Two questions often seem to pop up. <ul><li>"What is your biggest weakness?" Answering the typical "I'm too much of a perfectionist" is not going to help you stand out. Instead, identify a weakness that has nothing to do with the job for which you're interviewing.</li><li>"What has been your biggest failure?" Quickly address the failure, then direct the attention to what you've learned from the experience, ensuring you emphasise other positive traits.</li></ul>

Turn your past failure into a winning interview

Create an effective presentation of who you are and what you offer. Focus on your actual skills that go beyond your resumé. Listing what is already on your resumé can narrow your chances. The hiring manager will evaluate your last job title against the position they're hiring for and may assume you're not the right fit if it doesn't align properly.

Take your own inventory

Both the interviewer and the candidate should feel fully in the moment to bring out the best dialogue. This means listening to what is being said instead of thinking about what to say next.

Be present

<ul><li>Come prepared with questions and ensure you ask them. Failure to do so could cost you the job.</li><li>From when you arrive at your interview to when you leave is potentially part of the interview. Make every moment count.</li><li>Don't panic if you can't answer a question. Interviewers are more interested in seeing how a candidate responds to questions outside their knowledge base.</li></ul>

Other interviewing tips

When a candidate is invited to an interview, the hiring manager automatically assumes they meet the basic skillset. Look the manager in the eye, speak clearly and thoughtfully and bring some energy to the interview to demonstrate that you're a strong contributor and could work effectively with the entire organisation.

Physical presence

Instead of answering, get them to talk first by asking what the range is for the job. If the range for the job is $70,000 to $80,000 and you answer lower, they will give you the lower amount. But if you expect more than their range, you can negotiate after you've received an offer.

Don't answer the salary question

<ul><li>"You have two teleportation devices—where do you place them and why?" is an entertaining question that helps to understand how a candidate thinks logically and imaginatively.</li><li>"If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring?" This question examines a candidates ingenuity.</li><li>"How many windows are there in NYC?" tests the ability to problem-solve.</li></ul>

Unexpected interview questions

Nothing is more impressive than arriving at an interview and being prepared and well informed about the company - its values, goals, history, current events, and who you might be meeting with. Todd Davis, the CPO of FranklinCovey, commented on one particular interview he did. The candidate was well prepared and knew and understood more about the company than many of the existing employees. Davis was so impressed that he directly took the candidate to the CEO's office.

Research the company and the people

All the tips you need to bolster your chances of being selected 

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If you want to ace your next job interview, check out these insightful interview tips from top executives in every field.

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