3 of the Best questions to Ask Any Candidate

Are you interviewing for a position in your company? As an employer, your priority is to maximise the success of the interview process and really get a sense of your potential candidates and how they will fit in with your business and its work culture. With this in mind, and with our extensive experience, we have put together 3 of the best questions to ask any candidate in an interview. Let’s take a look.

Taking into account everything you have learned about our company and the role, how do you see yourself fitting in and what would your overall contribution be?

This question assesses the candidates level of preparation and understanding of the businesses goals, culture, and expectations. Candidates who have researched and actively listened during the interview will be able to provide responses that align closely with the company's needs and values. This type of question will also show what impact they expect to have as an individual in the day to day running of your business. If a candidate sees working with you as a great opportunity and they manage to visualise themselves working for you and how that will mutually benefit both of you, this proves that their application is a serious one.

How do you stay updated on industry trends and developments? Can you provide an example of how you've applied this knowledge to improve your work or solve a problem?

This question assesses the candidate’s commitment to continuous learning and professional development and how engaged they are with staying on top of best practices in the industry. In addition, the interviewer can gauge the candidate's approach to dealing with challenges. Candidates who can provide a clear strategy for staying informed and provide examples of applying their knowledge to show their potential are good ones to keep in mind when filling your vacancy.

Can you talk me through a challenging project or task you completed in your previous role? What were the obstacles you encountered, and how did you overcome them?

This question provides an excellent insight into the candidate's problem-solving skills, resilience, and their ability to handle challenges. It will also show their approach to teamwork, communication, and adaptability in a work environment. Candidates who can provide solid examples and demonstrate their ability to overcome obstacles effectively are highly likely to be suited to the demands of the role.

Are you looking to fill a vacancy in your company? If you need some expert help, our team is on hand to help you every step of the way. From advertising your open roles, to selecting the best candidates for the job, we have you covered. Get in touch with our team here.

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LinkedIn Poll Results - February 2025

by Simon Clark • 17 February 2025

In our latest LinkedIn poll, we explored what professionals believe is the key to building a resilient career in today's ever-changing job market. The results highlight significant trends and preferences that are shaping the ways individuals approach their professional growth and stability. Dominating the responses, 'Flexibility/Adaptability' was identified by an impressive 67% of participants as the most crucial factor. This overwhelming consensus underscores the importance of being able to pivot and adjust to new challenges, environments, and technologies. In a world where change is the only constant, the ability to adapt is invaluable and often seen as more critical than any specific skill. 'Continuous Learning' also received notable attention, garnering 25% of the vote. This reflects a recognition that ongoing education and skill development are essential for keeping pace with industry innovations and remaining competitive in the job market. Interestingly, 'Specialisation in Niche Areas' was seen as key by 8% of respondents, suggesting that while having a specialised skill set is beneficial, it may not be perceived as the most important factor compared to adaptability and continuous learning. 'Networking' received 0% of the vote, a surprising result that might indicate a shift in perception about the value of professional networks, or perhaps it reflects a belief that other skills outweigh networking in terms of importance for career resilience. Stay tuned on our LinkedIn channel on 1st March 2025 for our next poll.

Understanding What Employers Look for in Job Applications

by Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • 7 February 2025

When you are applying for a job, standing out against the competition is crucial. Employers will receive numerous applications for each role they advertise, so as well as understanding the role and the company, understanding what employers are looking for will significantly improve your chances of being called for an interview. Let’s take a look at some of the key things hiring managers are looking for when reviewing applications. A Well-Structured CV Your CV is the first impression an employer has of you, so it needs to be clear, concise, and tailored to the role you are interested in. Employers are looking for a professional layout that is easy to read, relevant work experience, key skills that tie in with the job description, your education and qualifications, and no spelling or grammatical errors. A CV that is too long, disorganised, or too generic may be overlooked. Always tailor your CV to each role by highlighting the relevant skills or experience you possess. A Well-Written Cover Letter Not all employers will require a cover letter alongside your CV, but when they do, it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your personality, skillset, and enthusiasm for the role. A strong cover letter should address the hiring manager if possible, explain why you’re interested in the company and the role, highlight your relevant skills experience and demonstrate how you can add value to the business. Avoid simply turning your CV into a few paragraphs and use the opportunity to show how passionate you are about the job and what you can bring to the company. Attention to Detail Employers will favour applicants who have carefully read the job description and tailored their application to fit the role. Always follow instructions and stick to the requested format. Another important point to note is that your application is your first impression to potential employers and any spelling or grammar mistakes will make you appear careless or unprofessional. A well written and error-free application enhances readability and clarity, helping you to stand out for the right reasons. Before submitting your application, always proofread, use spellcheck or ask someone to review it for you. Relevant Skills and Experience Hiring managers are looking for candidates who meet or closely match the requirements of the role, and whilst relevant work experience is important, transferable skills such as working well within a team, problem-solving, and good communication are highly valued. Use examples to highlight how you have demonstrated these skills in previous roles so the keywords you use aren’t hollow, empty, or just filling space on your application. Professionalism and Enthusiasm Employers will always prefer candidates who present themselves professionally and show a genuine interest in working for the company. Always be aware of your language throughout the entire process; from the first email, through your application and right up to interview, as professionalism plays a key role in securing the job. Implementing the points above will increase your chances of capturing an employer’s attention and, most importantly, securing that interview. If you are looking for support in finding your next job, our team has over 35 years’ experience in matching job seekers to their perfect role and employers with their perfect candidate. Get in touch today to see how we can help and support you.