This question aims to give you insight into the candidate's motivations for pursuing a career in human resources. An ideal candidate will have a good reason for wanting to work in HR and will be able to passionately explain their reasoning. What to look for in an answer:

• An explanation for an HR career
• Passion for human resources
• Excellent communication skills

A good HR Manager will be aware of different management styles and of their own preferred style. They should be able to describe their management style and express awareness of other management styles. They should also be willing to use those different styles if required. What to look for in an answer:

• Self-awareness of their management style
• Awareness of different management styles
• Willingness to change their approach for your company

Most human resources departments use some kind of HR management software to improve their efficiency. The candidate should be familiar with one or more HR software packages and also express a willingness to learn to use the software your company uses. What to look for in an answer:

• Familiarity with one or more common human resources software packages
• Willingness to learn to use new software
• Positive attitude to using technology in HR

HR Managers must enforce HR policy for the benefit of both the company and its employees. However, in some rare cases, they may have to deviate from HR policy for an unexpected situation. What to look for in an answer:

• Understanding of the importance of HR policies
• Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to know when to deviate from policy

While managing a team of HR professionals, there's always a chance that a member of the team will disagree with an HR Managers decision. In this case, the manager should be able to discuss the situation amicably and explain why their decision is best for the HR team. What to look for in an answer:

• Leadership skills and authority
• Communication skills
• Willingness to listen to their team

A good HR Manager needs to be able to measure the performance of the department. There are several common key performance indicators (KPIs) that are used in HR management. The candidate should be able to express their familiarity with these KPIs and how they would measure them. What to look for in an answer:

• Understanding of the importance of measuring success
• Awareness of common HR KPIs
• Analytical skills

Working in human resources can be a rewarding profession because of the opportunities to help employees in the business succeed. The candidate should be able to enthusiastically express the areas of human resources that they like the most. Their answer will give you a better idea about their attitude towards human resources management. What to look for in an answer:

• Their favourite area of HR
• An enthusiastic and passionate answer
• Honest answer

HR Managers are often involved in the recruitment process within a business. They may sit in on interviews or be involved in creating recruitment policies. What to look for in an answer:

• Awareness of recruitment methods and policies
• Suggestions for recruiting the right people
• Interview techniques

HR Managers sometimes have to face difficult situations within the HR department. This could range from having to terminate an employee's contract to unexpected recruitment needs. Regardless of the challenge, the HR Manager should be able to calmly analyse the situation and overcome the problem. What to look for in an answer: 

• Example of a challenging HR situation
• Solution to the problem
• Excellent problem-solving skills

This question gives the candidate the opportunity to show that they've researched the job and your company. They should be able to give you a good reason for wanting to work for you that goes beyond the salary and benefits. What to look for in an answer:

• A valid reason for wanting to work for you
• Answer that shows they researched your company
• Clear interest in the position