1. Prep for the Most Common Interview Questions
From:

2. 1. What Are Your Weaknesses?
This is the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits

3. 2. Why Should We Hire You?
Summarize your experiences: "With five years' experience working in the financial industry and my proven record of saving the company money, I could make a big difference in your company. I'm confident I would be a great addition to your team."

4. 3. Why Do You Want to Work Here?
The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've given this some thought and are not sending out resumes just because there is an opening. For example, "I've selected key companies whose mission statements are in line with my values, where I know I could be excited about what the company does, and this company is very high on my list of desirable choices."

5. 4. What Are Your Goals?
Sometimes it's best to talk about short-term and intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into the distant future. For example, "My immediate goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented company. My long-term goal will depend on where the company goes. I hope to eventually grow into a position of responsibility."

6. 5. Why Did You Leave (Are You Leaving) Your Job?
If you're unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive context: "I managed to survive two rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third round was a 20 percent reduction in the workforce, which included me."
If you are employed, focus on what you want in your next job: "After two years, I made the decision to look for a company that is team-focused, where I can add my experience."

7. 6. When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job?
The interviewer wants to know what motivates you. If you can relate an example of a job or project when you were excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences. "I was very satisfied in my last job, because I worked directly with the customers and their problems; that is an important part of the job for me."

8. 7. What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can't?
What makes you unique? This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarize concisely: "I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly."

9. 8. What Are Three Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You?
It's time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss's quotes. This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone else's words: "My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humor."

10. 9. What Salary Are You Seeking?
It is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first. Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area, and your bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer would be: "I am sure when the time comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount. In what range do you typically pay someone with my background?"

11. Interview Questions That Might Throw You for a Loop…

12. 1. If You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Want to Be?
Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer "a bunny," you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer "a lion," you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality would it take to get the job done? What impression do you want to make?

13. 2. Tell Me a Story.
Huh? Before you launch into Alice in Wonderland, find out what kind of story they want to hear. Asking for clarification shows you are thoughtful and won't go on wild goose chases in the office if difficult projects aren't spelled out for you in advance.
Once you learn the type of story requested, create your very short tale around a time that you accomplished something great. Keep it short and sweet, and remember: Always make yourself look good. Think of this as them asking, "What don't I know about you that I should?" or "What skills do you have that could make you do this job well?"

14. 3. What Is a Weakness of Yours?
It's not just the brainteasers that will stump you. Some of the old classics can trip you up as well. The rule of thumb is to take a negative trait and make it sound like an asset. For example, say you are a stickler for meeting deadlines and will stay on top of a project until it is done according to your specifications, which may cause you to sometimes work late nights. Again -- just make yourself sound good.

15. 4. What Do You Think of Your Last Boss?
Be careful. Respond concisely in a way that indicates your respect for authority and your ability to get along with superiors.

16. 5. How Would You Deal with a High-Strung Personality?
If asked any question that relates to how you'd deal with a difficult personality, answer, and then ask why the interviewer is asking. It's best to find out early if you're interviewing for a job with a lunatic so you can quit pursuing the job.

17. 6. How Do I Rate as an Interviewer?
Even if you think the interviewer belongs in the Clown Hall of Fame, don't voice an ounce of criticism. You could say it's been a tough interview (if it has), and that you hope you are providing enough information for the person to make an informed decision. You could toss this back at the interviewer and ask, "How well do you think I would fit the job?" But be careful -- you might not like what the person has to say.

18. 7. Tell Me a Little About Yourself.
Always be prepared for this question, or you'll end up droning on and on. Make your answer short and sweet. Also, feel free to get clarification from the interviewer: Any area you'd prefer to hear about? My education? Experience?
Generally, you want to tie your answer into a professional attribute or two, for example: "I work well with others," "My strong organizational skills end up making me the leader in most projects I'm on," or "I approach anything I do with gusto and put in 150 percent." Or if you're a great communicator, say so and state how that attribute has helped you in your career. It doesn't have to be a difficult question if you think of it as, "Tell me something great about yourself." But you should be prepared.

19. Mock Interview Prep Work:
Take minutes to do the following:
Review the examples of questions
Draft a ‘resume’ highlighting your experiences (to share with your interviewer)
Revise your list of questions to ask someone so that the interview lasts a solid 5-10 minutes. (Leave room for responses.)
Question #1 should be “So…tell me a little about yourself.”
Rehearse your answer to the infamous “Tell me about yourself” interview question – 90 seconds to 2 minutes in length