Cerebral Conversation

Job interview questions are more or less the same. They're the usual:

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
3. How do you see yourself five years from now?

Today, I had the opportunity to be interviewed by phone. I received another job opportunity and my headhunter called me for a second round of interview. I wanted to see what was in it for me so I proceeded. (Though I have confirmed that I will be taking the position of the job I mentioned in my previous blog, I have yet to sign the offer sheet so technically, I can still review other options.) The interviewer was based in Malaysia and she was a European. The business development position being offered to me is very challenging and this is something I have never done before but nevertheless, it's worth considering. The one hour interview was very cerebral and it's the toughest interview I had to date. I had to think on my feet and compose myself. Here are snippets of the questions she asked me.

1. If foreign nationals were to invest in the Philippines, what is the most important thing they have to consider?
2. What industries can foreign nationals invest in the Philippines?
3. What do you think of Asian Development Bank?
4. What challenges will we face if we work with them (Asian Development Bank)?
5. How do you go about researches most especially in Asia where there is a lack of data to substantiate studies?
6. What were the difficulties you encountered when you conducted research?
7. How do you address these difficulties in research?
8. If foreign nationals were to find distributors in the Philippines, what are the criteria for evaluation?

She asked me more questions and after we said our thank yous and goodbyes, I felt light headed and hungry. All my nutrients must have gone to my brain. Should I pass the second interview, I'll be called in next week for the last interview with the President of the Asean Region of this council. What really got me excited was the fact that should I be accepted in this job, the position is a diplomat status! Whoa!!! I hope I heard this part correctly.

I shall be praying for this and if it is meant for me, it will happen. For now, I have to call it a day after an excruciating and mind picking interview that left me cerebrally challenged and drained. I'm just thankful that I was given another choice in life. Thank you! O:-)

I have to go to bed now. It's my first day in cake decorating class today. Good night! (or should I say good morning as it's past midnight.)