How to Crack HR and Technical Interview Rounds: The 2025 Ultimate Guide

Nowadays, it is hard to get a job out of the crowd of thousands of other applicants in a highly competitive environment. Sometimes, its more likely to take only one shot to fail other opportunities, and this is where the HR and technical interviews come in. In 2025, after changes in hiring trends, selection is based on a mix of technical knowledge, problem-solving capacity, communication, and cultural adaptation skills rather than rote learning. This Jobzshala ultimate guide equips you with actionable strategies, practical preparation, and confidence-building techniques to tackle both rounds successfully.

The Changing Interview Landscape in 2025

• Recruiters now use AI-powered filtering, video resumes, remote hiring, and skill-based evaluations.
• Employers look for candidates who are knowledgeable, adaptable, emotionally intelligent, and have growth potential.

Key Trends in 2025 Interview Rounds

• Hybrid Interviews: Face-to-face and virtual meetings are combined.
• Video Resumes & Portfolios: Present yourself briefly on camera before the interview.
• AI Screening: AI evaluates initial responses and behavior.
• Skill Demonstrations: Live coding, case studies, and scenario activities common in technical rounds.
• Behavioral Fit Evaluation: HR focuses on personality and character-match with company values.

Understanding these trends gives you a tactical advantage.

Technical Interview Round Preparation

• Step 1: Strengthen Fundamentals

  Revise basics—data structures, algorithms, databases, OS, networking. Prepare for theory questions (OOPS, SDLC, design principles) and coding practice.

• Step 2: Practice Problem-Solving

  Work on online coding problems, focus on common patterns, sub-problems, recursion, and debugging under time pressure.

• Step 3: Domain Specific Questions
  • Software Developers: coding, APIs, version control, frameworks.
  • Data Analysts/Scientists: SQL, data visualization, machine learning.
  • Mechanical Engineers: thermodynamics, mechanics, design principles.
  • Civil Engineers: structural analysis, materials, AutoCAD.
• Step 4: System Design & Case Studies

  Prepare for system design interviews (e.g., online food ordering app). Learn about scalability, server management, architecture design, and case studies.

• Step 5: Mock Tests & Interviews

  Take mock technical tests, discuss topics with peers to clarify and reinforce concepts.

Crux of the HR Interview Round

• Step 1: Research the Company

  Know the company culture, products, and reputation. Align your ambitions and prove you’re the right fit.

• Step 2: Common HR Questions
  • “Tell me about yourself.”
  • “Why should we hire you?”
  • “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
  • “What are your career plans for the next 5 years?”
  • “What is your approach to disagreement at work?”
• Step 3: Emphasize Soft Skills

  Promote interpersonal skills—communication, leadership, adaptability, teamwork.

• Step 4: Show Cultural Fit

  Demonstrate flexibility, willingness to learn, and cultural alignment through examples and discussion.

• Step 5: Behavioral STAR Responses

  Use STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for situational questions.

Video Resume and First Impressions

• Prepare a short (90–120 seconds) video resume highlighting skills, achievements, and values.
• Ensure good lighting and clear audio.
• End with strong excitement for the position.
• jobzshala helps create video resumes to stand out.

Tips to Crack Both HR and Technical Rounds Together

• Keep your story consistent across both interviews.
• Use real-life examples, not generic answers.
• Balance confidence and humility.
• Stay calm under pressure and ask smart questions about progression, company aims, and tech challenges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Giving memorized textbook answers without personalization.
• Overcomplicating technical solutions to sound smart.
• Badmouthing previous employers.
• Ignoring body language (posture, eye contact, tone).
• Not preparing for behavioralHR questions.

Last Week Preparation Plan

1. Day 1-2: Revisiting Technical Concepts

   Revise coding concepts, solve 20 exercises, review domain specifics.

2. Day 3: Practice Test for Technical Skills

   Take a 90-minute mock test (coding, debugging, problem-solving).

3. Day 4: HR Question Bank

   Practice HR and behavioral questions—record your answers for confidence and clarity.

4. Day 5: Video Resume & Elevator Pitch

   Perfect your video resume and your 60-second self-introduction.

5. Day 6: Mock HR & Technical Interview

   Arrange a mock interview with a mentor or peer for feedback.

6. Day 7: Rest & Polish

   Review difficult topics, company details, and sleep well before the interview.