When preparing for your next job interview, you’ll want to have answers to these common job interview questions. These answers are just a guideline to follow. The most important thing to do is to be honest and be yourself when answering these job interview questions.

1. Tell me about yourself.

Perhaps this the most common and famous interview question of all interview question. “Tell me about yourself” is the gateway to just about anything to wish to say which is why it can be tricky. When asked the question, the interviewer doesn’t want to know where you were born or what color your hair it. This question prompts an answer that gives the interviewer a general answer of why you would be good for this job. Your answer may reveal some of your greatest achievements or how your past experience might relate to the job you are applying for.

2. Why would I hire you?

For this answer you need to realize that the better answer you give, the easier it is for the employer. It’s up to you so give the employer a reason to hire you. This is a great time to tell the interviewer about any past work experience you have. You might say, “When I was working at XXX, I did XXX. I feel that experience will allow me to excel at this position I am applying for.” Even better, think of a specific example or story to tell about a situation you have been in before and how that could be useful to the company.

3. What are you strengths

Figure out 2-3 things about yourself that you really like about yourself and elaborate. Always give an example after you say your strength. For example, you may say you are dedicated. Then you should follow up with an instance when at your last you job, you had an important project due and you worked extra hours to make sure it got done.

4. What are your weaknesses?

When answering this question, you always want to give an answer that isn’t really a weakness. You may say, “I don’t speak a second language,” or “when I start a project, I can’t focus on anything else until I get it done.” This shows that you are dedicated and hard working. You never want to truly bash yourself when answering this question. That isn’t the point. The following examples here are easy to discuss and can lead to talking about future growth and learning.

5. What is the most important thing to you in a job?

If there is something really important for you to have in a job, be honest and say it. Remember, a job interview is a tool to reveal the best fit for the company. If something is really important to you that the company doesn’t offer, it is best to reveal it now.

6. What are you career goals?

Employers want to know this to see what positions you might grow into later on if you were to be hired. They also want to know this to see how long you might stay with the company if hired. The company may be looking for a candidate they can groom into their next Senior VP. However, you are only looking for a job to cover you for the next couple of years, it might not be the best match.

7. Do you have any questions for me?

Do your research ahead of time and if you truly have a question, ask it. When you ask legitimate, relevant questions, you show the interviewer you put in time to research beforehand. However, don’t ever ask questions, just to ask questions or to look good. The interviewer will sense your lack of authenticity right away and that may hurt your chances. Make the time to think of an intelligent question about the job before hand. You may ask, “What is a typical day like for this position?” You can also ask, “What opportunity for advancement does this position have?”

8. Why did you leave your last job?

Whatever the reason was, tell the story of why is was mutually beneficial for you to leave the company. Never blurt out, “I got fired,” and end it at that. It makes you look bad and can even make the interviewer feel uncomfortable. Prepare an honest story with a logical reason that doesn’t reveal too much personal information or company gossip. If you did get fired, you can use this as an opportunity to discuss what you lessons you learned and what you would now do differently.