This is to check your employee retention capability and also your problem solving skills.

Say if the issue could have been solved without the firing of the person it shows your capability as a leader in understanding the problem from all points of view and being able to find the correct solution.

It also proves whether you are capable of getting the work done from your team and your tolerance level.

The Right Answer: If you did, be honest. Do not cover it up. Remember most companies do a background check and if they happened to find this out then that could place you in the black book permanently.

Give a brief of when you faced it and stress out the fact that it worked out well for both the parties.

6. What do you think of your boss?

This is to gauge how good you are as an employee apart from being a leader. And of course to know if there was any friction between you and the head which might have led you to look out for a better "offer".

The Right Answer:  Be as positive as you can. That does not mean you become sugary sweet and praise your boss to the skies. Speak in terms of what you got to learn from him and how that has helped you to consolidate your position.

Refrain from making any personal comments on his working style. Try as far as possible to remain objective and keep it in relation to your work.

7. What would your boss say about your working style and about you as a manager?

This is an expected question right after the one above. Especially if you were already in a team leader position.

The Right Answer:  Now it is human to think that you were good and like all bosses it is natural to think that you have been fair and humane.

However, at all costs do not brag. Emphasise your skills that your boss may have noticed, incite some examples where you have portrayed it and your boss have complimented you on it.

However, do not forget to mention certain negative traits too. But, remember not to portray them as overtly negative, rather as an area that requires improvement and on which you are working.

At no cost should you say something that will be contradicted by your boss. So keep your answers to safe limits.

8. What do your subordinates think about you as a manager?

This is an obvious follow on to the question above. Here the interviewer is gauging you on your leadership skills. That is, whether you were a peoples person or a dictator.

The Right Answer: Now if you ever had a feedback session done with your subordinates, this would be the time where you can summarise the result.

Remember not to portray yourself as overly sensitive or rigid. If the feedback has been negative then avoid portraying yourself as overtly negative either or try to put the blame on your subordinates.

Instead show it as a constructive effort on your part to bring together varied personalities together for a common purpose.

9. Would you retire right now, if you had enough money?

This question would be asked usually before veering the talk towards your salary. Your answer will give the interviewer an idea about how much importance you give to your work and other areas in life.

This would also show whether your priorities are on track with regards to work.

The Right Answer:  Answer yes if you would. Most often the interviewers are expecting a clichéd diplomatic answer.

And if you do say yes then back it up by saying that since you need to work, this is the type of work that you will prefer to do. Do not say yes if you do not mean it or for the sake of shock value.

10. Why aren't you earning more at your age?

Now this could be a trap to undermine you, especially if you happen to be in the older age bracket.

The interviewer here is expecting you to shortsell yourself to defend the reason as to why you were underpaid for your qualifications.

The Right Answer: If you were working for a small firm it is a possibility that you may have been underpaid for your post. Mention that then.

Back it up by saying that you are looking for a suitable compensation along with a change in post and that is precisely the reason why you are attending the interview.

However be prepared to counter argue over the fact why you were still with the company inspite of being aware that you were underpaid.

You could highlight here the good working environment and progress you got which eventually led to your decision to take a pay cut for a while until you made headway with your career.

(With inputs from Varda Pendse, Director of Cerebrus Consulting)