Behavioral Interview Questions

So you’ve been searching for a job, submitting your applications, your resumes, and writing your cover letters, and viola, you’ve gotten a job interview!

Lots of friends and family might congratulate you as if you already got the job or something, but you still have that damn interview to go to!

Now I know they’re necessary for the employer, but that doesn’t mean we need to like them! While you may have the best experience, education, and kills, nowadays it can all come down the the dreaded behavioral interview questions.

These are those questions where employers try to find if you’re a right fit for their company based on your accomplishments and personality. You may be the perfect representation of what they want in person (in terms of years, education,  but if you don’t blend with their culture, and can’t show them that you’re the right PERSON for the job then you’re out!

Take these tips and see if they work for you. Don’t got to an interview unprepared, that’s just going to be a waste of time for both you and the interviewers (who already are annoyed to have to interview you).

1. Read the Job Description!

It’s amazing how many people fail to do this. They glance at the title of a job, look at the requirements, skim through the description, apply and go interview. Do you actually know what the job is about? Do you know what they expect you to do? Can you picture the exact kind of person they’re looking for? It’s like an actor walking into an audition without knowing for sure who the character is. If an actor walks in playing a confident, British actor when the role is really for a shy Italian, it’s likely they’ll be some issues. 

Just take some time and read the thing, usually it’s only 1-2 paragraphs, that’s not very much at all! Go read now! If there are spots on that description you don’t know about, go read about them to polish up (if you don’t understand half of the stuff on the description, then you should probably go get another job). Get ready for those behavioral interview questions!

2. It’s all about results!

So they ask you what you accomplished in a role, or how well you worked with your team. Don’t spout off what you wrote on your resume or cover letter. Remember, interviewers go through multiple people a day, they don’t want to hear your life story or what kind of role you had or what you did during that role. Tell them what they want = results. So you managed to get a team of annoying people to work together? Great, but what did it accomplish? 

Thats what they wanted to know. “Because I did <blank>, we completed <blank> more sales than before!” Relate that to what the company does, and you just dominated that question! Yeah! Woo!

3. Be Proud!

You know those questions where they ask you to explain one time when you overcame an issue or some other silly situation? Usually people will just BS is this because of the chances of you having the ‘perfect’ situation happen to you in the past in pretty tiny. Instead, think of a moment in your career, or even your personal life, where you felt proud of what you accomplished. It could be just about anything, but apply that time to the role you’re going after. 

Don’t go an gloat about your experience, it’s likely they don’t care, but at least they can feel enthusiasm when you tell them how rewarding it was to get whatever it was that you did done! That enthusiasm could be the best answer they want, they may even forget what the original intent of their question is. Whatever you do, don’t lie during a behavioral interview questions, interviewers know how to read a bunch of BS.

4. Always be relevant

Regardless of the question, you can alway relate something you did in the past with what they’re asking. Fresh out of college and they ask you about leadership? Mention how you worked on that assy project with a group of strangers during sophomore year, even if the project sucked. Focus on the team work, dealing with diverse backgrounds, and how you worked together to accomplish a task (just like everyone does every day on every role in the business world [except a few of those weirdos...]. Whatever the situation, you can always find something to relate with. Be honest about it, be relevant, and you just might impress them with your savvy wit.

5. Don’t be a downer, be cool

What’s your worst quality? Don’t tell them that you suck, or that you can’t learn! Find a way to be positive about everything, even if you get put in a tight spot. You want to be the wonderful light of happiness and frolicking when you walk  into the room. They want someone who will come in every day and be happy. An unhappy person, or a negative person, can spread a sad sad virus around the office with their negativity and recruiters hate this. Always smile, chuckle, act like you already have the job! 

Even if they ask you about a bad experience, act like it didn’t phase you (you want to show them that you’ll be happy at work!). 

Follow these easy steps, and you should be on your way to completely dominating those behavioral interview questions! Woo!

I'm reading: Behavioral Interview Questions

The 150 Typical Job Interview Questions

These 150 questions include both traditional and behavioral interview questions

. For more information about types of interview questions, go to our Interviewing Resources section of Quintessential Careers. 

