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'm down to earth, friendly, a good listener, good company. An optimist by nature and focussed. Youshould be too - no baggage, thrills or spills! I love travelling, socialising, driving and am happy ...

The 25 Most Common Interview Questions? Asked and Answered!1. Why have you applied for this position?

This question invites you to express your interest and to clarify

what you are looking for

in your professional life. It is also an opportunity to express long-term opportunities and to

qualify

if this isthe actual position that you can see yourself working in for the next 3-5 years or whether you're planning to 'grow.'Your answer to this question helps you express your interest

in carrying out the necessary dutiesand responsibilities that this role will entail.

To answer this question in an enthusiastic manner that shows your desire to fulfil the requirements, you must show a thorough understanding of therole and what you can contribute to it.One way you might frame your response?

'This is exactly the position that I am looking for as it will fully utilise my vast knowledge inthis field and also enable me to develop my skills in other areas' etc.2. Can you talk me through your resume?

This is your opportunity to

discuss your professional experience in depth.

Seize the moment andtalk about your career successes andachievements,bringing in details that were not included in your resume or cover letter .It's always a good idea to

explain why you have left

previous employers to move on. You mustalways be positive with reasons for leaving and never be negative about past employers or bosses.

3. What would you like to be doing professionally in5 years time?

Among other things, an interviewer wants toassess your commitment to

staying with thefirm

and if you have long term career aspirations. If a company is going to trainyou, for example, they want to know thatthey're going to get a return on their investment. Always keep in mind that you're being assessed for the

current position

andnot your Next step on the career ladder.Try not to appear overly ambitious. Make it clear that your mail goal is to achieve success with therole for which you are being recruited?and then you can assess your long term future.

4. What are your key strengths?

This is your opportunity to shine and show that you are

task-focused under pressure, integratesuccessfully

into a team environment and are also effective working independently. (These are the'Big Three' of strengths.)Discuss your ability to understand, respect, and function within various corporate cultures and

identities. Cite examples where you've proven yourself to be trustworthy, meticulous, and detailed-oriented.This is your opportunity to shine and

use highly motivational words

that will enthuse theinterviewer whilst not appearing boastful and big headed. This is where you show that you would be a welcome addition to any progressive and reliable employer.

5. What are your weaknesses?

Okay?now we're in really tricky territory. You'll be shooting yourself in the foot saying things like,'I always like to take a Monday off sick', 'I am moody', 'I don't really like people', 'I always blameothers for my mistakes' etc.This question is often the most difficult to respond to because you must be able to

frame youranswer in the positive.

Something like this: 'I have to work to balance my perfectionism with myattention to deadlines.'

6. What are you looking for in your next job?

The answer to this is simple and can be the same for virtually anyone:

'I'm looking for an employer that will respect and appreciate my loyalty and commitment andcompensate me appropriately for my hard work and dedication.'7. Give me an example of when you have had to useyour initiative?

This question is your chance to demonstrate that you are able to

think and act for yourself

, to

leadothers

, and to

create consensus

in order for 'warring factions' to come together and

work cohesively toward a common goal.8. How do youget on with your colleagues?

This question is sometimes posed as 'Are you a people person?' The intent is to find out

how wellyou work with other people

and if you are able to contribute and

add value to your team

andcolleagues.In your answer, explain ways in which you can share your knowledge and assist others in achievingtheir deadlines to ensure the companies overall success. Point to examples that show you are able towork successfully within a team environment and if you are able to

earn the respect of your peersand superiors.9. What would your colleagues say about you?

Different than 'how well do you get along with you colleagues, this question gives you theopportunity to

use motivational and flattering words to describe yourself.

Wrap yourself in goldwith words and phrases including:

hard working, thoughtful, respectful, firm but fair, reliable, good sense of humour, a contributor, and a great team player

10. How reliable would you say you were?

Reliability in an employee is very much a valuable asset to any prospective employer. Will youshow up on time? Meet deadlines? Deliver on your promises:Employers want to know that their employees are reliable so that if things go wrong that you can be

counted on in a crisis.11. What are yoursalary expectations?

When someone asks us to 'value' ourselves, it pushes all kinds of emotional buttons. On the onehand, you don't want to sell yourself short, but on the other hand, you may be afraid of soundingegotistical if you ask for what you think is 'a lot of money.'You are worthy! If you do someresearchbefore the interview, you'll walk through the door knowing exactly what the 'market value' of your skills are. Don't accept less?unless you have a

compelling reason to do so (a short-term assignment, for example, or a company where you're reallyeager to get your foot in the door and move up the ladder)>Don't be shy when you state your salary requirements and the kinds of benefit package that appealsto you. Have strength of conviction in your answer and say it in a clear and concise manner thatsounds confident and says, 'I'm worth I!'

12. Why do you want towork for us?

This is your opportunity to explain that the company is exactly the type of company that you wouldfeel proud to say you work for. It's also your chance to show that you're conscientious and serious-minded. How?Use your answer to demonstrate that you've researched the company in depth. Talk about their community efforts, their corporate philosophy, etc. as you explain your reasons for wanting to work for a 'winner.'

13. What do you know about our company?

You'd be amazed at the number of people who show up for interviews with little or no informationabout how the company operates. It is critical that you know exactly what the company does and

how they generate income.

Use your answer to discuss the company's market share, demographics, price points, etc. Theknowledge you've made an effort to amass

before

you're even an employee is a tangible expressionof the interest you'll show

after

you're an employee.

14. Have you been applying for other positions?

Always say yes to this question, but add that '

your company is my first choice.'15. What has been your greatest professional achievementto date?

This is the opportunity for you to explain the one thing that has given you the most satisfaction inyour professional life. You won't sound like you're bragging, don't worry.

A Suggestion:

Although 'team achievements' are important, you'll make more of an impression if you can talk about an accomplishment that was yours and yours along?and for which no one else is able to takethe credit.

16. How do you prioritize?

Knowing which activities must be done first and which must be put on the back burner is at theheart of meeting deadlines. Answer this question by explaining how you tackle the most immediateneed first, often assessing and reassessing the changing timeframes of each project.Explain that you 'get the job done' by staying late and putting in the hours to

see a project throughto completion.17. Whatmotivatesyou?

While most of us work for a salary and what we can do with the money from our monthly paycheck, saying, 'I'm in it for the money' is (understandably) a poor response.Instead, say that you are motivated by

a boss you admire

and can learn from,

colleagues that yourespect

and

doing a fantastic job

that enhances the companies overall success and feeling that youadd value to the organization that you feel proud to say you work for.

18. How well do you get on with your boss?

As much as a question about your old boss, this inquiry also tests your discretion. Never go into anegative rant about an old employer. It doesn't make

them

look bad, it makes you look like you'reon a rampage in the soar grape patch.