TIPS: How to ace common job interview questions

1. Tell me about yourself. 

Patricia Requesto, who currently works as an HR officer at the Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute, said that when briefly introducing yourself, you must highlight your professional background—specifically relevant work experiences and training as well as skills that are best suited for the position you’re applying for.

Jonane Quiambao, an HR Business Partner for a software company who shares HR tips on her TikTok page HR Rant with Nae, emphasized that the answer must be focused and concise. “Show them why you’re here—not just where you’ve been,” she told L!fe.

2. What are your weaknesses?

Nica Louise Manuel, an HR junior supervisor at an electronic manufacturing company, said that your answer to this question must be transparent, but it's also important to highlight how you’re working on improving yourself in those areas. 

Quiambao emphasized that the weaknesses you'll mention are not crucial for the job you're applying for.

Requesto suggested answering this in a STAR format:

• Situation: Provide a scenario where you experienced or showed this weakness.
• Task: Describe the goal you want to achieve to overcome this weakness.
• Action: Explain the steps you took to address the weakness. 
• Result: Describe how overcoming it gives you a successful outcome.

3. What are your strengths?

For this, Quiambao advised picking strengths that are relevant for the job.

“Don’t list generic traits,” she told L!fe. “Focus on one or two things you’re known for, and explain how they’ve helped you in past roles.”

Requesto and Manuel said that you may also mention your experiences, as well as your accomplishments, to support your answer.

4. Why did you quit your previous job?  

This is a tricky question, but one thing that recruiters strongly advise against is talking badly about your previous employer. Instead, you can approach this question by keeping it positive.

“Emphasize positive reasons, like you wanted to find a new opportunity where you can continue to learn and grow,” Requesto said. “Focus on positive aspects, learned lessons, and future goals that you still want to do that your previous company does not offer at this time.”

For her part, Quiambao said, “Focus on growth, change, or alignment reasons that show you’re thoughtful, not bitter.”

5. How do you handle conflict?

Quiambao said that interviewers ask this question to test your emotional intelligence.

“They want to know you won’t bring drama into the office or panic at the first disagreement,” she shared.

According to her, you can share “how you stay calm, listen actively, and try to resolve issues respectfully.”

Requesto echoed this, adding that you can also use the STAR Method if the interviewer asks you to describe a situation. 

“Refrain from saying you avoided confrontation and ignored the problem because it won’t resolve the issue,” she suggested.

6. Why do you want to work here? 

Recruiters highlighted the importance of knowing about your chosen company ahead of your job interview as you should be able to share how your career goals align with the company’s objectives. 

“Look for their company goals and focus on the things that excite you the most,” Requesto said, adding that you can also discuss your skills and how they can be beneficial to the company’s goals. 

“Mention something specific about the company, a value, a project, a culture point, and connect it to your own goals or interests,” Quiambao added. “It shows you’re not just job-hopping—you actually want to be there.”

7. What accomplishments are you most proud of?

For this question, Quiambao said your answer doesn’t have to be flashy, but it needs to show “real impact.”

“It should show results, effort, or growth,” she said, “something that shows you’re capable, reliable, and effective.”

Requesto likewise suggested mentioning “interventions or the actions you introduced that made your work easier and faster.”

8. What are your salary expectations?

According to Requesto, being aware of the industry rate is a must so that you can give a salary range that works for you, considering food, shelter, transportation, and other expenses.

“Make sure that it's higher than your previous job, but do not be afraid to negotiate with the recruiter,” she said.

Quiambao also advised providing a range based on your experience, but noted that you must stay flexible.

“Don’t lowball yourself, and don’t lock yourself into one number unless you’re sure,” the HR expert stressed.

9. Where do you see yourself in five years?

HR professionals must see that you have a goal and that you’re focused on your growth, per Quiambao.

“Show ambition but keep it aligned with the role or industry,” she said. “They’re checking if you’re serious about growth and if they’re part of your long-term plans.”

She added, “Don’t joke your way out of it or say ‘I don’t know.’ Have a goal, even if it’s evolving.”

Requesto said you may first share your short-term goals, including the skills you want to further hone and learn. "After that, go ahead and share your long-term goals. Say, for example, that you’re an expert in the field, and that you’re now ready to take on leadership or mentorship roles," she continued.

10. Why should we hire you?

In answering this question, Quiambao noted you must be able to sum up your skills, experiences, goals, and how they align with your chosen position to show that you're the best fit.

"Be confident but not cocky," she said. "Show them you understand the job and how you can bring value to the company."