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Top 10 Common Interview Questions Filipino Job Seekers Should Prepare For

Career | 29 May 2024

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Better prepared than not prepared, am I right? Hello, my favorite, Jobyodee. Whether you're a fresh grad eager to jump into the workforce or a seasoned professional aiming for a career shift, acing that job interview is a crucial step. After finishing the technical preparations whether it would be an online or a face-to-face application, being overly prepared can still come in handy.  But fret not! Your friendly neighborhood Yobie is here to help you gear up with the top 10 common interview questions that recruiters in the Philippines commonly ask.

1. "Can you tell me about yourself?"

Ah, the classic opener! This isn’t just a casual invite to share your love for Jollibee or your pet cat’s daily antics. You might also say, “Well it’s already written on my resume what else would you like to know?”. Tempting, but might come off as rude. It is better to  Craft a concise narrative that highlights your educational background, relevant experiences, and a dash of personal interests that align with the job you're applying for.

Sample Answer:

"Absolutely! I graduated with a degree in Marketing from the University of Santo Tomas, and I have been working for three years in various roles that focus on digital advertising and brand strategy. I love blending creativity with analytics to drive successful campaigns. On a personal note, I enjoy volunteering at local NGOs to help organize community enrichment programs, which has enhanced my project management and teamwork skills."

2. "Why do you want to work here?"

This question is a sneaky check if you’ve done your homework about the company. Mention specific projects, the company culture, or values that resonate with you. It’s like choosing where to eat in a food park – why pick this particular spot?

Sample Answer:

"I have always admired how your company champions renewable energy initiatives, which aligns with my passion for sustainability. Your innovative projects, like the Solar Power Initiative in Palawan, are impressive and motivating. I see a great opportunity here to contribute with my skills in project management and also grow with a frontrunner in the industry."

3. "What are your strengths?"

Here's your chance to shine brighter than a Letchon Skin! Pick strengths that are juicy and relevant to the job. Are you detail-oriented, a problem solver, or perhaps a communication expert? Give examples like that time you organized a community event or managed a challenging project.

Sample Answer: 

"One of my key strengths is my ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally. For instance, at my current job, I led a team to develop a communication strategy that increased our engagement rate by 40% in six months. I believe this skill will be particularly beneficial in your team, where clear and persuasive communication is crucial for the project's success."

4. "What are your weaknesses?"

Oooh, tricky! But it’s an opportunity to show your self-awareness and how you handle challenges. Choose a real weakness, then immediately follow up with how you’re working on it. Like maybe you’re shy, but you’ve taken public speaking seminars to boost your confidence.

Sample Answer: 

"I tend to be a perfectionist, which sometimes affects my time management. However, I'm working on this by setting more realistic expectations and improving my delegation skills. For example, I've started using project management tools like Asana to better manage timelines and collaborate with my team."

5. "Can you describe a challenge you've faced at work and how you dealt with it?"

Recruiters love this! Share a specific story and include the problem, your action, and the result. It’s like narrating an episode of your life where you turned a typhoon into a light drizzle.

Sample Answer: 

"Once, a major product launch I was managing was at risk due to delayed shipment of critical components. I coordinated with multiple suppliers to find a local substitute, and we met our launch deadline. This experience taught me the importance of proactive problem-solving and maintaining good relationships with all stakeholders."

6. "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

No need to pull out a crystal ball. They want to know if you have ambition and the drive to grow. Align your career goals with the opportunities the company can offer. Dream big, but keep it grounded!

Sample Answer: 

"In five years, I hope to have advanced to a managerial position within this field, where I can contribute more significantly to strategic decisions and mentor younger staff. I am eager to take on more leadership responsibilities and believe this aligns with the growth opportunities available at your company."

7. "Why should we hire you?"

Think of yourself as the product and make your pitch! Connect your skills, experiences, and traits with what the company needs. Show them that hiring you is more beneficial than finding a shortcut to Tagaytay on a long weekend!

Sample Answer:

 "I believe my experience overseeing successful digital marketing campaigns and my ability to connect with diverse demographics effectively makes me a strong match for this role. I am also proactive in upgrading my skills, recently completing a certification in data analytics, which will be an asset in achieving the goals of your marketing department.

8. "How do you handle pressure or stressful situations?"

Here, storytelling is your best friend. Describe a past situation where you kept your cool under pressure, like handling a last-minute project or dealing with a difficult customer. It’s your “I’m as chill as halo-halo on a hot day” moment.

Sample Answer:

 "I handle pressure by focusing on prioritizing tasks and maintaining clear communication with my team and stakeholders. For instance, during a critical project phase, I organized brief daily meetings to update everyone on progress and address issues promptly. This kept the team on track and stress to a minimum."

9. "What do you know about our industry/company?"

Show that you're not just after any job, but THIS job. Drop some knowledge about recent trends in their industry, or news about the company, like a new branch opening or a recent award they won.

Sample Answer:

"Your company is recognized as one of the leaders in the IT outsourcing industry in Southeast Asia. Recently, your move to expand services into cloud solutions is a testament to your commitment to staying ahead in technological advancements. I am particularly impressed by your dedication to employee growth and development, as seen in your annual learning and development forums."

 

10. "Do you have any questions for us?"

Always say yes! Ask about specific duties, the team you’ll be working with, or the company’s plans for the future. It shows you’re interested and already picturing yourself in the role.

Sample Answer: 

"Yes, I would love to know more about the team I will work with. What are the team's current challenges, and how can someone in this position help overcome them? Additionally, could you tell me more about the company's professional development and training opportunities?"

 

 

 

Conclusion:

Preparing for these questions can help you approach your interview with confidence and charm. Remember, it's not just about having the right answers, but also about presenting them in a way that is sincere and engaging. Good luck, and go show them why you’re the best candidate for the job!