Identify six "stock" questions you can expect to hear repeatedly during your interviews. Briefly discuss strategies for responding to them

What will be an ideal response?

What is the hardest decision you've ever had to make? Be prepared with a good example (not too personal), explaining why the decision was difficult, how you made the choice you made, and what you learned from the experience. What is your greatest weakness? One good strategy is to mention a skill or attribute you haven't been able to develop yet but would like to in your next position. Avoid personality flaws, as they may be red flags to employers. Where do you want to be five years from now? Your answer should reflect your desire to contribute to the employer's long-term goals, not just your own goals. What didn't you like about previous jobs you've held? Describe something that puts you in a positive light, such as having limited opportunities to apply your skills or education. Avoid making negative comments about former employers or colleagues. Can you tell me something about yourself? You can focus on a specific skill you know is valuable to the company, share something business-relevant that you are passionate about, or offer a short summary of what colleagues or customers think about you. Don't be shy or indecisive; be ready with a confident, memorable answer. How do you spend your free time? Prepare an honest answer that puts you in a positive light, without revealing more than you are comfortable revealing or suggesting that you might not fit in the corporate culture. Be careful of political or religious activities, as they can create a bias against you. Sports, hobbies, reading, time with family, and volunteer work are all "safe" answers.