Being prepared for a job interview isn’t just about dressing appropriately,it’s also about knowing how to respond thoughtfully to the interviewer’squestions. Interviewers like questions that are personal and revealing, whichcan be intimidating. But the truth is that interviewers tend to ask the samequestions – or variations thereof. So, if you know what these questions are,you can prepare accordingly. Here are ten of the most commonly-asked jobinterview questions. Don’t be surprised if they come up in your nextinterview.

1. “Tell me about yourself.” This is the ice breaker. First of all, it isimportant that your answer doesn’t sound rehearsed. Your answer should begenuine and honest as well as short and sweet. Don’t talk endlessly about everydetail of your life – that’s not what potential employers want to know. Focuson your education, work history, recent career experience and any hobbies oraccomplishments that reflect a strong character. Even though it’s anice-breaker question, it should still be selling you as a candidate.

2. “Why did you leave your last job?” With this question, it is crucial tobe brief, honest, and, most importantly, positive. If you left by choice, don’ttalk badly or put blame on others. You’ll only make yourself look bad. Insteadsay you left for a better opportunity. If you were fired, be honest about thereasons and assure the interviewer that the mistakes – if any – will not happenagain. Being honest about the circumstance shows your interviewer that you haveconfidence in yourself.

3. “What do you know about this company?” You should expect this question atevery interview. This is why you should always do some research on the companybefore the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going.What are the current issues and who are the major players? This shows theinterviewer that you are actually interested in the company and being employedby them.

4. “Why do you want to work for this company?” Again, make sure you’ve doneyour homework and base your response on the knowledge you’ve acquired. Forinstance, you could say that you’re interested in the kind of business withwhich the company is involved, or that you like the benefits the companyoffers. Better yet, try to relate your answer to your personal interests orcareer goals.

5. “Why should we hire you?” This is a softball pitch – an easy opportunityto show your strengths – so hit it out of the park. Try to sound confidentwithout sounding cocky. Create your answer by thinking in terms of yourabilities and experience. Point out specific ways in which your assets as acandidate will benefit the company.

6. “How long do you plan on staying with the company if you’re hired?”Technically, employers are not supposed to ask this question; still, sometimesit finds its way into the conversation. If it does, steer clear of specificanswers; being too specific could be potentially dangerous. You could be makingpromises you can’t – or don’t want to – keep. That being said, try not to soundtoo vague. Try something along the lines of “I’d like it to be a long time, oras long as we both feel I am doing a good job.”

7. “Are you willing to work overtime?” You’re on your own here – but beprepared for the question. It’s to your advantage to be honest up front insetting the terms of employment; however, keep in mind that the more flexibleyou are, the more likely you’ll get the job. If nothing else, let yourinterviewer know that while you have preferences or special circumstances, youare willing to be flexible.

8. “What do you feel this position should pay?” A loaded and a delicatequestion. The best way to have success with this question is to not answer itdirectly. A good tactic is to counter with something like, “That’s a toughquestion… Can you tell me the range for this position?” In most cases, theinterviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. Of course, a better approach wouldbe to do your homework. Find the average salary for the position you’reapplying for and answer, “I understand that the range for this job is between$____ and $____. That seems appropriate for the job as I understand it.” Eitherway, make sure you communicate that while the money is important; getting thejob is first priority.

9. “What is your philosophy/attitude towards work?” If you get thisquestion, be advised that the interviewer is not looking for a soliloquy. Askyourself: “Do I have strong feelings about how work should be done?” If so,answer accordingly. If not, keep it short and positive, always showing concernfor the good of the organization.

10. “Do you have any questions for me?” This is one of the most neglectedand overlooked questions of the interview. In fact, many applicants treat it asa “throwaway.” Instead, come with some prepared questions, such as: “How can Ibe an asset to the organization? How soon will I be able to be productive? Whattype of projects will I be involved with?” Remember that a keen or insightfulquestion on your part will tell the employer as much about you as youranswers.

To conclude, let me observe that the key to most of these questions is doingyour homework. The fact is that you can compensate for lack of experience oreducation, even getting fired, by having a well-rehearsed and well-deliveredresponse to the questions above. Still, remember that even the best answerswill have no credibility whatsoever unless you are completely honest andsincere with yourself and with your interviewer. And while I can’t promiseyou’ll get every job using these tips, I can promise a more successfulinterview and a fighting chance even with jobs you have no business applyingfor.

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