Answer These! Top 12 Common Job Interview Questions Asked By Philippine Companies

If you landed a job interview, congratulations! Take that as the first step of your recruitment journey, and another chance at landing your dream career. But preparing for it is another story altogether. Not only do you have to pitch yourself, you also have to go through the process of job interview questions and answers. Do not be fooled – the nature of these interview questions can vary.

There are easy ones and some make your brain tick, challenge you for the most part. But did you know you can prepare for them? In order to positively score, here are the top 15 most common questions Philippine companies can ask you, and how you can answer them like a pro.

Also read: Find Your First Job With These 5 Job Hunting Tips for Fresh Graduates

What are the 12 most common job interview questions and answers ?

1. “Tell me about yourself.”

These four words may seem like a piece of cake to answer, but believe us when we say people scramble. The question itself can be likened to a wide pool – there are so many possible ways to answer, the result of which can overwhelm professionals at the onset. It is an elevator pitch waiting to happen – a concept that most employers use to better understand who they are hiring in less than a minute.

Do you go personal or stick to business? The odds are endless.

How do you answer? Treat it as a quick bio. Detail the beginning of your career timeline – the passions and interests that led you to your current industry, up until the present position you are occupying. If you did a complete industry shift, lead with the reasons why you left. Plus, toss in your top three achievements and the skill sets that align with the position you are applying for.

2. “How did you adapt to the ‘work from home’ setup?”

With the way the world shifted to remote working, it is no surprise that employers have this option for their employees. Take this as a test of how well you can adapt to changing environments, and home as the office counts. This question is especially important to answer if you are applying for a remote or hybrid work position.

How do you answer? This is what you call a behavioral question. It gauges how you act in a certain situation. In this case, explain how you got into WFH, the tasks you did, how you adapted and managed your schedule. Share concrete examples of projects you accomplished or clients you landed from home. It will also give employers a sense of how you work with minimal to no supervision.

3. “Why did you leave your last job?”

If you had a terrible experience with the last company you worked for, this becomes tricky. Why? Unless there was the involvement of illegal practices, it is never a good idea to burn bridges. Trash-talking your last boss, your employer as a whole, and sharing trade secrets are just examples of how NOT to answer. This question is your future employer’s opportunity to see whether or not you will act in the same manner.

How do you answer? Even the most negative experiences have slivers of positive ones. Take those and explain what you learned and how you grew despite what happened. If you have to delve into the negatives, spin it in a way that highlights the green flags of a company. An example would be “straightforward processes versus a lot of red tape.”

4. “Why did you apply for this job?”

This is where your “why” comes in. Even before you apply for a job, find out the purpose. Whether it be an opportunity for growth, to learn new skills, or to pursue a passion you always wanted, you have to be clear from the get-go. After all, most companies elect leaders who know what they want, and know where they are headed. Employers use this question to test your forward planning and goal-setting mindset.

How do you answer? After being specific with your reason, point out aspects of the job you liked and how it will be beneficial to your overall career path. Understand what it takes to assume the role and how you can showcase who you are on top of that. Let them know that they will be the reason why you are set for success.

5. “How do you measure success?”

Employers in this question are testing your belief systems and work ethics. There is no right or wrong answer here, but how you understand what success looks like at work. At the same time, your future employer wants to know if you share the same beliefs withthem.

How do you answer? You can give quantifiable measurements or get descriptive. Share a certain KPI (Key Performance Indicator) and how you went above and beyond it. For instance, share how your productivity rose to 10% from your previous goal. If you want to get philosophical, talk about work-life balance and that if achieved, that is what success looks like.

6. “What trends within our industry spark your interest?”

Here is where it gets to become a macro-perspective. After all, the company you are applying to is only one of many members of a certain industry. Your interests do not only lie in scoring the role you are eyeing. Professionals like yourself usually look to excel or rise in the industry you are in. Employers here test your ability to see the bigger picture.

How do you answer? Just like learning about the company, it is important to know the goings-on of the industry your future employer belong to. Be prepared to research on key trends or issues that are the talk of the town, and discuss it as comprehensively as possible. For instance, you can explore sustainability in food preparation if you are part of the F&B industry, then discuss how the company you are applying to can make a contribution to that particular trend.

7. “In your last position, what problems were you able to address while you were there?”

Problem-solving is an essential transferable skill that works across all industries. It requires you to think on your feet should a concern arise. Employers look for people who come up with solutions on the fly, especially if the problem has flames that need to be fanned, ASAP.

How do you answer? Think of three achievements that you wish tohumblyshare. Make sure to include the people that contributed to your success. Give a timeline of how you achieved it and when you did.

8. “ What do you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses? ”

This is where your edge comes in. Like a product in the market, this is where you get to know your unique selling points. Employers ask this as a form of “why do we want to hire you over Person X?” Moreover, they want to know if you truly know who you are.

How do you answer? Think of three strengths that fit with the role you are applying for. Enhance them with quantifiable, concrete measures. In terms of weaknesses, frame them as points for improvement. Select and give a plan of what you are doing to overcome it.

9. “Can you work under pressure?”

While the call for mental health has been rampant across workplaces, the need to accomplish work at a certain time still varies. There are tasks that can wait, and there are priority ticket items you need to address ASAP. If you come across this question, employers test your time and project management.

How do you answer? Give situations that fall under this category. Whether it be to resolve a difficult customer’s inquiry, to address a PR disaster, or the like, measure the time and solution execution efficiently in your response.

10. “Where else have you been interviewing?”

While it may seem like a nosy question for them to ask, they take this to mean as a test for you. At the same time, they want to be able to scope out the competition in the most subtle way possible.

How do you answer? You can share about the prospects without name-dropping the companies that have sought you out. In the same vein, do not lie about opportunities you do not have. It may seem like you want to impress them with your “many prospects,” but they can see right through it. You do not want to start off on that kind of foot, right?

11. “What are your salary expectations?”

Ah, the money question. Touted to be one of the most difficult questions in interviews, the trick here is in the negotiation process. How do you know if you can give a fair amount that is amenable to your future employer and priced well for your efforts to come?

How do you answer? Stay firm with your price as much as possible, but keep in mind the benefits that they are willing to offer. After all, the non-cash portion of your employment benefits can be worth the pay. Things like insurance, discounts, and incentives are items you can consider when you negotiate.

12. “Do you have questions for me?”

It may seem too odd a question at first, but this is the ultimate test that closes your interview. Employers measure your interest in the role and your ability to probe difficult situations.

How do you answer? The way to NOT answer is “no.” It reflects as passive and a nonchalant approach to the process. You can inquire about the role, the benefits, work schedules, company culture, and workflows. This is so you can also assess if this is the job you want.

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