1. How would you describe yourself?
2. What specific goals, including those related to your occupation, have you established for your life?
3. How has your college experience prepared you for a business career?
4. Please describe the ideal job for you following graduation.
5. What influenced you to choose this career?
6. At what point did you choose this career?
7. What specific goals have you established for your career?
8. What will it take to attain your goals, and what steps have you taken toward attaining them?
9. What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?
10. How do you determine or evaluate success? Give me an example of one of your successful accomplishments.
11. Do you have the qualifications and personal characteristics necessary for success in your chosen career?
12. What has been your most rewarding accomplishment?
13. If you could do so, how would you plan your college career differently?
14. Are you more energized by working with data or by collaborating with other individuals?
15. How would you describe yourself in terms of your ability to
work as a member of a team?
16. What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
17. Given the investment our company will make in hiring and training you, can you give us a reason to hire you?
18. Would you describe yourself as goal-driven?
19. Describe what you've accomplished toward reaching a recent goal for yourself.
20. What short-term goals and objectives have you established for yourself?
21. Can you describe your long-range goals and objectives?
22. What do you expect to be doing in five years?
23. What do you see yourself doing in ten years?
24. How would you evaluate your ability to deal with conflict?
25. Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor or instructor? How did you resolve the conflict?
26. Tell me about a major problem you recently handled. Were you successful in resolving it?
27. Would you say that you can easily deal with high-pressure situations?
28. What quality or attribute do you feel will most contribute to your career success?
29. What personal weakness has caused you the greatest difficulty in school or on the job?
30. What were your reasons for selecting your college or university?
31. If you could change or improve anything about your college, what would it be?
32. How will the academic program and coursework you've taken benefit your career?
33. Which college classes or subjects did you like best? Why?
34. Are you the type of student for whom conducting independent research has been a positive experience?
35. Describe the type of professor that has created the most beneficial learning experience for you.
36. Do you think that your grades are a indication of your academic achievement?
37. What plans do you have for continued study? An advanced
degree?
38. Before you can make a productive contribution to the company, what degree of training do you feel you will require?
39. Describe the characteristics of a successful manager.
40. Why did you decide to seek a position in this field?
41. Tell me what you know about our company.
42. Why did you decide to seek a position in this company?
43. Do you have a geographic preference?
44. Why do you think you might like to live in the community in which our company is located?
45. Would it be a problem for you to relocate?
46. To what extent would you be willing to travel for the job?
47. Which is more important to you, the job itself or your salary?
48. What level of compensation would it take to make you happy?
49. Tell me about the salary range you're seeking.
50. What are the most important rewards you expect to gain from your career?
51. How would you define "success" for someone in your chosen career?
52. What
qualifications do you have that will make you successful in this company?
53. What skills have you acquired from your work experience?
54. What have you learned from your experiences outside the classroom or workplace?
55. What criteria are you using to choose companies to interview with?
56. If you were hiring for this position, what qualities would you look for?
57. How would you describe your
leadership skills?
58. Which is more important: creativity or efficiency? Why?
59. How has college changed you as a person?
60. What have you accomplished that shows your initiative and willingness to work?
61. What was the toughest challenge you've ever faced?
62. What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
63. Some people work best as part of a group -- others prefer the role of individual contributor. How would you describe yourself?
64. When given an important assignment, how do you approach it?
65. If there were one area you've always wanted to improve upon, what would that be?
66. When you have been made aware of, or have discovered for yourself, a problem in your school or work performance, what was your course of action?
67. What kinds of things have you done at school or on the job that were beyond expectations?
68. What, in your opinion, are the key ingredients in guiding and maintaining successful business relationships?
69. What sorts of things have you done to become better qualified for your career?
70. Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way?
71. Describe an instance when you had to think on your feet to extricate yourself from a difficult situation.
72. Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
73. By providing examples, convince me that you can adapt to a wide variety of people, situations and environments.
74. Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses that tested your coping skills.
75. Give an example of a time in which you had to be relatively quick in coming to a decision.
76. Describe a time when you had to use your written communication skills to get an important point across.
77. Give me a specific occasion in which you conformed to a policy with which you did not agree.
78. Give me an example of an important goal which you had set in the past and tell me about your success in reaching it.
79. Describe the most significant or creative presentation that you have had to complete.
80. Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.
81. Give me an example of a time when you were able to successfully communicate with another person even when that individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa).
82. Sometimes it's easy to get in "over your head." Describe a situation where you had to request help or assistance on a project or assignment.
83. Give an example of how you applied knowledge from previous coursework to a project in another class.
84. Describe a situation where others you were working with on a project disagreed with your ideas. What did you do?
85. Describe a situation in which you found that your results were not up to your professor's or supervisor's expectations. What happened? What action did you take?
86. Tell of a time when you worked with a colleague who was not completing his or her share of the work. Who, if anyone, did you tell or talk to about it? Did the manager take any steps to correct your colleague? Did you agree or disagree with the manager's actions?
87. Describe a situation in which you had to arrive at a compromise or guide others to a compromise.
88. What steps do you follow to
study a problem before making a decision.
89. We can sometimes identify a small problem and fix it before it becomes a major problem. Give an example(s) of how you have done this.
90. In a supervisory or group leader role, have you ever had to discipline or counsel an employee or group member? What was the nature of the discipline? What steps did you take? How did that make you feel? How did you prepare yourself?
