Interviews are always stressful - even for job seekers who have gone on countless interviews. The best way to reduce the stress is to be prepared. Take the time to review the "standard" interview questions you will most likely be asked. Also review sample answers to these typical interview questions.

Then take the time to research the company. That way you'll be ready with knowledgeable answers for the job interview questions that specifically relate to the company you are interviewing with.

Interview Questions: Work History

• Name of company, position title and description, dates of employment. - Best Answers
• What were your expectations for the job and to what extent were they met? - Best Answers
• What were your starting and final levels of compensation? - Best Answers
• What were your responsibilities? - Best Answers
• What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them? - Best Answers
• Which was most / least rewarding? - Best Answers
• What was the biggest accomplishment / failure in this position? - Best Answers
• What was it like working for your supervisor? What were his strengths and shortcomings? - Best Answers
• Who was your best boss and who was the worst? - Best Answers
• Why are you leaving your job? - Best Answers
• What have you been doing since your last job? - Best Answers
• Why were you fired? - Best Answers

Job Interview Questions About You

• Describe a typical work week. - Best Answers
• Do you take work home with you? - Best Answers
• How many hours do you normally work? - Best Answers
• How would you describe the pace at which you work? - Best Answers
• How do you handle stress and pressure? - Best Answers
• What motivates you? - Best Answers
• What are your salary expectations? - Best Answers
• What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make? - Best Answers
• Tell me about yourself. - Best Answers
• What has been the greatest disappointment in your life? - Best Answers
• What are your pet peeves? - Best Answers
• What do people most often criticize about you? - Best Answers
• When was the last time you were angry? What happened? - Best Answers
• If you could relive the last 10 years of your life, what would you do differently? - Best Answers
• If the people who know you were asked why you should be hired, what would they say?
• Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?
• Give some examples of team work.
• What type of work environment do you prefer?
• How do you evaluate success?
• If you know your boss is 100% wrong about something how would you handle it? - Best Answers
• Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it. - Best Answers
• More job interview questions about you. - Best Answers

Job Interview Questions About the New Job and the Company

• What interests you about this job? - Best Answers
• Why do you want this job? - Best Answers
• What applicable attributes / experience do you have? - Best Answers
• Are you overqualified for this job? - Best Answers
• What can you do for this company? - Best Answers
• Why should we hire you? - Best Answers
• Why are you the best person for the job? - Best Answers
• What do you know about this company? - Best Answers
• Why do you want to work here? - Best Answers
• What challenges are you looking for in a position?
• What can you contribute to this company? Best Answers
• Are you willing to travel? - Best Answers
• Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you would like to know? - Best Answers

Interview Questions: The Future

• What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?
• What are your goals for the next five years / ten years? - Best Answers
• How do you plan to achieve those goals? - Best Answers
• What are your salary requirements - both short-term and long-term? - Best Answers

Tough Interview Questions
These are some of the more difficult interview questions that you may be asked on a job interview.

Customer Service / Retail Interview Questions
These are questions you may be asked on an interview for a retail or customer service position.

Interview Questions to Ask
The last job interview question you may be asked is "What can I answer for you?" Have an interview question or two of your own ready to ask. You aren't simply trying to get this job - you are also interviewing the employer to assess whether this company and the position are a good fit for you.

Behavior Based Interview Questions
In addition to being ready to answer these standard questions, prepare for behavior based interview questions. This is based on the premise that a candidate's past performance is the best predictor of future performance. You will you need to be prepared to provide detailed responses including specific examples of your work experiences. The best way to prepare is to think of examples where you have successfully used the skills you've acquired.

Compile Responses to Interview Questions
Take the time to compile a list of responses to both types of interview questions and to itemize your skills, values, and interests as well as your strengths and weaknesses. Emphasize what you can do to benefit the company rather than just what you are interested in.