How to win my fist interview?

Philippines
December 29, 2012 9:53pm CST
I will be having an interview next month. I wanted you to help me to win my first interview. I apply as a call center agent in one of the company here in the Philippines. I'm a fresh graduate and I want to have some idea what common questions usually ask and what would be the best respond for this. Thank you.
83 responses
• Philippines
8 Jan 13
First of all, gain a lot of confidence before the interview. Sell yourself as if you are the best among the rest. Regarding the common job interview questions, try to surf the internet. You will learn a lot from it. There are also possible answers to that corresponding question if you try to check the internet. Just be yourself and don't forget to tell positive and relevant details regarding yourself.
10 Jan 13
The first thing you should think is you can do it, be positive. Choose a proper and a comfortable attire.Be simple and have a proper grooming,and always wear a smile. In every interview,some of the common and usually wants the interviewer to know about you are your personal background,your skills,strengths and weaknesses and also your achievements. Be confident and true in responding questions.
9 Jan 13
From my previous job interview, it is usually a nerve-racking experience especially while still waiting for your name to be called.You should make sure that you are well-groomed and well dressed, that would give them a very good impression to you. Be courteous, make an eye contact, maintaining an eye contact shows that you are confident and honest. Answers all questions clearly and concisely,be specific and don't forget to smile =).
@jaiho2009 (39142)
• Philippines
30 Dec 12
Here are some tips for call center interviews/guide and sample answer. 1.Tell Me About Yourself; This is the most difficult question to answer because there is no specific answer to this question. Do not be tempted to tell your life story or biography, but concentrate on your education and work experience if you have any. This means you should not respond with “my hobbies are, favorite movies etc or any extracurricular activities” trust me, interviewers are not interested. If you are a First Timer, this could be your answer; My name is Jaiho and I graduated as blah, blah, blah (short description of your education) I am looking for a job that will provide fresh challenges and rewards that matches my qualification/s. Call center job ranks highly ideal on my job lists. I know I am ready for this job and I am confident that I would be a good addition to your team. 3 minutes is enough to leave your qualification catchy to the interviewer's attention. Sometimes the interviewer will make a follow-up question like 2. So, what are your skills to fit for this job? You can answer with “I have the right combination of skill and experience for this job. I also bring additional strong quality of analytical and problem solving ability. 3. How do you think you will compensate for your lack of experience? Answer: I have the willingness to try new things and I am a quick learner. Emphasize that you are a quick learner and willing to learn. If you have any relevant work experienced, this is the right time to introduce to the interviewer. 4. Why should we hire you? /What you can for us that other candidates can’t?/ What makes you unique? Note; summarize your strength, qualifications and assets. Do not say you are hardworking- it is given that you should/must be hard working. Answer; The quality that makes me the best person for this position is my passion for excellence. I am committed to quality and excellence. My technical skills and ability to build a strong customer relationship allow me to use my knowledge to break down information and be an excellent customer representative. 5. What does a call center mean to you? What do you know about call center? Why do you want to work in this call center? The interviewer is trying to gauge your seriousness and commitment with the job. This question is one of the common standard questions for all call center interviews. Answer; Call center offers a good opportunity to everyone who has the skill and ability to work with challenges since this job never requires any specific education attainment. I believed that my skills, qualifications and ability match exactly for this job. Learning and growth are important values to me. I sincerely believed that I am the right person for this job and this company. This is my personal answer and I did not write my whole answer, you must create your own to sound natural. This is just a guide and always remember when you are speaking, speak clearly and be concise. Use short sentences and deliver them in a slow (not too slow) and patient manner. For more guidance and information you may check these articles (I gathered up this information from my own experience working in a call center) http://expertscolumn.com/content/call-center-interview-guide-part-2 http://expertscolumn.com/content/commonstandard-hiring-process-call-centers
• Philippines
30 Dec 12
Thank you! These could help me a lot. I read this info and I want some additional information for a fresh graduate like me.
@jaiho2009 (39142)
• Philippines
30 Dec 12
Just check the other link for more information.
5 Jan 13
First of all, good luck to your first interview. You can make it! I used to be a call center agent and worked with several call center companies here in the Philippines. In my experience, the very first question that they usually ask is "Tell me something about yourself". They would give you time to express yourself. The follow up questions would depend on the things that you stated. I suggest that you be careful not to make your statement too long and boring. Unwanted questions might also come up like "Why do donuts have hole in the middle?" or maybe ask you "If you would commit a crime, what would that be and why?". These are just sample questions. These questions don't have definite answer but be creative as possible when expressing your answer. They might also be giving you some situational questions, I suggest that you answer on a positive way. Interview varies depending on the company. Please also be prepared for a series of interview and exams. Expect a minimum of three interviews. Just be yourself during the interview and have fun! Good Luck!
• Philippines
6 Jan 13
Thanks a lot! Hope I can make it. I appreciated all your comments. This is very very helpful. Some of my friends also told me that they are asking some unrelated questions.I need to prepare for it.
• Philippines
13 Jan 13
The very first thing that you should do, is to have self confidence, good attitude and English proficiency. The common questions that you would encounter is very easy which is "tell me something about yourself", in this question all you have to do is answer it in your own opinion. to answer the question accurately all you have to do is talk about yourself or your daily routine. To accomplish your first interview all you need to do is to be open minded and common sense would be your best friend in every questions that you would encounter. So these are the pointers for your first interview.
