MockQuestions

Talent Acquisition Specialist Mock Interview

30 Questions Created By

To help you prepare for your Talent Acquisition Specialist interview, here are 30 interview questions and answer examples.

First Question

30 Talent Acquisition Specialist Interview Questions

15 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   What type of people do you not work well with?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This one is a bit of a trick question. As a Talent Acquisition Specialist, you will work with and talk to people with all sorts of personalities and characteristics. The interviewer is looking to see if you can "play nice" with everyone.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

How to Answer

Your answer should be brief and straightforward. Tell the interviewer you work well with everyone except those who break the law or are not loyal to their company.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

Answer Example

"Honestly, I can get along with anyone. As long as they aren't doing anything to harm the company and they aren't breaking any laws, I can work with them and get the job done. And when it comes to candidates, I treat everyone like they are family. That way I make sure to be polite and show respect no matter what."

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

2.   What is your biggest weakness?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Just about every interview you do will include this question. The interviewer wants to see if you can choose a weakness and either make it a positive or find ways to improve upon it.

Written by Rachelle Enns on May 27th, 2022

How to Answer

Choose a weakness that will not be a red flag for the interviewer. You want to be honest without giving the impression you are a bad fit for the job. Focus on either how the weakness can also be a strength or on what you have done and are continuing to do to improve the weakness.

Written by Rachelle Enns on May 27th, 2022

Answer Example

"My biggest weakness is my inability to say no. I have a habit of taking on too much in an effort to help others. It makes me a great team player and support person for my coworkers but it can also result in extra hours at the office, feeling overwhelmed, or worst case, missing deadlines. I've only ever missed one deadline, but it was a huge lesson for me and I knew at that moment I had to make changes. One change I've made is when a coworker asks me for help with a project, I will now ask if they'd like to swap work instead of me just taking on more. We can often collaborate to find a task from my desk they are more efficient at than me, which frees up my time to tackle their project. With a little shuffle of work, we can both take on what we are best at and get everything done on time without feeling like it was too much."

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

3.   What is your top strength?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This is a standard question asked in almost every interview. The interviewer wants to know what your strengths are and how they make you a strong candidate for their opening.

Written by Rachelle Enns on May 27th, 2022

How to Answer

Choose a strength that relates to the job you are applying to. Discuss how you can use the strength to be an asset to the company and the Talent Acquisition team.

Written by Rachelle Enns on May 27th, 2022

Answer Example

"My biggest strength is my ability to put anyone at ease and get them to open up. It is a huge asset when it comes to speaking with candidates during interviews. I may go into an interview with a set of questions to ask, but I am able to weave them into a natural conversation which helps the candidate relax. The more relaxed a candidate is during the interview, the easier it is to get a good read on their personality and to see if they have passion for the work they do. This helps me identify the strongest candidates for a role. In my current job, I am the team member our leadership turns to when they need to whittle candidates down quickly as I have the strongest track record for choosing new hires who perform well and stay with the company."

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

4.   Do you prefer to work on your own or as a part of a team?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

There will be times as a Talent Acquisition Specialist that you will work on your own and times you will need to collaborate with others. The interviewer wants to know which you prefer, but they are also looking to confirm you have the skill set to do both.

Written by Rachelle Enns on May 27th, 2022

How to Answer

Let the interviewer know if you prefer to work on your own or with others, but do not speak negatively about either. You want to make sure the interviewer feels you are capable of performing well in both situations.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

Answer Example

"It really depends on the work I'm doing. When I'm posting open jobs or reviewing resumes, I like to be on my own and just focus on the computer screen. But I also really enjoy collaborating with hiring managers to discuss their ideal candidate or to do joint interviews. And planning and executing job fairs with a team is one of my favorite parts of the job. I think the variety of doing some work on my own and other work with coworkers is part of what makes being a Talent Acquisition Specialist the perfect job for me."

Written by Rachelle Enns on May 27th, 2022

5.   Do you have any questions for me regarding this role or this organization?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you have before the interview concludes. This also gives the interviewer a chance to see if you prepared questions ahead of time by doing research on the company.

Written by Ryan Brown on May 27th, 2022

How to Answer

While you can always follow up later with any questions you think of, this is the best time to have them answered. Ask the interviewer about any aspects of the job or company you are uncertain about. You can also use this as an opening to ask the interviewer about something you saw on a social media profile, in a news article, etc.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

Answer Example

"When you told me a bit about the company's HR structure, you mentioned there is a separate 'Talent Development' department. I was wondering if onboarding falls under the Talent Acquisition or the Talent Development department."