91. Recall a time from your work experience when your manager or supervisor was unavailable and a problem arose. What was the nature of the problem? How did you handle that situation? How did that make you feel?
92. Recall a time when you were assigned what you considered to be a complex project. Specifically, what steps did you take to prepare for and finish the project? Were you happy with the outcome? What one step would you have done differently if given the chance?
93. What was the most complex assignment you have had? What was your role?
94. How was your transition from high school to college? Did you face any particular problems?
95. Tell of some situations in which you have had to adjust quickly to changes over which you had no control. What was the impact of the change on you?
96. Compare and contrast the times when you did work which was above the standard with times your work was below the standard.
97. Describe some times when you were not very satisfied or pleased with your performance. What did you do about it?
98. What are your standards of success in school? What have you done to meet these standards?
99. How have you differed from your professors in evaluating your performance? How did you handle the situation?
100. Give examples of your experiences at school or in a job that were satisfying. Give examples of your experiences that were dissatisfying.
101. What kind of supervisor do you work best for? Provide examples.
102. Describe some projects or ideas (not necessarily your own) that were implemented, or carried out successfully primarily because of your efforts.
103. Describe a situation that required a number of things to be done at the same time. How did you handle it? What was the result?
104. Have you found any ways to make school or a job easier or more rewarding or to make yourself more effective?
105. How do you determine priorities in scheduling your time? Give examples.
106. Tell of a time when your active listening skills really paid off for you -- maybe a time when other people missed the key idea being expressed.
107. What has been your experience in giving presentations? What has been your most successful experience in speech making?
108. Tell of the most difficult customer service experience that you have ever had to handle -- perhaps an angry or irate customer. Be specific and tell what you did and what was the outcome.
109. Give an example of when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with. Why was this person difficult? How did you handle that person?
110. Describe a situation where you found yourself dealing with someone who didn't like you. How did you handle it?
111. Give me a specific example of something you did that helped build enthusiasm in others.
112. Tell me about a difficult situation when it was desirable for you to keep a positive attitude. What did you do?
113. Give me an example of a time you had to make an important decision. How did you make the decision? How does it affect you today?
114. Give me an example of a time you had to persuade other people to take action. Were you successful?
115. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult person. How did you handle the situation?
116. Tell me about a time you had to handle multiple responsibilities. How did you organize the work you needed to do?
117. Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision, but didn't have all the information you needed.
118. What suggestions do you have for our organization?
119. What is the most significant contribution you made to the company during a past job or internship?
120. What is the biggest mistake you've made?
121. Describe a situation in which you had to use reference materials to write a research paper. What was the topic? What journals did you read?
122. Give me a specific example of a time when a co-worker or classmate criticized your work in front of others. How did you respond? How has that event shaped the way you communicate with others?
123. Give me a specific example of a time when you sold your supervisor or professor on an idea or concept. How did you proceed? What was the result?
124. Describe the system you use for keeping track of multiple projects. How do you track your progress so that you can meet deadlines? How do you stay focused?
125. Tell me about a time when you came up with an innovative solution to a challenge your company/class/organization was facing. What was the challenge? What role did others play?
126. Describe a specific problem you solved for your employer or professor. How did you approach the problem? What role did others play? What was the outcome?
127. Describe a time when you got co-workers or classmates who dislike each other to work together. How did you accomplish this? What was the outcome?
128. Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a deadline. What things did you fail to do? What were the repercussions? What did you learn?
129. Describe a time when you put your needs aside to help a co-worker or classmate understand a task. How did you assist him or her? What was the result?
130. Give two examples of things you've done in previous jobs or school that demonstrate your willingness to work hard.
131. Describe the last time that you undertook a project that demanded a lot of initiative.
132. What is the most competitive work or school situation you have experienced? How did you handle it? What was the result?
133. Describe a project or situation that best demonstrates your analytical abilities.
134. Give an example of when you took a risk to achieve a goal. What was the outcome?
135. Tell about a time when you built rapport quickly with someone under difficult conditions.
136. Some people consider themselves to be "big picture people" and others are detail oriented. Which are you? Give an example that illustrates your preference.
137. Describe a situation where you felt you had not communicated well. How did you correct the situation?
138. Describe a time when you took personal accountability for a conflict and initiated contact with the individual(s) involved to explain your actions.
139. Give me an example of when you were able to meet the personal and
professional (or academic) demands in your life yet still maintained a healthy balance.
140. Everyone has made some poor decisions or has done something that just did not turn out right. Give an example of when this has happened to you.
141. What do you do when you are faced with an obstacle to an important project? Give an example.
142. Tell about the most difficult or frustrating individual that you've ever had to work with, and how you managed to work with that person.
143. Tell about a time when your trustworthiness was challenged. How did you react/respond?
144. Describe a situation when you were able to have a positive influence on the actions of others.
145. Tell about a recent job or campus experience that you would describe as a real learning experience? What did you learn from the job or experience?
146. Describe a team experience you found disappointing. What could you have done to prevent it?
147. Recall a situation in which communications were poor. How did you handle it?
148. Describe a time when you had to make a difficult choice between your personal and professional (or
academic) life.
149. On occasion we are confronted by dishonesty in the workplace or in school. Tell about such an occurrence and how you handled it.
150. What motivates you to go the extra mile on a project or job?

