Suggested Interview Questions and Answers

Suggested Questions and Answers for Interview by [email protected]

Suggested Questions and Answers for Interview By Eunice www.yunesa.blogspot.com

In this highly competitive age, what are the key qualifications that corporations are looking for in their prospective staff? When you look at classified ads, its common to see companies looking for a pleasing personality, an impeccable educational background, proficient in oral and written communication, etc. But when Fortune Magazine’s CEO’s were asked what they consider the most important qualities for hiring and promoting top executives, the unanimous answer was integrity and trustworthiness. As a spa consultant and director, I get to ask questions to prospective applicants and I find these questions to be the most useful in screening for the right fit. We are looking for people with a heart in their work, not only technical skills and education. Companies most affected by the slump are suppliers of electric components to major global brands like Sony, Toshiba, Panasonic, IBM, Dell, Intel and Samsung. These major players intend to cut costs and manpower as part of their strategy to tide the recession, according to a study by the SBMA. To soften the impact of layoffs and cost-cutting approach to doing business, Salonga said the SBMA re-integration program would give displaced workers “lifesaver opportunities” in the agroindustry, small-scale enterprise and hospitality industry. Training will include short technical courses. “We will focus on existing job markets, but we will also try to create new markets after studies show that they are feasible,” he said. These potential markets are in food processing, handicraft and novelty items, as well as spa services, he added. Salonga also expressed hope that the local economy will survive the recession and bounce back soon. Excerpt from: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5384:subicunfurls-safety-net-for-displaced-workers-&catid=45:regions&Itemid=71 With all the news, views and everything in between regarding the world economic crunch here is the article that I wrote for Manila Bulletin for those who would like to impress/excel or at least pass their interviews, here are some words on what to ask and how to answer them: :

Trabaho ba Kamo? http://trabahobakamo.blogspot.com/2009/01/job-interview-questions-and-answers.html Job Interview Questions And Answers Last Updated 7/14/2009

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Suggested Questions and Answers for Interview by [email protected] Job interviews are usually the clincher in the job application process. Even the most intelligent candidate can fail if he doesn't know how to handle an interview. The best way to make sure that we succeed in this very important step is not only to know what possible questions will be asked but also to know the best answer to give for each question. Eunice Estipona, spa consultant and director gets to interview prospective applicants and shares the most useful questions for screening and choosing the right candidates. She also gives suggestions on how to begin to answer these questions as she contributes her knowledge to the Manila Bulletin Classified Readers Section (January 25, 2009). She further reminds the readers that there is no wrong or right way to answer these questions but they can practice expanding on the suggested answers on their own. So you can put your own words and personality in these statements…. Here's what Ms. Estipona wrote: Q: Tell me about yourself. A: I put my heart into everything I do, whether it be sports or work. I find that getting along with your peers and being part of the team makes life more enjoyable and productive.

Q: How much is the salary you are expecting? A: I'm looking for a job and a company to call home. The most important thing to me will be the job itself and the company. If I am the right person for you, I'm sure you'll make a fair offer appropriate to my job responsibilities, experience, and ability to do the job successfully. May I ask what figure you have in mind or perhaps the salary range for this position?

Q: Why do you want to work here? A: I am not looking for just another paycheck. I enjoy my work and I am proud of my profession. I believe (name the company you are applying for) has superior service and reputation. I share the values that make this possible, which should enable me to fit in and complement the team. I believe that the company can provide me with a stable and happy working environment. I think that your company has that reputation and that such an atmosphere would encourage my best work. (Please make sure that you have read the company’s profile before you answer this) Q: What did you dislike about your last job? A: I really liked everything about the job. The reason I left is to find a position where I can make a greater contribution and a greater intellectual challenge. Q: What have you learned from the jobs you have held? A: More than anything, I have learned that what is good for the company is also good for me. So, I listen very carefully to directions and always keep my superiors informed of my actions. Q: What do you think are your biggest accomplishments? A: Although I feel my biggest achievements are still ahead of me, I am proud of my involvement with (mention the job or project you are most proud of and how you contributed to accomplishing as its goals). I made my contribution as part of that team and learned a lot in the process. We all did it with hard work, concentration, and an eye on the bottom line. Q: How long would you stay with our company? A: I take directions well and love to learn. As long as I am growing professionally, there is no Last Updated 7/14/2009

