Nearly everyone has had to go on a job interview at least once in their lives. But not everyone knows what to answer to questions fired at them during the interview. This article lists sample answers to the top ten questions interviewers are known to ask during a job interview.

But first, you have to realize that your job interview unofficially starts the moment you answer that call from the organization you are applying to. Thus, you have to make a good impression on whoever is calling even if they turn out to be just a secretary or assistant. Treat the caller as though he or she is a VIP at the organization because you never know if that person will help determine if you get the job or not.

The top interview question interviewers are likely to ask is: what are your weaknesses?

You must remember to put less emphasis on your weaknesses and stress your strengths when answering this question. Also, try to emphasize your professional rather than personal traits. You could say: I recently took short courses in word processing for computers since I felt I was lacking in that respect.

Another leading question is: why should we hire you?

You must consolidate all your years of experience into your answer, which might go something like this: I have been working as a freelance writer for many years and have a track record for meeting my deadlines. I am confident I can be a valuable contribution to your organization.

You could be asked: why do you want to work here?

This means the interviewer wants to know that you have thought carefully about your reason for joining his organization rather than having randomly selected it. You might say: I have chosen key organizations with mission statements that coincide with my own values, whose activities are appealing to me, and this company ranks highly on that list of organizations.

What are your goals?

This question requires you to divide your answer into short-term goals and intermediate goals instead of just pointing towards the distant future. You could answer: My short-term goal is to get hired by a growth-oriented organization. My long-term goal will hinge on whether the organization will let me grow into a position of responsibility someday.

Why did you leave your job? Or: why are you leaving your present position?

You must place your departure in a positive light by stating: I felt that I had reached my peak at my past job and wanted to move into another position that had growth possibilities.

The interviewer is probing into what motivates you when he asks: When did you feel the most satisfaction from your work?

You could say: I derived a great deal of satisfaction from my work as a freelance writer because I was able to practice what I learned through all my years as an amateur writer in my college newspaper.

Try to summarize your skills, traits and experiences to show your uniqueness when you answer this question: What makes you stand out from the other candidates for this position?

Answer: I have a strong background in writing about politics due to my years as a reporter for my college newspaper and I am good at conducting in-depth interviews. This combination permits me to create strong writing that truly digs deep into the heart of the topic.

Name three positive things your previous employer would comment about you.

This is your opportunity to promote yourself using quotes from your old boss: The editor I had at the Daily Inquirer, a leading daily, said that my writing is excellent, that she can depend on me to meet deadlines, and that I get along well with my colleagues at the paper.

You need to prepare in advance for this question (What salary would you like to be paid?)

by asking around for the going rate in your locale, and by being aware of your walk-away point or bottom line. If the employer gives you a range first, well and good. But if not, you might reply: I am sure you will pay me a reasonable amount when the time comes to determine that. Into what price range would you put me, considering my background?

The last possible question you could be asked is: If you could choose, what animal would you like to be?

This is the type of psychological question that determines whether you can think quickly. The answer to this depends on the impression you would like to leave with your interviewer because you have to determine what kind of personality would get the work done at this position.

By no means are these all the possible questions you could be asked by your interviewer. However, it is always best to be prepared so study these questions carefully and try to be ready with your answers before the big day comes.

Dave Poon
http://www.job-interview-success.com/