Can You Ace 10 Tough Job Interview Questions?

The way you handle those difficult questions you're asked during an interview can land you the job

To help job candidates plan and prepare, Bayer has complied a list of 10 tough interview questions and some suggested answers. Here are some excerpts:

1. Tell me about yourself. Be succinct. Don't delve into every job on your resume and waste the interviewer's time with details that don't apply.

2. Why didn't you finish college? Stay positive. Don't say "I couldn't decide on a major." Instead, say "I love computer animation and took a few courses, but I wanted to get out there and make things happen."

3. How long have you been unemployed? If you've been unemployed for six months or more, think about what you've done during this time period, find something honest to say, and make it relevant to the job you're applying for.

4. Tell me about the worst boss you've ever had. Don't be sucked in by this question. Say "I've learned something from every one of my bosses."

5. What are your weaknesses? If you name a weakness, make sure you show how you've dealt with it.

6. What are your strengths? Give an example to illustrate each one you name. For instance, "I'm very organized. I was asked to straighten out 3,000 boxes of files. Within three months, everyone in the department could find anything they wanted."

7. What are you looking for? Name the kinds of positions you think would be appropriate for you, and describe what you could do for the company.

8. How would you handle this? If you can't think clearly when the interviewer describes a problem situation and asks how you would handle it, you can say, "I'd have to give it some thought," and then mention it later in the interview or give an example of something you have done before to handle a complex problem.

9. What Is your current salary, or what are you looking to earn? Postpone the discussion of salary until you get an offer.

10. What questions do you have for us? Since you've prepared for the interview by researching the company, have four or five questions ready.

For more information about the tough questions and the Five O'clock Club, visit www.fiveoclockdub.com.