Cover Letter&Importance of Cover Letter
A cover letter is an application letter with a different purpose. An application letter begs for a job while a cover letter helps to tell who you are and advertises you, your skills, abilities and experiences.

The cover letter goes a long way in interpreting the information in your CV . The cover-letter should be able to emphasize the interest you have in the job and should be geared towards convincing the hiring manager that you are the best candidate for the job.

Make s reference to the qualifications listed in the job advert and explain how your skills, abilities and experience will be brought to bear on the new job if you are employed. Show a great deal of zeal in your employer.
The cover letter also helps to give you a human face. The letter may go a long way in convincing your prospective employer to read your CV in greater detail and thereby shortlist you for an interview. Ask for an interview or aptitude test.

Steps to writing an effective cover letter

1. Your address. This should be at the top right-hand corner of the paper and should have the following: Street number and name , city , state, phone, e-mail, date.
2. name of your employer and this should be at the bottom left hand corner of the paper and must contain the name of the employer, his title, organization, address, city, state
3. Dear Sir/Madam, start the letter by underlining the job title you are interested in

Introduction
The introduction of the letter should be short and brief. It is here that you tell the employer who you are, the position you are applying for and how you become aware of the vacancy in the company.

Body
The body, as the name suggest is the heart of the letter. It is here you are supposed to sell yourself. Focus your writing on the experiences, abilities and skills that are relevant to the job advertised for. Explain how you will bring your experiences, skills and knowledge to bear on the new job. It is here you convince your employer to shortlist you for an interview or aptitude test. This is the area where you interpret your CV/Resume. Make sure your assertions are tailored towards the requirements of that job.

Finally, bring the letter to a conclusion by thanking the prospective employer for accepting your CV and application and request for an interview and aptitude test.

Why Your Referees May be Stopping You From Getting That Dream Job
Very often I see CVs from Job applicants listing their Head of Department at college as a referee when applying for professional and competitive jobs. Browse 4 Employments, Careers & Jobs in West Africa
Your referees and the quality of the persons you use determine how to some extent the hiring organization will look at your application. Have you been penning down just anybody you know from your university days as your referee. Then you have been making a costly mistake.
Before choosing a person to use as your referee for a job application here are questions you ought to ask yourself and find the right answers;
• Are the Referees you Wish to Use Influential or Accomplished Persons in that Particular Industry or Sector to which You Aspire? For example if you wish to get a good job in the telecommunications sector are your intended referees professionals and accomplished experts in that sector? It will do you no good to use your former high school principal who has little or no influence or recognition in the industry of telecommunications.

You will benefit more if you know any accomplished person working in telecommunications who will accept to stand as your referee. Such a person could be a consultant, top employee in the industry or active shareholder in the industry etc. If a respected industry insider acts as your referee it gives the recruiting company the confidence that you might be a good prospect for the job. So you have to answer the questions before choosing your referees;

- Are They Worth Using as Referees?
- Are they Achievers
- Are they Respected in the Industry?
Why Firms Consider the Kind of Referees You Use
The fact that an accomplished person in an industry agreed to endorse you as a referee will send the signal to the company that you must be worth something.
This is because it is for such accomplished individuals to stand for you means that they are willing to stake their reputation on you. When they eventually get contacted by the hiring company they stand by you and recommend you for the job.
Believe me, there are recommendations that give applicants edge over others simply because these recommendations come from respected practitioners in the industry.
Learn to do the things that will help your career progress faster, visit Ngjobsncareers.com

Be clear for the subject of the interview

You must be familiar with the job you are going to give interview for so that you can show your expertise in the field and connect your abilities according to the company needs.

Gain knowledge about the company

Its better to have information about the company before the interview. You can collect such information by researching and reading about their company on Internet or in newspapers or magazines. Employments, Careers & Jobs in West Africa

Ask some meaningful questions

You must be prepared with around three to four questions that you would ask to the recruiter about the job or company. You must reference the correct questions at the right time. If you don’t ask questions then it depicts that you have not fully prepared for the interview.

Marketing yourself

You must be able to define your capabilities in a perfect manner and all these points should relate to the benefits of the company.

Appearance or dressing

The way you dress reflects your character, therefore you must never be too professional or unprofessional while dressing. It is your conduct, appearance and voice that makes your impression in the mind of the interviewer.
In an interview, honesty is the best policy. If you lie then it leaves a bad impression about you and the interviewer has the knowledge about what he/she is asking. So, do not try to fool the interviewer/s.

