​If you're looking for a new job, you know you're competing with many other people, so you need to stand out. One way to do this is to ensure you nail the interview by answering the questions thoroughly and succinctly. Know these five common interview questions every job seeker should be able to answer so that you have an edge over everyone else.

1. Why Do You Want This Job?

Interviewers want to know the reasons behind your application to their company. Are you just looking for a paycheck? Do you want a long-term position with a company where you intend to spend your career? This is your opportunity to show what you know about the company and how you fit into it. Let them know what attracted you to the position and why you are a good fit with the company's culture. Carefully research the company before your interview.

2. What Is Your Greatest Strength?

Companies almost always want to know what you'll bring to the team you'll be working with. Prepare yourself for this question by looking at the criteria the company listed in the job advertisement to find out what they need you to be strong in. Then, gear your response to those criteria. You'll also want to have an example of how you leverage your strength to benefit a previous employer or team. Don't just tell them your strength; show it.

3. What Is Your Greatest Weakness?

This is a question companies ask to determine whether you know what you need to work on to succeed in the position. You'll want to do your best to frame a strength as a weakness, but without making it look forced or unnatural. For example, you might say your greatest weakness is that sometimes you pay too much attention to detail, which can slow you down. Employers like diligence, so this may not be seen as a weakness, especially if they listed that quality in their ad.

4. Why Are You Leaving Your Current Employer?

This could be a simple answer, especially if you've been laid off, but if you're looking to change companies, you want to be honest about why you're leaving but also be positive about it. For instance, you could say that your company is such a good employer, none of the top people leave. As such, you need a place where you can grow in your career and have opportunities for promotion. This lets them know your future plans, as well.

5. How Do You Handle Stress and Pressure?

Even if some jobs have less stress than others, there will always be a time when something in the workplace does not go right. The employer wants to know how you handle these types of situations. A great way to answer this question is to describe a time when you were confronted with a stressful situation at work and you successfully negotiated it. This will give them an idea of how you will respond under pressure.

No one knows for sure what questions they'll face when they enter the interview room, but you can prepare yourself with these common questions that seem to appear repeatedly. Contact Rob Law Max Recruitment to learn additional tips for getting hired.