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The best thing you can do to practice for an interview is go on as many as possible.  As you do you will improve and gain more confidence.  In this troubled economy I recommend agreeing to an interview even if you are not really interested in the job just for the practice.

The second best thing you can do is practice difficult interview questions and what you will say in response.  Here is a sample list of some tough job interview questions and answers.

Sample Tough Job Interview Questions and Answers

1. Tough Job Interview Question: What is your ideal job or long term job goals?

Correct Interview Answer: They do not want to hear that you would like to be a manager or vice president (unless that is the job you are interviewing for) but rather a general description of the job you are currently interviewing for.   Indicating you want to be Manager of the Sales Team when that is who you are interviewing with may actually make that individual think you will be gunning for their job.  It is a given that you will want to advance in the company but try to show you are willing to grow in that position and stay around for awhile.

2. Sample Interview Question: What are your weaknesses?

Sample Job Interview Answer: I absolutely hate this question.  It is almost completely useless but solely a measure of how you respond by interviewers who think they are “smart”.  It is most important that you say nothing at all negative.  Make your weaknesses strengths.  For example: “In the past I have been a perfectionist but I have grown to learn to focus instead on the larger picture”.

3. Job Interview Questions: Why are you leaving, what were some problems with your previous jobs?

Sample Job Interview Answer: This is one of those questions that interviews like to ask to trick you.  Again make sure you saying nothing negative about your previous jobs or employers or supervisors.  Focus only on you are looking for new challenges and growth opportunities.

4. Interview Job Questions: Are you interviewing with other companies?

Interview Question Answer: Another trick question.  Do not say no as they will think that they can then lowball you during salary negotiations as their only hope or are somehow undesirable by other companies.  Say simply yes.  If pushed say that you are still in negotiations so you think it best to keep it confidential.

5. Frequently Asked Interview Questions: What are your greatest achievements?

Best Interview Answer: You should have several practice responses to this.  Focus on numerical achievements such as my efforts increased sales by 40% or I have made $250,000 for my previous employer or efficiency was increased by 80%.  Another way to go is overcoming some very difficult situation triumphantly.

6. Common Interview Questions: Do you work better as an individual or as part of a team?

Answers to Interview Questions: It is VERY important that you express how flexible you are and how you are able to work in both situations with little direction or a great deal of direction.  Site previous employers and job experience in both situations.

7. Interview Questions Asked : Do YOU have any questions?

Job Interview Answer: It is important to show interest in the job or position by having at least one or two more questions such as “What would be some of my daily responsibilities?” or “Can you tell me more about some of your health/retirement/other benefits?”.