Course Module 6. Career Center - Lecture: Key Questions in an HR Interview and How to Prepare for Them

In our last lecture, we mapped out the typical interview stages at MAANG companies. This time, we're zooming into the HR interview. You'll learn how to ace that HR call and what to expect during the in-office interview (a bit daunting, but forewarned is forearmed!). Plus, we'll cover which questions to prepare for and which to play down.

Almost forgot! The Screening Call (Intro call)

In our list of MAANG interview stages, we mentioned the screening call. It's not super common but does pop up occasionally. Here's how it goes: a tech pro or a well-prepped HR calls, introduces themselves, and hits you with a technical question right off the bat. Like, solving an algorithm problem on the spot. Sounds scary, and it's easy to get flustered. But these calls are rare. Still, you'll be prepping for tech interviews anyway. Think of this as a mini tech interview. We'll tackle technical questions in later lectures, but for now, let's focus on that HR call.

HR Call / Culture Interview

While screening calls are rare, the Culture Interview with HR is almost a given in most companies. Here, HR tries to suss out if you mesh with the company culture. Sometimes they might invite you to the office at this stage, but nowadays, it's usually still a call.

So, what to expect? Usually, they'll give you the lowdown on the company and what it does, then ask you to talk about yourself. Expect questions about your motivation, your expectations, and maybe something specific to the company.

Let's brainstorm how to handle questions in the Culture Interview.

About Yourself

Every company, at every stage, will ask you to talk about yourself, not just in HR chats. To nail this part, prep your pitch in advance. "Pitch" here means like in startups, where you have two minutes to convince an investor to fund you. Same here. You've got two minutes to convince HR you're worth their time. Plus, it's a great tool to set a positive tone and show your enthusiasm.

Your pitch should:

Last no more than two minutes. Don't drag it out, but don't be too brief either. Avoid being overly narcissistic or lying, but don't sell yourself short either.
Summarize your resume, focusing on the most relevant and impressive parts. Also, explain why you're interested in this company.

Your Motivation

Convey your motivation clearly. HR specialists are on the lookout for lackluster, low-energy folks. Companies want motivated employees for the long haul. Even top-notch pros can lack motivation, and a good HR person will notice. Spotting unmotivated candidates is a key HR task. So, convincing them of your drive is crucial. No need to make stuff up. There are two types of motivation:

You're a genuinely motivated developer. You love coding, and it comes naturally to you. Explain why you enjoy programming, what keeps you motivated, what you find interesting, and how you maintain your drive. You can back this up with experiences (what you particularly enjoyed) and future aspirations (wanting to grow and tackle complex problems). For a code lover, this should be easy.
You're in it for the money (and that's OK): Let's be real. Not everyone gets into programming just for the love of coding. But even for those who love it, money is a fundamental motivator, and there's nothing wrong with that. Of course, if money is your only driver, find another angle to present to the manager. If you're reading this lecture, you've likely completed a serious programming course, so you definitely have strong motivation. Just find it and package it right.

Why Are You Changing Jobs?

If you're not fresh out of school and have worked before, expect to be asked why you're looking to switch jobs (especially if you're already a programmer).

Important! Never badmouth your previous job or team, even if it was a bad experience. You chose to work there, so focus on solid reasons for leaving, like:

Unable to influence project processes.
Lack of prospects.
Low salary (mention this last).

Hobbies

You might be asked about hobbies. Hopefully, you have some that you're not embarrassed to share. If not, it's not too late to get some. Life's more interesting that way.

Practice!

Main advice: rehearse your answers alone, speak them out loud. It'll boost your confidence during the actual interview.

HR interviews generally aim to gauge your soft skills and see if you fit the company. Stress resilience matters too.

What to Ask HR?

In essence, ask what intrigues you. But don't blindly follow prepared lists: HR managers can instantly detect insincerity. During your work, if you've worked before, there were things important to you. Maybe team dynamics, work conditions, or even office snacks and coffee. Ask questions that genuinely matter to you.

Recapping the HR Interview Prep

Prepare your pitch: Craft it carefully.
Rehearse it: Practice it alone, speak it out loud, and maybe even record yourself.
Shape and rehearse your motivation: Be authentic and convincing.
Research the company beforehand: This helps you explain why you specifically want to join them.

HR interviews are designed to assess your soft skills and whether you're a good fit for the company. Being stress-resilient is also crucial here.

Remember, the key to a successful HR interview is not just about answering questions but also asking the right ones. It shows your interest and engagement with the company and the role. Good luck!

Key Questions in an HR Interview and How to Prepare for Them