At Gillespie Recruitment, we’ve helped countless companies build brilliant teams, and we’ve seen firsthand how much hinges on the interview itself. A strong CV may get someone in the door, but the interview is where the real decisions are made. Unfortunately, too many hiring managers approach it without structure or strategy, relying on instinct and informal chats.
The good news, with just a few smart adjustments, you can dramatically improve your interviews and increase your chances of landing the right person. These tips will help you interview with more clarity, confidence and consistency.
Know what you’re hiring for – Before you speak to any candidates, be clear on the job requirements. Revisit the job description, understand the needed skills, and define what success looks like in the role.
Structure the interview – Unstructured interviews often lead to biased or inconsistent hiring decisions. Instead, create a simple framework: introduce the role, ask a core set of questions, allow time for candidate questions, and close with next steps. A consistent structure also helps you compare candidates more fairly.
Focus on behavioural questions – Ditch the hypothetical “what would you do…” and go for “tell me about a time when”. These questions will give you real-world insight into how a candidate has handled situations in the past.
Avoid leading questions – Steer clear of questions that suggest the answer you want to hear. For example, “You’re comfortable with tight deadlines, right?” invites a simple “yes”. Instead, ask open questions that encourage genuine, detailed responses.
Take notes – You won’t remember everything. Take clear, unbiased notes during the interview, especially around key competencies. This helps you make objective decisions later and provides helpful feedback if needed.
Make space for their questions – Good candidates will have thoughtful questions. Give them time to ask.
Follow up quickly – The best candidates won’t wait around. Keep the process moving and communicate promptly after interviews, whether it’s a next step or a polite rejection. It reflects well on your brand and avoids losing top talent.
Hiring isn’t just about choosing someone who can do the job, its about finding someone who can thrive in the role, with your team, and in your environment. A well-run interview is your best tool for making that call. And if you ever want support refining your process or securing standout candidates, that’s exactly what we are here for.
Contact us today for more information on how we can best support your company in matching with top talent!
enquiries@gillespierecruitment.co.uk 0191 5166146