Sample Questions to Prepare for Interview

While there are no “perfect” answers to these questions (courtesy of Ruben Anlacan), remember that you are being tested. These questions are grouped under general headings that will help you determine what the interviewer is likely to be looking for when he or she asks them of you:

Tips in Constructing Your Answers

• Know the purpose of the question, and base your answer on that.
• Be original
• Be credible and quantify your answers (by giving examples or details) when possible
• Cite examples from your experience
• Be direct to the point
• Never criticize your previous boss or company

Testing Preparedness & Desire for the Job

·        What do you know about our company?

·        Where do you want to be in five years?

·        Why do you want t work here?

·        Why are leaving your current job?

·        How do you feel about working overtime?

·        Why should I hire you?

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?

Difficult & Challenging/Trick 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 you are willing to start with?

·        If you were in charge, how would you improve this company?

Professionalism

• How many times have you been late or absent in your previous job?
• What was your greatest problem in your previous jobs?
• How do you keep up with the latest trends in your industry?
• Tell me about how you handled a very angry customer?

Personality

• How do you spend your spare time?
• What are your sports or hobbies?
• Would you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?
• Tell me about the best and worst boss you ever had.
• Did your previous company treat their employees well?

Questions for Fresh Graduates

·        Why are your grades low?

·        Why did you not have more extracurricular activities?

·        What is your favorite/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?