What can I expect for a 3rd Round interview with an HR Member? The first two rounds were with the person who would be my Senior Manager. After the 2nd round she made me take a personality test. Now she said that I will be speaking to an HR Member.

You want to become familiar with the kinds of questions as well as the many ways they can ask the same question. You want to get to the point where nothing is going to surprise you (no ‘deer in the headlights look’ when an unanticipated question is asked).

It seems a bit odd for HR to come last in the interview process but not a problem! Usually we screen for personality, interpersonal skills, communications and work ethic etc. Sr. Managers interview for whether the candidate will fit in with the group, whether the manager thinks that she can work with this person and of course whether the candidate has the current technical skills to do the job.

The Senior Manager may just be looking for a confirmation of her opinion of you. When the final decision was between two candidates, I would often be called in to give my impressions usually just to confirm their thinking about the candidates.

Do some ‘google’ searches for soft skills interview questions as well as behavioral questions, the ones where they pose a situation and ask what you would do or what did you do when a certain kind of situation came up.

You want to become familiar with the kinds of questions as well as the many ways they can ask the same question. You want to get to the point where nothing is going to surprise you (no ‘deer in the headlights look’ when an unanticipated question is asked). Don’t overlook those behavioral questions. They can be tricky. Go over your answers in your head. Practice your answers but don’t write them down word for word just a few key words if necessary.

I don’t know which test they gave you so do a little research on the test. (Pre-Employment Personality Tests) There is one that ‘identifies types’ and tries to anticipate how you would behave in certain circumstances. Knowing what the test is looking for or how you would be categorized will be a help with the kinds of questions that you will be asked.

You will want to make eye contact with the interviewer. Do not jump the gun and try to come up with answers before the entire question has been formulated and asked. If you need a few seconds to get your thoughts together just repeat the question…example “Let’s see, you are asking me……. You will find that just those few seconds and you will be able to come up with an answer. Never do more/talk more than answering the question requires. Never feel compelled to add something if the interviewer remains silent after you have answered (it’s a trick). Just ask if there was anything else he/she would like you to add.

Sit up straight and lean forward just a bit when he/she is speaking and you can lean back just a little when you answer. You want to project that you can listen attentively and aren’t in a rush to answer. Keep the answers short and to the point. Don’t be afraid to ask for a clarification. That is much better than formulating an answer that wasn’t what the interviewer was looking for.

They likely will be looking for how you handle pressure, how adaptable you are to change, how well you work as part of a team, whether as the lead or just a member. How well you communicate your thoughts is important as well as being a problem solver versus a complainer.

Do your preparation for this last phase thoroughly. You have come this far……just bring it home with being prepared for what questions they will throw at you. Good Luck!