Dear CareerBabe:

Every interview I've gone on so far has the following similar questions:

1. How do you see yourself five (or three) years from now?
2. Do you want to work with a team or by yourself?
3. What is your weakness?

Please understand, I am a Ph.D graduate this year, and I am interested in video/image compression, but I do not have good answers for any of above questions.

I also think question number 2 is a double-edged sword. You can not pick any one. Because if you say you want to work alone, they think you are a loner. If you say you want to be a team player, they will think you are not capable to shoulder the responsibility. HELP!!!

Dear Tricky:

I don't think the questions are as tricky as you think because you already have some of the basics down:

1. you are working in a very exciting field
2. you apparently have an excellent education
3. you understand some of these questions are a double-edged sword

Here's a good prototype to help develop good answers to these types of questions.

"You know, Mr./Ms. Employer that I am particularly interested in your company because it does exciting work in the field I find most exciting, and that is video/image compression. You know, before I had this interview, I went to the library (or onto the Internet or I talked with Professor X) and I found out that your company had earned prizes in XYZ technology last year for its work in on the PQ product. I would be thrilled to be working on some of those projects! If you don't mind, maybe you could elaborate a little more on some of the potential projects that are happening here."

What you want to convey is:

1. enthusiasm
2. that you are intelligent
3. that you have done research for the interview

Now regarding the next question, try to use a little humor and also rehearse these answers as much as you can so you are comfortable with them. Go to improvisation classes or practice with a buddy. It works like this:

"You know" - chuckle - "I am so excited about your company, I do not really know what the best answer to give you might be. If you are looking for a pure researcher, well, I have done that with my research paper in "ultra-electron-magnetic technology" which was fascinating work while I was at school. If you are looking for someone who is happiest working in a team, I would be delighted to tell you about my experience as a team member on the 'beneath-the-earth-space-capsule-zoo-team'. Perhaps you could tell me something about your own experience working at XYZ company."

Essentially, what I am advising you is to have a conversation with whoever is interviewing you! Become interested in what they are saying to you and vice-versa. That will make things a lot more relaxed. Once again, try to have enough going on so you become a candidate in demand, and not pinning your hopes on just one job opportunity!

With good wishes for your career success,