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If you've attended a lot of job interviews, you'll realise that most interviewers ask the same questions and expect exactly the same answers! That's because most of them have mindsets and if your answers fit within the 'cliched' mindset, the job most probably will be yours. Here are 10 FAQs along with the 'ideal' answers.

1. "Tell me something about yourself."

Ideal Answer: It's time to make a brief but systematic statement which highlights your education, professional achievements, future goals and also covers a description of your qualifications for the job and potential contributions you could make to the organization.

2. "You want to work here because"

Ideal Answer: Work up a little enthusiasm and unless you're in sales, don't say 'money'! Show the interviewer your interest in the company. Share what you learned about the job, the company and the industry through your own research. Talk about how your professional skills will benefit the company.

3. "You left your previous job/want to leave your current job because?"

Ideal Answer: Don't launch into a diatribe against your previous/current employee. The interviewer is trying to find out if you had any problems on your last job. If you did not have any problems, you could opt for the following answers: relocated away from job; company went out of business; laid off; temporary job; no possibility of advancement; wanted a job better suited to your skills. Now, if you did have problems, be honest. Show that you can accept responsibility and learn from your mistakes. You should explain any problems you had (or still have) with an employer, without switching to the 'bitching' mode.

4. "What are your best skills?"

Ideal Answer: If you have sufficiently researched the organization, you should be able to imagine what skills the company values. List them. Then give examples where you have demonstrated these skills.

5. "What is your major weakness?"

Ideal Answer: Be positive; turn a weakness into a strength. For example, you might say: "I often worry too much over my work. Sometimes I work late to make sure the job is done well."

6 . "Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?"

Ideal Answer: Flexibility is the key, but if you'd rather be honest, go ahead. Give examples describing how you have worked in both situations.

7 . "Career Aspirations?"

Ideal Answer: Answer this one with caution as your interview is comparing your plans and the company's goals, to see if the twain meets. Let him know that you are ambitious enough to plan ahead. Talk about your desire to learn more and improve your performance, and be specific as possible about how you will meet the goals you have set for yourself.

8."What are your interests other than work??"

Ideal Answer: Your interviewer is obviously looking for signs of skills outside of your professional experience. For example, hobbies such as chess or bridge demonstrate analytical skills. Reading, music, and painting are creative hobbies. Individual sports show determination and stamina, while group sport activities may indicate you are comfortable working as part of a team. He/she may also be curious as to ascertain whether you have a life outside of work. The common observation is that those with a creative or athletic outlet for stress tend to be more pleasant and more productive.

THE BIG QUESTION

9. "Salary Expectation?"

Ideal Answer: Before going for the interview, find out the current salary range is for the profession. Talk to people in the profession and get an estimate. Negotiate for the best package. Try not to answer this one with a figure. You could ask the interviewer what he is planning to pay the best candidate. Let the employer make the first offer and then if it is not good enough, make a quote.

10. "Is There Something I Have Forgotten To Ask You?"

Ideal Answer: Use this as a chance to summarize your good characteristics and attributes and how they may be used to benefit the organization. Convince the interviewer that you understand the job requirements and that you can succeed.

Source : tips4me.com