Job interviews are an expected “evil” that comes with applying for a job. It is one of those events that will have you sweating in your smart business casual wear and looking for an AC to cool down. Its main purpose is to assess a potential employee’s suitability for the advertised role. It also benefits you, since this is a way for you to determine whether the job, the company, and the position align with your long-term career goals.

The BPO industry in the Philippines is a highly competitive market with many jobseekers trying to get hired. Many of them are vying for limited positions, so research and preparation are important. Here are some of the most common interview questions you may encounter during a BPO job interview.

1. What motivates you to work in a BPO industry?

This question aims to gauge your interest in and commitment to the BPO industry. When answering this question, it’s important to emphasize your passion for working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, your desire to help customers, and your interest in the technology and systems used in the industry. It’s also important to highlight your willingness to work flexible hours, as many BPO jobs require night shifts or early morning shifts to accommodate clients from other time zones.

2. What relevant experience do you have in the BPO industry?

This assesses your experience and qualifications for the specific BPO job you are applying for. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight any previous experience in a similar role, as well as any relevant skills or training you have. You should also emphasize your ability to work well in a team and your proficiency in using the necessary software and technology.

3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

This aims to assess your self-awareness and your ability to reflect on your strengths and areas for improvement. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your strengths that are relevant to the BPO industry, such as strong communication skills, ability to multitask, attention to detail, and adaptability. For weaknesses, it’s important to be honest but also show that you are actively working on improving them. For example, you could mention that you sometimes struggle with time management but have been taking steps to improve your organizational skills.

4. How do you handle difficult customers?

This question is designed to assess your customer service skills and your ability to handle challenging situations. When answering this question, it’s important to emphasize your ability to remain calm and professional in the face of difficult customers. You could provide an example of a time when you successfully resolved a difficult customer issue by actively listening to their concerns, empathizing with their situation, and offering a solution that met their needs.

5. How do you handle stress and pressure?

This question aims to assess your ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment. When answering this question, it’s important to emphasize your ability to prioritize tasks, stay organized, and maintain a positive attitude. You could also mention any stress-relief techniques that you use, such as taking short breaks, going for a walk, or practicing deep breathing exercises.

6. Why do you want to work for this company?

This question aims to assess your knowledge of and interest in the company you are applying for. When answering this question, it’s important to research the company beforehand and highlight specific aspects that appeal to you, such as their mission and values, their client base, or their reputation in the industry. You could also mention any personal experiences or connections you have with the company or their services.

7. How do you handle cultural differences in the workplace?

This question is designed to assess your cultural sensitivity and ability to work in a diverse team environment. When answering this question, it’s important to emphasize your respect for different cultures, your ability to communicate effectively with colleagues from different backgrounds, and your willingness to learn about and adapt to different cultural norms and customs.

8. What would you do if you encountered a technical issue that you didn’t know how to solve?

This question aims to assess your problem-solving skills and your ability to work independently. When answering this question, it’s important to emphasize your willingness to seek help from colleagues or superiors if needed, as well as your ability to research and troubleshoot issues on your own. You could provide an example of a time when you successfully solved a technical issue by using available resources and seeking guidance from others.

9. How do you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple deadlines?

This question is designed to assess your time management skills and your ability to work efficiently under pressure. When answering this question, it’s important to emphasize your ability to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, as well as your ability to communicate with team members and managers to ensure deadlines are met. You could provide an example of a time when you successfully managed multiple projects or tasks with conflicting deadlines.

10. What are your long-term career goals and how does this job fit into those goals?

This question aims to assess your ambition and your alignment with the company’s goals and values. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your career aspirations and how this job can help you achieve them. You could also mention any specific skills or experiences you hope to gain from the job, as well as your interest in growing and advancing within the company.

These are just a few questions that you would encounter in a BPO job interview. There may be more or less questions depending on the company and how the interview is structured. However, this is a great starting point when preparing for it and having the answers handy could assist in giving you the confidence to ace that interview.