Since each interview is different it is impossible to anticipate exactly what questions will be asked. However, practising answers to a variety of frequently asked questions will help you be more prepared.

Perhaps the most frequently asked question at an interview is "Tell me about yourself.". This is often the first question posed following the greeting. Since the question is so general it can catch you off guard unless you are prepared.

Your answer should stress the strengths, skills and experience you have to make you the ideal candidate for the position. Use the format of the 30 second commercial to practise your answer. Remember, since this is often the first question, it's your first opportunity to make a lasting impression.

Here are some sample questions you may be asked:

• Tell me something about yourself.
• What motivates you to do a good job?
• What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• What have you learned from your mistakes?
• Are you a team player?
• What does success mean to you?
• What does failure mean to you?
• What achievement are you most proud of in your life?
• What have you done that you consider creative?
• What kinds of things do you feel most confident doing?
• What kinds of people frustrate you?
• How do you respond to pressure?
• Describe a problem you've encountered and how you dealt with it.
• Why have you been unemployed for so long?
• Why did you choose this school?
• What courses are you taking?
• What was the most important thing you learned at university/college?
• What are your most memorable experiences at university/college?
• Are your grades good indicators of your abilities? Why?
• What did you hope to accomplish by obtaining a university/college education?
• Why haven't you done better academically?
• Describe your most rewarding university/college experience?
• Why did you leave your last/current job?
• Why did you choose this career?
• What is your ideal job?
• What did you dislike about your last job?
• What type of work do you feel you are best suited for? Why?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• Describe a previous work experience which you enjoyed and explain what you liked about it.
• What is more important to you: money or type of job?
• Can you recall a time when your work was criticized? Describe the situation and your reponse.
• Why should we hire you?
• Why do you want to work for us?
• How do your skills relate to our needs?
• What would you like to know about our company?
• What contribution can you make to our company?
• What interests you about our product or service?
• Are you willing to relocate?
• What qualifications and skills do you have that make you think you will succeed with our company?
• Have you ever managed conflict? How?
• Give me an example of a time when you sold your manager on an idea or concept. How did you proceed? What was the outcome?
• Have you ever been in an uncertain situation? How did you react? What did you do?
• Tell me about a time when you did not agree with a decision made by your group? What did you do?