I'm reading: The 150 Typical Job Interview Questions

50 Most Asked Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

1. Tell me about yourself.
   Keep the answer job or skill related.
   
   
2. Tell me about your dream job.
   Don't mention a specific job. Say something generic like, "I want a job where I love the work and the people I work with."
   
   
3. Why did you leave your last job?
   Never refer to a major problem with management or say undesirable things about your supervisors, co-workers or the organization. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, or a chance to do something better.
   
   
4. What is your weakness?
   Always try to give a positive answer. For example, "It takes me a long time to get ready in the morning, so I set my alarm two hours ahead of my time in for work."
   
   
5. What are your strengths?
   Sell yourself. Say how you can be a desirable employee for the company.
   
   
6. What do you know about the type of work we do?
   Do a research about the company before going to the job interview.
   
   
7. Why should we hire you?
   This is your chance to show why working for the company is important to you and why you think you will fit in. Don't mention other applicants for comparison.
   
   
8. Tell me about a suggestion you have made.
   This will show that you care about the company's growth. Use an example that was accepted and successful, especially one that is related to the position.
   
   
9. Do you consider yourself successful?
   You should always answer yes. Success doesn't necessarily have to be big ones, just mention how you have achieved goals you have set for yourself.
   
   
10. Why have you been unemployed for such a long time?
    Mention the activities you have done that would help market yourself like trainings or short courses you attended, or for example say, "I gave birth and had to take care of my baby and this experience taught me so much about patience and time management.
    
    
11. What do co-workers say about you?
    Recall good things that your co-workers have said like, "My manager, Mr. Santos, once told me that I am a very organized person".
    
    
12. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
    Don't give a specific answer. Say something like, "I plan on staying for long." or "As long as we both feel I'm doing a good job."
    
    
13. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?
    Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position. Or you may say something like, "I don't think I am overqualified, but I am fully qualified."
    
    
14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
    If you had, always explain yourself in a way that implies you did not want to, but had to.
    
    
15. Are you applying for other jobs?
    Be honest. If you are considered an asset to the company, they just might give you a good salary offer to get you to work with them, instead of the other companies you are applying to.
    
    
16. Describe your management style.
    Mention how you deal with your subordinates or your projects like, "I provide team members with effective guidance and motivation to complete assignments on time so our projects succeed." Or you can simply say "For me, good communication among members is the best way."
    
    
17. Are you a team player?
    The answer should always be a yes then cite examples. You may mention situations where you were part of a group or organization, and the activities you've had that show you worked well with them.
    
    
18. What is your philosophy towards work?
    Don't give a monologue here. Say something short and positive like, "My philosophy is to do my best at all times."
    
    
19. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
    You may say you are comfortable with any position in the team, may it be the leader, or follower. This shows that you can lead a team but at the same time also able to follow directions. This shows you are flexible.
    
    
20. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
    If you have, be honest and never say anything negative about your former boss or company. Focus on saying positive like how much you have grown from the experience.
    
    
21. What irritates you about co-workers?
    Do not speak badly of your past co-workers, as this reflects a flaw on your attitude, not theirs. Divert the negativity posed by the question. Assure the interviewer you get along well with fellow co-workers.
    
    
22. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
    Mention your skills, experience and interest.
    
    
23. What is more important to you: the money or the work?
    You can say something like, "Both are important because everybody needs money to live but job satisfaction is also important."
    
    
24. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
    Mention something that was beyond your control but show acceptance and no negative feelings.
    
    
25. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
    There are many good qualities you can mention but be sure to give an example or a situation to back your answer. Or if you have a recommendation letter you may say, "I believe my supervisor would say that my strongest point is that I'm reliable, hard-working, efficient, timely, and responsible. I know this because he has written it in my letter of recommendation. Would you like to see it?"
    
    
26. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor.
    Never mention a problem or anything negative about your supervisor. Try to think and then come up with none.
    
    
27. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
    This is up to you. Be totally honest.
    
    
28. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
    You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.
    
    
29. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
    You may point out that you are a quick learner and hard worker. Or state experiences that may not be from work but are somewhat related like for a managerial position, you may cite experiences you had as a leader in a school project.
    
    
30. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
    Never give the interviewer the impression that you are more interested on other jobs.
    
    
31. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
    Talk about having fun but at the same time accomplishing something like a team building you had where you gained a good relationship with your co-workers.
    
    
32. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
    Be honest. Discuss with your family beforehand, assuming this question should come up.
    
    
33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
    Some examples are challenge, achievement, recognition, integrity.
    
    
34. How would you know you were successful on this job?
    You can say something like, "When I have achieved all the goals that were set and I have given more than what is expected of me."
    
    
35. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?
    Just say yes. This is a test of your loyalty.
    
    
36. What qualities do you look for in a boss?
    Be generic and positive. Some examples are fair, competent, good motivator.
    
    
37. How do you see yourself five years from now?
    If you answer that you have not thought about it or you have no plans yet, the interviewer could conclude you have no vision and goals. Say something that is achievable but not too low as this could imply you lack initiative. It should be consistent with the objective on your resume and the skills you mentioned you have.
    
    
38. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
    Mention mistakes you've had but be sure to focus more on the lessons you have learned from that mistake.
    
    
39. Do you have any blind spots?
    Don't say something specific but just say everyone has them that's why working as a team is very important to point out and cover each other's blind spots. This answer diverts the question to how you are as a team player.
    
    
40. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
    Mention qualities that are needed for the position that you have.
    
    
41. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.
    Pick a specific incident and what role you played in its resolution.
    
    
42. Describe your work ethic.
    Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.
    
    
43. What are your expectations from this job/company?
    You will be able to answer this question well through company research and self-assessment. Think as if you are already part of the company. You may say something like, "I expect challenging tasks."
    
    
44. Do you have references?
    Contact your references ahead of time and have their names and contact details ready
    
    
45. Do you have any questions for me?
    Always prepare questions, but those that are not answered in the company's website or those you have not discussed. Asking questions shows you are interested to know more about the company or the job.
    
    
46. Why do you think you will be successful at this job?
    You can say something like, "Basing on my research of the company and the job description, I can say that I have the skills and experience you are looking for.
    
    
47. What do you think of the last company you worked for?
    As always, never say anything negative about the last company you worked for. You can say you learned a lot from the company and the job, and you consider it an important stepping stone in reaching everything you have achieved.
    
