There are plenty of websites that offer lists of popular job interview questions, and knowing types of questions to expect can be very useful. But knowing how to answer those questions can mean difference between getting job and getting "reject letter."

HOW TO ANSWER QUESTIONS

First, know these important facts:

1. There is no way to predict every question you will be asked during a job interview. In other words, expect unexpected questions--they'll come up no matter how much preparation you do.

2. Treat any sample answers you find, such as in discussion forums, books or on Internet job sites, as GUIDES only. Do not use any sample answers word for word! Interviewers can spot "canned" answers a mile away, and if they suspect you are regurgitating answers that are not your own, you can kiss that job goodbye. You must apply your own experiences, personality and style to answer questions in your own way. This is crucial, and it will give you a big advantage over candidates who simply recite sample answers.

3. Job interview questions are not things to fear, they are OPPORTUNITIES TO EXCEL. They allow you to show why you are best person for job, so instead of dreading them, look forward to them! The key is to give better answers than anyone else, and that's where your preparation comes in.

Now, take these actions:

1. Make a list of your best "selling points" for position. What qualifications, skills, experience, knowledge, background, personality traits do you possess that would apply to this particular job? Write them down and look for opportunities to work them into your answers.

2. In addition to any sample job interview questions you find through various resources, you absolutely must develop your OWN list of probable questions based specifically on job for which you are applying. Put yourself in hiring manager's shoes… what kinds of questions would you ask to find best person for this job?

3. Write down your answers to likely questions. Study job announcement carefully. (If you don't have one, get one!) Note phrases they use when describing desired qualifications. You'll want to target these as much as possible when developing your answers. For example, if announcement says they want someone with "strong customer service skills," make sure you include "strong customer service skills" in at least one of your answers. That will make a better impression than saying "I helped customers."

4. Review and edit your answers until you feel they are "just right." Read them over and over until you are comfortable that you know them fairly well. Don't try to memorize them; don't worry about remembering every word. Practice saying them out loud. If possible, have a friend help you rehearse for interview.

Be A (Short) Story Teller

Make use of this old marketing tip: "Facts tell but stories sell." During a job interview, you are selling yourself. Whenever possible, answer questions with a short story that gives specific examples of your experiences. Notice I said "short." You don't want to ramble or take up too much time; you want to be brief but still make your point.

For example, imagine two people interviewing for a job as a dog groomer are asked, "Have you ever dealt with aggressive dogs?" Candidate Joe answers, "Yes, about 10% of dogs I've groomed had aggressive tendencies." Candidate Mary answers, "Oh yes, quite often. I remember one situation where a client brought in his Pit Bull, Chomper. He started growling at me moment his owner left, and I could tell from his stance he wasn't about to let me get near his nails with my clippers. I think he would've torn my arm off if I hadn't used Schweitzer Maneuver on him. That calmed him down right away and I didn't have any problems after that." (NOTE: I know nothing about dog grooming; I made Schweitzer Maneuver up for illustrative purposes.)

Don't you agree that Mary's answer is better? Sure, Joe answered question, but Mary did more than that--she gave a specific example and told a quick story that will be remembered by interviewers.

In today's job market where there are dozens of highly qualified candidates for each opening, anything you do that will make you stand out and be remembered will greatly increase your odds of getting hired.

While digital age has brought us some useful tools like email, high-speed internet, cell phones, and PDA’s, they have not necessarily improved our productivity (I know some top sales professionals who rarely use a computer in their work). In fact, it has been found that as few as 10% of new tech users are truly productive and move their company’s agenda forward. The rest have created a lot of busy-work that makes them look very industrious. Non-urgent emails, phone calls, and time spent surfing web for useless information account for much of wasted time at work. Remember also that a flurry of activity does not necessarily mean productivity and it is often a way to avoid even thinking about doing what’s most important.

Technology can be an effective tool in today’s work environment, but it can also be a serious distraction for those who are not effective managers of time. Imitate skills and characteristics of 10% that are truly productive: