Some surveys have shown that there are more than 90 questions that could be asked during a job interview. Of these, 12 in particular are asked most frequently during an extended interview (more than 20 minutes) for a regular work-a-day job.

Always remember that in a job interview, it is not just what you say, but how you say it that really counts. Your choice of words is powerful, and can move job interviewers to a more positive impression by how you say what you say. Here, in no particular order, are the answers to the 15 most frequently asked questions during a job interview:

1. Which Position Are You Most Interested in?

When you are responding to an advertisement, the company will likely know the position for which you have applied. Many times companies key their advertisements so, when they are advertising for more than one position, they can identify the position for which you have applied. Most public service organisations will have a specific job number with the job announcement.

However, no matter what position for which you may have applied, many companies have more than one position to offer, and the interviewer is probably going to consider you for any position available based on your submitted resume/CV and interview performance.

Key to answering this question is to realise that different companies and organisations may call essentially the same positions by different job titles; therefore, it is best if you answer the kind of function you are interested in performing rather than a specific job title.

Hence, say "I am interested in accounting," or “I am good at accounting,” rather than "I am interested in the Junior Accountant position.”

2. Are You Looking for Full-Time or Part-Time Work?

When you are dealing with a large business or public sector organisation, chances are the position is full-time, and you should be prepared to accept full-time employment.

However, when you are trying to get your foot in the door, it is well to remember that many companies hire full-time employees from their part-time and temporary help. This makes sense from a business standpoint in that they are then hiring a person they have had an opportunity to observe on the job.

When you are considering a public sector position, it generally makes sense to accept any position as long as two factors are present:

1. That it is a full-time permanent position; and
2. You are entitled to all the normal benefits.

Most public sector positions offer opportunities for advancement within the organisation, and some even allow you to apply, take tests and interview for positions during your normal working hours. You can, in some cases, look for a better job and get paid for looking during your normal working hours.

This is indeed a good deal for the employee; most private businesses would not tolerate this action and, quite frankly, some would find a "legitimate reason" to fire you if they thought you were looking.

3. Are You Willing to Travel or Relocate (Go Where the Company Sends You)?

Decide which is more important to you: where you live or whether you want the position, and answer accordingly. You may be willing to travel (this could be anything from commuting to another city to work to being out of town two weeks every month), but not willing to relocate. When you are married and earn a secondary income for your family, relocating is not always practical.

4. How Much Money Do You Want to Earn?

Rather than trying to figure out what they are willing to pay, or revealing what you are willing to settle for (both very risky at best), say, "What is your salary range for this position?" This tells them nothing, puts the ball back in their court, and you remain a class act.

Another possible answer is, "While the salary I would receive is certainly a consideration, I am far more interested in a position that uses performance to determine promotion and compensation. I am interested in being rewarded for my production for the company, thereby proving my value to the company.”

Do ask about benefits if the interviewer does not detail the company benefit package, as the benefit package can add substantially to your salary base. In some cases the benefit package can add 30 percent to your salary.

5. When Can You Start Work?

The answer is immediately when you are not working, or when the notice period of your current job is up if you’re working. When you are employed and can begin work immediately, your potential employer might wonder if you would quit on them without notice.

6. How Long Do You Expect to Work?

Use, "As long as it is mutually beneficial for both of us.” After all, you can’t predict everything that might happen.

7. Why are You Interested in This Position?

When you are an accountant and you are applying at an accounting firm, it is pretty obvious why you are interested; you are interested in using your acquired education, skills, and knowledge in your career field.

However, maybe the position is a cashier for a shop and you just want a job; you do not have a brilliant answer to offer. Not to worry. Do not discount very basic answers such as "I need to earn money to support myself and/or my family," or "I want more out of life, and I need to work if I am going to have a better lifestyle for my family.” Employers like employees who need to work; such employees are more apt to be dependable, responsible and productive.

8. Why Do You Want to Work for Us?

Here you should be specific in your answer. There may be thousands of accounting firms with positions to offer, but it is now a question of “why us?”

Research the firm as best you can. Depending upon what you learn, possible answers might be:

• "You are an expanding firm, and I believe there will be opportunities for me to prove myself and grow with you.”
• "Your firm is one of the oldest and most respected in our community, and I want to learn from, and be associated with, one of the best.”
• "I believe you will reward people according to their value to the firm, and I am willing to prove my value to you.”
• "Your specialty happens to be my area of career interest.”

9. Why Should We Hire You?

Here you must be straightforward and confident about your ability and what you have to offer. Say, "I believe I am qualified and can do the job.” Amplify this answer by stressing your strong points, such as your appropriate education, specialised training, proven experience, skills and abilities.

Do not say you can do any job. You do not know that for a fact, and, more important, the person interviewing you, no matter how good you look on paper or act in person, does not really know if you can do it either until you start having to perform on the job.

This is why you should qualify your answers with "I believe..." or, "Based on my performance in similar positions in the past, I have no reason to think I will not be able to do the job for you.”

10. What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

Good strengths include some very basic character traits, such as determination, honesty, responsibility, dependability, inquisitiveness, willingness to learn, openness to new ideas, stability, and humour. Pick traits that you are confident and comfortable with.

In approaching the question of your weaknesses, rule one is to have some. The worst answer you could give is "I do not have any weaknesses.” We all have weaknesses, and if we are unwilling to talk about them, it is a big red flag that there are some definite personality problems.

Never let your lack of confidence, or overdeveloped ego, prevent you from showing your weaknesses. Handle the challenge by taking your weaknesses (whatever they may be) and turning them into strengths. If you are a workaholic, say, "Sometimes I do not know when to stop working on a project. I can get so involved I may work 16 hours straight. This may upset other employees who quit at the normal time.”

11. What are Your Career Goals?

Your objectives or goals are very important. You do not want to be a wandering generality; you want to be a meaningful specific. People want to know if you have thought about your future, and have a plan to get where you want to go. You should have both short and long-range goals. A good short-range goal might be to secure a position in your career field, develop more experience in an area of interest or position yourself with a firm or organisation that is growing.

Long-range goals require you to picture yourself, and where you would like to be, 10 or 20 years from now.

12. Why Did You Leave Your Last Position?

This question can be asked because they are testing your reaction, or if your resume/CV gives the impression you have been "job-hopping”.

If there was a problem with leaving your last position (you were fired, encountered a personality conflict or got mad and quit), be careful not to speak ill of the position you held, the organisation you held it with, or members of the organisation. Put downs score no points and reflect poorly on you, regardless of the challenges you may have had.

Good reasons to leave jobs are:

1. An opportunity for advancement;
2. An opportunity to make more money;
3. An opportunity to secure more or better benefits;
4. To gain more job satisfaction;
5. A better career opportunity;
6. A more challenging position;
7. An opportunity to work with better people.

However! While all of these are legitimate reasons, none of them is the best answer to the question. It is best to simply say, "I am looking for a better opportunity.” The better opportunity could be any of the above seven answers without actually saying so.

Ed Bagley is a professional writer and personal marketing specialist; he helps high-end clients get into the jobs they want. He has helped over 5,200 clients get jobs during a 20-year career. His website can be found at www.Internet-Marketing-NorthWest.com.