08/04/2025
Hiring again for the same role.
It’s not just frustrating — it’s draining, and recently our 12 week guarantee has to activated against a placement. Yes, even I get it wrong sometimes too!
When you’re a small business, every hire matters. It’s not just about plugging a skills gap; it’s about the hours spent onboarding, the trust built (and sometimes broken), and the energy poured into trying to make it work. So when a hire doesn’t work, the ripple effect can feel more like a tidal wave.
I’ve recently had to re-hire for the same position for a client, and while it’s “part of the job” on paper, behind the scenes it’s personal. These are businesses that care. That need people to stick around. That can’t afford to “try again” every four weeks.
So let’s talk about getting it right — starting with the interview.
Here are a few interview tips that actually help:
✅ Look beyond the CV.
Skills can be taught. Attitude, values, and emotional intelligence? Much harder. Ask questions that dig into how they handle setbacks, feedback, and team dynamics.
✅ Be brutally honest about the role.
Sugar-coating the tough parts helps no one. Let candidates tell you if they aren't capable of fitting into your business and culture.
✅ Involve the team.
Let potential hires meet the people they’ll work with, and the best advice I give is always, get the most junior member of the team to also interview with you- they provide a unique perspective.
✅ Ask “why now?”
If someone’s moved around a lot, get curious, don't shut them off Sometimes there’s a great story, sometimes, red flags.
✅ Trust your gut — but back it up.
Use structured interviews alongside instinct. Bias hides in the “I just liked them” space.
Hiring isn’t just a process. It’s a relationship. And when you have to start over, it takes a toll — emotionally and financially. So take the time, ask the right questions, and don’t be afraid to dig deeper.
Let’s stop treating recruitment like speed dating and start treating it like the long game it is. 🚀
I'm Samm Larkin, and I find bright minds for fast moving businesses, I can train your teams to recruit the way I do, or do it for you- drop me a connection request, ring my bell and lets be buddies 😀
