At some point during every job interview you’re likely to get hit by a difficult question. Don’t panic! If you really don’t know the answer, say so. However, the chances are you can answer convincingly. Read the following for inspiration.

What’s your biggest weakness?

This question tests your self-awareness and ability to address your weak areas. So answer honestly, but explain what you’ve done to improve. For example, ’In the past I worked better alone than as part as a team, so last year I joined a team of four to organise a ball. It was challenging, but I now feel my teamwork skills are improving.’

Avoid highlighting an area essential for the job, for example verbal communication skills for a graduate job that involves spending a lot of time on the phone.

If you were sent to a desert island, what would you take with you and why?

Wacky questions like this are designed to test whether you can think quickly and creatively, and how you approach problems. Try to work out what the question is really getting that – in this case, what’s most important to you?

What would you do if a member of your project team was not pulling their weight?

Scenario-based questions involve asking respondents what they would do in a certain situation. Interviewers want to see you think on your feet and don’t necessarily have a specific answer in mind. Think carefully before you answer.

How much do you think we should pay you?

If you’ve done your research, you should know what the going rate is. If you think you deserve more than average, give specific reasons why.

What other organisations are you applying to?

Do mention other companies, as this makes you seem desirable and demonstrates motivation. Beware, however, of naming companies spread across different industries, as this might imply that you are unfocused in your choice of career.

Tell me about yourself.

It can be tempting to spend too long answering an open-ended question like this. Keep your answer brief and to the point. This is a typical opening question in a job interview – you should explain your background, highlighting your attributes that are relevant to the job.

I see you repeated a year of your course / failed an A-level? Can you explain what happened?

If there are weak areas on your CV, an interview is a good opportunity to explain any circumstances beyond your control. If you simply made a mess of things, admit it – it’ll be obvious if you try to shift the blame. Explain what you learned from the experience; perhaps a bad grade in your second year made you more determined to succeed in your third.