May 20, 2025
Tzu Chi scholars excel in online and face-to-face mock interviews
By Dorothy Castro
On May 17, 25 graduating Tzu Chi scholars from the National Capital Region, eight from Pampanga, three from Bicol, and five from Davao participated in a career talk and mock interview spearheaded by 26 volunteer professionals. Experts from the fields of information technology, accounting, management, education, and business enthusiastically shared their knowledge to help scholars thrive in their upcoming job searches.
This marks Tzu Chi’s fourth year conducting mock interviews. The event followed a resumé-writing seminar held last April 20.
Guest speaker Darwin Soriano, who conducted the resumé-writing seminar and previous mock interviews, returned to mentor scholars on their speaking skills and how to answer tricky interview questions. He was joined by Nescel Asuncion, who gave scholars tips on working with their future colleagues and building positive work habits.
This mock interview came with a unique twist: Each scholar attending in-person was given the chance to be mentored by several interviewers. Remote interviews were conducted by volunteers for scholars in the provincial offices of Bicol, Davao, and Pampanga.
Among the volunteer interviewers was Tzu Chi scholar alumni Honey Rose Ann Mariano, who became a scholar in 2005 and graduated with a degree in accountancy from Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
After graduating, Mariano became a certified public accountant, and is now a finance and human resources head. Her experience in finance and management gave her the background and expertise to help scholars alongside her fellow volunteers.
“It was really exciting and nostalgic,” Mariano shared. “It feels great because I can share my experience with them not only as a professional but also as a former scholar to inspire them in pursuing their dreams.”
Mariano was one of the volunteers handling the online interviews for Tzu Chi Davao’s scholars. Despite the challenges in connectivity, she saw the students’ confidence in answering her questions.
Scholars attending the in-person mock interviews held the same enthusiasm in their speed interviews. Each had 10 minutes to market their skills per interviewer before moving on to the next.
Maricar Ascarez, a financial management student at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) described this opportunity as a “stepping stone” to improve after a difficult job interview that she had a week before the mock interviews.
“Compared to [how I performed] last time, this was different. Before, I could not express myself; I did not highlight myself as an applicant. But [today], I think I did well,” Ascarez observed. With many of her semesters spent in remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she became more appreciative of the lessons she learned from the mock interview, and has many hopes for her next journey after graduation.
Similarly, PLM marketing management student Kyla Salido, who has been a Tzu Chi scholar for 12 years, found herself speaking more confidently compared to her application as an intern.
“I was able to showcase my skills to potential employers, where I improved my knowledge and shared my experiences,” Salido shared. With these valuable takeaways, she hopes to serve communities in her future work, inspired by the kindness she received from Tzu Chi.
Seeing the positive outlook of scholars, Mariano looks forward to seeing them succeed in their respective fields, and encourages them to continue improving their skills even as they work.
Now ready to take on their next challenge as graduates, scholars can confidently ace their interviews. “Do not be afraid to move out of your comfort zone, because that is where you will grow,” Mariano advised.
Guest speaker Darwin Soriano guides scholars in navigating the difficult questions in job interviews, from questions about their competencies to trivial questions that could make or break their interviews.
Guest speaker Nescel Asuncion gives workplace advice on how to be an excellent team player, and how to cultivate one’s character in the workplace.
Honey Rose Ann Mariano (with mic) introduces herself to the scholars.
A Tzu Chi scholar shares his insights during the program.
A Tzu Chi scholar takes on the interview challenge, where she has 10 minutes to showcase her knowledge and skills before moving onto the next interviewer.
Some scholars were interviewed in pairs, where they gained knowledge not only from the interviewer but from the performance of their fellow scholars.
A volunteer interviewer (right) evaluates the scholar’s resumé, asking him questions about the information written.
Tzu Chi scholar Kyla Salido (left) gives her best in the mock interview.
![Tzu Chi scholar Maricar Ascarez (left) gives her best effort as a candidate during the mock interview. “I’m grateful because apart from my studies, [Tzu Chi] gives us this opportunity that not everyone gets,” she says.](/assets/news-page/images/9-v68.jpg)
Tzu Chi scholar Maricar Ascarez (left) gives her best effort as a candidate during the mock interview. “I’m grateful because apart from my studies, [Tzu Chi] gives us this opportunity that not everyone gets,” she says.
When asked why Tzu Chi scholar alumni Honey Rose Ann Mariano continues volunteering, she looked back on the foundation’s commitment to support communities: “I believe in their purpose, their vision to help not only in education, but in medicine, and calamities.”
Online interviews were arranged for Tzu Chi scholars residing in Pampanga, Bicol, and Davao.
A volunteer interviewer (left) assesses the resumés and answers of interviewed scholars.
Tzu Chi Philippines Education Committee Head Rosa So expresses her gratitude to the volunteer interviewers and guest speakers. “You have given our scholars something truly valuable– a real-world experience that goes beyond textbooks and lectures.”
Tzu Chi Philippines Education Committee Head Rosa So presents the certificates of appreciation to volunteer interviewers.
Volunteer interviewers take a group photo after receiving tokens of appreciation for their help in mentoring scholars for their future job interviews.