Interview questions-Do your homework!

When the time comes to interview for a job - prepare, prepare, prepare! Think through those tough interview questions so you avoid that deer-caught-in-the-headlights look. You will appear more articulate, concise and polished if you spend some time rehearsing how you will answer the difficult questions that a good interviewer will ask.

Here are a few questions you need some answers for:

Why are you interested in this job? In this company?

What do you know about this industry? Competitors?

Tell me about a time you had to develop a "work-around" for a problem. What did you learn from it?

What would your co-workers say about you?

Give me an example of your best job and why.

What gives you the most satisfaction on the job?

Give me an example of how you worked on a team. On how you lead a team?

Give me an example of your leadership style.

What was your favorite subject in college and why?

What is the one thing that I need to know about you that is not on your resume?

How have you used creativity to solve a problem?

What is the most difficult human relations issue you have faced in the workplace? How did you handle it?

What are your strengths, weaknesses?

Give me an example of your critical thinking process.

What is your "dream" job?

How do you deal with travel on the job?

What other companies are you interviewing with?

What are the qualities you want in a direct report? What qualities do you want in a manager?

What have you learned in the last 12 months, either on the job or in your personal life?

Be concise with your answers and most importantly, answer the question directly and honestly. Don't try to "spin" your answers, most good interviewers will see right through that. Smile, make eye contact and sit up straight. Keep your energy up, but try not to appear nervous. If you are not sure you answered a question to the interviewers satisfaction, follow up with a simple, "Does that give you the information you looking for?"

Good luck! Interviewing is like dating, it takes time and practice to find the right fit.