* what will you miss about your present job?

people is the best interview answer here. say anything else and you''re suggesting the job you''re applying for won''t give you everything you had and more, and might even leave you wanting!

as you think about answers to interview questions, always have in mind the need to create a positive impression.

"well i''m confident that the job you''re offering will give me everything i have now and more so i don''t think i''ll miss anything about the job itself. but i''ll miss some of the people of course..."

    * what can you tell me about xyz company?

      if you need to, start by saying "is it ok if i refer to my notes?". when you get the nod, off you go.

      a good interview answer should include short factual statements covering such things as the company''s history, its products, staff numbers, turnover and future business objectives. something like this is fine:

 "i believe the company began in 1967, with just one outlet, but now has 25. from what i''ve read, you sell a, b and c products across europe and the states and have a turnover in excess of $5 million. you employ 125 staff. i beleive you hope to enter the asian market by 2010".   "i''ve done some research and can tell you more if you like".

you will likely hear "no, that''s fine. thank you."

 your interviewers will be impressed that you prepared and made notes and you''re off to a good start.

    * what do you think xyz company can offer you?

      there are two bits to this interview question, the role and the company. mention both. you might say:

  "i''m told the company has a firm commitment to individual training and development. this is great news for me because i''m keen to learn and advance in the company. the role itself appears challenging and rewarding which i''ll find very motivating".

   * if you''re successful, what do you think you''ll be doing day-to-day?

      you might start by saying "i understand that i''ll be...". then you could talk about the main role, any other activities and any targets you expect to be given.

 what are your strengths/weaknesses?

important — this common job interview question can be asked in many different ways, such as "what qualities do you admire in others that you would like to develop in yourself?"

strengths should be easy enough to think about (keep the position in mind).

talking about weaknesses can be harder but good interview answers are still possible. many people choose to mention something which they''ve recognized as being a weakness but have overcome.

    "i''d like to be more organized, like one of my colleagues. she doesn''t have to try. but because i don''t find it as easy as her, i use to-do lists and a diary to help me successfully manage my work".

on a final note, it''s much safer to highlight your lack of experience or knowledge as a weakness than a fault in your personality. employers can always give you experience but few want to help you overcome shortcomings in your personality! so avoid telling interviewers that you "get bored" or "too involved" or "frustrated"!