VP OF HUMAN RESOURCES INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
As a search firm that specializes in executive search, we here at The Recruiterie often interview people for VP of Human Resources roles. We examine many things throughout our vetting process, from experience to education, making an emphasis on whether or not the potential hire would fit into your company culture. Learn more about our hiring process here.
What interview questions do we ask VP of Human Resources candidates? I have rounded up some of my favorite questions, with some descriptors, below.
What are the most important characteristics of a VP of Human Resources that you’ve seen?
I like asking this question to see what leadership skills this candidate has seen in other people who have filled a VP of HR role. People often emulate leadership styles they have seen, and liked, before. This question usually gives me a good idea of what they think a good leader would be.
How do you ensure your HR objectives are aligned with your company’s strategy?
Human Resources can often be put over into another “other” category from your company as a whole. They don’t necessarily need to communicate with accounting, or your marketing department, on a daily basis to get their jobs done. I personally think this is a dangerous concept, your HR department often sets the tone of your company, and if it’s too “removed” this can set of culture changes that might not be in line with what you want your company culture to be. This question helps me get an idea of how this candidate has operated their HR departments before, and how well they would be able to keep your Human Resources meshed with your company.
Tell me how you contributed to the company’s success in your previous position?
This is a difficult question for a lot of people since we are conditioned to not brag about our accomplishments, but I like to get an idea of what people are proud of that they’ve done.
What is the biggest dilemma you have faced in your job? How did you resolve it?
Human Resources is the great people problem solvers of your company, and they can often be the moral compass for ethical dilemmas. I like to see that candidates have faced these problems before, and how they reacted to them. Someone who hasn’t had any experience with this, probably isn’t experienced enough for your VP of Human Resources role.
These are only a small portion of questions you could ask, and I’m always looking for more! Let us know your favorite questions, or the best questions you’ve been asked in an interview, on our Facebook or Linkedin. For more information on how we can help make your VP of Human Resources hiring process easier, head here.