    
48. How do you handle criticism?
    You can say something like, "I see criticism as an opportunity to improve my work." Then give an example where you were criticized and you handled it in a positive way like, "My manager once told me that the reports I gave him were unorganized so I tried to review my past reports and asked if he had any preferences. I followed my manager's suggestions and reconstructed my reports. My manager was happy with all the reports I handed him after that."
    
    
49. Do you feel you are ready to take on greater responsibilities?
    Employers ask this especially if the position you are applying for is higher than your former position. This is for them to gauge if you are up for the challenge of the new position. Give a positive answer and show them you are the job.
    
    
50. What are your activities and interests outside of work?
    Say something about your interest and how it can help you on the job you are applying for. Like basketball can teach you team work, or baking can teach you accuracy. If you are applying for a job that requires you to be fit, you may mention physical activities that you do like swimming or any other sport.

I'm reading: 50 Most Asked Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

What is the Average Salary in the Philippines?

Average Salary in the Philippines Looking for a job in Philippines? What is the average salary that you can expect in the country? But before figures of the average salary in the Philippines are mentioned, you need to understand that your average job salaries depend on the type of job you do and your position. You cannot expect the same average job salaries for all fields of work. For instance if you work in an IT firm as a financial manager, your average salary would be different from the average salary of a financial manager working in a hospitality management industry.

From the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics of the Philippines, it was found that there are some interesting facts regarding payscales found in jobs in different fields. In companies related to Computers and IT industry, the highest paid jobs belong to computer engineers. Computer engineers have an average monthly salary of 25,010 Philippine pesos. The next highest paid job is definitely for system analysts and designers who get average monthly salary of 23,253. The programmers, Electronic and Telco engineers too earn good average salary per month. The average monthly salary in Computer and Related Activities Industries is nearly 20,000 Philippines Pesos.

There are other fields too where average annual salary of jobs are pretty much tempting and lucrative. There are jobs like university professors, medical doctors, dentists, pilots and others who too are handsomely paid. These professions have historically been known for their huge payscale and averages throughout the world and there is no exception for the Philippines with average job salaries of such professionals per month at nearly 25,000 Philippines Pesos. But the highest paid professions in this country are no doubt the flight engineers and pilot navigators. Their annual average salary is nearly 1,116,000 Philippines Pesos. Such huge package actually depends on the amount of work experience you have and the skills you possess. You cannot expect such high average salary packages when you have just applied for the job.

For instance take the example of a programmer. The Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics of the Philippines mentions that his/her average annual salary package is 276,000 Philippines Pesos, but being a fresher you might have to start as low as 144,000 per annum. Thus fairly getting the salary package of a particular job is not enough. You have to build that potential to get your dream package of average salary.

The average pay of the employees also depends on the department where he or she works. In the computer and related activities industry we saw the average salary of technicians quite low compared to computer engineers and programmers. But the same technicians and electronic engineers can have better pay if they are employed in Postal Department of the Philippines.

In conclusion, it would be right to say that it is very difficult to point out what is the annual average salary of Philippines. What you can guess is the average salary of a particular position in a particular department. That would be the right way to seek jobs. For instance, if you have completed your field of study in Electronic engineering, seek job in Postal Department to get better pay than Computer Industry.

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How Much is the Average Starting Salary in the Philippines

With India and China reaching the level of saturation and the global economy in no mood to look up, Philippines has emerged as the new hub for outsourcing and the technology industry. A key factor in this has been the close proximity of the Philippines to People's Republic of China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan, all of which are the biggest tech manufacturing centers of the world. The main result has been an increase in the demand of skilled technology professionals across the country. With such a condition, the average starting salaries of new tech graduates have also gone up in the last few years.

As of now, the computer engineers hold the highest paid job. The average starting salary of a computer engineer is anywhere around the PHP 20,000 mark. According to this starting salary, the programmer in any software company in the Philippines makes a paycheck that is fatter than that of an airline steward, of a physician or a dental healthcare professional employed in a private facility, and even a professor of a university who has a long list of experiences on his resume. There are only three categories where the people can make more money and all three are extremely specialized roles. These are the actuaries hired by insurance companies who are the third highest paid, the accountants and auditors who are the second highest paid, and the pilots, navigators and flight engineers who remain the people to take home the fattest paychecks.

Other than the job of programmer, there are a number of things in the IT industry and outside it which are related to the computers and are really well paying. Consider that the technicians working in the computer related industry get paid as much as PHP 13,074 on an average and you are looking at an upright scenario. As compared to this, the technicians working manufacturing radio and television equipments are being paid a much lesser PHP 11,628. On the other hand the technicians working in postal and telecommunication service providing companies are paid just a bit higher at PHP 13,433. While there is not much difference on the higher side, there is surely a big difference on the lower side which means that taking up a job as an IT technician means that you get great money and there is a demand in the industry so you can keep on moving and looking for higher salary offering companies.

In the case of customer service representatives, the picture looks equally bright. There are divisions based upon the sector where the representative is working and here the difference is rather steep. First of all, the non-bank financial institutions offer a bum deal to their customer service representatives. They only get an average of PHP 10,083. The postal and telecom services are a lot better as they offer as much as PHP 15,046 as the average CSR salary. Finally, there are the banking institutions which are the best for customer service representatives with offers as much PHP 15,369 every month.