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

6.   Choose one item from your resume and elaborate on it.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Resumes are a short list of bullet points and hard skills. The interviewer is asking this question to learn what experiences have been the most meaningful to you. Your answer will give them insight into who you are as a person.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

How to Answer

Choose something from your resume that you can speak about passionately. You also want to choose something that highlights why you are a strong candidate for the position.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

Answer Example

"In my current job, you'll notice one of the bullets states I am responsible for sourcing candidates for leadership positions. When I was first promoted into the role, one of the openings was for a CIO. The company had gone through three CIOs in the previous four years so there was a lot of pressure to find the right person who would stay with the company for the long haul. While 'time to fill' is a metric we track and try to keep minimized, this position had already been open for more than 100 days when I took it over. I had the opportunity to collaborate with both the CEO and an outside headhunter to try and find strong candidates to fly in for interviews. We would find a candidate, bring them in for an interview, and then reconvene to adjust the job posting and our search criteria based on what the CEO had or had not liked about the candidate. In the end, it took us more than a year and seven interviews with candidates from around the country before we found the right person for the job. It was a challenging situation but it also gave me the opportunity to dive deep with the CEO and to learn from a headhunter with more than 30 years of experience."

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

7.   Why are you looking to leave your current employer?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer is looking for red flags with this question. Candidates who talk about salary or disagreements with management are not likely to be hired.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

How to Answer

Even if the salary is part of why you are looking for a new job, do not mention it. Instead, focus on positive things like desired career growth or increased responsibilities.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

Answer Example

"I've been in my current role for three years. While I enjoy the work I do and I like my employer, I'm ready to take on more responsibilities and learn new skills. My current company is small and there are not a lot of opportunities for advancement or growth. That is what led me to begin looking for new opportunities and why I have applied for a position with your company."

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

8.   What is the most fun you've ever had at work?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer is looking to see if you enjoy your job enough to have fun while doing it, or if your answer will instead focus on tasks outside your job such as volunteer committees. It gives the interviewer insight into where your true passions lie.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

How to Answer

Choose a situation that was related to HR or Talent Acquisition and discuss how it benefited your employer. Let your enthusiasm and excitement shine through in your answer.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

Answer Example

"Last year we opened three new locations in Austin, Texas at the same time, which meant we needed a huge hiring push. We had more than 100 positions to fill. I was offered the opportunity to travel to Texas and take part in the job fair we held at a local facility and it was a blast. For three days, I spent more than 12 hours in a room filled with people excited to learn about our company and the positions we had available. They were long days, but it was impossible not to feed off the energy of the crowd. I really enjoyed talking with each person who stopped by my table to ask questions and fill out an application. Plus, it was like having informal mini-interviews with everyone before I'd even reviewed their resumes. I was able to take quick notes after each conversation and those notes helped me decide who to schedule formal interviews with. We hired more than a hundred people in just one week, but I've never had more fun on the job than I did in those few days."

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

9.   As a Talent Acquisition professional, which publications and resources do you turn to most?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Human Resources and Talent Acquisition professionals have a plethora of websites, publications, and blogs at their disposal to review news laws and top trends. The interviewer wants to know if you utilize the resources available to you in order to remain up-to-date on industry happenings.

Written by Ryan Brown on May 27th, 2022

How to Answer

Tell the interviewer about the top two or three resources you regularly read/review to stay informed of Talent Acquisition and HR happenings. Reference at least one specific article or topic you have recently read about.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

Answer Example

"I count on Recruiter Today and Recruiting Daily to keep me up to date with the latest news in Recruiting, Human Resources, and Talent Acquisition. Just last week, I read an article on Recruiter Today about the 'Great Reshuffle' and how it is teaching us to be better empathizers, both in hiring and just as employees in general. I also regularly review the 'Talent Acquisition' page of the SHRM Blog, which is a collection of any SHRM posts that have been tagged as TA. Those three websites keep me current in Talent Acquisition and any HR issues related to it."

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

10.   Can you tell me why you changed your career path and decided to become a Talent Acquisition Specialist?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Changing career paths is not necessarily a bad thing. The interviewer wants to see what drew you to the position and how your past jobs or experiences can help in the new role.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

How to Answer

Give an honest answer while remaining focused on the positive. Instead of talking about what you didn't like about your previous job, discuss why you were interested in Talent Acquisition. Give examples of how your past experience makes you a stronger Talent Acquisition Specialist.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

Answer Example

"I used to work in the Benefits Department as a Benefits Specialist. I enjoyed the work and was in the department for a couple of years. My cubicle was next to a Talent Acquisition Specialist though, and I spent a lot of time listening to him talking with hiring managers about the type of candidate they were looking for and making phone calls to applicants. I found myself much more interested in his work than my own - although don't worry, I made sure to remain focused and give my Benefits work 100% of my effort and attention. I decided to watch for an opportunity in Talent Acquisition, which is why I've applied for this role. I believe my Benefits experience will help make me a better Talent Acquisition Specialist since I have a solid understanding of benefits and can clearly communicate to a candidate what their total rewards statement would look like."