• Philippines
16 Jan 13
Here are some tips, I personally did when I was an applicant before. First, you should dress properly. Wear corporate attire, your blouse should be light color. Second, have a concrete information with the company your applying in, giving a correct information when asked by the interviewer will give them an impression that you are really interested to be part of their company. Third, be on time, do not be late, as much as possible an hour or 30 mins. before your actual interview. You could use these free time for you to freshen up, fix your make-up but not too much for the make up, a light make up will do. and use this free time to internalize everything about the interview. Don't wear too much accessories because this might take the attention of your interviewer. Upon entering the room for interview, you should wear a smile and greet the interviewer, take his hand and make a handshake. Don't take a sit unless the interviewer says so. sit erectly in your most comfortable position facing the interviewer. Answer his questions honestly and witty. Lastly, after the interview take his hand again and make a handshake and say to him how grateful you are for giving you the opportunity to be interviewed.
17 Jan 13
"Tell me about yourself?" when the begin of interview that he/she ask you. The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that related to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.
• India
12 Jan 13
Hi friend, good to hear about this, wish you to get success in your interview. Be confident and answer your questions in your own way without any fear. As you mentioned you are attending a call center interview, so refer the books related to it as well as contact some persons who is working in the same filed, it will help you a lot. All the best
@remedios (22)
11 Jan 13
When having an interview, you should be confident enough to answer the questions they'll be going to ask. Then make it sure that whenever you're asked questions, see to it that you answer it with conviction and with all honesty. When answering those questions, avoid repetition of words and saying "uhmm". The interviewer will also be particular on your accent. Be sure that when you speak English language, try to Americanize your accent because I believe they prefer that way in speaking English.
10 Jan 13
When we talk about interview the first word that will came out is "win" the interview. It's not just about the winning but also when you enjoy the interview. Don't take it very serious wherein it might lead to block out, and it's a big NO during an interview specially in call center. Just relax. Questions that commonly ask are about the company you are applying, so you need to research on their background or anything about them. Also they ask questions about you like what are you strengths, weaknesses and the like. Some questions are out of the box, questions not related to the company, not to you, not to your profession. Example is how can you explain a color orange to a blind person. They will bombarded you of question for them to keep you talking so that they can test how long you can speak in English fluently. So good luck and win that interview.
• Philippines
10 Jan 13
First of all just try to relax and not be nervous. They would sometimes ask questions having no really definite answer just to check on how you pronounce the English language. So better speak in an American accent. Just relax, relax, relax. goodluck!
@rose0218 (24)
11 Jan 13
for you to be able to win your first interview you must be yourself. be a good listener is also important to this situation so that you can cope on the question given without being repeated by the interviewer. in giving answers to the questions asked to you you must be confident and believe in your self that you know you can do it. good posture is also important.some common questions are usually about yourself. give answers that are appropriate to the question and must be direct to the point.
• Philippines
12 Jan 13
The people will win to first interview must have a self-confidence and even though your're probably going to be really nervous when you go on your first interview, the key to a successful first interview is to prepare for the interview, practice interviewing, dress appropriately and try to stay calm. if you have this i guarantee that you will win the first interview.
@jumer456 (10)
11 Jan 13
Knowing the answer will surely give you the advantage but it will not assure you success. Its not about the question but its about how you deliver the answers with confident. As long as your being honest and true then nothing to worry about. Make sure to have a little research on the company your applying in for it might be handy. Always smile and relax and answer every question with confident.
@Allenth (22)
11 Jan 13
When its a call center so please practice your oral English communication.Add up your vocabulary. Learn the proper accents and pronunciation of words. When they ask me questions that are anything under the sun so be prepared. Do not be obvious that you are nervous. Show confidence. I will do the best in the job, i will prepared some information about the interview company. Make sure that you elaborate your answers properly in a clear manner. Practice to speaking in English everywhere! Even in China,just talk the English every time!
@dhee1816 (24)
• Philippines
10 Jan 13
Having an interview is not easy for those who are first time to engage in an interview or for those first blink in an formal interview. You still have o gain confidence to face the interview. If you don't have an experience yet in an actual interview the first thing you must do is to search for the background of the company you wish to apply. So that you have an idea about their company, so when interview begin and they will ask you "what do you know about our company?" atleast you have something to say that could impress the interviewer.
@kleng014 (23)
• Philippines
10 Jan 13
Even though you're probably going to be really nervous when you go on your first interview.The key to a successful interview is to prepare, practice interviewing dress appropriate and be calm.To make the interview success research the company take a time to research the company profile and be familiar on how they operate.Learn about the job ask yourself "why I am the best person for the job" ask them about the job the interviewer process and the company.Dress appropriate choose the simple and appropriate attire you are interviewing for. The resume will give you a plus factor if your ability is unique among the applicant.
• Philippines
10 Jan 13
One common question that usually ask in an interview is how can you help the company. Well if this question will be ask to you, respond them that you will look unto the usual problems being encountered by the company then try to gain their trust that you will look for possible solutions that will be helpful in solving the problems. Another important question that usually ask by an interviewer is regarding on how you managed conflicts in the office. If this will be ask, respond them that you can handle and managed conflict by staying calm and talk with whom you have conflict with into a peaceful manner or ask the help of a mediator which is usually a human resource person in the company. The best way is to stay alert and respond immediately and actively to questions that they would be asking you.
@ealbon (17)
• Philippines
10 Jan 13
if you go to an interview, you should go in your corporate attire. go straight in answering their questions and you must be true to yourself.
• Philippines
10 Jan 13
I dont know anything about call center and what kind of questions they ask but I guess looking at their website would be a good start to know about the company and how they work. But I can suggest you about preparing yourself for an interview, look presentable and chew gum well not during the interview but like before or something so that it wont dry your mouth up, because thats what happens when you get nervous for an interview, you can get all choked up. But overall I think you can do it so good luck :)
10 Jan 13
Haha, do you know the common questions usually ask and what would be the best respond for the questions? That's good but think further! Why don't you think the more good answer? :) And if you know the best answers, don't be afraid. Be bold. Say I can do!