Find you get tongue-tied in an interview because you’re not quite sure what answer the interviewer is looking for? Here some of our top business minds reveal the best answers to some of the most difficult interview questions.

Remember how you used to feel before taking an exam at school? Well, for many of us, an interview brings up the same feelings of anxiety, fear and dread. In fact, the Concise Oxford Dictionary describes an interview as ‘an oral examination of an applicant for employment’, so it’s little wonder that even the most confident person can be reduced to a bundle of nerves when sat before an interview panel.

But, just like with written exams, these negative thoughts can be calmed with some sound preparation – call it revision if you like. There are many self-help books on how to handle interviews, and Jobsite’s interactive tool, www.bemyinterviewer.co.uk, is an invaluable resource for anyone who really wants to research those dreaded questions and get into the mind of an interviewer.

Here are a few of our favourite answers to some of the most dreaded interview questions:

1.    What are your weaknesses?

Paul Yarham, account manager for technology recruiter, Elan Computing, says: “There is absolutely no reason why at this point we have to confess all our worst habits! Start by using examples of negatives that can be turned into positives. For example; ‘It could be fair to say I pay too much attention to detail – in my last job I stayed until 10pm to make sure a new contract was right before being sent to the customer; I’m often first in and last to leave’ or ‘I have been described as chatty, but in my job when I’m talking to customers all day I believe it’s good to use your own personality to get along with them, I just think you’re more natural and customers appreciate that.”

2.    Describe your biggest failures.

Karen Hood, HR Director of Virgin Atlantic says: “This is quite a challenging and interesting question. This is not only about the things you do well but also the things that sometimes don’t go so well and I’m interested in understanding how you look at things like that. It’s ok to do something wrong as long as you learn from any mistakes you make and plan to put it right. It’s also interesting to know how self-aware somebody is. I’m looking for candidates who have high levels of self-awareness, who are not afraid to make mistakes – as long as they don’t make them too often – and also are willing to learn from the mistakes they make and improve their performances over time.”

3.    Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Adrian Thomas, Head of resourcing at Network Rail says: “Please don’t say to the interviewer ‘I’ll be in your job!’ It’s not an answer that will help them decide if you’re a person worth investing in. A better answer would be one that painted a picture that focused on how you’ll achieve the objectives of the role, enhancing the value of the company and yourself.

A good example might be: ‘Within the next five years, I’d like to become one of the key project managers within the company. I want to work towards becoming the person that others rely and call upon to take the most difficult and complex assignments. And in doing so, I feel I’ll be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities in the longer term. For example, here’s what I’m presently doing to prepare myself . . .’ Then go on to show – using real examples – what you are currently doing to reach your goals and objectives.”

4.    How would your friends and colleagues describe you?

Duncan Bannatyne, entrepreneur, businessmen, and star of TV’s Dragon’s Den says: “What I want to do is see if you’ve got a basic knowledge of how you come across; it’s how you’re perceived. If people think you’re a little bit aggressive, then I want to know about it, but I want to know that you know about it. If you’re a bit pedantic, then I want to know that you know about it. I want you to really tell me what other people see in you.”

5.    I’ve seen 10 people for this position – why should I choose you?

Steve Parker, Managing Director of MediaVest, says: “In a way, what I’m looking for in this answer is a real confidence and a real clarity of what your unique selling proposition is. What makes you different from the other candidates that I’ve seen? You don’t know who they are and you don’t know their background, so you’ve got to be very clear and very confident about what sets you apart. I want to see some push back in this answer. I want to see you kind of puff your chest out and push back your answer to what is really quite an aggressive and upfront question from me.”

6.    What are you really passionate about?

Peter Leadbetter, a Director in Ernst & Young’s Business Advisory Services says: “This is an interesting question and sometimes, you get surprising answers around that. I don’t have a prescription, but what I’m looking for is the light to go on in the individual’s eyes – and the smile. I want to understand what is a key driver for them in their career and, really, what they’re seeking to establish and secure with Ernst & Young. I’m looking to see what they bring by way of passion, where that comes from and I’m looking to see how that can be adapted. Is it realistic and do they strike me as someone for whom that passion will ultimately become a part of how they develop themselves and create their personal reputation within Ernst & Young ?”

Some of these answers are taken from Jobsite’s interactive tool for interview guidance, www.bemyinterviewer.co.uk, where you can read more interview questions and answers from top businessmen and women.

For a chance to win a copy of ‘Winning Interviews for First-Time Job Hunters’ by career coach, Kathleen Houston, email editor@jobsite.co.uk by 28th September 2009.

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