Common interview questions, tips, and how to prepare for video interviews
The interview is your opportunity to showcase your skills, personality, and fit for the role. Whether it's face-to-face, phone, or video interview, preparation is key to success. This guide covers everything you need to ace your OFW interview.
How to Answer:
Give 2-minute summary: education, work experience, key skills, why you want this job. Don't tell life story.
Example Answer:
"I'm a registered nurse with 5 years ICU experience in Manila. I specialize in critical care and patient monitoring. I'm seeking this position because I want to work in a world-class facility and develop my skills further."
How to Answer:
Focus on professional growth, career opportunities, better compensation. Avoid saying only "money".
Example Answer:
"I want to gain international experience, work in advanced healthcare facilities, and provide better future for my family. This position aligns with my career goals."
How to Answer:
Match your skills to job requirements. Give specific examples of achievements.
Example Answer:
"I have the exact qualifications you need: 5 years ICU experience, ACLS certified, and proven track record of handling 15+ patients daily. I consistently exceed performance targets."
How to Answer:
Choose 2-3 relevant strengths with examples. Don't be too humble.
Example Answer:
"My strengths are attention to detail and ability to work under pressure. In my previous role, I caught critical medication errors and handled emergency situations calmly."
How to Answer:
Choose real but minor weakness. Show how you're improving it. Never say "I have no weaknesses".
Example Answer:
"I sometimes focus too much on details and perfectionism. I'm working on balancing quality with efficiency by setting time limits for tasks."
How to Answer:
Show ambition but realistic goals related to the job. Don't say "in your position".
Example Answer:
"I see myself as a senior nurse in critical care, possibly mentoring junior staff. I want to continuously develop my expertise in this specialty."
How to Answer:
Give specific example of stressful situation and how you handled it successfully.
Example Answer:
"I stay calm and prioritize tasks. During a code blue situation with multiple critical patients, I delegated tasks, communicated clearly, and all patients stabilized successfully."
How to Answer:
Stay positive. Never badmouth previous employer. Focus on growth opportunities.
Example Answer:
"I'm seeking new challenges and opportunities to develop my skills in a larger, more advanced facility. I completed my contract successfully and received excellent recommendations."
How to Answer:
ALWAYS ask questions. Shows interest. Ask about training, team structure, growth opportunities.
Example Answer:
"What training programs do you offer? What does a typical day look like? What are the opportunities for professional development?"
Tip: Prepare specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills for these questions.
Tip: Prepare specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills for these questions.
Tip: Prepare specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills for these questions.
Tip: Prepare specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills for these questions.
Most international employers conduct initial interviews via video call (Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams). Technical preparation is just as important as content preparation.
55% of communication is non-verbal. Your body language can make or break your interview.
| DO ✓ | DON'T ✗ |
|---|---|
| Smile and maintain friendly expression | Look too serious or unfriendly |
| Sit up straight with good posture | Slouch or lean back |
| Make eye contact (look at camera) | Avoid eye contact or stare blankly |
| Use natural hand gestures when explaining | Excessive or distracting movements |
| Nod to show engagement and understanding | Sit completely still like a statue |
| Keep hands visible on desk/lap | Hide hands or fidget constantly |
Complete this checklist 24 hours before your interview:
End the interview and report to DMW if you encounter any of these red flags:
Send Thank You Email
Within 24 hours, send brief thank you email expressing appreciation and reiterating interest.
Follow Up Timeline
If no response in 1-2 weeks, send polite follow-up email asking about timeline.
Reflect & Improve
Write down questions you struggled with and prepare better answers for next time.