Some advice for job seekers
When you go for an interview you are required to answer some questions that are related particularly to your subject. But you will always have to answer some questions that are typically asked in all the cases. Here are some tips for you as to how can you answer successfully the most commonly asked questions in an interview.

Tell me about yourself: is a very commonly asked question and this is the way you should go about with the answer.

1. Tell me about yourself:
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.

2. Why did you leave your last job?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.

3. What experience do you have in this field ?
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.

4. What do you know about this organization ?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?

5. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.

6. Are you applying for other jobs?
Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.

7. Why do you want to work for this organization?
This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals.

8. What kind of salary do you need?
A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That's a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.

9. Are you a team player?
You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.

10. What is your philosophy towards work?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That's the type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.

11. Why should we hire you?
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.

12. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.

13. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.

If in case you are less qualified or have less experience for the job then you should answer in this way:

14. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working quick learner.

15. Do you have any questions for me?
Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type of projects will I be able to assist on?

Even after the interviewer has told you about the opening of the job, you might be left with some queries about the company and the work perspectives. So for this knowledge you need to ask the interviewer about certain things. Though you have all the questions ready in your mind you might feel that what is the right way of putting it in front of the interviewer or the concerned person.

To get a good idea of the job you are interviewing for, ask what expectations and objectives the supervisor or manager has in mind. You may also want to know the scope of responsibility of the job, and whom are you expected to interact with to get the job done. These questions will give you some indication of how the job is expected to function in the organization. In addition to finding out details about the job, ask your peers or prospective coworkers. For instance, what are their current responsibilities? What projects have they been working on? What kind of support and/or resources do they receive to complete their projects? Once you have a good sense of how the department functions and what is expected of you, then you can talk about salary.

Finally, if the company uses pay grades to administer salaries, ask the interviewer where you would fall in the range. Also ask what has been the average merit increase over the past two years. This will give you some idea of what to expect in terms of annual increases when you join the company. Ask about incentive plans. If you feel the company doesn't offer a competitive base salary or competitive merit increases, try to negotiate an incentive plan that will meet your overall salary requirements