HR Assistant Interview

[Ginandtoxic]

Hi! I have an interview next Wednesday for a HR assistant. I have no experience in HR but they said that full training will be given and they will fund a CIPD course.

I'm wondering if anyone who works in HR or has had this kind of interview before could tell me how I should prepare and what kind of questions they may ask etc? I have spent the past 10 years in customer service roles. Dealing with people, being on the phone, lots of administration etc so I do have some transferrable skills but im completely new to HR. I'm already quite nervous for the questions and what kind of relevant examples I could give, so I'd like to prepare as much as possible. The email that I received said there will be a written task, an interview and a tour. I'm kind of scared of what the written task will be but I'm sure I'll be fine! I just really want the job and want to perform well.

Any help or advice welcome 😀

Hello! Sorry I can’t help you with original question although I know you will have already had your interview now but I am also in this exact same position.
No HR experience and have an interview next week for HR administrator role in public sector.
How did your interview go?
What kind of questions did they ask?
Absolutely any advice that you have would be so so appreciated.
Thank you :)

Jumping in to answer the second poster.

Questions will almost always include confidentiality as it's key to the role. Focus on multiple aspects, what is considered confidential, mention GDPR, ways to prevent data leaks (don't leave papers on desk, lock screen when leaving your desk, lock cupboards, do not share logins, be aware of who can overhear conversations so shut doors when discussing sensitive matters etc).

I recommend looking at YouTube videos for HR interviews but the ones I remember were along the lines of:
Why do you want to work in HR specifically?
How would you handle a staff complaint about another member of staff?
A deputy manager calls up and asks for an employee's phone number so they can call them because they didn't turn up to work. What do you do? (Depends on policy of each company but at our place only higher up managers are allowed that information)

All other questions were generic - why do you want to work for us, what do you know about the company, tell us about yourself, strengths and weaknesses etc.

I never got a task but I'm guessing it might be something like composing a letter to an employee based on some info they give you?

Thank you so much for your reply, I’ll definitely have a couple of evenings next week to sit and do some research and right up some mock questions and answers. I just struggle with my nerves and end up going brain dead in interview type situations. Really want to make a good impression so definitely appreciate the help! :)