Oh, the joys of interviewing!

Employment interviews are like a blind date.  You really don't know who or what you're facing until the occasion takes place.  Meeting and speaking with an interviewer can be extremely pleasant.  Or it can be discomforting, particularly if the line of questioning is tougher than expected.

There's no need to forecast how a given employment interview will go.  Being overly prepared in terms of supplying scripted answers will not score you any points.  However, being mentally keen enough to handle tough questions in stride will certainly impress the interviewer.

With these considerations in mind, think about how you would respond to the following questions.  For further reflection, jot down a couple of replies for each question … as data to be stored in your mental computer for future retrieval.

"Why are you looking to make a change?"

This is a fairly straightforward question; there's nothing tricky about it.  But the question gets to the heart of your motive for job hunting.  Certain answers are likely to raise the interviewer's eyebrows.  "I don't get along with my boss."  "I'm not paid enough."  "I saw your hospital's ad in the newspaper."  "I'm really not too happy where I'm working now."

The interviewer hopes to hear that your job search is motivated by a desire to acquire additional skills and fulfill important professional goals.  No matter how dissatisfied you may be with your current employer, it's not prudent to voice such sentiments in a formal interview.  Furthermore, if you're merely interviewing to "window shop," that's also a big turn-off to any interviewer.

However you answer the question, communicate the fact that your job search represents a careful strategic move to better yourself as a career-minded professional.  In so doing, you will avoid the perception of seeking just any decent employment offer that comes your way.

"What gives you the greatest satisfaction in your current job?"

Again, this is a legitimate, though highly open-ended, question.  The answer will speak to your work ethic and internal motivation for making a contribution to your current company.

A number of inappropriate answers immediately come to mind.  "I like the people I work with-it's fun socializing with them."  "My work is pretty easy; so I'm not too stressed out at the end of the day."  "I've been doing the same thing for years.  I could actually do my job in my sleep."

As clever as these answers might sound, the interviewer will not be impressed.  She expects to learn how fulfilling your work is and what kind of work-related challenges motivate you.  Companies like to hire individuals who have a clear indication of who they are, where they are headed, and how they can make a significant contribution if hired.

If that describes you, don't hesitate to communicate that fact in your own words.

"What kind of money are you seeking in your next position?"

Some variation of this question will likely be addressed.  Employers don't expect to hire persons who are willing to make a career step backwards.  Nor do they anticipate making compensation offers that are out of line with what the current market bears.  If you are good at what you do, a prospective employer will want to make it well worth your while to join his company. 

Without careful thought, it's possible to give an honest answer, but one that really doesn't push the interviewer's "hot button."  Examples:  "I'd like to earn as much as I can."  "I haven't really thought about it too much."  "Make me an offer that I can't resist."

A more appropriate answer puts monetary expectation in the context of personal performance.  There's no need to skirt the issue.  Simply indicate your confidence in being able to do an outstanding job, with expectation of being financially rewarded accordingly.  It also helps to mention that starting dollars are important, but other things are just as important-such as job satisfaction and the opportunity for advancement.

"At this point in your career, what are you working on to better yourself?"

This is a variation of the familiar question, "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"  Since no one is perfect, it's understandable that career-minded individuals would recognize their limitations and address them accordingly.

The interviewer really doesn't want to hear things like:  "I have trouble getting up in the morning.  That makes me late for work sometimes."  "I find it difficult relating to certain co-workers."  "I'm trying to control my temper when things don't go as expected, which is quite often."  "I guess