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Suggested Questions and Answers for Interview by [email protected] reason for me to make a move. How long do you need me to be of use there? Q: Can you work under pressure? A; Yes, I usually find it stimulating. However, I believe in planning and proper time management to reduce panic deadlines within my area of responsibility. Q: How do you handle tension? A: Tension is caused when you let things pile up. It is usually caused by letting other areas of responsibility slip by for a period of time. I find that if you break those overwhelming tasks into little pieces, they aren't so overwhelming anymore. So I suppose, I handle tension by handling the causes of it, by not letting things slip in other areas that can give rise to it. Q: What interests you most about this job? A: Before I answer, could I ask you to describe a typical day for me? I am looking for a challenge and an opportunity to being a team player and an opportunity to make a contribution. Describe a situation in which your work or idea was criticized. A: I listened carefully and resisted the temptation to interrupt or defend myself. Then I verified what I heard to be sure my facts were straight. I asked for advice, we bounced some ideas around, then came back later and re-presented the idea in a more viable format. My supervisor's input was invaluable. Q: Why should I hire you? A: I believe I have the qualifications that you need; I am a team player; and I take directions and have the desire to reach success. Q: What can you do for us that no one else can do? Why do you feel you are a better candidate than others? A: I can bring to this job a determination to see projects through to a proper conclusion. I listen and take directions well. I am analytical and don't jump to conclusions. And finally, I understand we are in business to make a profit, so I also keep an eye on cost and return. Q: What kind of people do you find it difficult to work with? A: People who have a blatant disregard for others and do not follow procedures or are slackers the occasional rotten apples who don't really care about the quality of their work. They are long on complaints but short on solutions. Q: (follow-up to the previous question) How will you handle these people? A: I would stick to my guns, stay enthusiastic, and hope some of it will rub off. If no amount of good effort on my part solves the problem, I will still maintain cordial relations. Life is too short to be affected by people who always think their cup is half empty. Q: What do you think of your last boss? A: I liked him/her as a person (if applicable), respected him/her professionally and appreciated his/her guidance. Q: Were there things that your supervisor did that you disliked? A: I have never thought of our relationship in terms of like or dislike. I have always thought our role was to get along together and get the job done. We had a very good relationship as far as I can remember. Last Updated 7/14/2009 3

Suggested Questions and Answers for Interview by [email protected] Q: Can you take instructions - and criticism - without feeling hurt or upset? A: Yes, I can take instructions - and more importantly, I can take constructive criticism without feeling hurt. Even with the best intent, I will still make mistakes and at times someone will have to put me back on the right track. I know that if I expect to rise in the company, I must first prove myself to be manageable. Q: How do you take directions? How do you handle criticism? A: I take directions well and I believe that there are two types: carefully explained directions when my boss has time, and then there's the other, a brusque order or correction. While most people get upset with the latter, personally, I always believe the manager is troubled with bigger problems and a tight schedule. As such, I take the direction and get on with the job without taking offense so my boss can get on with his/her job as well. It's the only way to accomplish our tasks. Q: What is your greatest strength? What do you consider your outstanding qualities? A: Perhaps my greatest strength is the ability to stick to a difficult task yet be able to change course rapidly when required. I believe in planning and proper management of my time and yet I can still work under pressure. Q: What is the most difficult situation you have faced? A: (Give an example which is specific to your case; what follows is an example) Perhaps one of the most difficult decisions is to fire someone but I would like to emphasize that once I had examined the problem and reached a conclusion, I acted in a timely and professional manner, with the best interests of the company at heart. Q: Are you willing to take calculated risks when necessary? A: Naturally, I would never take a risk that will in any way jeopardize the safety or reputation of the company or colleagues. In fact, I don't think any employer would appreciate an employee at any level taking risks of any nature without first receiving a thorough briefing and a chance to give input. Q: Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest. A: Perhaps an 8 or 9, as I always give my best shot, but in doing so, I always increase my skills and therefore always see room for improvement.

About The Author: Eunice Estipona is a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker, lecturer & author. One of her advocacies is to make healing & information regarding the field of spa, massage & wellness accessible & affordable to everyone. Source: The Manila Bulletin, January 25, 2009 page CC-6 JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS THAT TAKE SOME DELIBERATION TO ANSWER (Special Situations) While these questions may not be asked of you, here are some sample responses to difficult questions which you can adapt to your needs: Last Updated 7/14/2009

