You've done your research, rehearsed an extensive list of possible questions and you know you're well qualified for the role. After sitting down and being welcomed by the interview panel, you're asked, "So, how would you improve the pubic transport system?" You're applying for a position as a web designer.

These types of questions, which can seem heart-stoppingly obscure when you've gone into an interview prepared for a more 'role-related' line of questioning, are not there to send us into paroxysms of mid-interview terror. Often, these left-field questions are actually put forward to take us out of our predictable, linear thought processes and relax us, while others have more deep-rooted agendas...

Dealing with difficult interview questions.

The questions that stump us are generally the ones we just didn't see coming. Interviewers ask us these questions for a variety of reasons, and there are usually are no 'correct answers'. However having an idea of why they're being asked helps start you in the right direction and will lessen those awkward umms and aahs. For example:

• "How would you fix the public transport system?"

You're not being asked to solve the problem here -Interviewers are looking at how you analyse and approach complex and multifaceted challenges. They don't want to hear, "Oh yeah, the public transport system's awful - whoever's in charge of that mess should be sacked immediately!" As long as you're thoughtful and constructive in your response, there's no wrong answer. Without spending too much time on it, consider the question and explain how and why you'd tackle the problem the way you would.

• "Seen any good films lately?"

Questions like this are generally asked as an icebreaker and give you the opportunity to relax and develop a rapport with the interviewer(s). Feel free to embellish on your response and spend a couple of minutes letting them know who you are.

• "What would you do if you were running very late with your part of a project?"

Unlike behavioural questions, which require examples, this is purely hypothetical and gives the interviewer a chance to hear about your work ethic and on-the-fly decision-making skills. For more on behavioural interviewing click here

• "What keeps you enthusiastic about your work?"

The actual question here is about your passion for the job and why you would value working for the organisation - both of which you MUST know before applying for any position.

• "What's your party trick?"

Don't take this question too literally - you're not being asked how many shots it takes before you start robot dancing on the kitchen table. But your answer will provide an insight into your personality type; whether you're an extrovert, someone with outside-work interests or someone who comes into work on crutches because that kitchen table wasn't as sturdy as you thought. To learn more about yourself complete AssessMe when you login to LinkMe

Given the array of resources available to interviewees, which can produce overly-rehearsed responses, recruiters are constantly looking for ways to scratch beneath the surface and get a better understanding of how you'd fit into their organisation and how you'd handle the role. The better you understand yourself and the position on offer the easier it will be to confidently and intelligently respond. Stay relaxed, stay positive and consider these types of questions an opportunity to present the side of you that can't be illustrated by reeling off a list of qualifications and work experience.