Common interview questions to prepare for

Tell me about yourself

• The question is not about you, the person. Focus on selling yourself. Make it short — 30 to 60 seconds

Testing preparedness and desire for the job

• What do you know about our company?
• Where do you want to be in five years?
• Why do you want to work here?
• Why are you leaving your current job?
• How do you feel about working overtime?
• Why should I hire you?

Testing relevant skills and experience

• Compared to others in your field, how would you rate yourself?
• Sell me this sheet of paper, stapler, paper clip, etc.
• How do you usually go about solving a problem?
• What are your greatest strengths?

Testing professionalism

• How many times have you been late or absent in your previous job?
• What are your sports or hobbies?
• Would you prefer working alone or as part of the team?
• Tell me about the best and worst boss you ever had?
• Did your previous company treat their employees well?

Questions for recent graduates

• Why are your grades low?
• Why did you not have extracurricular activities?
• What is your favorite and least liked subject?
• Tell me about your favorite and least liked professor.
• In what way have you demonstrated your leadership qualities in school?
• Why should we hire those with no experience?

Hard to answer questions

• Why did you change jobs so often?
• Why is there a big gap in your employment record?
• What are your biggest job related weaknesses?
• Why are manholes round?
• How many pianos are there in Metro Manila?
• What is the lowest salary/wage you are willing to start with?

Questions you can ask your interviewer

• What are things your company gives the most importance?
• What tasks have the highest priority?
• How will my performance be measured?
• How soon do you expect to make a decision?

Manila Bulletin