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Behavioral Competencies Interview Questions



When conducting a behavioral-based interview of candidates for HR positions (or, for that matter, any position) consider asking these questions:


CRITICAL EVALUATION QUESTIONS

1. ​What was one of the toughest problems you ever solved? What process did you go through to solve it?
Consider the depth of the answer, and look for a step-by-step approach using critical thinking and research.

2. How do you analyze different options to determine which is the best alternative?
Answer should include analysis of each alternative, research, working with others.

3. Describe for me how your prior positions required you to be proficient in the analysis of technical reports?
Determine if the type of reports is similar to the kind you use.

4. How have you approached solving a problem that initially seemed insurmountable?
Look for the business importance of the problem and a logical approach to the resolution as well as collaborating with managers.​​

5. Where do you go to research a decision?*
Answer may include professional organizations, experts, managers, employees who do the job, the Internet, professional publications. Look for multiple sources, not just one.

* “Interview Questions: Human Resources Capacity,” <http://www.shrm.org/TemplatesTools/Samples/InterviewQuestions/Pages/HumanResourcesCapacity.aspx> SHRM Online.


An excerpt from Phyllis Hartman, Looking to Hire an HR Leader?: 14 Action Tools to Help You Decide, Find, and Keep the HR Professional Your Business Needs in a Competitive World< https://store.shrm.org/looking-to-hire-hr-leader.html> (SHRM, 2014).

Business Acumen
HR Careers
Interviewing
Organizational & Employee Development
Talent Acquisition

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