Many stages of the job-search process require your attention to detail. And, within those stages are different steps that also need attention. Yes, it can be exhausting. But, each step is worthy of intentional focus and strategy. So, congratulate yourself when you get through the daunting and often tedious application process when you land an interview. But, even though the candidate pool significantly dwindled, don’t rest on your laurels. There is, of course, more work to be done! Melissa Llarena’s article, “How To Answer The Five Most Common Interview Questions,” helps prepare job seekers to not be thrown off the game during this important meeting.

I fully acknowledge that a few of the questions on this list are dubbed by some authors as outdated or as just not useful for producing substantial answers. However, in my continued scrutiny of available resources to prepare for interviews, I see these questions commonly and actively used. So, be prepared for questions probing:

Your experience at a previous company. Outline the value your employment added to that company. Delineate success and results. Highlight skills and experiences from the previous company that best line up with the prospective one. Llarena says to “convince the hiring manager that you can hit the ground running.”

Your biggest professional accomplishment. Use examples that best relates to the job you hope land. Your objective with your answer is to leave no question in the mind of the hiring manager that you are fully capable of performing in the open position, and that you will perform well.

How you think you are described by those with whom you’ve worked. A transparent answer should reveal your style of operation and give insight about your working relationships. Include observations from different levels and different functions. Honesty is crucial here for two reasons: First, you want to be evaluated for who you are so as to be hired into a culture where you actually fit, and, second, the hiring manager is likely going to talk to people in the roles you describe. Those stories need to match!

Your biggest weakness. Make the answer to this question one of your biggest strengths. Not only will an honest answer demonstrate insight, but you can strategically use your answer to demonstrate you know yourself well enough to have put into place thought processes and approaches when this part of you is challenged. That you willingly acknowledge and take action about a weakness absolutely lessens any concern about it. Do not fear nor run from this question. Use it.

Why you are the one for the job. Before answering, quickly consider the job description and any information you have gleaned in the interview in terms of what is most important to the employer for this position. Then, speak to those strengths of yours that most closely relate to what the employer wants. It is tempting to use this time to talk about the many ways you bring greatness, but zeroing in on what is sought by the employer keeps you focused and your candidacy directly appealing.

Of course, there are many topics to cover within an interview. But, the hiring manager isn’t going to care about your knowledge of the company and its financials if s/he doesn’t get a strong sense of what you, personally, can bring to the position. Llarena’s questions cover a wide berth of topics, so use your prep time to strategize succinct answers that directly relate to the job you desire. Take the time to make yourself the obvious choice for the opening!

Llarena, Melissa. “How To Answer The Five Most Common Interview Questions.” Forbes/Forbes Woman. Forbes Media LLC. 2016. Web. (29 May 2016)

Nancy Stoker is a Senior Client Services Representative and Research Associate with ExecSearches.com.

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Last updated on January 15th, 2026 at 11:13 pm