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How to Write a Salary Negotiation Letter

"A salary negotiation letter can help you achieve your financial and employment goals."

Writing a salary negotiation letter can set the stage for your financial picture for many years to come. In most cases, these letters are written when a job offer is made but the offered salary is just not what you had expected. It's not uncommon for potential employers to offer a salary that is well below the industry average in order to hire new talent at a saved cost. The hired individual knows that they could make more elsewhere and yet they stay, at least for awhile, happily getting underpaid to gain experience on their resume.

Make no mistake about it. Resume experience is a very positive and potentially life altering agenda. However, chances are that if you set about writing a salary negotiation letter you are quite likely to be given a raise before you even begin working for the company. It still might be less than the industry standards, but any improvement in the final number is valuable.

There are occasions when a salary negotiation letter is appropriate for your current employment situation. While they are generally not used to gain performance or cost of living raises, they can be used as a token to begin a small and often disappointing bidding war. If you have been offered another position with another company for a higher salary, the negotiation letter gives your current employer a chance to match or beat their offered salary (including benefits) if they find your talents and skills valuable enough to hang onto. Most of the time an employer is willing to let you go despite your talents and skill set because they can hire new talent for less than they pay you, especially if you have held the same position for five years or more.

Do not accept any position without taking a little time to consider what the company's compensation package offers and whether or not you can really afford to accept it. Often when we run into underpaid situations like these we are chasing down a dream job or a career that we are just breaking into. 24 hours is usually an appropriate amount of time to consider their offer and it confirms that you are indeed interested in the position. 24 hours is also a reasonable amount of time for a potential employer to wait for your response. Don't leave it open ended and respond as soon as you are clear on your intentions. Once you accept the job at the offered salary you can't show up to your first day of work with a salary negotiation letter. Timing is just as important as presentation on this one.

Never rush your letter. Remember that you are trying to make a firm but pleasant impression on a potential employer. Since these letters are not well advertised and certainly weren't taught to most of us during the letter writing portion of English class in school, you might not have any idea what to say. It is bad form to simply copy and paste a sample salary negotiation letter and fill in the blanks. While there is no doubt that a sample salary negotiation letter will offer you some very important guidance, you still have to write the letter yourself.

There are a few important rules when it comes to writing a salary negotiation letter. Before you even begin make sure you are very well informed when it comes to the industry standards for beginning salaries, the average salary that the company offers to its various employees, and take into account the regional cost of living and overall salaries paid in the geographical area. Once you have educated yourself well, ballpark your intended salary a bit higher, but expect to lose some in the negotiation process.

Many disappointed new hires were looking for a better salary or benefits package and never went about the negotiation process. Many potential employers are actually impressed by the fortitude and the competence that is shown through this avenue. Don't sell yourself short and reach out for help if you need it when composing your letter.

Ask yourself why would anyone want to pay you more money and give you a better benefits package than you were offered? Since you're not looking for a free hand out and are seeking out what you feel your talents and skills are really worth you need to outline your salary negotiation letter with legitimate reasons for negotiating with you. Become the greatest sales person for your own agenda. Your job is to sell your abilities and let your potential employer know what type of investment they are making in you. How are you going to benefit the company's bottom line? How are you going to do it within just a few short days of starting your new job?

Just because a salary is not negotiable, according to your potential employer, there are numerous other aspects that can be addressed in your salary negotiation letter. You can negotiate for longer first year vacation packages, relocation costs, short term probationary period, immediate health and dental coverage, and company paid training and development programs. You can include all of these items in your original letter or you can use them as your bargaining chips if you learn that the salary offered is the only salary approved by the CEO of the company, is non-negotiable, and you still feel you can receive better compensation.

Do not continue to add new thoughts to your letter and do not present another one after you have reached a negotiation the first time. Remember that part of what makes you valuable is demand (for the company and for your individual skills) is your current employment situation. If you are not employed and are desperate for work, your negotiation practice is often a way to lose the job offer. If you are gainfully and basically happily employed or have other head hunters chasing you down for higher paying positions. In most cases, a salary negotiation letter can help you achieve your financial and employment goals, offer the company a great deal on their new hire, and even help you pin point your goals for the first six months to a year, depending on progress. Knowing what you are really worth makes all the difference in the world.

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15 Tips on How to Get a Pay Raise

"Do you feel like you are underpaid for the work you do and for your position?"

Do you feel like you are underpaid for the work you do and for your position? Do you feel like asking for salary raise to your boss but something prevents you from doing so? Perhaps you lack the self confidence to ask for a pay raise. Most people become clueless when they want to talk about pay raises to their employers. Negotiating pay raise is nothing impossible. The following 15 tips on how to get a pay raise will help you to ask for your deserved right.

1. When you work for him, there is no harm to rationally believe that you deserve more. Don't hesitate and be afraid to ask for a pay raise to your boss. He too knows that you work for him, and you are not asking without a reason.
   
2. It is good to aim high, but not good to be too greedy. While negotiating for pay raise you should ask for something which is feasible for you to receive. It gives your boss some reasons to go to some point. Just remember to be realistic than trying to shoot all birds at one shot.
   
