Interviewer: Hello, Diana. Thanks for coming in for the interview.
Diana: It's my pleasure. Thanks for inviting me.
Interviewer: Well, as you know, the company has an opening in our HR department. We need someone to lead our training and development within the company.
Diana: Yes, I think that my skills and experience are what you're looking for.
Interviewer: Great. So, your CV looks good, though we would like you to give us an overview, in your own words, of what you've been doing over the past four years or so.
Diana: Well, four years ago, I was working for a small HR services provider which offered HR services, including L&D, to corporate clients.
Interviewer: OK, so it was only B2B?
Diana: Yes, we only offered services to other companies, not B2C.
Interviewer: Right, you left that company about three years ago.
Diana: Yes, that's right. I want more stability and to be part of a larger organization. So I joined a company with around one hundred staff and a small HR team. As there are only a few of us, we had to deal with a large number of HR topics. Also to payroll, one of the areas I was responsible for was learning and development, So I think that will help with what you want to do in your company.
Interviewer: I see. And, so why do you want to change jobs now?
Diana: To be honest, I very much like the L&D side of my role and I've always had particularly good feedback for my work in this area. I believe I excel in that field. So, I'm looking to specialize, and as your company has around 2,000 people, right …?
Interviewer: Yes, that's right.
Diana: Well, an organization of this size would give me the scope to specialize in L&D. I'm also a big follower of your brand and feel fully aligned with your image and values.
Interviewer: Well, that all sounds good. And I can see you have an L&D qualification.
Diana: Yes, I received a diploma two years ago. I am also currently studying for a further diploma in psychology, with a specific focus on learning and performance management.
Interviewer: Very good. Well, it looks like you have the qualifications and experience we're looking for. What do you think will be the main challenges of coming to a much larger company?
Diana: I know that one of my weaknesses is not having experience in a large organization, but I think it could also be a benefit. Because I won't be bringing too many preconceived and possibly inflexible ideas with me to the role.
Interviewer: Yes, that would be a good thing.
Diana: Also, I'm used to taking a very personal approach to employee development. I realize that such an approach with 2,000 staff members will have to happen in a different way, but I bring many ideas with me that can be replicated on a larger scale.
Interviewer: I see what you mean. Right, so, do you have any questions for me?
Diana: Um, I think we've covered many of the areas I had wanted to address. I have two quick questions though.
Interviewer: Go on.
Diana: Who would I mostly work with on a daily basis?
Interviewer: Well, there's the HR manager to whom you would report. And then the HR team, which currently has six people in it. There's usually an intern or two whom you can get some support from also.
Diana: OK. Thanks. That's all really clear. And my other question is how performance in this role will be measured. What does success look like?
Interviewer: That's a good question. As you know, we have a performance management system in place, and from that, we have identified some learning and development needs within the organization. But we haven't devised a strategy. Your role would be to devise and then successfully implement this strategy.
Diana: Thank you. That sounds interesting.
Interviewer: Great. So, thanks again for coming in today. We'll be discussing all candidates next week and then I'll get back to you by the end of next week to let you know the outcome.
Diana: Thank you for your time. I'd welcome the opportunity to continue discussing this role with you.
