HR job interview

[HappyBear]

Hi,

I was hoping that someone out there could give me some advice! I applied for an HR Assistant job yesterday in the company that I work for, and I have an interview on Monday. I'd really like to do some research into the role as it's something I've always been interested in doing, and am keen to do well in the interview, but not sure where to start - can anyone advise what key areas I should look into?

Many thanks.

[buildersmate]

As an HR Assistant you might expect to be involved in (depending on the scope of the department) in recruitment process, the performance review process, the staff exit process (admin side of it), correspondence with outside organisations enquiring about staff (mortgage applications, references for former staff - that sort of thing), management information HR hold - staff numbers by grade, sickness, absence - that sort of thing, pay and maybe pensions administration (changing people's pay in conjunction with the finance department), attendance and absence recording / monitoring, shift patterns and rotas, grievance and disciplinary issues and recording, maintenance of staff personnel files.

[jennifer_cro]

Hi HappyBear

I've worked in HR for 4 years and started as an HR Assistant. Few points for you:

• Knowledge of the company interviewing you- must make an effort with this, appear interested and ask key questions about the company


• Excellent organisation and time-management skills - think of processes and systems you have implemented in previous positions that help you manage your own workload


• Personality is key in HR at whatever level - you must be personable but professional - demonstrate this at your interview


• If you are looking for sponsorship with your CIPD look into this before your interview at the course syllabus and the modules that would interest you and talk about this at the interview - take a look at the CIPD website


• You need to really think about why you want to work in HR - 'I'm a people person' doesn't really cut it any more, think about the value the HR adds to a business such as staff retention initiatives, staff development etc

Finally Good Luck!

Jen

[HappyBear]

Thank you both so much for your informative answers - am feeling a lot more positive already just knowing what I should be thinking about to prepare. Thank you for taking the time to help me - I really appreciate it xx