Your hair should be clean and combed. Nails should be clean and trimmed.

Be conservative, if the company does not have a dress code.

Arrive at least 10 minutes before your interview. The extra minutes will also give time to fill out any forms or applications that might be required.

Turn off your cell phone ..

DURING INTERVIEW
Make sure to wish every person collectively while you enter and while you leave.
Make a positive and professional first impression by being assertive and giving a firm handshake to each interviewer and addressing each interviewer by name as he or she is introduced.

Reinforce your professionalism and your ability to communicate effectively by speaking clearly and avoiding “uhs”, “you knows”, and slang.

Make judicious use of time. For e.g. do not dwell too much on your personal qualities that you may not get enough time to tell about your professional qualities, experience, expectations etc.

Use appropriate wording. Use technical terms only when appropriate to the question.

With several people asking questions consecutively, you may not have much time to prepare for a response, therefore, try to read the hidden meaning and try to be measured in your response. Try to be politically correct to be on the safer side and Do not carry your prejudices with you to the interview chamber.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Shake each interviewer’s hand and thank each interviewer by name.
Send a thank you card.

If you are called back for subsequent rounds of interviews, then try to present the same information in another way Do not describe the same project you managed to all the interviewers. Instead, describe a different project in each of the successive interviews.

7 Tips For Staying Off the Chopping Block

In today’s uncertain economy, the unemployed aren’t the only people stressed out about work. Even those with jobs are worried, as businesses make drastic staff reductions to stay afloat. To have the best chance of avoiding the dreaded layoff, it is critical to know how to save yourself from your boss’ scorn.

1. Be a Team Player
The ability to cooperate with a team of people is integral in most workplaces. It is important to have excellent skills in communication and problem solving. Learn how to listen and provide constructive criticism to coworkers. Be willing to step outside your role and help other employees when necessary and appropriate. If you are viewed as a person who plays well with others, you will be favored by your organization.

2. Stay Positive
A positive attitude goes far in every aspect of life and that includes the office. Nobody likes a negative person that spreads gossip or is always complaining about the company. Even in a negative workplace, focus on the things that you like about your job, and be happy that you are employed in a difficult economy. Don’t associate yourself with coworkers who are negative because it could reflect poorly on you. Maintain a positive attitude outside of the office as well. Any bad-mouthing of the company could get back to your boss — especially if you take your griping to social media, such as Facebook or Twitter.

3. Get Evaluated
At all times, you should be aware of where you stand with your boss. Ask for feedback on a regular basis and use it to make positive changes in your work. Be able to show your boss that you add value to the company. If you can present a stellar portfolio of your work from the past year, you’re less likely to have a pink slip in your future.

4. Work Hard
Show your boss that you are dedicated to the company by going above and beyond the minimum requirements of your position. Employers notice those who come to work early and stay late or offer to take on extra projects. Keep track of the work that you do and the positive contributions you have made to the company so that you can promote yourself during evaluations.

5. Stay Up-to-Date
A shaky economy is no time to rest on your laurels. Attend conferences, workshops and classes to keep your skills current and to network. Not only will it make you more of an asset to your employer, but it will also make you more marketable the next time you’re job searching.

6. Be Professional
The way that you behave at work represents both you and your employer. Acting within the standards of your organization can be the difference between getting promoted and getting the axe. Things like coming to work late, missing deadlines, dressing too casually and wasting time on the internet are invites for negative attention. It is also a good rule of thumb to keep your personal life out of the office. Take your job seriously, carry yourself with pride and respect those around you.

7. Be Secretive
The best time to look for a job is when you already have one. However, most employers don’t take kindly to the news that their employees are looking for other work. Keep your job hunt undercover to ensure that your boss doesn’t fire you before you get hired elsewhere. Don’t look for jobs while you are at work, and don’t tell your coworkers about your plans to move on until you have secured a job offer and have given notice to your manager. Also, make sure that your resume isn’t posted on a job search website that your employer might see.

The Bottom Line
When the economy is shaky, no one’s job is guaranteed. To stay employed, you must show your employer that you add value to the company and that you are a person they can’t operate without.

