The Best Interviews Benefit Both Candidate and Employer

Following our recent post after delivering an Interviewing Techniques & Tips workshop at City Academy Norwich, we received some fantastic contributions from professionals and business leaders that are worth sharing with both candidates and hiring managers.

Too often, interviews are seen as a test that only the candidate must pass. In reality, both parties are assessing whether there’s a good fit.

For Candidates

✅ Focus on aptitude, not just experience.

If you’re applying for an early-career role, don’t worry if you don’t have years of relevant experience to draw from. Instead, demonstrate the qualities that employers value:

• Willingness to learn
  • Initiative
  • Problem-solving ability
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Discipline and reliability
  • Composure under pressure

As Lisa Harrison comments on our LinkedIn page, it’s perfectly acceptable to say:

“I don’t have an example from that exact job situation, however I can demonstrate my attention to detail, ability to learn, or problem-solving skills through this example…”

✅ Ask meaningful questions.

The strongest questions often come from genuine research and curiosity rather than a checklist. Emily Smith  of Nu Image, shared some great examples:

• “How could I ensure I’m most helpful to you if I got this role?”
  • “What are your expectations for this position?”
  • “Are there any skills gaps you would recommend I develop further?”

These questions show engagement, commercial awareness and a genuine interest in contributing.

✅ Don’t be afraid to close positively.

At the end of the interview, express your enthusiasm for the opportunity:

“I’m very excited about what I’ve learned about the role and would be delighted to join the team. When should I expect to hear about the outcome?”

Or:

“Based on our conversation today, is there anything I haven’t answered fully that I could clarify now?”

This demonstrates confidence, self-awareness and professionalism.

For Hiring Managers & Interviewers

✅ Remember that candidates are assessing you too.

The interview process is often a candidate’s first real experience of your organisation. A well-prepared, engaging and respectful interview reflects positively on your business and employer brand.

✅ Create opportunities for candidates to demonstrate potential.

Not every great hire will have a perfect CV. Explore transferable skills, attitude, learning agility and cultural fit alongside technical capability.

✅ Make the conversation collaborative.

The best interviews feel like professional discussions rather than interrogations. Candidates perform better when they feel comfortable enough to showcase their strengths and ask thoughtful questions.

At Contract Personnel, we see the most successful placements happen when both parties approach interviews with preparation, curiosity and open communication.

What interview advice has made the biggest difference to you, either as a candidate or an interviewer?

📞 Hannah – 07780 053748 | hannah@cpl.uk.com

📞 Rosie – 07375 592368 | rosie@cpl.uk.com