It is impossible to know exactly what you'll be asked at an interview, but there are some common questions which can be tricky to answer. Being prepared in advance will help you deal with potentially awkward questions.Here is how you can come up your own answers to tough interview questions

Why is there a gap in your employment history?

In this case you should also be truthful. Many people have gaps these days, as job contracts are often temporary. If you were laid off or sick, you should say so. Both of these situations can happen to anyone.

In the case of chronic or recurring illness or a disability, it's a good idea to get advice from the job centre, who can help you find understanding employers. They can also advise you how best to answer questions like this one, as they relate to your specific condition. And of course, they can help you to deal with discrimination.

If you've had a long period of unemployment, show how you used the time to do voluntary work, study for qualifications or gain new skills.

What is your greatest weakness?

This is one of those questions which can land you in hot water. And it can creep into an interview in different ways, for example, "Describe a situation in which you failed at work"

It was common advice to say something which an employer would consider a strength, like I'm over-conscientious or I tend to stay late to finish things. However, since these answers are becoming well known, it's probably a good idea to find a real weakness, but one that isn't too bad, can be easily corrected and if possible, doesn't matter much in this particular job. For example you may have struggled with Excel worksheets and got a bit behind as a result. But you went on a course and now you are much faster.

No-one expects you to be perfect and they will know you are lying if you claim to have no weaknesses. However, if you can show that you did take steps to deal with the problem, you'll go up in the interviewer's estimation.

What is your greatest strength?

This one can be almost as difficult to ask as the previous question,as a lot of us find it hard to talk about things we are good at. And there are two sides to this - what you think you are good at may not be the same as what you are actually good at!

A good way to resolve this possible conflict, is to use examples that other people have given you. So take a look at the things which previous bosses and colleagues or teachers or university lecturers have said. What has your supervisor complimented you on during an appraisal? Or what did a previous boss say in a reference?

You should also make sure your strengths relate to what the employer is looking for and that you can give some good examples of times you have used those strengths.