Perhaps the potential employer will phone you once she or he has received your CV. "Put a smile on your face. It improves the timbre of your voice," advises Martin Yate who also suggests you avoid yes/no answers on the phone because they say nothing about your ability. In a face-to-face interview, he tells you, listen to the question. Don't answer one which hasn't been asked. You shouldn't provide superfluous information either and never attempt to do an interview without first doing your homework. You need to know everything you can find out about the company and the job you're being interviewed for. And remember that as well as showing that you can do the job you have to convince the employer that you will fit in, make a contribution and be manageable.

What do you say if asked "When do you expect a promotion?" or "What is your greatest strength?" Or even "What was the last book you read?" Yate provides sensible suggestions. It's all practical, down-to-earth advice and it's not surprising that Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions has sold more than 4 million copies during its 15 year life. If you're preparing for an interview and you're serious, studying this book would be a useful part of the preparation. --Susan Elkin

Synopsis
This guide takes you through the whole job-hunting process, from putting your CV together to negotiating your salary to the most dreaded interview questions. You'll find plenty of the tough, sneaky, mean and low-down questions that interviewers love to throw at you, such as: Why should I hire you? What are your outstanding qualities? Why do you want to work here? What is your greatest weakness? How much money do you want? "Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions" aims to give you the best answers to these and many more, and even deals with the worst you can expect in "The stress interview". With additional references to e-mail and the Internet, you'll find it useful whether you are trying to land your first job, returning to the workplace or looking to take another step up the career ladder.