Applicant’s Name: Manuel A. Cruz Jr.

Position: Junior Software Engineer

Date of Interview: November 30, 2022

Interviewed by: Ms. Charisse Reyes

1. Tell me about yourself.

I am a computer engineering graduate seeking for the position of junior software engineer
in your company. Even though I do not have any experience in this industry, I believe I
can use the knowledge I gained during college in order to be effective for the position. I
am a committed and loyal person who knows that landing in this job is essential to my
overall happiness and growth. I believe I am qualified for this position because I am a fast
learner, and I will learn whatever I need for the position. I also have experience in different
programming languages which I learned during college, such as C#, C, SQL, etc. Also, I
always take my tasks seriously and as much as possible, try to influence my workmates to
do the same. Lastly, I would like to have this opportunity to contribute to your company
while also keeping track of my growth.

2. How would you describe yourself?

I am a driven person. I always set goals and try my best to achieve those. I am eager to
learn new things on my own and excited to try different things for my own happiness. I
also do this in order to improve myself and be a better me.

3. What is your greatest weakness?

My greatest weakness is my fear of public speaking. I am an introverted person, and I am

always afraid of speaking in front of many people. However, realizing this for a long time,
I am already taking small steps in order to solve this problem. During my college days, I
always try to give my opinion whenever there are group activities and I also tried
socializing more outside of school, because by doing so, I believe that someday I will be
able to overcome my weakness and be able to speak in front of the public.

4. What is your greatest strength?

One of my greatest strengths is that I am a fast learner. During my college days, every time
our professors would teach us a new programming language, I always try my best to focus
on the lessons and try to learn the programming language immediately so I can keep up

Unit 308, La Fuerza Plaza II, 2241 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City 1231 PHILIPINES
 with the discussion and each time we have activities and exercises, I am able to answer
them correctly.

5. How will your greatest strength help you perform?

Learning new things is essential to a job. By learning all the necessary knowledge to
perform the job in the position you will give to me, I will be able to do the best that I can.
Also, once I have mastered the things needed for my work, I will be able to do things on
my own and lessen the times that I would trouble my manager or seniors.

6. Describe a typical work week.

During a typical work week, I would review my tasks for the week and set my priorities so
I can finish it as soon as possible. I would go to the office early as much as possible to
make sure that everything is ready, and I can start my planned tasks as soon as my shift
starts. I would like to finish my tasks as soon as possible so I can offer my help to my co-
workers if they ever need it.

7. Do you take work home with you?

As much as possible, I always organize my work and do everything during my work hours.
If ever the situation arises and I need to bring my work at home, I would do it. But I also
value my free time so I would do my best not to make it my habit. I do realize though that
the job that I do is important for the company, and I would gladly offer some of my free
time to finish it.

8. How many hours do you normally work?

I would work from the start until the end of my shift. If there are unfinished tasks that
should be done within the day, I would gladly work overtime so that I or my team can
finish it.

9. How would you describe the pace at which you work?

I often work at a consistent and steady pace, but I also try to focus on completing the tasks
ahead of the given deadline as it would open me up for more time for other important
things.

10. How do you handle stress and pressure?

I always try to remind myself that a stressful situation is just a part of life. To overcome
such situations, I always try to take a deep breath and stay focused on my goals. By doing
so, it clears my mind, and I am able to return to my usual self.

Unit 308, La Fuerza Plaza II, 2241 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City 1231 PHILIPINES
11. What motivates you? Why?

The only motivation I need right now is the fact that every time I do my job, I would always
learn new things. Learning new things is very essential for me because I always strive to
be the better me. I want to learn new things so I can be competent and respected for my
position at work.

12. Are you a self-motivator? How?

I am a self-motivator. I always need very little motivation for me to do my tasks. When I

start something, I always make sure that I will be able to finish it correctly and properly.

13. Are you a team player? How?

I am a team player because I believe that in order for us to achieve something greater, we
must help each other. Sometimes we need the people around us to bring out the best of us.

14. What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?

The hardest decisions to make is when you need to get out of your comfort zone. I always
think that if I do this, I will just fail, and it would be a waste of time trying it. But lately, as
I grew up, I realized that failing is just a part of the process. I would never succeed if I were
afraid of failing, so even if it is hard to get out of my comfort zone, I will always try to do
it in order for me to become successful.

15. What has been the greatest disappointment in your life?

My greatest disappointment was when I did not pass the entrance exam on one of the
schools that offers my dream course/program (at that time). But as time passes by, I slowly
realize that if I did pass that exam and ended up on that course, I would not be able to
experience programming, which I am very passionate about, and at some point, it came to
my mind that maybe that was not a bad thing at all because I ended up on something that I
really like.

16. What are you passionate about?

My passion is about learning software and technology. Since I was a child, I always love
video games. I always wonder how they are made and how great are the people that make
them. Although it was not my first choice as a course back then, I have come to love
computer engineering because it always reminds me the things that I love when I was a
child.

Unit 308, La Fuerza Plaza II, 2241 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City 1231 PHILIPINES
17. What do people most often criticize about you?

I am often criticized as impatient, but that does not mean that it is a bad thing that would
affect my work negatively. Because of being impatient, I often do my work as fast as I can
but still maintain the quality, resulting to more free time that I can dedicate to other
important tasks.

18. How do you see yourself 5 years from now?

If you accept me as an employee in your company, the first thing I would do is to learn the
things I need for the job. I will be competent and some years from now, I would like to see
myself at the same or higher position in this company as a professional and respected
employee.

19. What are your salary expectations?

I have already made my research about the salary ranges regarding the position that I am
applying for and according to reliable sources, the salary ranges from Php 21000 up to Php
25, 000 but because you do not know me and that you cannot trust me yet, I would be glad
for a salary around Php 23,000.

Unit 308, La Fuerza Plaza II, 2241 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City 1231 PHILIPINES