The Power of a Great Interview Question – Contract Personnel
At Contract Personnel, we’re passionate about helping people develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their careers.
Recently, our Marketing Manager, Joe Randlesome, had the opportunity to speak with Year 10 students at City Academy Norwich about employability, career development, and preparing for future job opportunities.
One topic that generated plenty of discussion was interviews and the importance of asking thoughtful questions.
Many candidates spend hours preparing answers to interview questions, but one of the most overlooked parts of the interview is what happens at the end.
When an interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?”, responding with a simple “No” can be a missed opportunity.
The best candidates use this moment to demonstrate their interest, curiosity, and commitment to the role. Asking the right questions can leave a lasting impression and help candidates determine whether the opportunity is right for them.
Following Joe’s talk, he asked his network of professionals to share their top interview tips and the best questions they’ve been asked by candidates. The responses highlighted some common themes that every job seeker can learn from.
The Question That Stands Out
One response that particularly resonated came from Facilities Manager Stuart Oakley, who shared that the best question he had ever been asked was:
“If I’m successful, what would you like to see me achieve in the first three months?”
It’s a question that immediately shifts the conversation from getting the job to succeeding in the job. It demonstrates confidence, forward-thinking, and a genuine desire to add value from day one.
Common Themes from Experienced Professionals
While the specific advice varied, several clear themes emerged.
- Preparation Is Everything
Research was the most common piece of advice.
Neil Tarbet explained how researching both the company and the interviewers helped him discover shared interests with interviewers, creating natural rapport during interviews and ultimately contributing to job offers.
Marie Hoskins-Davies echoed the importance of researching thoroughly and reminded candidates that interviews should be a two-way process.
Sapphire Cullington also highlighted that understanding the company shows you’re interested in that specific opportunity rather than simply looking for any job.
- Bring Questions and Take Notes
Jordan Aramitz recommended bringing notes into the interview. Preparing key talking points, company research, and a list of questions beforehand can help candidates stay focused and ensure they don’t forget important details.
Taking notes during the interview also demonstrates professionalism and genuine engagement with the opportunity.
- Be Clear, Concise and Authentic
Stuart Oakley advised candidates not to rush their answers. Taking a moment to think, providing clear responses, and backing them up with relevant examples can make a significant difference.
Sapphire Cullington offered another important reminder: be yourself. Authenticity matters, and interviewers are often looking beyond qualifications to understand who they’ll be working with.
- Remember You’re Interviewing Them Too
One of our favourite insights came from Annabelle Ilsley, who enjoys being asked:
“What’s your favourite part of working here?”
It’s a simple question, but it encourages honest discussion about company culture and helps candidates determine whether the organisation is somewhere they genuinely want to work.
Too often, candidates focus solely on selling themselves and forget to assess whether the role and company are the right fit for them.
My Key Message to Students
If there’s one thing we wanted the students at City Academy Norwich to take away, it’s this:
Always have questions prepared.
The right question can leave a lasting impression, demonstrate genuine interest, and help you gather valuable information to make informed decisions about your future.
An interview isn’t just about proving you’re right for the role. It’s about discovering whether the role is right for you.
So, I’d love to hear from others:
If you’ve interviewed someone for a role, what’s the best question you’ve ever been asked at the end of an interview?
And if you’re preparing for interviews yourself, what’s your number one interview tip?
01603 764044 – perms@cpl.uk.com
