Acing that job interview

Dear Mary,
During job interviews, I always seem to fail to give the right answer to this particular question: "Why should we hire you?" Is there a right or best answer to this question?
— Fresh Graduate

You should do research beforehand about the company you’re interviewing for. Only then will you know what they’re looking for in a potential employee. Employers are most concerned about how hiring you will benefit their company. Answer "Because I have the capacity to do the job," and back that up by citing the ways you plan to contribute to the company.
— Mary

* * * How To Discourage Gatecrashers

Dear Mary,
I am hosting a P2,000-per-plate dinner for my husband’s birthday in a hotel resto for 30 friends. What’s the best way to discourage my guests from bringing extra uninvited people?
— Jennifer

Gatecrashers are every hostess’s worst nightmare, since the added number can throw a monkey wrench into your best-laid plans. The best way to discourage gatecrashers is to tell your friends frankly not to bring uninvited people, due to the high cost per head. For larger parties where you can’t inform everybody beforehand, it’s always good to factor in extra seats and extra food for surprise guests.
— Mary

* * * Are Tuxedos Too Trying-Hard?

Dear Mary,
My husband hates having to wear a tuxedo (he thinks it’s too pretentious for Filipinos and too trying-hard to be sosyal) and prefers to wear a barong to a big dinner sosyal event. He thinks tuxedos are un-hip and uncomfortable. My husband wants to make a statement by wearing a coat with no black tie. Please comment.
— Mrs. Sosyal

For today’s black-tie events, there are many options for the modern man, including different styles of tuxedo – with white tie, for instance, or a more youthful skinny black tie. Personally, I don’t think it’s correct to wear a coat without a tie, and your husband will look underdressed or, at worst, feel out of place. Just explain to your husband that a coat goes best with a tie – flatter him, if necessary. Also tell him it’s always polite to observe the prescribed attire for a social event.
— Mary