Suggested Questions and Answers for Interview by yunesa@yahoo.

com

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 agro-
industry, 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:subic-
unfurls-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

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Suggested Questions and Answers for Interview by yunesa@yahoo.com
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
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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.
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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:

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Suggested Questions and Answers for Interview by yunesa@yahoo.com
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

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===============================================================================

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:

Last Updated 7/14/2009 6

Suggested Questions and Answers for Interview by yunesa@yahoo.com
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-and-
Career-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 yunesa@yahoo.com or +639184745685. To find out how she

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Suggested Questions and Answers for Interview by yunesa@yahoo.com
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-Wellness-
Resource-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 yunesa@yahoo.com.

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