3. Preparation is the most important thing to do. You have to prepare before you negotiate. You should know your stuff of work, your duties, the fair market price for the same position others are getting and how you work for that pay raise. You should be able to answer how your rate of pay is compared.
   
4. It is also wise to anticipate objections. Make a list of likely reasons that your boss or financial manager would give you not to make pay raises. It is important to make rebuttals to those objections so that you can negotiate well. Give your boss every reason that he says yes to your pay raise application.
   
5. Always have a back up plan. If your boss is adamant on, try few other tricks like how you could take more responsibility or suggest to change your benefit plans to increase your salary compensation package.
   
6. Make a firm and perfect approach. It is useless to beg, cry or grovel. It is not good to corner your boss and ask for immediate pay raise. Always be professional and courteous. Avoid threats of leaving the job or other such ultimatums.
   
7. It is a trick to sell your self! Always point out why you deserve a raise and what you have been contributing to the company all these days, if you have documentation provide it and explain your value.
   
8. Address the issue from your boss's perspective. This formulates a more persuasive pitch. He may get convinced to give a pay raise.
   
9. Try to understand the salary norms for the industry you work with. Such way would enable you to compare activities and roles. With such reasons you can firmly assure that you are asking for the right pay raise.
   
10. Don't think about what others earn, it is individual. Your performance, experience and competencies in the job will be more valuable in getting you a pay raise.
    
11. Be honest to yourself. Tell your boss only the things you are really capable of doing and what you have done in the past.
    
12. If you are sent disappointed from the room of your boss, don't slam the door or scream outside. This will have a complete negative effect. Perhaps he may think on this issue and later call you for a pay raise.
    
13. Always pick the right moment. Never enter into your manager's cabin when his stress levels and workloads keep his head a hot boiling volcano.
    
14. If your company has an appraisal system, that is the right time to negotiate your pay raises.
    
15. Reminder is also a key. If your negotiation on salary raise has been rejected once or twice before, you can find other opportunities again to put forward your pay raise demands. It may work and your boss may nod with a smile!

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How Much is the Entry Level Salary in the Philippines

The Philippines has seen a marked increase in the entry level salary of almost all the job roles. This is due to the twin reasons of being an emerging out-sourcing and information technology hub and because of its location which is close to both the East Asia and United States. As compared to sometime back, the average entry level salary in the country has grown leaps and bounds. The main cities in the country - Manila, Cebu, Makati, were always the places to get the best paid jobs. As of now the IT/Call Center/BPO revolution has fueled the growth to a large extent in the entire country. Everywhere in the Philippines where new companies of these sectors are coming up, the entry level salary has gone up substantially.

There are a number of companies which used to outsource their work to India and China. As of now, both these countries are facing saturation level primarily because the Indians have redlined their infrastructure and are looking inward to get more infrastructure and the Chinese are still not able to get that neutral accent and economic freedom that the outsourcing companies want. The Philippines has become the biggest beneficiary with companies coming in from US, Canada, Europe and even nearer home like Japan and Australia.

As of now, an average customer support representative who is just entering the industry would be able to get a minimum salary of PHP 14,400. If you are extremely talented at the task and have a knack for salary negotiations, you can expect to get as much as PHP 24,000 if you make a sincere effort. In case you are not exactly of the opinion that calling is your calling, and are more in the technical side of things, you should look for a career in the IT sector. Here the average entry salary is again PHP 14,400 but based upon your skills and qualifications as well as the company being ready to pay, you can get as high as PHP 96,000 as the entry salary level. This requires that you be a college graduate, preferably from a reputable university and are fluent in English so that you can easily communicate with customers whose primary language is English.

In case you want to take the position in a non legal, technical support position, you can expect an entry level salary of PHP 9,600. As you become more and more experienced you can expect to earn as much as PHP 16,800. As you move up to higher positions like team leaders, your entry salary would be around PHP 24,000. There are companies which give average entry level salaries of PHP 33,600 to experienced team leaders. As you proceed to become the project manager or an assistant manager, you start with entry salaries of PHP 38,400 and will go up to earn as much as PHP 57,600. The salary for entry level manager in tech support is still higher. In fact entry salaries for managers is as high as PHP 62,400.

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Top 15 Job Salary Negotiation Myths

"If you don't learn about the myths you may fall short from selling yourself at the bargaining table."

You have learned so many things about job salary negotiation and want to know the truth about them. If you seek one salary negotiation tip, you will find hundreds of them. But how far are all such tips on job offer salary negotiation reliable? So beware of the common salary negotiation myths that can keep you from getting your dream job. If you don't learn about the myths you may fall short from selling yourself at the bargaining table.

Here are top 15 Job Salary Negotiation Myths:

Myth 1: No applications are reviewed without salary history or requirements. Sometimes such ads put you on a dilemma what to do or what not? You may fear to state too low or too high for a figure. Truth is if you are a qualified figure the employers will not throw your application aside simply because you didn't mention the salary parameters on the application.

Myth 2: You cannot expect exceptions in the hiring world. This is a myth. The bottom line is employers are always open to exceptions. If an employer feels like you are the best applicant and you would not take proposed offer, he would follow few exceptions.

Myth 3: Employers dislike salary negotiations. This is a complete myth. Most interviewers like to negotiate salary before hiring an individual. Employers would like you more for the feel that you fight or talk for your right. There is no harm in providing justifications as why you deserve more.

