Major Question asked by Interviewer - "As an HR what kind of challenges have you faced in your daily work routine?"

If Interviewer asked "As an HR what kind of challenges have you faced in your daily work routine?" what kind of reply should I give, Please help me.

Dear Nonica,

A question asked about "daily work routine", how can it become a "major" question? The answer to this question will vary from person to person. There cannot be a fixed reply that will apply to all the candidates.

Though the question may appear simple, it has depth too. From the reply given, a seasoned interviewer could find out not only about the work the candidate does but the processes followed in the company's HR Department as well.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

To such a question, you need to answer stressing on the positive aspect of your personality, like your commitment, ability to motivate others, listening skills, cognitive abilities, conflict resolution skills, etc. Indeed you can answer with an illustration of how you are dealing with such an issue.

For KK!HR

Sir,

The question is on challenges in "daily work routine". However, if the candidate gives a reply about her personal qualities like commitment, ability to motivate others etc. the interviewer could interpret it as a mismatch between the question and the answer. He/she could come up again that I asked you about the "daily work routine" and not your strengths.

The daily work routine depends on the designation of a person. It will vary for a General Manager, Manager, non-managers etc. The challenges arise due to the lack of skillset, non-availability of physical resources, inadequate manpower and so on. If the candidate keeps on facing the same challenge(s) for months or years together, then it reveals that neither the candidate nor his/her superior is interested in solving workplace issues. Secondly, the challenges also bring out the intellectual, mental, and emotional abilities of a candidate.

If the candidate gives a reply that "No, I do not face any challenges", the interviewer may interpret it as the candidate may have a close-minded personality.

That is why I wrote in my previous reply that the question is tricky. Though it may appear small and simple, the reply will reveal many things about the candidate, his/her manager or organisation etc.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar