This very commonly asked question is like an opener to get the interview rolling. Many people like to talk about themselves, and after all this question really gets at the purpose of an interview, which is to get information, The employer wants to learn as much as he can about you. He hopes to learn more about your background. It also gives the interviewer a chance to watch you in action, watch your body signals, poise, etc.

This is your golden opportunity to sell your self by telling about your abilities, past accomplishments, future aspirations, etc. It also gives you the opportunity to tell him what contributions you think you can make to his company base on what you have done in the past. It also gives you some measure of control over the interview. At this point you may want to answer some of the questions you anticipate he may ask, rather than sit back and wait for him to ask them. H should appreciate this approach because it "cuts to the chase" and should save time for both of you. It also gives you the chance to display your confidence in yourself, your way with words, your assertiveness, etc.

Think of an interview as a sales call where you are the salesperson (and the product) and he is the potential customer. In asking this question he has just invited you to tell him about the product (you). To a salesperson this is like a dream come true, to have the customer asking YOU about the product. Be prepared for this question or some variation as it is almost 100% certain you will get it.

Q2 - Why do you want to work for our company?

This question gives you the opportunity to show the employer that you have done your homework. Using the information you have gathered about this company, you can relate it to what you have done and use this to tell of areas where you can help this company in particular. Be prepared for this one. It has been said that one of the ways to get promoted is to act like you already have the job you are trying to be promoted into. You could apply this to getting a job also. Find out as much as you can about the company before the interview, relate to what you have done, then imagine yourself already working for the company you are interviewing.

Q3 - What do you know about our company?

As with Q2 this question gives you the opportunity to demonstrate that you have done your homework and so know what their company does, what their products are, etc. Although this question is phrased differently, you can still tell the interviewer you know a lot about their company, and also that you know how your experience relates to what they do. You can now launch into what contributions you think you can make to the company.

Q4 - What position are you after?

You should have this on the tip of your tongue. If you answered and ad with a position title, it is easy. If you don't have the information, you can use this opportunity to question your interviewer as to what the position is (and also any similar positions that may be open). One book you might research in advance is the Dictionary of Occupational Titles from the US Government Printing Office.

Q5 - What do you want to be doing 5 years from now?

Answering this question gives you the opportunity to state your goals, career milestones, etc. that you have, hopefully, thought through and put down on paper. If you haven't done this, DO it because this is another "favorite" question asked by most interviewers. Vague answers like "I hadn't really thought about it" will be scored against you, and lessen your chances for getting a job offer. A well thought out answer will certainly help you.

Q6 - What have been your outstanding achievements in school and on the job?

These achievements should have been included in brief form in your resume', but here you have the chance to elaborate and enlarge these with more detail. For instance if you came up with and implemented a change that saved a previous employer X dollars per month, you can go into detail about how you thought of it, how you presented the suggestion, how it was implemented, and how much the company's profits were increased. Make the numbers very specific as specific numbers are more believable than generalized round numbers. This question allows you to build up your image in the interviewer's mind.

Q7 - What is your greatest strength?

A good answer to this question will undoubtedly help your chances of a job offer. This is another opportunity to tell your prospective employer what you do best. This is not the time to be modest, but rather you should go into detail. Here again, be as specific as you can and be prepared to back up what you say with evidence of your strength. i.e. - If you had the best sales record of anyone in the company in your district, lay that out along with any supporting numbers. If you sold 35% of all that was sold in your district and the closest anyone else in the department came was 15%, lay it out. This approach (using specifics) is much more convincing than simply saying you were the best salesperson in your district.

Q8 - What is your greatest weakness?

This question is tricky to handle but obviously you should NOT start spouting out all your bad points ( we all have a few). Rather, you should turn the question around on the interviewer, so that your greatest weakness is really not a weakness at all, but is really a strength. i.e. - You could say your greatest weakness is that you are too talkative, but that in most cases this really helps you because it helps you communicate better, and you usually learn more this way than you would if you were quiet all the time. Another example answer - "I'm afraid I am a workaholic" While this might seem like a weakness because of all the material that's been written about this "disease". On the contrary, most employers look at someone who is a "workaholic" as one who is "dedicated to their job", so calling yourself a workaholic (if it is really true) is actually an advantage. Many great musicians, for example have become great by spending almost all their waking hours practicing, and who can say this is really bad?

In general, there are many ways of answering this tricky question, but the key here is advance preparation. Be ready for it!

Q9 - Do you plan to make this job your career?

While you might be tempted to give a cynical or sarcastic answer like " Yes, I like delivering mail to all the offices here and want to do it for the rest of my life" Don't do it. The best answer to this question is that you feel this is a good starting point and it will give you the experience you need to enhance your skills so that after a certain period of time you will be in a position to handle a more responsible job. This kind of an answer should indicate that you are ambitious and hope to advance with the company. Again, this is a common question and you should be prepared in advance to answer it.

Q10 - Why should I hire you?

Answer this one with all the attributes, accomplishments, etc. that will make you the best choice for this job. Tell them that you like this kind of work, or that you want to help contribute to your new employers success. If you have done something in the past that specifically relates to what they do, tell them what that was in detail, then tell them you can do the same for them. The absolute WORST answer you could give here is "I don't know" Don't do it. Be prepared and go over what you will say ahead of time on this one.

Q11 - What hours are you available to work?

Best answer is that you are flexible and will work whatever hours they want you to work. Any other answer will limit your job chances as most companies expect to schedule their employees to work whenever they are needed.

Q12 - What minimum salary would you accept?

The answer to this has to be a personal choice but if your think they are just shopping around for the cheapest person they can hire, the best answer is that you would like to be paid the salary they paid the person who last did that job when they first started. If you are a real go-getter, you may answer that you feel you are more productive than the average person and then tell them what you will accept. Another answer is " if you feel I am qualified for the job, then make me an offer and I will consider it.

Q13 - Will you work overtime if it is offered?

The only acceptable answer for this one is yes. Any other answer may spoil your chances.

Q14 - Why are you leaving your present job?

If you are presently employed, the best answer is that I have not left my present job yet, and I may not, but that it depends on the opportunity I am offered. Another acceptable answer would be that my present job has very little room for growth, and that I am looking for a job with more responsibility, or I want to broaden my experience, or a similar answer that is positive.

Q15 - Why did you leave your last job?

The answers should run along the same lines as answers to Q14. The most important thing is to make it a positive answer. A negative answer such as "I couldn't get along with my boss" is about the worst answer you could give.

Q16 - When can you start?

Best answer is immediately if not employed, but if employed, depending on company policy you should give at least 15-30 days notice. This will allow your present employer some time to find a replacement.

Q17 - What is your current salary?

This is a matter of record so you must give them the exact truth on this one.

Q18 - What was your biggest problem with your last job?

This is another question you need to turn from negative to positive. Example of a good answer - My biggest problem was that I wanted more responsibility and authority and the job you are offering looks like just what I was looking for. Or - My present job is not challenging enough and your offering looks like it is.

Q19 - How do you think you can make a contribution to our company?

The best answer here is to give examples of some contributions you have made to your present employer and tell the prospective employer you can do the same for them. If it is cost reductions, or profit improvements, as before, use specifics, rather than just general answers.

Q20 - Can you name 2 or 3 of your accomplishments from the past that gave you the most satisfaction?

Don't miss this golden opportunity to shine but have the answers on the tip of your tongue by going over in your advance preparation.

Q21 - Do you work well under pressure?

This is a straightforward question and you should be prepared with an answer. If you have doubts you can turn the question around and ask the interviewer exactly what kind of pressure he is talking about. It's better to find out ahead of time what pressure and determine whether or not the job offered is "your cup of tea"

Q22 - Do you learn from your mistakes?

Best answer is yes to this one, then be prepared for the follow-up question like "can you tell me about it and how it happened? Just saying you don't make mistakes is a BAD answer. Everyone makes mistakes but be careful in choosing examples. Find a minor mistake, and tell about how you learned a valuable lesson you would not otherwise have learned.

Q23 - Do you make mistakes?

Best answer is "I am only human but I don't make any more than the next guy, and they are minor ones and I do learn from them" If true, you could also mention that you are a stickler for doing things right the first time, and most of the time you are able to do this.

Q24 - What is it you really want to do in life?

This is a very general "philosophical" question probably designed to draw you out. Use this opportunity to outline your life goals, and tell the interviewer what you hope to do. It helps to prepare ahead by spending time writing down some life goals, etc.

Q25 - Why are you here?

This question is best handled by mention of the specific job for which you are applying and why you came to this company instead of going elsewhere.

Q26 - Are you afraid of being fired from your present job?

This question was probably designed to throw you off balance or get you flustered. Don't let it worry you. The best answer for this one is that you have no reason to be afraid because …. and start telling about some of the contributions you have made, etc. and that I am an asset to my employer.

Q27

- If you had it to do over again, what field would you go into?

This question is probably designed to find out if you really like what you are doing. If you give a negative answer or say you wish you had gone into another field you are asking for trouble. Best answer is "I can't think of a field I would rather be in."

Q28 - How many sick days have you taken in the last 3 years?

The truth is the best answer. Most companies are very sensitive to absenteeism and it is only natural for them to want to see how your record compares with the other candidates for the job.

Q29 - Are you willing to relocate?

This is fairly straightforward but if the company has several locations you might at this point ask if they mean for this job or possibilities of transfers in the future.

Q30 - What do you dislike most about your present employer?

Safest answer here is that you have nothing against your present employer, but that you are looking for more responsibility, a more challenging job, etc., etc.

Q31 - What do you feel about this or that government policy, racial or ethnic group, religion or?

Best answer here is to ask the interviewer how this relates to the job for which you are applying? If the interviewer doesn't back off, you might want to reconsider having applied for a job here. This kind of question may be asked but in my opinion has no place in a job interview. On top of that it is probably an illegal question.

Q32 - Do you like to work on just 1 project at a time, or have several projects going at the same time?

If you are applying for the job of "defusing bombs", the best answer would be one at a time. This is one of those tricky questions best thought about and answered in advance. On the average most employers are looking for people who are good at what would be called "multi-tasking" in computerese. and so here I would answer that I feel most comfortable handling several projects, as opposed to 1.

Q33 - Are you an extrovert or an introvert?

If you are applying for a sales job, your answer had better be extrovert, but just tell them what you think they want to hear on this one.

Q34 - Do you consider yourself a loner, or do you like to work in a group?

The current approach is to organize employees into " teams of associates", so your best answer is that you are a team player.

Q35 - How much responsibility can you handle?

This is your opportunity to tell what responsibility you have in your present job and that one of the reasons you are job searching is to find a job with more responsibility. Be careful you don't overdo it and get into a job that's more than you can handle.

Q36 - Are you more interested in working with numbers or in working with people?

Another question designed to separate the introverts from the extroverts. Best answer is "both" and explain that you like working with numbers, but that the numbers need to be communicated by working with people.

Q37 - Why did you choose your field of work?

Only you can answer this one but it helps if you have thought about it before your go for the interview.

Q38 - Do you like the work you are doing, and if the answer is 'yes', then why are you looking for something else.?

One of the best answers is "I like what I am doing but at my present company there is no room for growth and besides, I want to broaden my horizons by learning some new things."

Q39 - Do you like all your coworkers at your present employer's?

Handle this question very carefully. Any indication that you have problems getting along with other people has negative vibes and will not help your chances. Indicate that you get along just with your coworkers just fine.

Q40 - Do you have any hobbies?

If not handled by your resume', just be ready to answer. Most likely they are trying to check you for being "well rounded"

Q41 - How old are you?

Your application probably already states this and so just answer it. Because of the "age discrimination" problem employers are not supposed to discriminate, but in my opinion most do.

Q42 - Have you ever declared bankruptcy?

This is rather straightforward. Some consider bankruptcy to be a sign of poor money management which may or may not have a bearing on the job opening for which you are applying. This one can be checked by running a credit check on you so don't try to cover it up.

Q43 - Have you ever had your wages garnisheed?

One of my previous employers had a rule that if anyone ever attempted to garnishee your wages, you would be terminated. My guess is that they didn't consider you a good risk as an employee if someone tried to attach your wages. If your wages have been, there's a record somewhere so be careful on this one.

Q44 - Would you say you are living within your means?

Similar to Q44, some feel your inability to handle money may disqualify you for the job.

Q45 - Have you ever done any "moonlighting"

On jobs paying current minimum wage, it would be difficult not to work a second job, but the question is really designed to question whether you will "give your all" to this employer. They might also want to make sure you are not working for a competitor and that this might create a "conflict of interest" Be prepared is the best advice on this question.

Q46 - Ever worked "under the table" for anyone?

Working "under the table" is against the law so a positive answer here could lead to trouble. If you are actually doing this, you should cover yourself by making your employer sign a "subcontractor or similar agreement" Check with your attorney to get the forms, etc. Q47 - Can you tell me about the last argument you had with your last boss?

This is a "loaded" question designed to draw you out and find out how you handle your interpersonal relations. Be very careful in answering this one.

Q48 - Is all your work error free?

Best answer - "I'm only human and occasionally make a mistake but I always learn fro them and never repeat the same one."

Q49 - Do you take the time to double check your work?

This can be a "loaded" question. if you answer 'yes' the interviewer can follow-up with "doesn't that slow you down so you are not very efficient with your time?" The best answer for this one goes something like this: "I feel anything worth doing is worth doing right and I double check it to assure that I am. Double checking actually saves time because that is better than having to spend time finding the error and then correct it.

Q50 - Can you tell me about the last time you had an 'emergency' on your job and how you handled it?

If you had such a situation this gives you the opportunity to sell yourself by telling the interviewer how you handled it.

Q50 - Can you tell me about the last time you had an 'emergency' on your job and how you handled it? If you had such a situation this gives you the opportunity to sell yourself by telling the interviewer how you handled it.

Q51 - Do you always keep busy, even when you run out of work to do?

The old standby answer to this question is that you are happier when you are busy and usually have no trouble finding something to fill in during a lull.

Q52 - Do you manage your time well?

An answer similar to the answer to Q51, with the added comments that you plan and prioritize your work so that you not only get the work done, but get the most important things dome first.

Q53 - How much time did you spend preparing for this interview?

You should be able to calculate this. The more time in prep the better but don't overdo it.

Q54 - Have you ever worked without direct supervision?

Only you can answer this one. Yes is the answer they want, and they are looking for self-motivation.

Q55 - If you won the lottery would you stay at the same career?

Most people would answer NO, but if you are really - really dedicated and in a field in which you would continue regardless of the money, then you could answer "yes"

Q56 - Do you freely volunteer information to your supervisor?

Here they are probably probing to see how well you get along with your boss. and whether or not your philosophy includes helping your boss be successful (because in the long run this will probably help you also). They are seeking a 'yes' answer.

Q57 - Have you ever been asked to do a task by someone who is not your direct supervisor, and if so, how did you handle it?

This is a probe to determine how you would operate in this kind of "problem" situation. Your best answer would be that you would only do that after asking your supervisor's permission and/or in an emergency situation.

Q58 - Have you ever worked with computers?

With computer use increasingly becoming a part of the job, you may have trouble finding some jobs if you answer 'no' If this is the case I would answer no, But I do learn quickly and am willing to take whatever instruction you have in this area.

Q59 - Do you know anyone who works for us?

This is the time to get a referral from inside the company, but it's a good idea to talk to that person ahead of time to let them know and perhaps even ask their permission. It is even possible to use your "pre-interview" information gathering session to cultivate someone inside the company to later use as a reference. i.e.- If you called the public relations or sales departments to get information, you should always try to get their name. If asked that question in the interview, you could mention that you know Mr. A in public relations and say that you had called him to get information about the company. The interviewer may later call Mr. A and ask his impression of you during the conversation you had with him.

Q60 - Do you drink?

Here they are probing to find out if you have a drinking problem. Your best answer here is that you drink socially on occasion, but if you really are a problem drinker, it will be discovered at some point in the future.

Q61 - Do you always get to work on time?

The interviewer is essentially telling you it is important to be on the job on time. Any answer but yes will probably end your chances for the job.

Q62 - How do you feel about working weekends?

As with the question about working overtime, this is one you need to work out yourself and prepare an answer. You can also ask the interviewer questions about the frequency of weekend work so you can decide in your mind if you want to accept any offer you may receive. Keep in mind that if weekend work is part of the job then you won't get an offer if you answer that you won't work weekends.

Q63 - Can you take 'constructive' criticism?

You should answer yes and that you welcome anything that will help you do a better job.

Q64 - Are you 'self-motivated'

Here again is a question related to working without supervision, but also your answer should give a clue about your attitude. Your answer should be 'yes'

Q65 - Do you have good communications skills and if so can you give examples to illustrate this?

The question gives you another opportunity to sell yourself by relating examples of your ability along these lines. Do your homework on this one.

Q66 - Are you familiar with and good at using technical terminology

Most industries have almost their own "second language"; terms used commonly in that industry. Familiarity with the terms will help you but most are easily learned so you can indicate that your knowledge is by no means extensive but you are a fast learner.

Q67 - Do you have good analytical skills?

This relates to problem solving skills and in many jobs this is very important. Be ready with any examples you can.

Q68 - Do you have good problem solving skills

This relates to the "analytical skills" and you should find examples from your work history

Q69 - Are you a fast learner?

Best answer of course is yes but consider this another opportunity to sell yourself, especially on a project where you tackled a problem that was new but solved it by learning quickly, then solving.

Q70 - Are you willing to meet very high standards of performance?

This question probes your attitude to see if you think you are an excellent performer. Very high standards sounds a little scary, but remember these terms are relative, and until you get on the job you may not even know how high they mean. You should answer yes to this question .

Q71 - Which are the best and worst bosses you have ever had & why?

Here is more probing to determine if you get along well with your superiors. The best answer you can give here is that you've always gotten along with all your bosses and never really had a "bad" boss. Always be positive when answering this one as well as any questions about what you think for the companies where you have worked. Any negatives in this area can only hurt you.

Q72 - What is the most interesting and the least interesting work you have done?

This is another question designed to probe into your preferences about work areas. A positive answer, as usual would be helpful.

Q73 - Have you ever had a job you really didn't like?

Another loaded question here and it should be handled with caution. If you didn't like a particular job because it wasn't stimulating, was boring, or didn't bring out your real talents, you can mention these bur put a positive slant on it. Anything negative about the people involved in these jobs should be avoided.

Q74 - What did you do during the gap in employment between your last job and the one before?

Interviewers pick up on any gaps in employment so be prepared for this one if you have any gaps.

Q75 - What is your Social Security Number?

This will always be asked at some time, so should either have it memorized or have your card with you.

Q76 - How do you feel about working with minorities?

Asking this question may be illegal, but you should in most cases answer that you try to avoid any prejudices and treat all people alike.

Q77 - Do you have references I can check?

Be prepared with names, addresses & phone numbers on your references. You should always ask people for permission to use them as a reference before you do so.

Q78 - Do you have any direct work experience in this job area?

Handle this question by outlining your accomplishments in specific areas related to the job you are seeking. Always use concrete examples where possible as these are more credible than generalities.

Q79 - How do you feel about working for a woman?

Common sense should tell you the answer is that you have no qualms whatever.

Q80 - Do you feel that you can deal with the general public?

If you have never had a job dealing with the general public, you should indicate that you get along well with all the people you meet and it should be easy for you.

Q81 - Are you a joiner?

Here the interviewer is trying to find out if you are a socializer and get along well with people. In most cases the interviewer should know from reading your resume', but a positive answer here would be more helpful than a neutral or negative answer.

Q82 - How did you get our name?

This question may be designed to help the company keep track of their sources of new prospects. If you answered an ad they will probably ask what newspaper or magazine. A straightforward answer is best.

Q83 - Where did you first hear about our company?

As in Q82, they are probably tracking sources of new prospective employees. A straightforward answer is best.

Q84 - Do you consider yourself a "nice guy (or gal)?

The old saw "nice guys finish last" is still believed by some. Best answer here is that you expect to be paid based on your performance on the job, and your goal is to do what it takes to be a high quality employee.

Q85 - What's a nice girl (or guy) like you doing applying for work in a place like this?

The best response to this one is to question the interviewer about what is so bad about this place that I should have to worry about applying here? Their answer may or may not give you second thoughts about trying for a job here.

Q86 - How is your health in general?

This question may be designed to catch you off guard in case you have had recurring medical problems that may either impair your job performance, or may cost the company health providers with high expenses. You need to be truthful here.

Q87 - Ever had any back problems?

This is a loaded question and a no answer is what they are looking for. If you have had problems, it may limit what jobs you can do and may also cost the company more for your health care.

Q88 - How's your coordination?

On some jobs this may be very important. Best answer is "normal", but if you are really a "klutz", then you might want to think twice about taking a job requiring super coordination.

Q89 - Do you get bored easily when doing routine and repetitive tasks?

Most people would answer 'yes' to this. If you can truthfully answer 'no' then you might make a terrific assembly line worker.

Q90 - What kinds of machines can you operate?

In and office and some industrial shop environments, experience on specific machines (or computer platforms) may be helpful and if you have such skills you should bring them out here.

Q91 - Do you think you would be a good salesperson?

Better answer yes if you are going into the sales field (and back it up with any experience data) After your 'yes' answer the follow-up question will likely be: Why? . Be prepared to back up your answer.

Q92 - How are the company politics where you work now?

This is a loaded question. A positive or neutral answer is called for here. Anything negative will probably hurt you.

Q93 - Ever had any safety problems?

Your best answer is that you always work safely, but if you have had problems with former employers you should be ready to explain any past problems.

Q94 - Ever been subjected to disciplinary action such as time off without pay?

If you have anything on your record, you should be prepared to give your side of the story and answer any follow-up questions you may get.

Q95 - Have you ever been fired from a job?

If you have, you need to be well prepared for questioning. Most companies understand that in company buyouts, difficult economic times etc. that people are fired through no fault of their own. Be prepared with all the circumstances, etc.

Q96 - Have you ever been laid off?

If you have, be prepared to outline the circumstances, etc.

Q97 - Have you ever collected unemployment?

This question is designed to find out if you have been laid off, and also to determine if you have been "chronically unemployed" because of a long record of unemployment. If this is the case with you, be prepared to explain all the circumstances.

Q98 - Are you the kind of person who 'gets things done'?

If you answer 'yes', be prepared with evidence to back it up. your best answer is 'yes' but the question is really a leading question designed to learn about what you have gotten done and how you did it.

Q99 - Can you maintain your concentration on the job no matter what is going around you, or are you distracted easily?

This is a loaded question that is probing to find out whether you can work in a noisy office (or factory, or shop). The fact that they are even asking such a question should be a clue to you that this company does have a noisy environment, and if that bothers you then you should weigh this and other factors to decide whether you really want to work for this company. Q100 - Do you have good interpersonal skills?

Here you are being asked how well you get along with other people, and they are looking for someone who can answer 'good, or excellent' at all levels.