HR Assistant Intern Interview Questions

Interviewer: Hello, thank you for coming in today. Can you please introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the position of HR Assistant Intern?

Candidate: Hello, thank you for having me. My name is Sarah and I am currently a college student majoring in human resources. I am interested in this position because I want to gain real-world experience in HR and contribute to a company’s success.

Interviewer: Can you describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation within a team or group project?

Candidate: Yes, during a group project in one of my classes, there was a disagreement about the direction of the project. I listened to each member’s thoughts and concerns, and then facilitated a group discussion to come to a compromise that everyone agreed on.

Interviewer: How do you prioritize tasks when given multiple assignments?

Candidate: I prioritize tasks based on deadlines, importance, and level of urgency in completing them. I also communicate with my supervisor to ensure I am meeting their expectations and priorities.

Interviewer: How do you handle confidential information and maintain confidentiality?

Candidate: I understand the importance of confidential information in HR and would ensure that I follow all company policies and procedures regarding confidentiality. I would not disclose any confidential information without proper authorization.

Interviewer: Can you describe your experience with data entry and record-keeping?

Candidate: I have experience with data entry and record-keeping in previous internships and coursework. I am proficient in Microsoft Excel and other HR software.

Interviewer: How would you handle an employee complaint or concern?

Candidate: I would listen actively and empathetically to the employee, take thorough notes of their complaint, and involve any necessary parties to resolve the issue in a timely and appropriate manner while maintaining confidentiality.

Interviewer: Have you ever had to handle a difficult customer? How did you handle the situation?

Candidate: Yes, I have experience in retail where I’ve encountered difficult customers. I remained calm, listened to their concerns, and worked with them to find a solution that met their needs and the company’s policies.

Interviewer: How do you handle tight deadlines and time-sensitive projects?

Candidate: I prioritize tasks and create a timeline for each project. I also work efficiently and productively to ensure that the project meets its deadline.

Interviewer: Can you describe your experience with onboarding and recruitment processes?

Candidate: I have experience in onboarding and recruitment processes through my coursework and previous internships where I assisted with job postings, reviewing resumes, and scheduling interviews.

Interviewer: How do you stay organized and manage your workload?

Candidate: I use a combination of to-do lists, calendars, and project management tools to stay organized and on top of my workload. I also prioritize tasks to ensure I am meeting deadlines.

Interviewer: Can you explain your experience with HR policies and procedures?

Candidate: I have experience in understanding and implementing HR policies and procedures through my coursework and previous internships.

Interviewer: How do you handle conflict within the workplace?

Candidate: I listen to both parties and try to find a resolution that satisfies everyone involved. I also take the opportunity to reflect and learn from the situation to prevent future conflicts.

Interviewer: Do you have experience with payroll processing and benefit administration?

Candidate: I have limited experience in payroll processing and benefit administration through my previous internship where I assisted with data entry and filing. However, I am excited to learn more about these processes.

Interviewer: Can you describe your experience in conducting employee performance evaluations?

Candidate: I have limited experience in conducting employee performance evaluations, but I have reviewed sample evaluations and have learned about the process through my coursework.

Interviewer: Finally, can you tell me about a time when you demonstrated leadership skills?

Candidate: During a group project, my team was struggling with meeting deadlines. I took on additional responsibilities and delegated tasks to my teammates to ensure that we met our deadlines and produced high-quality work.

Scenario Questions

1. Scenario: As an HR Assistant Intern, you are responsible for organizing employee files. One of your coworkers has received a request for an employee's file that is marked confidential. What steps do you take to ensure the file is only viewed by authorized personnel?

Candidate Answer: I would ensure that only authorized personnel have access to the confidential file by checking their security clearance and verifying the reason why they need the information. I would also make sure to document who accessed the file and for what purpose.

2. Scenario: You are tasked with creating an employee satisfaction survey. What questions would you include in the survey and why?

Candidate Answer: I would include questions that gauge employee satisfaction with their job, such as their workload, compensation, benefits, and work environment. I would also include questions about their relationship with their manager and the company's overall culture. This information will help us identify areas of improvement and address any issues before they become bigger problems.

3. Scenario: As an HR Assistant Intern, you received an email from an employee regarding an incident involving workplace harassment. What steps would you take to handle the situation?

Candidate Answer: I would first notify the HR Manager and follow the company's protocol for handling workplace harassment claims. I would then speak with the employee to gather more information about the incident, and document all the details. Lastly, I would ensure that a proper investigation is conducted, and that all parties involved are treated with respect and confidentiality.

4. Scenario: You are requested to prepare a report on employee turnover for the past 12 months. What specific data would you gather and include in the report?

Candidate Answer: I would gather data on the number of employees who left the company, the reasons for their departure, and their job title or department. I would also include data on new hires and how long they stayed with the company. Additionally, I would look at any trends in employee turnover and provide recommendations for reducing employee turnover.

5. Scenario: You are conducting interviews for a new HR Assistant Intern. What qualities and skills would you look for in a candidate?

Candidate Answer: I would look for a candidate who has excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. I would also look for someone who is well-organized, flexible, and has a passion for HR. Lastly, I would want to hire someone who is willing to learn and willing to take on new tasks and responsibilities.
Sample Numeric Data for question #4:
- 150 employees left the company in the past 12 months
- 50 employees left due to retirement
- 30 employees left due to relocation
- 40 employees left due to better job opportunities
- 30 employees left due to dissatisfaction with management
- 100 new hires in the past 12 months
- Average employee tenure is 3.5 years.