6 Reasons You Won’t Get Hired Without a Cover Letter
by Brianna Raymond, CPRW
Without a cover letter, you’re relying solely on your resume to make a big enough impact that the hiring manager will call you back for an interview. That’s asking a lot. From demonstrating your communication skills to keeping the follow-up ball in your court, a cover letter can strengthen your candidacy and increase your odds of landing an interview. Here are 6 valid reasons why a cover letter is absolutely necessary:

It tells the employer who you are and why they want you.
Yes, the Objective or Professional Summary on your resume also does this, but only in so many words. In the body of the letter, you have the room to elaborate on your experiences and interest in the position.
It showcases your writing ability.
Resumes have strict formulas with bullet points and short, choppy statements. A cover letter allows you to write more fluently. Since employers like to see that you can communicate well in writing, a proper cover letter puts the right foot forward from the get-go.
It lets you highlight your strengths.
Your resume lists the roles you played and the significant accomplishments you achieved in your most recent positions. But when you’re constrained to one page (or two, if you have that much relevant experience), you may be forced to sacrifice some details in favor of length. In your cover letter, you can explain and draw attention to a few noteworthy experiences from your resume. It also helps start to demonstrate your personality, which is often even more important than your qualifications.
It shows that you’re serious about the opportunity.
One of the biggest complaints recruiters and managers have when they’re actively looking for a new hire is the applicants’ failure to provide a cover letter. When you apply for a job by simply submitting your resume and nothing more, the hiring manager could interpret this as a lazy move on your part. If two equally qualified candidates apply, do you want to be the one who took the time to write a cover letter, or the one who didn’t?
It makes up for a resume that can’t stand alone.
Granted, your resume should be effective if unaccompanied by a cover letter, but in case that resume just isn’t as persuasive as you thought it was, a cover letter can make up for it. There are numerous instances where a strong cover letter – not the resume – instigates a callback.
It sets up the follow-up.
Instead of leaving the next step in the employer’s hands, use your cover letter to take control of the follow-up process. In the closing, specify a specific date and time that you will call them. The follow-up in your cover letter eliminates the waiting game so you can move on with an interview or move on to another job opening.
A cover letter can make or break your chance at an interview. Have you seen a higher number of callbacks when you use them (versus not using them)?

Strategies for Finding Employment on the Internet

Looking for a job may never be the same. With the huge growth of employment-related Web sites on the Internet, a job-seeker cannot afford to overlook searching for a job
electronically. Successfully navigating this frontier, however, requires new skills and strategies. The focus of this article is to provide you with a roadmap that will guide you through the maze of Web sites related to career development and job-hunting and give you directions to the best resources currently available to job-seekers.
Before we begin this journey, one caveat: Job-hunting on the Internet should, in no way, be your sole means of looking for a new job. The traditional methods of networking, job boards, classified ads, and targeted job searches should still be part of your overall job-hunting plan. The Internet simply expands the job-hunting resources that are available to you.
For those unsure of their career direction, the first step might be to one of several Web sites that offer Career Assessment Tools, such as the Ansir Self-Perception Test or the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, which score results from online questionnaires and provide suggestions of appropriate careers for your type.
Most others will start the journey by going to one of several career development Web sites, such as Quintessential Careers or The Riley Guide, which can provide assistance with developing or honing your resume and cover letter writing, finding the best sources for researching companies, strengthening your interviewing skills, learning how to network, mastering salary negotiation, as well as perfecting other key career and job-hunting skills. If you only have one type of resume, then you should definitely start here. Most job-hunting experts now talk about three kinds of resumes:
the traditional resume: this version has all the bells and whistles, including nice formatting. The focus is on action verbs and accomplishments.
the scannable resume: this version is a stripped down version of your traditional resume, in plain text for easy scanning into computer databases. The focus is on nouns and phrases, as well as key accomplishments.
the Web-based resume: this version is similar to your traditional resume, but published on your personal Web site so that is always available to potential employers.
See some sample Web resumes.
Once you’ve honed your skills in these areas, the next step is to develop a strategy for job-hunting on the Internet. If you’re a college student or recent college graduate, your approach will be much broader than if you are a seasoned veteran, partly because of the need for confidentiality of people currently in the workplace, partly because of the availability of Web sites at different career levels, and partly because a less developed network. Keeping these issues in mind, there are four different types of Web resources for job-seekers:
Job networking Web sites and discussion lists. There are thousands of Internet-based discussion lists on almost every subject and profession imaginable. Join one or more of these lists and network with people in your field; employers sometimes subscribe to these lists to screen potential candidates. Finally, many professional organizations have Web sites that have forums to facilitate networking. Visit The Art of Networking for more information and links.
General job databank and resume sites. Websites such as theQuintessential Careers Job Board, Yahoo! HotJobs, andMonster.com have large databases of job openings where you can search by profession or keywords. A complete list of the best of these site can be found at Quintessential Careers: General Job Resources. College students should visit College Recruiter in addition to the ones mentioned previously. A complete list of the best of these site can be found at Quintessential Careers: College Grad Resources. Many of these sites allow you to post your resume for free, and some even offer job and applicant matching services. Some of these sites allow you to post your resume without revealing your name for the sake of confidentiality.
Specialized job sites. There are also hundreds of specialized job Websites, from employment recruiters of all types to specialized job databank sites that focus on a specific industry. If you’re an executive, you might want to go to FutureStep. If you’re an accountant, you might want to go to JobsinThe Money. And if you’re a marketer, you might want to go to Marketing Jobs. A list of the best of these specialized job sites can be found atQuintessential Careers: Career and Job-Hunting Resources by Industry.
Company sites. If you have a specific set of companies you would most like to work for, the best solution might simply be to go the each company’s Web site and review job postings. Many of these companies allow you to apply online, and they often list the contact person so you should be able to easily follow-up, as you would if you sent a cover letter and resume to an employer. We link directly to the career centers of hundreds of firms in ourQuintessential Directory of Company Career Centers.
Will these steps guarantee you success in finding a new job or career? No. No method is guaranteed to work, but as more and more companies go to the Internet for faster and more efficient job searches, it does not make sense to ignore this new avenue of networking and job-hunting.

