9 Interview Questions I Always Prepare And Why They Matter

I’ve come to realize that the most stressful part of interviews isn’t the conversation itself, it’s the moment when a familiar question lands and my mind goes blank. Over time, I’ve adopted a quieter, more grounded approach: rather than rehearsing perfect answers, I just spend time thinking through a few common questions. It helps me walk into the room (or Zoom call) feeling more focused, confident, and authentic. Here are the nine questions I always prepare before any interview from Big Interview and I hope they help you too.

1. Tell me about yourself.

I know, this one always feels simple… until you’re actually asked. I believe this question sets the tones as it comes early, and it tends to shape the whole conversation. Thinking it through helps me get clear on how to start the interview on steady ground.

2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

A classic, for sure. But it’s also a good chance to show that you know yourself. I use this to highlight what I bring to a team and also how I’m working on areas where I’m still growing.

3. Do you prefer working in teams or independently?

I don’t think about this every day, but reflecting on it helps me better understand my work style. It also gives me a chance to describe the environments where I do my best work and how I adapt when needed.

4. Tell me about a challenging situation at work.

Questions about challenges show up in many forms and preparing for them helps me choose a real situation and show how I handled it, stayed resourceful, and came out stronger on the other side.

5. Describe a conflict you’ve had with a colleague.

This question gives me a chance to share a real situation where things ultimately worked out well, one that highlights my effort to communicate openly, listen actively, and resolve the issue in a constructive way.

6. Tell me about a time your work was criticized.

It can feel uncomfortable if I haven’t prepared for this question, but feedback is part of any role, and this question allows me to show that I take criticism seriously without taking it personally. A real, grounded example might make a big difference here.

7. What trends are you noticing in this industry?

This question encourages me to zoom out and think beyond my immediate responsibilities. It’s a chance to show that I’m engaged with the bigger picture, that I’m paying attention to where the industry is headed and how I can grow with it.

8. Why do you want to work here?

There’s always a version of this question. Preparing for it gives me time to actually learn about the company and it becomes easier to talk about why something matters when I’ve thought about it beforehand.

9. Do you have any questions for me?

It’s tempting to improvise here, but I always prepare a few thoughtful questions in advance. It shows genuine interest and reminds me that interviews are a two-way conversation. 

Lastly, preparing for these questions doesn’t guarantee a perfect interview, but it helps me show up more centered, less scattered, and ready to engage. And honestly, sometimes that makes all the difference.If you’d like a guided way to practice, check out the playlist I’ve created on Big Interview. It’s a great tool for preparing smarter (and with a lot less stress).

To access the playlist:

1. Visit [brandeis.biginterview.com] and click “Log In” (don’t click “Register”).
2. Use your Brandeis credentials to log in.
3. Locate the “Ashwini’s Interview Playlist” by navigating to Assignments, and entering in the code: 8dd0d4

Wishing you focus, confidence, and success in your next interview!