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

11.   What do you feel is the most important function of the Talent Acquisition Department?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Talent Acquisition spans everything from the initial job posting to onboarding a new hire. The interviewer wants to see if you understand the different elements of the job, which you think are the most important, and why.

Written by Rachelle Enns on May 27th, 2022

How to Answer

Briefly mention the different elements of a TA role and then focus on the one you believe is the most important. Discuss why it is important and what you do to ensure it is a smooth and successful process.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

Answer Example

"Talent Acquisition covers so many stages of hiring, from posting the job opening to interviewing candidates to extending offers to onboarding. I believe the onboarding process is the most important role. Of course, it is important to find the right candidate for the job. Hiring the right candidate isn't enough though - you have to make sure they stay. And a bad onboarding process can make a new employee run for the hills. When I am onboarding an employee or a group of employees, I make sure to bring as much energy and positivity to the role as possible. I want them to see my passion for the company shine through everything we talk about. I also make sure I am well organized so I can give them the information they need without causing confusion or overwhelming them. My goal is for the new employee to finish onboarding and feel excited to start their new role. If I've done that, I've done all I can."

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

12.   Walk me through your HR and Talent Acquisition experience.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer reviewed your resume prior to scheduling the interview so they already know your experience. By asking this question, they are giving you a chance to share your passion for your work and to remind them why you are a strong candidate.

Written by Christine Pasqueretta on May 27th, 2022

How to Answer

Focus your answer on the jobs and tasks you've done that are a strong fit for the position. You want to show the interviewer you are the best candidate for the job.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

Answer Example

"I earned my bachelor's degree in HR Management four years ago. During my third year of college, I had the chance to complete a rotational HR internship at a local power company. Over the course of six months, I had the chance to spend time in each of their HR departments. Talent Acquisition and Development was by far my favorite. I enjoyed partnering with the company's leadership to help them find the right candidates for each job, and I liked developing relationships with the new hires as I walked them through the onboarding process. I was offered a job with the company when I graduated and I've spent the last four years sourcing and interviewing candidates and onboarding new hires. I've also gone through the process of implementing a new ATS system."

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

13.   What do you find to be the most difficult part of Talent Acquisition?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Talent Acquisition includes sourcing, attracting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding employees. The interviewer wants to know which of those elements you find challenging and why.

Written by Ryan Brown on May 27th, 2022

How to Answer

While you need to choose a part of your job you find difficult, your response needs to be positive. Focus on the challenge itself, not your particular likes or dislikes of tasks, and discuss what can be done to ensure success.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

Answer Example

"I find the process of sorting through candidates to be the most challenging. Attracting candidates can sometimes be tricky, especially in a tight job market, but with the right tools and a strong job posting you always end up with applications. That's where the tricky part begins. If you have a large number of applications, you have to rely on resumes alone to decide who is a strong enough candidate for an interview. There are always some resumes you can eliminate quickly based on lack of experience or skills, but then you are left with a large number of applicants who all seem to have the right qualifications for the job. And if the manager can only interview a limited number of candidates, you have to choose who the strongest applicants are simply based on a piece of paper. Fortunately, a lot of Talent Acquisition departments are starting to incorporate additional questions or even assessments during the application process. The additional information gained through those tools makes it much easier to evaluate each candidate and bring in only the best of the best for the manager to speak with."

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

14.   On occasion, we have hiring events on evenings or weekends. Would you be able to work those events?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Job fairs and other hiring events are often held outside of normal business hours. The interviewer wants to confirm if you will be willing to work on those events as needed.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

How to Answer

If you are not able or willing to work events outside of normal business hours, be honest and let the interviewer know. If you have certain restrictions or need advanced notice, be clear on that now. This is your opportunity to ensure your availability lines up with the position requirements.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

Answer Example

"In general, yes, I can absolutely work events on evenings or weekends. There would be occasions when I have something scheduled that I cannot miss, but those are few and far between. I understand working events outside of normal business hours is a requirement of the job and it is one I am prepared for."

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

15.   Are you willing to travel to visit our locations or for learning opportunities?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Some jobs require travel. Others offer travel opportunities. If travel is a requirement of the job, the interviewer is looking to make sure you are open to it. They are also looking to see if you are passionate about continuous learning.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

How to Answer

If the job posting listed a travel requirement, let the interviewer know you are aware of the amount of travel required and any restrictions you might face around traveling. If it did not list travel as a requirement, be honest and let the interviewer know if you are comfortable traveling. Include brief details such as how much notice you would need or how far/long you are comfortable traveling. Finish your response with a focus on advancing your skills and experience through training opportunities.

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

Answer Example

"I know the job posting stated up to 25% of the job could be travel and I am completely comfortable with any travel you would need me to do. And I am always open to traveling for learning opportunities! I'm passionate about learning new skills and would be more than happy to attend any seminars, training, or conferences available to me."

Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 27th, 2022

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