you have that is fixable and follow up by saying you are fixing it. For example, “For someone working in the field of international studies I don't have a strong language background but I recently traveled to Mexico and am now taking a Spanish language course on cassette.” (This can be as little as buying a program on tape the week before.)

This question sounds intimidating but it is actually a good question to get because it gives you a chance to speak to any weakness in your candidacy. They have your resume so they will know some of your weaknesses and there is no point hiding them. If you don't have any experience in the type of setting you are applying for it is okay to say that, but always end your answers with something positive. You could say, “I do not have a great deal of experience in an office setting like this however in my previous positions my supervisor have noted that I am a quick learner and very enthusiastic.”

Too often people try to spin this question and it ends up looking like you can't give an honest answer. However don't be brutally honest - the first time I got this question I was 14 and applying for a job as a dishwasher. I really thought about it and after about 10 seconds I said, “I guess I would have to say I am lazy because I would rather watch TV than work.” If it had been any position other than dishwasher I wouldn't have got the job.

Q: What is your greatest accomplishment?

A: Think of a job specific response - if the job requires you to lead then highlight a leadership role you took, if it is a research position perhaps you could talk about a paper that won an award.

Q: Describe a difficult situation you encountered at work with either a co-worker or supervisor and how you handled it?

A: Everyone at one time or another will run into difficult situations at work. With this question the employer is looking to see how you will handle the inevitable problems that will arise should you get the job. Try and think of something that shows your qualifications for the job and also shows that you can deal with difficult people. For example you could say, “On a recent team project one individual in my group had a negative attitude that was bringing the rest of the team down. The individual was becoming increasingly ostracized from the group so I talked with them and found that they were new to town. They were feeling isolated and frustrated. I decided to take them out with my friends one night and we had a great time. After that their attitude improved significantly.”

When answering a question like this employers want to see that you can fix problems on your own. Don't say, “While working in a group one member wasn't pulling their weight so I told my supervisor.” The employer will want to hear that you can take initiative and solve problems on your own. There is however an important exception to this rule. If a problem were particularly serious such as sexual harassment or employee fraud then any employer would expect you to take this matter up with management.

Q: Why should we hire you?

A: They have your resume so don't merely repeat your qualifications. Try and add something like, “In addition to the qualifications listed on my resume something that doesn't come through is I am good natured and have dedicated work ethic.”

*** These people are going to be working with you for a long time and one of their biggest questions is can we get along with this person .

· After the Interview

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Career Videos