industry salary offered for this position."
Quick tips-
- Do not ask for more.
- Be humble.
- Avoid mentioning exact figures.
Q20. What are your career goals?
This question has to be answered carefully. Here, you have to talk about your short-term and long-term career goals. But when answering this question, never show that you will join another better organization in the long run.
Possible answer- “My short-term goal is to improve my I.T skills. I would like to pursue professional Python certification through online Python training that will enable me to learn more about it and prepare me for the industry. My long-term goal would be to join as an executive in your company.”
Quick tips-
- Align to the company’s side.
- No negative words.
Q21. Tell me how you will handle it if a project's priorities change.
Here, interviewers want to know how the candidate will deal with the situation when priorities are changed. It also reflects the candidate’s ability to handle stress and solve problems.
Possible answer- “I understand very well that there may be legitimate reasons for a company to change the priority of a project in the IT career path. The vision of a software project at some point would change at another time due to various conditions. If the priority of the task on which I work changes, I will try to understand why it happened and start working on the new task of higher priority”.
Quick tips-
- Avoid boasting.
- Cite instances where you have dealt with pressure.
- Make sure that you honestly answer this question.
Q22. Are you willing to relocate?
Judge the question and answer accordingly. There are a few important tips for your questions asked in HR interview for freshers.
Possible answer- “I certainly would. If my opportunity is appropriate, rewarding, and doable, I don't think that will be a problem for me.”
Quick tips-
- Do not say ‘YES’ at once for freshers.
- Know the purpose of relocation.
Q23. If you win the lottery, would you still be working?
This question is a big trap and is based on scenarios.
Possible answer- “I'll be so excited if I win such a raffle. This would mean that I would have hefty savings for myself and my family's future. I will not quit my job because I love my job and I love learning new things continually, and I always want to explore more skill sets. I just want to retire after a very rewarding career."
Quick tips-
- Do not show that you are materialistic.
- Answers should be focused on the company.
- Show that you are an asset to the company.
Q24. What software packages are you familiar with?
This question exposes your skills to the interviewer. Such HR interview questions will expose your skills in front of the interviewer.
Possible answer- “I am familiar with operating systems such as Windows and Linux. I know Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint from the Microsoft Office suite well. I am also familiar with conventional Web Browsers, Photoshop, and AutoCAD.”
Quick tips
- Make sure that you know your skills thoroughly.
- Don't talk about any skill that you do not know.
Q25. Do you have any questions for us?
Many candidates give up answering this question. But recruiters take notice of candidates who answer these types of vocal HR questions asked in interviews.
Possible answer- “In addition to the work profile, what other company expectations do I have?” “What are the company values?”, “What is the best part about working here?”

Quick tips-
- Do not ignore this question.
- Answer cleverly to avoid any negative impression.
26. Do you have any serious medical conditions?
Make sure you discuss pertinent health conditions everywhere and anywhere when discussing them during the interview. Also, don’t amplify the situation since it could generate a negative impression.
Possible answer - “ A serious medical condition often includes pregnancy or any other severe disease, but if you don’t have any of these conditions, then avoid giving too many details. Or say I don’t have any severe medical issues.”
Quick tips-
- Give brief answers.
- Sum up the medical condition in short sentences.
27. Did you ever conflict with your current or previous boss?
This is, again, a tricky question, so answer it wisely.
Possible answer - “ I never had any conflicts with my current or previous boss.”
Quick tips -
- Don’t use negative words.
- For freshers, don’t say “Yes”.
28. What do your friends or co-workers say about you?
Always give an honest answer to this question. Don’t exaggerate.
Possible answer - “ I know that whatever they say will be true and not made up. As I like developing strong professional relationships with my colleagues, many of them have become best friends. I recently completed an internship, and my head manager's feedback was that initially, I was slightly lost. Still, during the course of time, he felt that he could count on me.”
Quick tips-
29. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
This type of question doesn’t apply to freshers about to go through the HR interview round. Skip to the next question if you’re a beginner. It is often asked of managerial or above-level candidates.
Possible answer - “I’ve got an inclination to recognize poor performers within a few months of joining. Once I spotted one, I had a communication with my colleagues and other members of the team. Then I did the one-on-one meeting with that employee and gave him a few warnings, both written as well as verbal, over a period of a month. But in the end, I had to fire that candidate since there were zero signs of improvement.”
Quick tips-
- Don’t show any negativity.
- Don’t lie.
30. What is the most difficult thing you’ve ever accomplished?
The interviewer wants to know what you’ve accomplished and how through this question. Therefore, be confident in your attitude.
Possible answer - “During school, I wasn’t a good public speaker, as facing a crowd would make me nervous. But my close friends advised me to try my hand at it if I wanted to shine through. Since then, I started to participate in different public speaking competitions, and for the first time, I won a second prize. This helped boost my confidence.”
Quick tips -
- Tell the truth in brief sentences.
- Show your self-confidence.
31. Can you differentiate between hard work and smart work?
The interviewer wants to know your opinion through this question.
Possible answer - “According to me, something every wage earner is doing today, including a worker or a laborer. On the other hand, smart work is something that educated people are alleged to do, and few of us might be doing it in reality. And I also think that a healthy mix of both is a secret method to be successful. ”
Quick tips -
- Take your time
- Answer clearly
32. How do you feel about working weekends and night shifts?
This question might be hard to answer for a fresher, but experienced candidates can answer it easily.
Possible answer - “I don’t have issues working at weekends and doing night shifts, if my company wants my presence compulsory at night or at the weekends for steady growth and development, I’ll certainly work towards it.”
Quick tips-
- Talk about your point of view.
