To set yourself up for success in any interview environment, spend time on self-reflection during your job search and application process. This preparation will help you answer everything from an open-ended 

Here are the five questions you should ask of yourself before any job interview:

1. What past accomplishments are you most proud of?

These accomplishments may or may not be from your work. Pick out the ones that are appropriate for the situation and that you’d be comfortable sharing. Consider how those moments have affected who you are as a professional. Is there a time when you made a choice that had a positive outcome for a group of people? What about a new skill you weren’t sure you could master, but with practice became better at? Or, maybe a mistake you made and how you recovered and learned from it?

The success stories you choose can become the foundation for your answers to generic questions about your skills, values or aspirations. 

2. What three things do you want to get better at this year?

Start with the things that are related to your job, but also consider branching out into other areas of your life. Naming where you want to see measurable progress will help put everything in perspective.

Working on this question will also help you be realistic about the jobs you’re ready for and practice the language you use to describe your skill level. 

3. What skills do you have that you’ve noticed differentiate you from your peers?

Without a doubt, there is something that sets you apart. Try to recall moments when you realized you were different from the people around you. Maybe you’ve been in a situation where you realized you were more prepared than anyone else. Maybe you were able to anticipate an outcome before it occurred. You could be very quick and creative, or perhaps you’re thorough and methodical.

Everyone has a different style. Find a positive way to articulate yours so you can share it with interviewers.

4. What would your past or present colleagues say is the best thing about working with you?

Think back on any peer feedback you’ve received or try to identify why you have good working relationships with those around you. You may want to reach out to former supervisors, colleagues or classmates to get their opinion. Identify some strong anecdotes to share.

5. Where do you want to be in three years? In five?

While these “where do you want to be” questions are hard to answer, it is useful to imagine yourself into the future. Look back to the last few years. What’s different about where you are now? Where will you steer yourself next?

There are many interview questions that probe at how you see yourself growing, and how the job you’re interviewing for figures into that. Interviewers won’t be looking for a specific plan or timeline, but rather a general idea of your aspirations. If you’re going after a job that doesn’t perfectly align with where you want to be in a few years, focus on the skills and competencies you want to develop.

As you spend time answering these questions for yourself, you’ll become more confident about the interview process overall. The key is to know specifically where you’ve come from, what you have to offer, and where you want to go next.