--- title: Don't Hire Another Employee Without Asking These Questions description: One thing is certain, bad hires are costly. To make the most out of the interview process, don't hire another employee without asking these five questions. image: https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/mar%2016%20blog%20image%203.webp --- - [Client Portal](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - [Employee Login](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) [![AxcetHR Solutions Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png)](https://www.axcethr.com/) - [About Us](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/) - [Corporate Philantropy](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/corporate-philanthropy/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Values and Culture](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/values-and-culture/) - [Kansas PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/kansas-peo/) - [Missouri PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/missouri-peo/) - [Careers](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [Why Choose Axcet?](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - 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- - - [whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/dont-hire-another-employee-without-asking-these-questions](whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/dont-hire-another-employee-without-asking-these-questions) - [mailto:?subject=Don't%20Hire%20Another%20Employee%20Without%20Asking%20These%20Questions&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/dont-hire-another-employee-without-asking-these-questions](mailto:?subject=Don't%20Hire%20Another%20Employee%20Without%20Asking%20These%20Questions&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/dont-hire-another-employee-without-asking-these-questions) ![mar 16 blog image 3](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mar%2016%20blog%20image%203.webp?width=840&name=mar%2016%20blog%20image%203.webp) The interview is perhaps the single most important step in the hiring process—it determines who enters your organization and directly influences your company culture, quality, safety, and even client relationships. Within the [interview process](https://blog.axcethr.com/interview-process), asking the right questions is critical to making informed, consistent hiring decisions.  ## The Cost of a Bad Hire Studies that have set out to measure the cost of a bad hire have produced conflicting reports ranging from 50% of the employee's annual salary to [$240,000](https://www.forbes.com/sites/falonfatemi/2016/09/28/the-true-cost-of-a-bad-hire-its-more-than-you-think/#29282fb44aa4). These costs include the following factors, which aren't all applicable in every situation but must be considered:  - dollars spent on recruiting  - investment in onboarding and training - decline in morale - turnover of other team members as a result of the bad hire - loss of customer loyalty - safety and quality issues [![Beyond the Interview Questions the need to know of unconscious bias](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/af53589e-e24b-4c1b-946c-115d65c85149.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/af53589e-e24b-4c1b-946c-115d65c85149) ## Common Interview Challenges Perhaps the most common interview challenge is the "like-me" bias, in which the interviewer immediately connects with a candidate who reminds them of themselves, leading to an overly casual interview and an impulsive hire decision. Staffing shortages often contribute to rushed decisions, too, as leaders may hire the first applicant or the applicant who is able to start soonest rather than the best candidate for the job.  ## 5 Interview Questions That Should Never Go Unasked ### **1.  What led you to apply for this position?**  Better understanding a candidate's motives can help you measure their fit in the organizational culture and alignment with the company's core values. An employee who feels drawn to the mission and vision of the organization or who is seeking more challenge in their work, for example, may score higher than a candidate who thought the job would be easy or who doesn't like a current leader. ### **2.  Tell me about a time a project didn't go as planned.** ### A candidate's answer to this question can help you gauge one of the most critical traits: personal accountability. A candidate who discusses how they contributed to the problem and credits a team for getting it back on track will be a better hire than one who places blame on others and takes credit for redirecting. [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/b158002f-1a62-4fd4-8eb9-ad21b7a5c170.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/b158002f-1a62-4fd4-8eb9-ad21b7a5c170) **3.  Describe a time you had to work with somebody who was difficult.** All of your employees will face adversity and each will be required to work with imperfect coworkers and clients. Look for a candidate who takes ownership for the relationship, seeking to better understand other perspectives and address differences respectfully and directly. ### **4.  Share with us a time you faced an ethical dilemma at work.** Look for candidates who consider all of the viewpoints presented in the dilemma without labeling or making judgments about intentions, dividing the team into right and wrong or good and evil. Additionally, seek out candidates who sought to work through the dilemma collaboratively. ### **5.  What questions can we answer for you?** A candidate's questions are often the best reflection of their motives. A candidate who says they were drawn to the mission and vision of the organization should ask questions about company culture, retention, or philanthropy; if they bring only inquiries about pay and benefits or hours, that might indicate well-rehearsed but disingenuous responses to previous questions. ## [![Bad hires cost business more than payroll. See all of the hidden expenses.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/interactive-217838600996.png)](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKr3yMBAuHyQ6%2BSY%2BAkZAWgip4WIAQ%2FGY2t9ZbHHwr6yAQqBDEu7HZjym8%2FlwZ9WQNueoj2SI%2Fd3%2BDP4KjQDa%2FU9SUZmO%2BXLQEeGJgFXpUO7TU0QWW3pl8EFR8XWnpreom2E2%2FGGWkG0aPmqWEO6FZiVhhtN6mYi7sRNajAslXRW2Ab05a99xMMVYFz1ec%3D&webInteractiveContentId=217838600996&portalId=2652187) ## Ask Smarter, Hire Better: The Questions That Lead to Great Hires Hiring the wrong person can be costly—not just financially, but in morale, productivity, and time. Before extending that next job offer, make sure you’re asking the questions that truly uncover a candidate’s fit, both for the role and your company culture. A deliberate and insightful hiring process sets the foundation for long-term employee success and stronger team performance. Need help refining your hiring strategy? Axcet HR Solutions is here to support you with expert HR guidance tailored to small and mid-sized businesses. [Schedule a free consultation](https://www.axcethr.com/schedule-consultation/) today and take the guesswork out of your next hire. [![Subscribe now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/3ce89456-4e5b-4313-96c5-66d3f47eacba.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/3ce89456-4e5b-4313-96c5-66d3f47eacba) [![Lacey Conner, SHRM-CP](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Lacey%203.jpg?width=80&height=80&name=Lacey%203.jpg)](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/lacey-conner) Written by #### [Lacey Conner, SHRM-CP](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/lacey-conner) Lacey serves as a Human Resources Consultant for Axcet. Her passion is assisting her clients in creating safe, compliant, and effective work environments for their employees. Prior to joining the Axcet team, she provided HR services within the banking and mortgage industries. Lacey holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University and is SHRM-CP certified. Read more [View all posts →](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/lacey-conner) ### Get HR Updates ### Table of Contents #### [Fear-Based Reactions to COVID-19 Could Lead to Workplace Discrimination Claims ![Fear-Based Reactions to COVID-19 Could Lead to Workplace Discrimination Claims](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/mar%2012%20blog%20image.png)](https://blog.axcethr.com/fear-based-reactions-to-covid-19-could-lead-to-workplace-discrimination-claims) #### [![Six Leadership Skills No Good Manager Can Be Without](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/mar%2011%20blog%20image%202.webp) Six Leadership Skills No Good Manager Can Be Without](https://blog.axcethr.com/six-leadership-skills-no-good-manager-can-be-without) ## Let us know what you think... ![AxcetHR Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [What We Stand For](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/what-we-stand-for/) - [Expertise](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) - [Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Payroll Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/) - [Risk Management](https://www.axcethr.com/services/workers-comp-and-employee-safety-risk-management/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Subscribe to Latest Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/subscribe-to-the-latest-resources/) - [Resource Library](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/resource-library/) - [\[ Client Portal \]](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - - - - - Search for: Copyright © 2023 Axcet HR Solutions – