job interview questions and the answer

Tell me about yourself? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in five years time?
In the decade I have been writing about employment these would have to be the top three most detested questions.
There are some fabulous one-off hated questions. One woman wrote to me after a weird question from a potential boss. “He wanted to know how I would react to him banging his fists down on the desk – and did just that to demonstrate.” It shouldn’t be an issue because the answer is not to take the job if it is offered.
Another woman in her early 30s told me she was interviewing in front on a panel for a role in an elite team within one of the top banks. “This guy asked me if I had any plans to get married and have children one day. The HR manager was sitting next to him and nearly fell off her chair.”
So how do you answer questions you hate?
Well, I am a huge believer in rehearsing for an interview – at least three times.  Interview with a friend, a family member, into a mirror or in front of the dog. This helps you get your thoughts clear and connect details of your work history to the key attributes needed to succeed in the job you are chasing. It also really helps to relax you. Get your interview partner to give you feedback on your eye contact, body language, ummms and errs and brevity and relevance of your answers. Also, be genuine. Making stuff up some brings you undone if you get a bunch of follow up questions.
Tell me about yourself?
Answer in no more than a few sentences. Combine a little of the personal with the professional. For example, if going for a call centre job. “I’ was born and grew up in this city, I’m a mad keen gamer and I love to solve problems, which is the reason I was attracted to this role.” Align your answer to the skills and attributes needed for the job.
What are your strengths/Weaknesses?
Again, align your strengths to the job you are going for. With weaknesses, don’t be too cute. People think it is a laugh to say: “chocolate” or “shoes”. If that pops out of your mouth quickly follow up with a real answer. Personally I hate the word “weakness” and use “challenge” but do what comes naturally to you. The key is to pick a “weakness” you are trying to do something about.
Good example, “Like a lot of people I get nervous speaking in front of a crowd but have enrolled in a [beginner’s acting course, public speaking course, Toastmasters] to tackle it.”
Don’t pick a weakness that would be a deal breaker for the job.  For example, “impatience” when interviewing for a receptionist role in a doctor’s office.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
This is my all time most hated question.
The interviewer wants to know how you see yourself developing in their organisation. As the words “skills shortage” are used more frequently in the media and HR circles, employers will be using this question to see if people plan to stay. Replacing people costs money and takes a lot of time.
If you go too big then you could be seen as deluded but showing no ambition can be just as bad. Big advice here is not to use the clichéd answer: “In your job.” I have heard from many managers how much they hate that answer. The common complaint is it sounds arrogant but who knows? Maybe they took the candidate seriously and didn’t like their ambition.
If you have real plans to gain a qualification then throw that in and think through a path of progression.
Also, some plans are better kept to yourself. If your real ambition is to work for yourself or traveling the world as a bar tender come ski instructor then don’t share it.
What are your best and worse answers to these questions? Have you had any other pesky questions at an interview?