Unwrapping the Gift of Gab:

TIPS
ON ACING THE JOB INTERVIEW
(Career Seminar Series for Graduating Students)

MICHAEL ANGELO E. MALICSI

Assistant to the Director for Alumni Affairs &
Job Placement Public and
Alumni Affairs Office
University of Santo Tomas
Watson Wyatt:
1. Willingness to share
information and ideas
2. Commitment to
teamwork
3. Responsiveness to
change
4. Ability to work under
pressure
5. Sense of ownership of
work and ideas
6. Willingness to take
calculated risks, without
fear of consequences
7. Ability to communicate
clearly and honestly
Watson Wyatt:
8. Understanding of values
9. Commitment to
continuous learning and
skill development.
 WHEW! &
YAHOO!
The Acceptance

The Interview

The Curriculum
Vitae
The Cover Letter
 THE COVER LETTER

a. Know where and whom to

address your letter.
b. Mention your abilities and
how you can fulfill the
expectations of your job.
c. Explain how you can
become an asset to the
company.
d. Grammar and spelling are
flawless
 THE COVER LETTER
Mrs. Zenaida G. Roda
Principal
UST High School

Dear Mrs. Roda:

I, Michael Angelo E. Malicsi, a fresh graduate from the UST College of Education with a
degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English, would like to respond to your
invitation to teach in your school.

Having been trained as a Thomasian educator, I have been exposed to pedagogical constructs
and concepts that equip me to render effective instruction and learning. Moreover, with the
values I have developed as an educator, I would like to take part in the continuous formation of
students as functional and productive members of the society armed with Filipino, Christian,
and Thomasian ideals.

It is likewise, with great pride and honor, if given the chance, to give back to my alma mater
what she has imparted and imbibed in me as an educator. Through my humble way of
teaching, it is my desire to serve the University of Santo Tomas.

Should my qualifications merit your attention, I am more than willing to conduct a teaching
demonstration and undergo the processes involved in your application procedure. Attached are
my comprehensive resume and transcript of records.

I am earnestly hoping for your favorable response on this matter.

Thank you for your time.

Respectfully yours,

Michael Angelo E. Malicsi

THE CURRICULUM VITAE

One Specific
Purpose:
TO WIN AN
INTERVIEW
 THE CURRICULUM VITAE

Remember, your CV
should:

Whet the
appetite
 THE CURRICULUM VITAE

Remember, your CV
should:

Stimulate
interest in
meeting you
 THE CURRICULUM VITAE

Remember, your CV
should:

Inspire the
employer
 THE CURRICULUM VITAE
The Form
Simple clear structure
Easy to read
Symmetrical. Balanced.
Uncrowded.
Uniformity and consistency in the
use of italics, CAPITAL LETTERS,
bullets, boldface, underlining.
 THE CURRICULUM VITAE
The Form
Use A4 or 8 x 12 size bond paper.
(Never use a scented, floral, specially-
designed paper.)
 THE CURRICULUM VITAE
The Form
Use a readable and formal font type
(Arial, Times New Roman, or
Garamond). Never use fancy fonts.
Font size should be 12.
Produce your curriculum vitae in a
good printer. Dot matrix is already
out of mode.
Never photocopy your curriculum
vitae. Produce fresh off the grill
copies.
Attach your greatest picture ever
 THE CURRICULUM VITAE
The Content
Personal information especially your
CONTACT details.
Highlight on your education
(emphasize on your tertiary education
though you may also indicate
something about your basic
education).
Showcase your achievements,
activities, positions, awards and
honors, or special citations during
COLLEGE.
 THE CURRICULUM VITAE
The Content
List down all the seminars or
trainings you have attended.
Should you have a prior experience
in being a working student, write it
down.
Include your SKILLS in your
curriculum vitae.
List down all your character
references with their designations and
institutions they are affiliated with.
In case the prospective employer
asks for your TofR, be ready to provide
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
The Image-POWER
DRESSING

Attract, dont
distract.
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
The Image-POWER
DRESSING

Warrior-ize your
wardrobe
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
The Image-POWER
DRESSING

Wear winning
armor
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
The Image-POWER
DRESSING

Get a leg up.

 THE JOB INTERVIEW
The Image-POWER
DRESSING

Put your best

foot forward.
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
The Image-POWER
DRESSING

Look successful
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
The Image-POWER
DRESSING

Have perfect
timing
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
The Image-POWER
DRESSING

Exude confidence.
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
The Image-POWER
DRESSING

Get
a-head.
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
The Image-POWER
DRESSING

Breathe powerfully.
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
What do GUYS
wear?
Long sleeves with tie.
Polo barong may also
do.
Gabardine or wool pair
of pants (slacks).
Leather belt with a
small buckle.
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
What do GALS
wear?
Three-fourths blouse
with a matching blazer,
skirt or pants
Closed toe shoes
Light make-up
A few accessories but
never dangling earrings
or excessive
shimmering, shiny
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
Other Tips:
Bags and briefcases-If you have no
reason to carry a briefcase, dont. Keep
your bag small and simple. Choose one
that matches or coordinates well with your
shoes and the rest of the attire.
Grooming-Keep your fingernails clean
and trimmed, your hair well groomed.
Perfume-Use light, floral or fresh scents.
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
On the whole:
IT COMES GOOD
WITH THE RIGHT
PACKAGE!

