46% of hires fail within the first 18 months

Nearly half of new employees leave their employer again within 18 months. This is evident from data provided by recruitment specialist Robert Walters. The main reason: hiring managers tend to test how well someone can perform in an interview, rather than assessing whether they are a long-term fit for the organisation. 

A poor hire not only costs time and money but also undermines team dynamics, warns Robert Walters. Here are some tips for conducting meaningful job interviews.

Be as well-prepared as the candidate

Just like candidates, interviewers must also be well-prepared. A well-prepared interviewer sets the tone for a smooth, professional experience and helps ensure that the right decisions are made during the hiring process.

As a hiring manager, it is essential to know exactly what you are looking for in a candidate: which skills, experience, and personality traits are necessary to perform the role effectively? Additionally, a structured interview plan helps maintain consistency and ensures that important topics are not overlooked.

Finally, it’s important to reflect beforehand on unconscious biases that may influence judgement. By applying techniques that reduce bias – such as structured interviews and objective assessment criteria – all candidates are given a fair chance.

Avoid cookie-cutter questions

Many hiring managers still rely on cliché questions, such as “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” However, such questions yield little relevant information. Strong candidates will have rehearsed their answers, while others may stumble over the cliché.

By asking better questions – behavioural, situational or values-based – managers can gain insight into the long-term match.

Examples of strong questions include:

• “Tell me about a project you’re proud of. Why that one specifically?”

• “How would you handle three urgent deadlines at once?”

• “What characterises an environment in which you thrive?”

Pay attention to cultural fit

In addition to technical skills, cultural fit plays a significant role in the success of a new employee. Candidates who feel at home in the company culture remain motivated longer and contribute to a positive work environment. Assessing cultural fit requires discussions about work styles, core values, and how someone behaves within a team setting. A mismatch in this area can lead to tensions within teams and ultimately result in early departure.

The guide The Complete Interview Guide for Hiring Managers offers practical tools for conducting job interviews – from preparing questions to avoiding bias.