TRAPS:  This is a common fishing expedition to see what the industry grapevine may be saying about the company.  But it's also a trap because as an outsider, you never want to be the bearer of unflattering news or gossip about the firm.  It can only hurt your chances and sidetrack the interviewer from getting sold on you.

BEST ANSWER:  Just remember the rule - never be negative - and you'll handle this one just fine.

TRAPS:  This question isn't as aggressive as it sounds.  It represents the interviewer's own dilemma over this common problem.  He's probably leaning toward you already and for reassurance, wants to hear what you have to say on the matter.

BEST ANSWER:  Help him see the qualifications that only you can offer.

Example:  "In general, I think it's a good policy to hire from within - to look outside probably means you're not completely comfortable choosing someone from inside.

"Naturally, you want this department to be as strong as it possibly can be, so you want the strongest candidate.  I feel that I can fill that bill because.(then recap your strongest qualifications that match up with his greatest needs)."

TRAPS:  Tricky question.  Answer "absolutely" and it can seem like your best work is behind you.  Answer, "no, my best work is ahead of me," and it can seem as if you didn't give it your all.

BEST ANSWER:  To cover both possible paths this question can take, your answer should state that you always try to do your best, and the best of your career is right now.  Like an athlete at the top of his game, you are just hitting your career stride thanks to several factors.  Then, recap those factors, highlighting your strongest qualifications.

TRAPS:  Seems like an obvious enough question.  Yet many executives, unprepared for it, fumble the ball.

BEST ANSWER:  Give a well-accepted definition of success that leads right into your own stellar collection of achievements.

Example:  "The best definition I've come across is that success is the progressive realization of a worthy goal."

"As to how I would measure up to that definition, I would consider myself both successful and fortunate."(Then summarize your career goals and how your achievements have indeed represented a progressive path toward realization of your goals.)

TRAPS: This is slightly different from the question raised earlier, "What's the most difficult part of being a (job title.)" because this asks what you personally have found most difficult in your last position.  This question is more difficult to redefine into something positive.  Your interviewer will assume that whatever you found toughest may give you a problem in your new position.

BEST ANSWER:  State that there was nothing in your prior position that you found overly difficult, and let your answer go at that.  If pressed to expand your answer, you could describe the aspects of the position you enjoyed more than others, making sure that you express maximum enjoyment for those tasks most important to the open position, and you enjoyed least those tasks that are unimportant to the position at hand.