One of the best ways to improve your interview technique and increase your chances of landing your dream job is by practising answering some common job interview questions.

Come up with answers to these practice interview questions in advance and ask a friend to conduct a practice interview. Once you’ve rehearsed your answers a few times in advance, you’ll feel more confident and won’t be lost for an answer if the same question comes up in your real interview.

• Tell me about yourself.
• Can you tell me about your work experience?
• Can you explain these gaps in your work history?
• How did you find out about this position?
• What made you apply for this job?
• Why are you leaving your current job?
• Why do you want to work here?
• What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• Can you tell me about the biggest challenge you faced at work and how you overcame it?
• How do you deal with conflict at work?
• How do you work under pressure?
• How do you handle multiple deadlines and priorities?
• What is your biggest professional achievement?
• Can you tell me about a time you failed at work and what you learned from it?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• What skills would you bring to the job?
• Do you work better alone or in a team?
• What is your ideal working environment?
• What are some positive traits your friends or colleagues would say about you?
• If we offered you this job, what would you hope to accomplish in your first 30 days working for us?
• What resources do you use to keep your skills and knowledge up to date?
• What tools and software do you use in your current job?
• What IT blogs and websites do you follow?
• Can you give an example of how you used your knowledge to solve a problem?
• Why should we hire you?

It’s also always a good idea to have some of your own questions prepared, as most interviewers will ask if you have any questions at the end of the interview. Use this as an opportunity to show your interest in the job and the company. And, avoid asking about salary unless you’re asked about your salary expectations first.