gpointstudio/shutterstock

When you're in the hot seat interviewing for a job, you'll most likely be asked questions like, "What are your hobbies?" and "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

They may not seem all that difficult, but chances are, the hiring manager doesn't want to hear you rattle off your favorite extracurricular activities or go on about how you're CEO material. 

We spoke to experts to find out what hiring managers really want to know when they ask some of the most common interview questions. Here's what they said: 

1. 'What's your biggest weakness?'

About this question:

Most hiring managers will at some point pop this dreaded question.

Asking this is similar to sifting through résumés looking for a reason not to hire a person, says Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and the author of "Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job."

"Since the question has a negative slant, it's designed first to test your mettle, and second, your character. This is why it can be a deal maker or breaker, depending on whether you handle it with thought," she says.

Ryan Kahn, a career coach, founder of The Hired Group, and author of "Hired! The Guide for the Recent Grad," says this type of questioning accomplishes two things: "In addition to potentially revealing any professional weaknesses that may derail a candidate, it also provides insights into if that person is of a mindset of continual improvement."

What they really want to know:

 • That you're honest. Hiring managers ask this all the time, so they'll know if you're giving a fake, rehearsed response. So be honest, but don't provide a laundry list of flaws. And remember that hiring managers can play back your answers to any references you provide, so your integrity may be measured after the interview is over.

 •  That you're not a robot. Your interviewer will want to hear a prompt and thoughtful answer. Try to avoid using cliché answers to this question, like, "I'm too much of a perfectionist," Kahn says.

 •  That you're self-aware. Your response should show the hiring manager that you objectively examine your own strengths and weaknesses.

 •  That you're working on the weakness.  HR representatives want to hire someone who is not only aware of his or her personal-development areas, but also taking steps to grow and improve.

 •  That you can handle tough questions. Your response should not be overly general, Taylor says. "Indicate that you have genuinely thought about your answer." And be sure to keep your composure, no matter how difficult this question is.

 •  That you're a positive person. "If you can incorporate a positive thing about yourself into the response, that's even better," Kahn says.

 •  That you will be a good employee despite your weakness. "Read the job description carefully in advance. You don't want to inadvertently play up a weakness that collides with requirements," Taylor explains. However, if your weaknesses would impair your ability to perform well in this role, know that it might not be the right job for you.

Read more about how to answer this question here. 

2. 'Where do you see yourself in 5 years?'

About this question:

According to David Wishon, chief recruiting officer at job-search site Happie, the purpose of asking this common interview question is to understand whether a candidate is looking for a career rather than just a job, whether their goals align with the organization's goals, and whether they have a realistic plan for their future.

Dale Kurow, a New York-based executive coach, says your response to this question can also tell the company if you have the requisite work ethic, attitude, and loyalty to be a good hire in the long term.