Written by Carl Freelove, Marketing Manager, Big fish Recruitment

• Why did you leave your last job?
• What’s your greatest weakness?
• What’s your salary expectations?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?

All job seekers will often face a barrage of questions in an interview situation: some easy, others tricky, each one designed to elicit key information. But how can interviewees come up with quick, convincing, on-the-mark responses?

‘Handling tricky interview questions’ is one subject that our consultants get asked a lot, so this month we’ve put together some practical advice to help you prepare for the interview and impress the potential employer.

Of course, like any part of a job interview, preparation is key. Taking the proper amount of time to prepare for your interview will boost your confidence and lower your anxiety.

In fact, experts recommend that you spend at least three hours preparing for each interview so reading through the following questions and developing your own answers is a good place to start in your preparation.

Some of the common tricky interview questions:

Why should we hire you?
Here's the chance to really sell yourself. You need to briefly and concisely lay out your strengths, qualifications and what you can bring to the table. However, be careful not to answer this question too generically. Nearly everyone says they are hardworking and motivated. Set yourself apart by telling the interviewer about qualities that are unique to you.

Why do you want to work here?
This is one tool interviewers use to see if you have done your homework and research on the company. You should never attend an interview unless you know about the company, its direction and the industry in which it plays. If you have done your research, this question gives you an opportunity to show initiative and demonstrate how your experience and qualifications match the company's needs.

What are your greatest weaknesses?
The secret to answering this question is being honest about a weakness, but demonstrating how you have turned it into a strength. For example, if you had a problem with an organisation in the past, demonstrate the steps you took to more effectively keep yourself on track. This will show that you have the ability to recognize aspects of yourself that need improvement, and the initiative to make yourself better.

Why did you leave your last job?
Even if your last job ended badly, be careful about being negative in answering this question. Be as diplomatic as possible. If you do point out negative aspects of your last job, find some positives to mention as well. Complaining endlessly about your last company will not say much for your attitude.

Describe a problem situation and how you solved it.
Sometimes it is hard to come up with a response to this request, particularly if you are coming straight from college and do not have professional experience. Interviewers want to see that you can think 'outside the box' and develop solutions, regardless of what kind of issue you faced. Even if your problem was not having enough time to study, describe the steps you took to prioritize your schedule. This will demonstrate that you are responsible and can think through situations on your own.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?
The secret to this question is being specific and selecting an accomplishment that relates to the position. Think of the qualities the company is looking for and develop an example that demonstrates how you can meet the company's needs.

What are your salary expectations?
This is one of the hardest questions, particularly for those with little experience. Focus on the value you can add to the employer, not your basic needs. Find out what the company is willing to pay, or work out what similar employers pay for good people. Always throw pay questions back to the other side of the net by letting the interviewer know that you will be open to discussing a fair compensation when the time comes. If pressed for a more specific answer, always give a salary range rather than a specific figure.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years' time?
If your answer doesn't ring true for you, it won't for anyone else. Talk about career plans, and what you want to learn and achieve in the future.

Finally, remember that practice makes perfect! Take the time to really perfect your answers to any potential interview questions. Nothing impresses a potential employer like being ready for whatever is thrown your way.

Until next month, best wishes

Carl Freelove
Marketing Manager