Here are some questions that are frequently asked during interviews. The sample response that follows each question is a just a guideline. You should modify according to your situation.

• Who are you? Tell me about yourself.

Do not just repeat what you have stated in your resume. Explain a talent or skill that you possess or something you did out of the ordinary in your work place or life. You can sound it as unique or give it a touch of your personality.

• Why have you selected to join our company (or why do you want to work for this company?)

I have always wanted to work for an established and reliable company that I am familiar with and whose products I have used and trusted. You can add these points: company’s reputation and your desire to join the specific field of interest. (Do some in-depth research on the company before attending the interview. Get all the relevant information about the company- such as its mission and vision, core business, financial standing, market share, its standing in the industry, etc.).

• Why do you feel you are the best candidate for this position?

I have a clear idea of what this job entails and I am confident that my experience, exposure, skills and qualification will enable me to do the job better.

• Why are you leaving your current job?

You should give two or three specific reasons for leaving your present job. Lack of challenge ; focus on the limitations of the job, etc. Point out your aspiration to prove your worth.

• How is your experience relevant to this job?

Explain some similar work you have done in your previous job. Give details of the work done and relate it to the job advertised.

• How do you manage stress in your daily work?

You could explain a situation of how you had managed stress in your previous job if you had one or narrate how you can find time in your busy schedule to relax a little.

• Describe a professional skill you have developed in you.

It would be better to be specific in your answer. Describe something you worked for to fulfil your work more effectively and efficiently. Explain how you attended a seminar or workshop and brought about the changes in your work.

• How do you manage your work to meet deadlines?

Answer the question effectively. Explain in detail how you plan, set priorities, determine schedules, how you follow-up on the progress of work and meet the deadline.

• What is your greatest strength?

Choose a strength that matches one of the essential requirements of the position. For example, if the job requires good organizational skills and that is a particular strength of yours, emphasize that fact. You must give an example of a situation or situations where you used this skill successfully.

• What is your greatest weakness?

State that in doing a self-assessment, you identified a particular area as needing improvement. It shows initiative, the ability to be introspective and that you are not willing to become complacent about you or your job.

• How do you handle criticism or conflict?

Here the interviewer is looking for your accountability and professionalism. Just explain an actual situation that caused a problem for you in your previous job and describe how you tackled it and resolved it.

• What is your current salary?

Do not tell lies. Explain the compensation and benefits that you actually enjoyed in the previous job. It may be verified, so never mention the benefits you did not get.

• Can we call your references?

If you have given your current employer as your reference, you may tell that you prefer check with your present boss only after you receive a confirmed offer as he may not like you leaving the job.

• Do you have any questions?

Prepare a list of questions in advance so that you will be ready to handle this question well. After you have attended the interview, you will have a clear idea of what you really want to know more about.