Congratulations! You've got an interview!

You're going to be in the hot seat but if you prepare well for possible questions, you should feel confident answering anything the interviewer throws at you.

Believe it or not most Interviews are fairly predictable- the job description and person specification give you clues about some of the questions that will probably come up. Here are five key questions you should always prepare for in any kind of interview.

1. Tell me about yourself?

If you don't prepare for this, you'll be like a rabbit in headlights. If you do prepare, you will make a fantastic first impression. Keep your answer concise and relevant, spend around two minutes providing a snapshot of you professionally and academically focusing on your key skills and any recent roles. Mention your career aspirations and what attracts you to the company and sector. Connect the dots and show them why it makes perfect sense for you to be sitting in front of them.

2. What interests you about working for our company?

Enthusiasm counts for a lot with employers, and it can help you stand out from a sea of candidates with similar degree and qualifications. Show you have done your research and know basic facts about them- who their customers are, their history, their expertise. How does this role match your short and long terms career goals?

3. Why do you want this job?

Be focused and relevant in your answer, what is it about the role that excites you? Why do you believe you would be successful in it? Demonstrate your interest and talk about why this role motivates you.

4. Why should we hire you?

Don't be put off by this question, it is a fantastic chance for you to really sell your value by going over your strengths, your USP and how you match the role. This isn't bragging, it's you are owning your relevant experience, skills, accomplishments and what you can uniquely do for them. There is, and will only ever be, one you - what do you bring that they don't have and need?

Do you have any questions for us?

I know you probably want to get the interview over with but always, always have some interesting and compelling questions - this shows your interest in the role and interviews are two-way streets and a chance for you to get insight into the company culture and the role. Get the employer to mentally rehearse seeing you already in the role doing the job! Ask about the most immediate projects you would be involved in. Who would you be working with most closely?

Have a strategy, prepare compelling mini-story examples to back up anything you talk about, and prepare for these five questions well and you will make it super easy for a recruiter to see why you would be ideal for the role.

Suggested Reading

> Top 6 common interview questions and answers
> 50 Most common job interview questions
> Interview Questions
> What are the most common job-interview questions

By Anna Gordon - Certified Business Coaching Psychologist ABP CBCP