How to Answer the Salary Question during Interview
We all want to be honest and forthcoming in an interview. So when the question “What are you making now?” or “What kind of salary are you looking for?” comes up, it’s tempting to just cite a
number or a range and move forward – but try to resist the urge. If you reveal your salary expectations too early in the process, you lose two big opportunities:

1. The opportunity to make them love you before they know your price.
2. The opportunity to demonstrate your ability to handle an uncomfortable situation confidently and respectfully, without caving (a prized skill in most jobs).

To Answer or Not to Answer?

If you’ve done your homework, you should have a fairly good idea of the typical salary range for someone with your level of experience in the kind of position you’re seeking within your market.

If you feel it’s in your best interests to avoid the question, your reply should respectfully and professionally communicate three general principles:

* Your interest in the opportunity;
* Your expectation to be paid in line with market conditions and your experience level; and
* Your willingness to discuss salary history once you and the company decide you’re the right person for the position.

If you’re applying for a sales-oriented job where negotiation skills are critical to success, then by all means demonstrate your negotiating finesse and your ability to diplomatically sidestep the question. If you’re applying for an administrative assistant’s position in a huge company with a rigid salary structure, there’s not much point in negotiating.

However, when you should answer depends on when in the hiring process the question comes up. Some companies demand a salary history with your application. Others will ask the salary question in an initial phone screen. The trouble is, at these early stages, they’re most likely trying to screen you out, not in. Even at these early stages of the selection process, you have a choice whether or not to provide a compensation number.

What to Say, When You Say It

Don’t get caught off guard. Craft a response that feels comfortable for you and practice saying it. Think that sounds silly? Remember that being unprepared for this question can literally cost you thousands of dollars.

Use the following examples as a guide. Modify them to suit your style and personality, then practice until you can say any one of them with a smile!

1. “I was paid well in my last position. The number was in line with market conditions and the results I delivered. I’m very interested in this opportunity, and I’ll be happy to discuss my compensation history when we determine that I’m the right person for the job.”
2. “I realize you need to be sure my expectations are consistent with the salary range for this position. To ensure that we’re aligned, please tell me your range for this position.”
3. “I’m reluctant to focus on just one factor at this stage when so many other factors affect what makes an opportunity a great fit: the job itself, the company, the people I’d be working with, and growth potential. So far, I’m impressed with what I have learned about this opportunity and I remain very interested in learning more!”
4. “The actual figure will depend heavily on a number of important variables, but my experience and research tell me that fair compensation for this position falls in the range of __________.” [Note: Name a wide salary range toward the higher end of your expectations. For example, “$45,000 to $65,000 per year” or “$14 to $19 per hour.”]