Myth 4: Past low salaries are hindrances to your future salaries. Even if your past salary is low than what you are expecting from your current employer, you can show how your developed skills and talent now makes you more valuable. So, you can expect more than what you draw now.

Myth 5: Always negotiate for highest salary. This is a big myth that negotiating for the highest salary is the key to get a job. Don't bother always for cash. See other benefits too like bonuses, quality of life, safety, security and other features. Does the job offer you a security of life and has provisions for after hours?

Myth 6: That your salary is fixed and you cannot change it. That is a myth. If you are not able to increase your paycheck, you may be able to land better benefits that would sweeten your complete salary package.

Myth 7: A beginning salary always remains a beginning. Wrong! Because most increments are based on current draws of salary. So it is not a good idea to accept low salary without salary negotiations.

Myth 8: Not asking for a higher salary increases your chances to get the job. This strategy may backfire as the company will see your lack of confidence.

Myth 9: One should take the first offer by the employer and be grateful. Wrong! Try to negotiate the initial offer and you may end up getting a good salary range.

Myth 10: Agree to offer quickly. Sometimes you may think that if you don't take the offer quickly someone else would be put into the position. Once you get the offer in writing unless you say no, the position remains applicable to you only.

Myth 11: If first offer is missed, others will take it. But the truth is that if the employer wants you there is no need to worry about such facts. He would be ready to negotiate.

Myth 12: Employers frown when said about salary negotiation. Don't allow this myth to stop you from asking your expected pay.

Myth 13: If you ask for less you will definitely be selected. This may backfire with the notion that you are not sure of your skills and potential. Hence you are asking for less.

Myth 14: Verbal promise is enough. Never take verbal promise as the end to your agreement. Don't leave your current job until you get a written invitation and you signed to join on a particular day.

Myth 15: Everything is negotiable! This is not true. There are certain positions which cannot be negotiated and if employers mention the salary range of positions in their ads, you cannot ask them for more than that.

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A Guide on Calculating Holiday Pay

"In the Philippines alone, there are different kinds of holidays which are regular, special non-working and special working holidays."

In the Philippines alone, there are different kinds of holidays which are regular, special non-working and special working holidays. For the part of the employees as well as the Human Resources Personnel, it’s usually confusing on how to calculate holiday pay. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) clears this matter with its Memorandum Circular No. 01 of March 8, 2004.

The memorandum states that in the pursuant of the Labor Code, as amended in relation to the observance of declared holidays and in response to the queries received every time a Presidential Proclamation or a law is enacted by Congress which declares certain days either as a regular holiday, a special working holiday, the following guidelines shall be observed by all employers in the private sector in calculating holiday pay:

1. As amended by RA 9177 and as provided for under EO 203 which in also incorporated in EO 292, Regular Holidays include the following:
   
   New Year’s Day – January 1
   Maunday Thursday – Date may vary
   Good Friday – Date may vary
   Araw ng Kagitingan – April 9
   Labor Day – May 1
   Independence Day – June 12
   National Heroes Day – Last Sunday of August
   Bonifacio Day – November 30
   Eid Ul-Fitr – Date may vary
   Christmas Day – December 25
   Rizal Day – December 30
   
   The following rules apply:
   
   1. When it’s an employee’s regular workday:
      
      1. If worked
         1. For the first 8 hours – 200%
         2. In excess of the 8 hours worked – plus 30% of hourly rate on that said day
      2. If unworked – 100%
      
      
   2. When it’s the employee’s rest day:
      
      1. If worked
         1. For the first 8 hours – plus 30% of 200%
         2. In excess of the 8 hours worked – plus 30% of hourly rate on that said day
   
   
2. As amended and listed under EO 203 on declared Special Days like Special Non-working Day, Special Public Holiday, Special National Holiday with an addition of 2 nationwide special days:
   
   All Saint’s Day – November 1
   Last Day of the Year – December 31
   
   The following rules apply:
   
   1. If worked
      
      1. For the first 8 hours – plus 30% of the daily rate of 100%
      2. In excess of the 8 hours worked – plus 30% of hourly rate on that said day
      
      
   2. If unworked
      
      1. There shall be no pay given unless the company has a favorable policy, practice or a collective bargaining agreement or CBA that grants compensation of salary even if employee fails to work on the special day.
      
      
   3. When special day is being worked and falls on the employee’s rest day
      1. For the first 8 hours – plus 50% of the daily rate of 100%
      2. In excess of the 8 hours worked – plus 30% of hourly rate on that said day
   
   
3. For days declared as Special Working Holidays The following rules apply:
   
   An employee is entitled to only his or her basic rate on work performed. Work performed on that said day is still considered work on an ordinary working day, so no premium pay is required.

Additional Notes:

During Holidays, there could be a distinction between unworked days for Monthly and Daily paid employees. Monthly paid employees are already assured of their salary every month that already includes the rest days, regular or special days although he does not work on these days. The Daily paid however, is paid only on days that they actually work (termed as “no work no pay”). But on holiday pays, they are the most benefited since even if they do not work on a regular and special days, they still get paid. Provided only if he or she is present or on leave of absence with pay on the working day immediately preceding the regular holiday. For more information on how to calculate holiday pay, visit the DOLE website www.dole.gov.ph

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