Example interview questions

'Why do you want this job?'
Do say: It's the natural next step, and explain why you want to join the firm. Show off your knowledge and make all that research you have done worthwhile.

Don't say: It's time to settle down and this looks like a good option.

'Where does it fit in with your career plans?'
Do talk about: steady progression, and cementing your experience.

Don't say: you really want the manager's job. If you are ambitious it is probably obvious.

'What are your strengths?'
Do talk about: things which are clearly and directly related to the job.

Don't say: you're a great team player if you are applying to be a lighthouse keeper or a night watchman. Similarly don't talk about how well you work on your own if the job requires strong teamwork.

'What are your weaknesses?'
Do mention: weaknesses that could be interpreted as strengths - perhaps you have a tendency to work 'too hard'.

Don't talk about: anything too damning, and remember to tell the interviewer how you have countered any weaknesses.

'What's been your biggest success at work?'
Do talk about: your own achievements rather than how you helped somebody else to achieve.

Don't talk about: achievements outside work unless they are relevant. The ingenious system you designed for cataloguing your family photographs is probably only relevant if you want to be an archivist or freelance photographer.

'What is the biggest mistake you ever made?'
Do say: something fairly innocuous and stress what you've learned from the experience or how you turned the situation around.

Don't: claim you never make mistakes, but nor should you mention anything too serious such as losing the firm's most important client, setting fire to the factory, sleeping with the chairman's wife/husband.

'What is the biggest challenge you have ever faced?'
Do say: something relevant to the job. This does not mean it has to be work related. For example, if you are looking for a move into management, strong management skills can be displayed in various situations outside work: sport, voluntary work and so on. Explain how you faced up to the challenge and came good.

Don't mention: failures - you've already talked about weaknesses and mistakes.

'How do you cope with difficult colleagues?'
Do say: it's impossible to get on with everyone, but you don't let it get in the way of your work.

Don't say: by avoiding them wherever possible.

'You've changed jobs three times in the past five years, why should I think you are more serious about this one?'
Do explain: how all your moves have been the obvious response to great opportunities that came your way.

Don't say: you just kept getting bored.

'We're looking for someone with more experience than you, so why should we give you the job?'
Do say: it's quality, not quantity that counts. Find some examples to show how well you cope with being thrown in at the deep end and how quickly you adapt and learn.

Don't try: to convince the interviewer that enthusiasm is more important than experience.

'What do you do outside work?'
Do mention: things that suggest you are interesting, energetic and well-rounded. Watching TV all evening won't give you a leg-up, but playing sport, or taking part in a local activity groups could tip the balance in your favour if there are two equally-qualified candidates.

Don't say: you're an opera buff if you aren't. At least be prepared for the follow up question - for all you know the recruiter might fancy him/herself as a bit of a Pavarotti.

'What's your current salary?'
Do: talk about your current salary package including any perks such as car, pension, interest-free loans, and any bonuses you are expecting.

Don't say: you are earning far more than you are - it's easy for recruiters to check.

'How much do you know about our business?'
Do: show off a bit more of that research you have been doing. Good things to mention are any new products you know about and trends and challenges in the market.

Don't: be tempted to make anything up - or guess. It's better to say less and be right.

'Why are you leaving your current company?'
Do say: it fits in with your career plans; it's time for you to take on a new challenge.

Don't say: you don't get on with your current manager, or that a round of redundancies is in the offing and you are next for the chop.

'What other jobs are you applying for?'
Do mention: jobs in a similar field - or the interviewer won't take you seriously.

Don't mention: that Tarzan-o-gram job you couldn't resist applying for.