If you have it,

flaunt it!
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
The MOMENT-
Interview Tips:
Impress and express.
A handshake should be done only
when the interviewer offers his/hers.
Sit only when the interviewer asks
you to.
Once you do so, dont occupy the
entirety of the chair. Sit up straight.
Address the interviewer as Maam or
Sir.
Communicate in ENGLISH! (However,
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
The MOMENT-
Interview Tips:
Avoid GAP FILLERS such as UhmYou
knowSomething kinda like that
Avoid stuttering and stammering.
Maintain eye contact.
Respond to questions in a crystal clear
voice.
Be direct to the point. Be concise.
Apply the necessary the body
language and emotional expression (but
never DRAMATIC).
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
The MOMENT-
Interview Tips:
Dont let intimidation engulf you.
THE BIG English
-Be conscious of your
pronunciation (but not too much).
-Dont succumb to the Ps and
Fs and other speech lapses.
-Observe proper intonation and
pauses in our discourse.
-NO slang words.
-Let the thoughts flow.
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
Concrete Measures:
Plan ahead-Do a little homework.
Research the company and position if
possible, as well as the people you
will meet with during the interview.
Role play-Once you have finished
studying, begin role playing.
Be positive.
Adapt-Be sensitive to the style of
the interviewer.
Relate-Try to relate your answers
to the interviewer and his or her
company.
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
Interview
Preparation Area:
Q: How did you know about the
vacancy?
A: Give a truthful answer. Be honest.
Cite the real reasons how you learned
about the vacancy. You may tell the
interviewer that you participated in
your universitys job fair, browsed the
internet, or spotted their job posting
in the newspaper.
Q: What do you know about our
company?
A: Your prior research and exploration
about their company may now come
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
Interview
Preparation Area:
Q: Tell me about yourself.

A: Give a brief personal background

that emphasizes on you (not your
family or friends). Highlight your
strengths and qualities. You may also
expound on why you chose the course
you finished in college.
Q: What are your weaknesses?

A: Answer this question truthfully but

not in a manner that would taint your
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
Interview
Preparation Area:
Q: Describe yourself in one word.

A:
Leader
Problem-solver
Competent
Risk-taker
Adaptive
Team player
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
Interview
Preparation Area:
Q: Why should we hire you?

A: I believe that this company

deserves to have an inclusion in its
competent workforce. My
competence, skills, and abilities would
be a good addenda to the roster of
your workforce. I believe that my
positive outlook towards work,
coupled with my drive to deliver what
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
Interview
Preparation Area:
Q: How do you handle pressure and
stress?
A: Pressure and stress are staple
realities in every organization. Should
I find myself in that phase already, I
just maintain my focus and ear myself
towards the completion of the task. If
I feel that I need assistance or help
from my peers and colleagues, I
would gladly ask them. This way, I
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
Interview
Preparation Area:
Q: How do you plan for the future of
your career path?

A: I have always believed that

learning is a continuous process.
Within the context of my being a fresh
graduate, I plan to do well in my
prospective job. Once I have adjusted
and adapted to the needs and
demands of the company, I would
engage myself in post-graduate
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
Interview
Preparation Area:
Q: How do you see yourself in the
next five years in this company?
A: Give your vision and be truthful
about it. If you envision yourself to be
in a supervisory level or middle
management by then,
Q: You are fresh say it.How can
graduate.
you make a difference?
A: I believe in an adage that says,
You are not a wave, you are part of
the ocean. I am more than willing to
learn the trades. I may still not have
a vast experience on professional
work but I believe that my training,
optimism, and drive would lay the
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
Interview
Preparation Area:

Q: How much do you think should we

pay you?
A: Again, your prior research on the
company will come into play. You
may give exact figures, depending on
what you have researched about the
salary rate of the entry level
employees of the company. Or you
may say:
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
Interview
Preparation Area:

After the MOMENT:

Offer a handshake.
Thank your interviewer.
Smile and be confident!
Walk out the room gracefully.
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
Miscellany:

When youre nervous:

Take a deep breath.

Relax and tell yourself, This is it!
Hum or sing a song that comforts
you, better yet, the UST Hymn.
Maintain your composure. Avoid
agitating.
 THE JOB INTERVIEW
Miscellany:

BEFORE the interview:

If you have time, conduct an ocular

inspection of the location of the
company a day before the interview.
Sleep tight the night before.
Grab a POWER breakfast.
Be in the place at least an hour or
thirty minutes before the interview.
 RAISING THE BAR
Proud to be a Thomasian!
I am a Thomasian.
I am heir to four centuries of scholastic
excellence, vanguard learning, and visionary
leadership, animated by the spirit of St.
Dominic and fired by the ideal of St. Thomas
Aquinas to marry faith and reason.
As a child of a glorious institution, founded
and guided by Dominican friars, I have been
reared in the tenets of Christian humanism,
which makes me see others and myself as
bearers of Gods image, and which moves me