More than half of people in the South West (64%) have been left red-faced in an awkward job interview, for reasons including not knowing what to say, feeling intimidated, and spilling drinks over their interviewer, a new study by AAT (the Association of Accounting Technicians) has revealed.

Saying something stupid, choking, and bored interviewers are also apparently common nightmare interview experiences for people in the region according to answers given to the survey.

TOP 10 AWKWARD INTERVIEW EXPERIENCES 1. I didn’t know what to say 2. I said something stupid 3. I felt intimidated 4. I fell asleep 5. I went really red 6. The interviewer seemed bored 7. I spilt a drink over myself 8. I spilt a drink over the interviewer 9. I started choking 10. I kept stuttering As well as awkward experiences, the AAT study of people across the UK also found out what questions people in the South East hate being asked, with answers given including ‘Describe yourself in three words’, ‘What are your weaknesses?’, and ‘If you were a flavour of ice cream what would you be and why?’.

THE 10 HARDEST QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED IN A JOB INTERVIEW 1. What are your weaknesses? 2. Describe yourself in three words 3. If you were a flavor of ice cream, what would you be and why? 4. What has been your greatest achievement? 5. If you were a fruit or vegetable what would you be and why? 6. Why should we choose you for this role? 7. What are your strengths? 8. Describe a time when you have failed 9. What do you think the Chief Executive thinks of the company? 10. Why did you apply for this job? Aimee Bateman, AAT Official Career Coach and founder of career coaching site careercake.com, said: ''The prospect of being interrogated on our professional experience and ability is a naturally intimidating scenario and, as the results show, it’s not always easy to keep composed.

‘’The range of random and sometimes unbelievable questions or tasks candidates have been subjected to shows sometimes you just can’t predict what will be thrown at you.

‘’However, the best way to maintain composure and reduce the chances of embarrassment is to try to prepare for every possibility and be prepared to think on your feet if need be.’’ ‘’Whether it’s a difficult or random question or the fear you’re out of your depth, confidence comes from feeling prepared and ready for anything thrown at you.

AAT’s research also compiled the most bizarre questions UK candidates have ever faced, with strange examples including ‘Is a Jaffa cake a cake or biscuit?’ ‘How would you get a hippo out of a hole’ ‘Are you a Corrie or an EastEnders fan?” and ‘Do you like to sing in the shower?’