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If you wish to prepare yourself in advance for the big job interview coming up, why not familiarize yourself with some typical questions used in job interviews?

There are usually two types of questions asked in job interviews. The first set of questions we'll be discussing generally requires objective answers relating to your qualifications and work experience, as well as those that require you to expound on your personality and attitude.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF

It's a very rare occasion that you meet an individual who has experienced going to numerous job interviews and has never been asked to describe themselves. This question is usually asked at the start of the interview and your answer is usually the sole basis for the first impression your interviewer will have of you.

For that very reason, it's important to keep your answer of moderate length - not too short, but not too long either. Just give them a sneak peek of who you are.

EXPLAIN WHY YOU ARE QUALIFIED FOR THE JOB

Naturally, this is the right time to state all the positive things about you that would make you the ideal candidate for the job. Remember not to go overboard however, as that would turn your prospective employer off rather than convince them to hire you.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE COMPANY AND WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK FOR US?

The answers the interviewer would receive in response to this question will help them recognize which applicants are simply interested in the perquisites of the job (high pay, travel incentives, and so forth) and which ones sincerely desire to work for their company.

WHY DID YOU LEAVE YOUR OLD JOB?

While it's absolutely necessary that you do not lie about anything related to your previous employment; it's better, however, not to draw too much attention to anything which may make you look like an undesirable candidate for the job. If you're suddenly confronted with an unpleasant truth - showing that the interviewer has done a thorough research on your work background - just try to be as candid as you can whenever you reply to your interviewer's questions.

The second type of questions are mainly situational and let the interviewer know how you'd normally react under different circumstances. It lets the company know, for instance, how good you are at managing people, handling pressure, and interacting with clients.

DESCRIBE YOUR COPING TECHNIQUES WHEN ASKED TO DEAL WITH HIGHLY STRESSFUL SITUATIONS

The best way to answer this question is offering a specific situation where you were indeed able to cope successfully in spite of a stressful atmosphere. Explain about the factors that contributed to such an atmosphere then move on to the coping techniques you employed to keep your head clear and focused.

ARE YOU GOAL-ORIENTED?

Naturally, your answer must be YES. And to make your answer thorough and compelling, look back to your past once more and specify the most difficult goal that you were able to achieve and what you did to make that possible.

HOW DO YOU TYPICALLY DEAL WITH CONFLICTS?

People have different ways of dealing with conflicts. Whatever your answer is, it's imperative that you can show yet another past situation where your method was able to successfully diffuse tension and resolve differences.

GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF A SITUATION WHEN YOU FAILED TO ATTAIN YOUR OBJECTIVE

No matter what experience you have in this area, it's imperative that you stress how you got back on your feet and refused to let failure hamper you from trying again!

GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF A TIME YOU TOOK INITIATIVE AND ITS OUTCOME

This is a very important question especially if you're applying for a position of authority such as one at the managerial or executive level. Your answer must clearly emphasize your competency in leading.

This list offers some of the basic types of interview questions you will encounter. Be certain to prepare yourself, and don't go into an interview cold.