Remember, your negotiating leverage goes way up once they’re convinced they can’t live without you. Just keep in mind that even if you don’t give a range immediately, chances are the employer won’t toss your resume in the wastebasket, says Michael Neece, chief strategy officer at PongoResume. “Your resume has already proven that they want to talk to you. I’ve never known of a situation in which a prospective employee was eliminated from consideration after an interview because he or she refused to answer the question.”

Phone Interviews
Treat a phone interview with the same gravity as a face to face interview. This is your 1st impression with your potential new employer and you should strive to make it the best one that
you can.

Minimize distractions. If you have scheduled a phone interview, plan to be in a quiet place, if the call was unexpected, ask to reschedule so that you are more prepared and in a focused environment.
Avoid using a cell phone if possible. Try a landline for phone interviews, you never know when the call may drop or static may interfere with this important event.
Sharpen your verbal skills. Since the interview is conducted over the phone, the person interviewing you can not see your body language and facial expressions, all of this communication needs to be conveyed through your tone and language over the phone. Interviewers listen for cues indicating such qualities as passion for the job, professionalism and whether the person might be a good cultural fit.
Prepare in advance. Keep notes and your resume at hand. Research the company so you know about their business and their environment so you can be educated about what they do and how your skills and experience could be an asset to their company.
Follow up. Send a thank you note or email to the interviewer thanking them for the opportunity and highlight your best selling points.
Face to face interviews

Be Prepared. Know where you are going, who you are meeting with and what is expected of you. If you are conducting a first face to face interview, make sure you bring at least 3 copies of your resume with you (1 for you to review and 2 for the interviewer(s).) Be ready to discuss any work samples or skill sets that will apply to your job.
Dress Appropriately. Wear appropriate business attire. If you know the company has a formal environment, wear a suit, if you know it is more casual, men should wear slacks, a dress shirt and tie. If more casual, women should wear a nice blouse and an appropriate length skirt or slacks. Make sure your hair and nails are clean and conservative. Reduce the amount of distractions you offer from your personal appearance, no bright colors or distracting makeup, nails or jewelry.
Be on time. Try to arrive at least a half hour prior to your scheduled interview. This will help you locate where you are supposed to meet, announce yourself with the receptionist and get validated with security if needed. A late comer may give the interviewer the impression that you are not serious about working there and if hired may not be dependable and show up for work.
Reduce Ego. No one ever does anything completely by themselves in any company. If you come across as talking to much or if the entire interview you hear yourself saying how wonderful you are, you have an over inflated ego. You want to project self confidence not arrogance. To do this talk teamwork, engage the other parties involved in the interview, convey interest about the company with smart questions, and don’t fixate on the job title. Have realistic expectations.
Listen more than you talk. Listen thoughtfully and when you speak have something meaningful to say on topic and on point.
Don’t talk about money. If you inquire about what the job pays right from the start you will give the wrong impression. Certainly you have the right to know; but make sure you inquire at the right time, with the right person in the right fashion. If you are on an interview and are represented through a staffing or recruiting firm, the money will be negotiated and disclosed to you through the agency representatives. Most times when this is the case, disclosing pay rates and talking about money is prohibited. This is why the company sought the services of an agency in the first place, so they would not have to hash out the details. If asked how much money you hope to earn in the position, a safe answer would be something like “I’m sure if we can agree on the right opportunity for me, the compensation will not be a problem.”
The job offer. If you are offered a position and do not know right away that you want to accept on the spot, the appropriate time to take to review is a week at the most. If you need more time, let the interviewer know and give them a date that they should expect your answer. If you are interviewing for a contract position, the turnaround time is a lot shorter, a day or two should be ample to respond to an offer. Do not be afraid to ask for clarification or explanation of any benefits or other work related questions before accepting.
Follow up. Just as in the phone interview, you want to convey your interest and appreciation to the interviewer for giving you the opportunity to interview. Express gratitude and highlight your strengths and how you would be a welcomed addition to their team.
Answering Difficult Questions
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
The interviewer is looking for you to relate yourself to their company in some way, whether you intend on staying there for years or how your skill sets can be applied to new developments. They don’t want to hear how you hope to be a movie star or something irrelevant to their business. They want to see if you want to work in this position as long as it takes to find something better or simply as long as it takes period.
How would you be an asset to our company?
The interviewer is looking for both technical and interpersonal skills and effectiveness. Make sure you offer how well you work with others, not just highlight your independent skills. Show them how you will solve their problems and give new insight, sell yourself as a solution, not a candidate.
What is your greatest strength?
Let them know you are a qualified candidate. Tell them your strengths but make sure you relate them to the position.
What is your greatest weakness?
State a real weakness you have and show how you acknowledge it and are working to correct it. For example, you could say that you get nervous when you speak publicly and you are enrolled or have taken some speaking courses to improve upon this. Don’t make something up or say you have no weakness; everyone has something they can improve upon. Make it realistic, job related and show you have control over it or are attempting to improve it.
Tell me about a time when you had to accomplish a task with someone who was particularly difficult to get along with.
Teamwork is the key here. The interviewer wants you to show how you have the ability to work with others effectively, diplomatically and still influence them. Give examples of how you overcame the situation, mediated or accomplished the task effectively regardless of the behavior of a difficult person.
What are things that motivate you?
Money, hard work, a job well done, an open and exciting environment, a challenge, deadlines. These are examples of things that could motivate you in regards to your performance. Be honest and explain why your motivator would be a good thing for you to have while working there.
Tell me about a time when you resolved a problem with no rules or processes in place?
The interviewer is looking for you to have a sense of urgency and recognize the importance of initiating action. If you can show how you came to a resolve a problem using critical thinking and provided excellent customer service to all parties along the way, this would be key.

