SAP HR ABAP: Mastering the Interview

SAP HR is an essential module for managing human capital in organizations, and if you have an SAP HR ABAP interview lined up, you will want to be prepared. ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming) is the programming language used extensively to develop and customize the SAP HR module. Blending HR functional knowledge with ABAP skills is the key to success in this domain.

Understanding Interview Question Types

SAP HR ABAP interview questions often fall into a few categories:

• Conceptual Questions: These test your understanding of HR processes, data structures, and ABAP fundamentals within the HR context.
• Technical Coding: Expect to be presented with scenarios where you might need to write short ABAP code snippets or analyze existing code to identify issues or optimizations.
• Scenario-based: These challenge your ability to apply your knowledge to real-world HR processes and develop appropriate ABAP solutions.

Key Areas to Focus On

Let us break down some essential areas where you will likely encounter questions:

1. SAP HR Fundamentals

• Infotypes: Understand different Infotypes (e.g., PA0001, PA0002), their structures, time constraints, data storage, and relationships.
• Structures: Be familiar with organizational structures, personnel structures, and their integration.
• Logical Databases: Learn about the common logical databases for HR (PNP, PNPCE), their functions, and how to retrieve data using GET PERNR events.
• Personnel Actions: Actions like hiring, changing positions, terminations, etc., and the related configuration.

2. ABAP Core Concepts

• Data Types and Internal Tables: Working with ABAP data types and internal tables for data manipulation and storage.
• Modularization: Functions, subroutines, and techniques for organizing code efficiently.
• SELECT Statements: Master database queries using SELECT for different scenarios involving HR data.
• Reporting: Creating basic and ALV (ABAP List Viewer) reports for HR information.

3. HR ABAP Specific

• Time Management: Understand time-related Infotypes, time evaluation concepts, schemas, and custom time calculations.
• Payroll: Knowledge of payroll schemas and integration with financial accounting, wage types, and relevant payroll tables.
• Enhancements: BADIs, user exits, and implicit/explicit enhancements for customizing HR processes.
• HR Forms: Design and modification of HR forms (like payslips), often using Adobe Forms or Smart Forms.

Example Questions

• Explain the difference between info types PA0001 and PA0002.
• Write an ABAP code snippet to fetch an employee’s address data from their info types.
• Describe a scenario where you would use a BADI in an HR ABAP development.
• How would you modify the standard payroll schema to include a custom wage type?

Tips for Success

• Brush up on ABAP basics: Practice your core ABAP skills even if you have HR experience.
• Think Functionally: Understand standard SAP HR processes before diving into the code.
• Experience is Key: Get some hands-on experience customizing HR objects.
• Communication Matters: Clearly explain your thought process to the interviewer, even if you don’t immediately have a perfect solution.