23/07/2025
JOB APPLICANTS!
Job interview tips for fresh graduates
You got the job interview. You’re qualified. But when they ask questions, you freeze. You blank out. You doubt yourself.
Here’s the truth no one told us in school: In an interview, you’re not just applying. You’re selling yourself.
Last year I gave my first international speech in the US for Toastmasters International. This year, I gave a TED Talk at DLSU SHS.
But before that, I was a fresh grad too, working in a staffing firm that helped companies hire their next CEO.
Here’s what I learned about interviews and answering on the spot:
1. When answering "Tell me about yourself," use the Past-Present-Future (PPF) method.
Past: What did you take up in college? Any orgs, internships, or standout projects?
Present: What are you doing now? Passion projects? Massive open online courses like Coursera?
Future: Where do you see yourself growing in the role?
2. Use the STAR method for behavioral questions.
Situation: Start by briefly setting the scene.
Task: What was your role or responsibility in that situation?
Action: What specific steps did you take?
Result: What happened because of your actions? What improved?
This shows how you handle challenges and highlights real results from your past projects in your organizations in school.
3. Research the company and review the job description.
When I was a fresh grad, I got commended for being one of the few applicants who did her research. It helped me stood out and get offers for almost all of the companies I applied for. The only thing I did differently was take time to understand each company’s values, projects, and work culture then I made sure my answers reflected how I genuinely aligned with them. That small step made a big difference.
4. Ask questions.
It shows you’re thoughtful and serious about your future. Even one well-placed question can leave a lasting impression.
5. Practice speaking even when no one’s watching.
A lot of fresh grads freeze in interviews not because they’re unqualified, but because of speech anxiety. If your hands shake or your voice cracks, that doesn’t mean you’re not ready. It just means you need safe, consistent practice. That’s why I wrote "Kahit Kabado: A Confidence Guide For Every Filipino Who's Ever Felt Afraid to Speak" to help you build confidence even when you’re scared. Because the goal isn’t to sound perfect. It’s to speak anyway.
You’re not just applying for a job. You're claiming your space in the world. You deserve to be in the room.
🎓 This is part of my TikTok series: “Graduated. Now What?” Watch the rest here: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSBXf3LN2
If you’re a fresh grad, you’re welcome to join our free community channel. It’s a safe space for career conversations, confidence building, and personal growth: Becoming You
📘 Struggling with speech anxiety?
Grab a copy of my ebook " : A Confidence Guide For Every Filipino Who’s Ever Felt Afraid to Speak" and start building your confidence even when you’re scared speak up.
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