http://www.midcom.com/interview.php

Does it seem as though some job interview questions are designed to trip you up?
It should, because they are. Here are 10 of the trickiest tricky questions you might be asked at a job interview, with ideas on how to handle them:

[Scholarships 2011.]

1. “Tell me about yourself.”

•DO: Talk about the ways that what you know and what you can do are perfectly suited to this job.

•DON’T: Tell the interviewer your life story.

2. “Tell me something bad you’ve heard about our company.”

•DO: You wouldn’t apply for a job at a company you disapproved of, would you? So you should be able to honestly answer that you haven’t heard anything negative about this place.

•DON’T: Repeat gossip you might have heard.

3. “Why should I hire you?”

•DO: Impress your interviewer with how much you know about the company’s requirements and then describe how you are the best person to meet those requirements.

•DON’T: Get tripped up by a lack of prior research.

4. “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

•DO: Talk about how your specific abilities, training, and experience will enable you to smoothly integrate with this company.

•DON’T: Say that you have no idea.

5. “How would you react if I told you your interview so far was terrible?”

•DO: Recognize that this is a test to see if you get flustered. Say, mildly, that you would ask for reasons why.

•DON’T: Freak out. Remember, the interviewer said “if.”

[Graduate & Post Graduate Scholarships)

6. “What’s the last book you read?”

•DO: Mention a book that reflects well on you. Choose something by a reputable author that your interviewer has probably heard of.

•DON’T: Name a book you haven’t actually read.

7. “Can you work under pressure?”

•DO: Say that of course you can, and then relate a brief story about a time you did.

•DON’T: Just say, “Yes I can.” Provide a specific example.

8. “Who’s your hero?”

•DO: Name a person who has inspired you and then describe specifically how this inspiration relates to your work.

•DON’T: Get caught off-guard by what should really be a softball question. Come prepared with a good answer.

9. “Have you ever considered starting your own business?”

•DO: Talk about how you are happiest and do your best work in a company that is amazingly similar to the one you’re applying at.

•DON’T: Go on and on about how you’d love to be your own boss one day.

10. “If you won the lottery, would you still work?” graduate jobs

•DO: Be honest and say you’d be thrilled to win the lottery; then add that even if you did you’d still seek out satisfying work, because work is what makes people happy.

•DON’T: Say that you’d never work again (too honest) or that you’d just work for free (too BS-y).

Bottom line: It pays to think through in advance how you would handle some of the more common trick questions. In general, remember never to badmouth or blame others, especially past employers. Be careful not to betray your nervousness with jittery body language. Don’t lie or babble, or show frustration, impatience, disappointment, or anger.

The most important thing to remember is that hiring managers who ask these questions are far more interested in how you answer than what you answer. They just want to see how well you think on your feet. So even if a question completely flummoxes you, keep your cool, smile, and look ‘em in the eye.

http://www.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2010/03/03/how-to-answer-10-tricky-interview-questions