The interview questions that tell you far more than any CV ever could.
A CV is a great starting point, but it only tells part of the story.
Over the years, I’ve interviewed thousands of candidates, and one thing has remained consistent: it’s the conversation that really matters. The questions you ask during an interview can reveal so much more than qualifications, job titles or years of experience ever will.
Here are five questions I always encourage employers to ask.
Tell me about something you’re really proud of at work.
This gives a real insight into what motivates someone and what they consider success. The answer is often far more revealing than asking about their responsibilities.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your current role?
Rather than focusing on the challenge itself, listen carefully to how they approached it. Problem-solving, resilience and accountability often come through naturally.
If I spoke to your manager today, what would they say are your biggest strengths?
It’s a simple question, but it provides a valuable understanding of a candidate’s self-awareness and confidence, without making them feel uncomfortable.
What type of environment helps you do your best work?
Technical skills are important, but finding someone who will thrive within your culture is just as valuable. Understanding what brings out the best in a candidate can make all the difference to long-term success.
Why this role, and why now?
This helps you understand whether someone is genuinely excited by the opportunity or simply looking for a change. The strongest candidates usually have a clear reason for wanting to join your business.
There are no perfect interview questions, just as there are no perfect candidates. But thoughtful, well-planned interviews almost always lead to better hiring decisions.
Many businesses don’t realise they don’t have to design an interview process on their own. Through our Simkiss Select solution, we can help you create competency-based interview questions, structure your interviews and assess candidates, providing as much or as little support as you need.
Sometimes, asking better questions is all it takes to make a better hire. If you would like to discuss how we can help tailor a bespoke interview process for your business, fill in the form here for an initial conversation.
