The Revelations on an Impressive Interview

Job interviews can be very nerve racking and heart pumping. Especially when it is done in a panel of three who may soon be your future Bosses, in a company you very eager to work with, if God permits. You can not just simply expect anything out of obscurity or unpreparedness but as a future worker of the company you have to level up – Be the best no matter what it takes. Never in my life had I been to one of the best job interviews that this country had to offer and that is only found in Aboitiz Equity Venture’s (AEV) offices in Banilad, Cebu City.

Arriving at the building more than an hour ahead for my awaited interview was an actual circumstance of how I badly needed the job. Considering the fact that both traffic and the scalding temperature conspired to make things inconvenient, I managed to arrive at the place with an adequate sense of confidence and optimism to be hired. The security guards were so accommodating even though they weren’t still allowed to let the visitors enter the vicinity of its offices because it was lunch time. So, I waited and kept on thinking what would be the probable questions in the interview. An impression came to mind that this company truly takes care of their employees as these security men radiates professionalism even in the lowest echelons of the company especially when it comes to dealing with customers in front of them. Not only that, when I was finally able to enter the building, I saw employees working with a smile on their faces and with a commendable sense of belongingness towards each other just like a family. I thought, “wow! I can feel the spirit of Aloha in here”. I continued to wait at the lounge while familiar faces came and said their greetings.

In spite the "good luck" phrases and encouragements, I couldn’t help but feel anxious about how the interview would turn out. I kept a prayer with faith in my heart that I would be blessed. One of their HR personnel came and approached me at the lounge and said, “Its time for the interview”. My heartbeat raised but still I kept my composure and confidence.

As the HR Personnel led me to the office, I was wondering who’s going to interview me for the job until I came in and saw the Assistant Vice President of the Branding Department, Ms Carol Ballesteros. Her exemplary sense of professionalism made me feel at ease. Then, two ladies came in and sat on the seats provided for them. I thought, “Panel interview! Again”. The two ladies introduced themselves as Ms Ganzo, Manager from the External Communications Dept. and Ms Biyen, a Corporate Communications officer. I was nervous yet focused to get things done accordingly. Concentrating on every question they asked and answering them the best way I know how according to my experiences. Ms Carol moves on by saying, “We are creating a new department joining together Branding and Corporate Communications. It is called Reputation Management Department. Your job will be an Assistant to the Department and the three of us will be your bosses”. Then, smart interview questions were raised one after the other as I answer each one the best and honest way I could.

One of the questions that struck me during the interview was with MsGanzon’s words, “Can u handle pressure? Why Aboitiz?,” It was a very simple question but the weight of those words seemed pretty heavy. With all honesty, I said, “Yes.. Because, Aboitiz truly takes care of their employees. That’s what I noticed and I love that.” At the middle of the interview, I actually got dizzy a bit but that didn’t stop me from answering their questions intelligently.

I liked how the panel did the interview. Aside from the fact that those bosses knew what they really wanted, they always smiled and made the interviewee feel at ease. I thought, “I want to work with these corporate leaders and learn from them.” I was amazed that even though I still haven’t been deemed worthy to work with them, I was learning so much!


The Interview lasted for almost an hour in total. I went out of the room with much more confidence, because I have withstood pressure and made it my motivation to endure and do my best; and a greater sense of affinity in dealing with corporate leaders, as well as hopeful to have the privilege of working with them in the future.