Top Five Frequently Asked Job Interview Questions -- and How to Respond

Job interviews are sources of anxiety for many professionals, no matter how many of them they've had. However, preparation is the key, and if you can anticipate some of the questions the interviewer will ask, you can prepare your answers, which will chase some of the nerves away. According to QuintCareers.com, these are the top five frequently asked job interview questions, and I've given advice on how to respond.

Job Interview Question #1: How would you describe yourself?

This is definitely the number one question a job interviewer might ask, and you should be adequately prepared. Honestly, you would probably answer this question differently depending on who was asking. If you are interviewing with the CEO of a company, you would fashion a different response than when interviewing with a human resources manager, because their ideals are different when it comes to employment.

When answering this question, focus on what the interviewer wants in a employee For example, a CEO wants an employee who is self-sufficient, forward-thinking and responsible. The human resources manager, however, will be focusing more on interpersonal qualities. Talk not only about your personal characteristics, but also how you've applied those characteristics in previous jobs.

Job Interview Question #2: What types of goals have you established for yourself?

Also common, the "goals" question is not meant to spark your dreams of becoming a rock star or owning a horse farm in Wyoming; rather, the interviewer wants you to focus entirely on your career. Generally speaking, the goal of earning six figures probably isn't the right answer to give, so think outside the box a little bit to determine what the employer wants out of an employee.