During an interview for an overseas job, many questions are asked of applicants. May mga tanong na madaling sagutin, samantalang may iba namang parang awkward kung paano mo sasagutin. Here are the top 10 interview questions na malaki din ang maitutulong para malaman ang dapat isagot bago pa itanong sa iyo.
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What are your weaknesses?
This is a classic interview question for jobs overseas because it is uncomfortable to answer! Wala namang may gusto na i-share pa ‘yung mga bagay na di mo kaya o nahihirapan kang gawin. Pero this question has another purpose, it tests you to see if you are improving yourself. Answer with examples of how you are improving weaknesses in yourself by learning or using a skill.
Why should we hire you?
Of course, ito ang paboritong tanong ng mga employers. They are testing if you can answer this question confidently and precisely. To answer, you should relate your skills and past work to the needs of the job you are applying for.
Why do you want to work here?
Aside sa alam na ng employer na you want or need the money for this job but why this position or company? The interviewer wants to know what you know, think and how you feel about the company. It is imperative to study the company’s website so you are prepared. Give them examples of why you want to be there and how the position will be enjoyable and beneficial to you.
What are your goals/where do you see yourself in five years?
Here’s another favorite question of employers. This question tests if you are committed to the position or company and really want to work abroad. Maaari mong sabihin kung gaano ka ka-interesado sa position, na nakikita mong madami kang magagawa for the company, and that you see yourself advance in the company to a higher position and gain more responsibility.
Why did you leave your last job?
This question is fairly straight forward; overseas employers want to know why. Do not answer this question with, “wala lang, hindi ko na feel eh”, “wala eh, ang boring kasi” at kung anu-ano pang negative vibes lang. You can answer this question by discussing attributes that the job abroad you are being interviewied for has better opportunity that your old position did not offer you. You could also describe benefits and experiences you will gain in the new position that the old one did not have (i.e., opportunity for promotions and gaining experience abroad).
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Tell us about yourself/what can you do for us that the other applicants can’t?
This question is asked to see if kaya mong ibagay ‘yung qualities and interests mo with the position you are interviewing for. Hindi mo kailangan sabihin ‘yung name or past work mo, they have that on your resume. Tell them what you enjoy and how the position is linked to that and what makes you unique over other applicants.
What are three positive things that your last boss would say about you?
Now is the time na maari ka nang magyabang ng good qualities about yourself. Of course, bawal mag-imbento lang at magsinungaling so make sure you’re telling the truth. Tell them things your previous boss has said. Dagdagan mo din ng concrete examples or scenarios para kabilib-bilib naman. For example, “my boss tells me that he is happy since I am friendly and get along with all my colleagues”. You can show that you are reliable without seeming cocky. Just keep in mind that when they call your prior boss they will likely ask, so again do not make things up.
What salary do you expect?
This can be a tricky question because if you answer too high you could kill your interview. This question can be used in a few ways. It can test your confidence, your research, and how you handle awkward situations. To be prepared for this question, you need to do a few things. First, before the interview, research what people in this position normally get paid in your area based on experience. Normally you can find a range, a low-to-high pay scale in the Workabroad website. Second, know what you want. Thirdly, be willing to negotiate a little, flexibility is a great strength.
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Do you have any questions for me?
This is an important question! The overseas employer wants you to have a question. Be specific with a question(s), this is your opportunity to ask anything you want. Maari kang magtanong about the direction of the company; what kinds of opportunities the position will give you, maari ka bang ma-promote; does the company have plans to expand to other countries or areas, etc. This is your chance to be curious and mapakita na talagang gusto mong matanggap sa company nila.
If you were an animal/tree/car/book, which would you be?
This question is perhaps one of the most popular interview questions in the world. The interviewer does not care about your favourite animal or anything like that. This question is making you use creative thinking and apply that to how you are a good applicant for the position. Choose one of the above and show how it relates to the job you are applying for. Always relate your answer to the position and your skills and make yourself sound good, okay lang magyabang kahit kaunti lang.
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About the Author:
Paolo Martel is the Managing Director of Ikon Solutions Asia, Inc., a POEA-licensed agency.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for future columns, please email Paolo Martel at [email protected] (Replies will not be addressed individually.)
For available jobs from the agency, visit their WorkAbroad.ph profile.
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