Liwayway Marketing Corporation (Oishi) Interview Guide

Liwayway Marketing Corporation is the Philippine company behind the beloved Oishi brand of snacks. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Pasay, the company has grown from a local manufacturer into a multinational operation with a presence in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and India. Oishi's product line spans over 50 variants, including salty snacks, cereals, popcorn, cookies, powdered juices, and sauces, making it a household name across the Philippines.

As a privately held, family-led business, Liwayway emphasizes stability and long-term leadership. Employee feedback describes management as generally kind, professional, and supportive, though some note work-life balance challenges. The company promotes a culture of growth and opportunity, and it has demonstrated environmental commitment through initiatives like collaborations on sustainable plastic waste disposal. Candidate reports offer a mixed picture: about 4 in 10 employees would recommend working there to a friend, and overall interview experiences are positive for roughly a third of job seekers.

For job seekers in the Philippines, Liwayway Marketing Corporation offers roles in sales, manufacturing, and corporate functions. The company's enduring brand and international reach appeal to candidates looking for a stable career with a well-known local company.

The typical interview process at Liwayway Marketing Corporation begins with an initial screening by HR, which includes an IQ test exam. Successful candidates then proceed to an interview with the hiring manager. A distinctive requirement is the medical exam, which candidates reportedly pay for themselves. This two-interview structure is common for many positions, though the experience can vary by role.

For sales representative roles, candidates describe the process as medium difficulty and taking about a week, with an overall favorable experience. Higher-level or specialized corporate positions may require additional stages. For example, one candidate for an Accounting Assistant role reported a timed exam (around 5 minutes with 50 or more questions), followed by interviews with an HR manager, a department manager, a Vice President, and the HR Head. In general, the process is considered low to moderate in difficulty, but only about one-third of job seekers rate their interview experience as positive.

Across all interviews, candidates can expect questions like "Tell me about yourself," "Explain the gaps in your resume," "What can you contribute to the company," "Why did you apply for this position?" and "What's your 5-year plan?" Preparation for these standard queries is essential, along with readiness for the IQ test and the self-funded medical exam.

First, budget for the medical exam cost, as Liwayway requires candidates to shoulder this expense. Clarify the amount and process early on to avoid surprises.

Second, sharpen your test-taking skills for the IQ exam and, for some corporate roles, timed knowledge tests. Practice under time pressure, especially if applying for accounting or SAP-related positions where rapid problem-solving is assessed.

Third, align your answers with the company's family-led, stable culture. Highlight your commitment to long-term growth, your ability to work in a supportive but fast-paced environment, and your appreciation for a brand that values sustainability. Research Oishi's product lines and recent initiatives to show genuine interest. If applying for sales, emphasize resilience, relationship-building, and knowledge of the Philippine market.

Finally, since the process can be brief (about a week for sales roles), respond promptly to follow-ups and be available for immediate steps. Demonstrate professionalism by being prepared for both HR and hiring manager conversations, and ask insightful questions about career development opportunities given the company's emphasis on growth.