- Show that you are a flexible person.
33. Give an example of a time you had to respond to an unhappy manager or customer or colleague, or friend.
This question is applicable to experienced professionals.
Possible answer -” Personally, I don’t like conflicts and try to avoid them as far as possible. But if any situation occurs, I ask my seniors or professors to handle it. “
Quick tips-
- Be honest
- Your answer should be relevant to the situation
34. What makes you angry?
The interviewer is testing you on how you can deal with irritating situations.
Possible answer- “ Normally, I get angry when someone accuses me of something I didn’t do. Also, disorderliness or chaotic situations irritate me. But my experiences have taught me how to deal with people and adjust ourselves.”
Quick tips-
- Be humble
- Avoid giving details
35. Are you open to taking risks? or Do you like experimenting?
This is one of the most common HR questions asked in an interview. The interviewer is checking whether you’re an avid learner.
Possible answer - “According to me, it's always better to plunge into new waters and the latest tools and technologies. I’m robust and compliant, which helps me learn new things quickly and easily. And about experimenting, I think is in itself a learning experience. I like experimenting because it helps me master a specific skill.”
Quick tips-
- Answer wisely
- Take your time
36. What are you most proud of?
This is one of the most common questions asked in HR interviews.
A possible answer for fresher - “I think it is still to come. The day I get my job in your reputed company will be my proud moment, which is still pending.”
A possible answer for experienced -” My proudest moment was when I won the “Best Performer of the Year” award in my previous company.”
Quick tips-
- Be simple and straightforward.
- Avoid using adjectives.
37. What has been your greatest failure?
This question is applicable to experienced candidates but sometimes could be asked to freshers.
Possible answer- “Our sales team could not achieve our target despite a huge rise in ROI. Eventually, it impacted the percentage of our overall sales, and the deal slipped out of our hands.”
Quick tips-
- Don’t mention exact facts and figures.
- Answer to the point.
38. Do you have any regrets?
Think about your professional experiences and also explain how you handled the situation.
A possible answer for fresher - “ I don’t have any regrets for now.”
A possible answer for experienced - “ I regret refusing a job position offered to me at a company 2 years ago.”
Quick tips -
- Start with past experiences.
- State the situation clearly.
39. Are you demanding as a boss?
Freshers can skip this HR question since it isn’t relevant to them.
Possible answer -” As a manager, I make sure that I always help my team members and assist them in growing their individual career paths. I try to resolve their challenges along the way and help make their lives easier and also assure that the project gets delivered on time.”
Quick tips -
- Show that you do your job on time
- Explain how you struggled to keep up with your work.
40. Can you describe your time management skills?
Through this HR question, the interviewer wants to know how you manage your time.
Possible answer - “I prepare my task list and then prioritize the tasks per my senior's instructions. Then I try to complete urgent tasks on priority and deliver them. If any part is unclear, I prioritize complex or time-consuming tasks over simpler ones. All along the process, I keep updating my seniors about my work progress.”
Quick tips-
- Show that you aren’t a time waster nor a money waster.
- Show your skills
41. What three things are most important for you in a job?
This is the most frequently asked HR question.
Possible answer - “ I think honesty, loyalty, and determination to achieve the target are most important.”
Quick tips -
- Be specific and concise.
- Show them your motivation.
42. What makes you happy?
When answering this question, focus on the positives.
Possible answer - “ I feel happy when I accomplish my goals and when I’m with my family.”
Quick tips -
- Identify the things that make you happy.
- Show how small things can make you happy.
43. Can you handle the pressure?
When answering this question, explain how you deal with pressure.
Possible answer - “I’ve a good ability to work under pressure because it helps me put out the best in me and also helps me to grow. When I’ve strict deadlines, I learn quickly and perform best as I plan my tasks accordingly, ans work in more systematic ways. I also try to complete my tasks more efficiently.“
Quick tips -
- Briefly explain the pressure situations
- How you dealt with them
44. Do you have any other offers in hand?
Don’t get intimidated by this HR interview question. If you want to be open about the other offer you can tell that or keep it confidential. Interviewers often ask this question to know your demand in the job market. They might also want to know whether you accept any other job by the time you reach the offer stage.
Possible answer - “ No, I don’t”
Quick tips-
- Play safe
- Keep it a secret even though you’ve other offers in hand until the salary negotiation phase comes up.
45. Do you know anyone who works for us?
The intention of asking this question is to find out whether you already have a mentor in the company or if any of your friends or relatives have already been working in their company.
Possible answer -” No, none of my friends or relatives work in this company. I’ve always adored your company since it is one of the highly reputed companies.”
Quick tips -
- Show your ability to balance work and personal life.
- Show your strong work ethic.
46. Do you have a good work ethic?
The interviewer wants to know whether you are disciplined and organized.
Possible answer -” I’m indeed a disciplined person and try to complete my work in a timely and organized manner. Because I think well-planned and organized work execution is the base for best quality work.”
Quick tips -
- Show how you maintain your work schedule.
- Show how you don’t tolerate compromising the quality of your work.
47. You have changed jobs/jumped ship too many times already. Why so?
This question exclusively applies to experienced candidates who’ve changed or jumped jobs too many times already.
Possible answer - “Even though I’ve changed jobs too many times, I genuinely think that I’m a far better employee now because these switches have helped me build excellent communication and interpersonal skills, learn different skills and quickly adapt to the rapidly changing work environments.”
Quick tips -
- Try to give a balanced answer.
- Explain the reasons for job changes.
Now that you’ve learned about questions asked in HR interviews for freshers and experienced professionals, let's look at the other types of questions for IT beginners and working professionals.