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Suggested Questions and Answers for Interview by [email protected] Q: Why are there gaps in your work history? A: No job in my experience has been irrelevant or a waste of time if it increases my knowledge about how a business works while making money on the side. Every job I have held has given me new insights into my profession and the higher one climbs, the more important the understanding of the lower-level more menial jobs. They all play a role in making the company profitable. And anyway, it's certainly easier to schedule and plan work when you have first-hand knowledge of what others will have to do to complete their tasks. Q: Why were you out of work for so long? A: I made a decision that I should enjoy my work too much to accept just another pay check. So I determined that every job should be where I could do my best and make a solid contribution. I feel that you are a group that expects people to pull their weight, because you have got a real job to do. I like that and I would like to be a part of the team. What have I got to do to get the job? Q: Wouldn't you be better off in another (bigger) firm? A: Not at all. My whole experience has been with small (meaning less than 5 employees) and medium sized companies (meaning more than 10 but less than 25). Now coming from that background, I have done a little bit of everything. That means that no matter what you throw at me I will be able to learn it quickly. For example, what would be the first project I would be involved with in your company? Q: How long have you been looking for a job? A: Well, I have been looking for about a year now. I've had a number of offers at that time but I have determined that as I spend most of my waking hours at work, the job I take and the people I work with have got to be people with values that I can identify with. I made the decision that I wasn't going to suffer clock-watchers and work-to-rule specialists anymore. Q: Do you make your opinions known to others when you disagree with the views of your supervisor? A: If opinions are sought in a meeting, I will give mine in a cordial and professional way, although I am careful to be aware of others' feelings. I will never criticize a co-worker or superior in an open forum; besides, it is quite possible to disagree without being disagreeable. However, all my past managers made it clear that they valued my opinion by asking for it. So, after a while if there was something I felt strongly about, I would make an appointment to sit down with them and discuss it one on one. Q: What would you say about a supervisor who was unfair or difficult to work with? A: I would make an appointment to see the supervisor and diplomatically explain that I felt uncomfortable in our relationship that I felt he or she was not treating me as a professional colleague and therefore that I might not be performing up to standard in some way - that I wanted to right matters and ask for his or her input as to what I must do to create a professional relationship. I would enter into the discussion in the frame of mind that we were equally responsible for whatever communication problems existed and that this wasn't just the manager's problem. Source: Manila Bulletin, January 25, 2009 page CC-6 To be able to view, read, download and print for FREE the whole article please visit: http://www.scribd.com/doc/11514591/Suggested-Interview-Questions-and-Answers Last Updated 7/14/2009

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Suggested Questions and Answers for Interview by [email protected] =============================================================================== The first informational blog regarding spa, massage therapy, beauty and wellness with a focus on the Philippines. Eunice’s blog and updates are found in this link www.yunesa.blogspot.com Some articles written by Eunice, which you can view, read, download and print for FREE. Just click on the links: What term should really be used? Client, Patient, Customer, At Iba Pa Masseur, Massagist, Massage Therapist, At Iba Pa http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/03/client-patient-customer-at-iba-pa.html

Is the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry included in the Top Businesses to start in these times of global financial challenges? Find out in this article so you can adopt and perhaps change your business into profitable ones: Top Businesses to Start in Uncertain Times/Sluggish Economy http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/top-businesses-to-start-in-uncertain.html If you are an employer these are the things you should ask, or if you are a prospective applicant, job seeker or someone who interviews people, this article can help you answer and ask/probe questions: http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/suggested-interview-questions-and.html Are you a smart boss, staff or employee? This article will give secrets on how to become a Smartest Spa, Massage Therapist/Practitioner. http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/smartest-spa-massage-therapist-ang.html Do you want to know the right type of massage for you? Do you you want to know the common types of massage and how it is practiced? This article will give you the glimpse of massage therapies locally and abroad: The Basics of Massage Therapy (Massage 101) http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/basics-of-massage-therapy-massage.html Do you want to know how much capital you need to start your own spa, massage clinic or wellness center? Do you want to know what it is like being a spa owner? Do you want to be (really) prepared before you shell out money into putting up your own spa, massage clinic or wellness center? Do you want to know what steps you have to take before putting up your own business in this field? How to Start, Begin or Open a Spa, Massage Clinic or Wellness Center http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/organizing-opening-starting-putting-up.html Are you tired of putting up with sexually charged clients? Do you know how to handle sexual harassment in the spa and massage therapy setting? Then this article will definitely help you: Preventing/ Avoiding Sexual Advances during a Spa or Massage session50 ways of Handling Client Advances http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/preventing-or-avoiding-sexual-advances.html Do you want to know about Hilot, Dagdagay and other indigenous therapies of the Philippines? If yes, then read on! A Wee-bit of Philippine Indigenous Therapies with a Focus on Hilot http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/wee-bit-of-philippine-indigenous.html Rules and Regulations on How to Become a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines through the help of the Department of Health, here is the new update:

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Suggested Questions and Answers for Interview by [email protected] How to Be a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/how-to-be-licensed-massage-therapist.html Licensure, Accreditation, Certification and Assessment http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/licensure-certification-accreditation.html On anti-aging and Physical Appearances http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/on-anti-aging-and-physical-appearances.html How to renew a Massage Therapy License in the Philippines: http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/05/license-renewal-for-massage-therapy-in.html If you want to be updated of spa, massage and wellness activities and events or be a part of a support group What is Meetup all about? http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/06/everybodys-meetup-dito-po-sa-atin.html

The most comprehensive resource and information guide on the list of training centers, magazines, publications, books and literatures both local and international are all available in the book, “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Guide and Career Book”. The First Book on Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Book and Career Guide http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-andCareer-Book (this has the most comprehensive list of training centers in the Philippines and abroad with tips from professionals and employment opportunities, legal laws and regulations, list of employment agencies, how to choose a trainer, and information that you need in order to succeed in this industry and before you shell out money for your tuition or training, there are a lot of ways you can grab a copy of this valuable information para hindi ka mag sayang ng time and money enrolling in trainings you do not even need. This book will give you the information to start right in the industry with secrets you should know and being able to find your rainbow in the wonderful world of massage, spa and wellness. 1. You can order it online via www.Amazon.com at 34.95$ 2. You can order it via a Kindle device at $7.99 3. You can order an e-book copy through my blog at www.yunesa.blogspot.com at $19.95 4. You can also get a copy from National Bookstores nationwide at P799Pesos 5. For locals only, you can order it from me at local discounted rates with free delivery at 900Pesos (via LBC or FEDEX Air 21. Anywhere in the Philippines. Please allow 1-5 working days If you are looking for a career opportunity, not just a job in the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry, this book is a must read. Also, CD's included in the kit for spa management, practice and operations available: The Spa and Wellness Business- Understanding the Basics (PowerPoint format) Seven Deadly Mistakes to Avoid as a Spa Owner and Practitioner in the Spa Wellness Business (PowerPoint format) Spa, Massage and Facial Therapies 101 (The Basics) (PowerPoint format) Business Worksheets for Spa and Massage Business in the Philippines (Excel and Word format/program includes all the financial worksheets you need in computing for your operational cost, etc.) This article is written by: Eunice Estipona a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker and lecturer. One of her advocacies is to make healing and information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness accessible and affordable to everyone. If you are serious about turning your business or practice around, making the right decisions, getting an unbiased opinion and knowing where to get help, for lectures and other concerns she can be contacted at [email protected] or +639184745685. To find out how she

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Suggested Questions and Answers for Interview by [email protected] can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.meetup.com/philippinemassagetherapy These along with hundreds of resources found locally and abroad are contained in “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource and Career Book”, the first book of resource information to know more about the Spa, Massage and Wellness Industry in the Philippines and other countries including the United States, Australia and other Asian countries. You can view, read, download and print for FREE the book’s summary at this link http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-WellnessResource-Guide-and-Career-Book If you are a spa, massage therapy and wellness information seeker the resources contained in the book for you. This book is a collection of data and valuable information regarding the spa and massage industry in a global perspective with a focus on the Philippines. Her advocacy in writing the book is to make “unbiased” information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness resources and career, accessible and affordable for everyone. If you are considering a career in the massage, spa and wellness industry, this book will prepare you and give you a glimpse of what it is like, the preparation you need to take: emotionally, intellectually and financially. In this book, you will learn more details in the spa and massage field and the possible paths you can take. You will also learn about local and international training programs offered and numerous employment possibilities. Giving you much needed information at your fingertips. You can order it from www.Amazon.com or for local Philippine residents, you can email and get in touch with Eunice at [email protected]. TERMS OF REPRINT

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Suggested Questions and Answers for Interview by [email protected] * You may not use sentences from this article as an input for any software that steals sentences from others in order to build an article with software. The copyright on this article applies to the "WHOLE" article. *** Author Notification *** we ask that you notify the author of publication of her work. Eunice can be reached at: [email protected] *** Print Publication Reprint Rights *** If you desire to publish this article in a PRINT publication, you must contact the author directly for Print Permission at: mailto:[email protected] ============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= The content of this article is solely the property and opinion of its author, Eunice

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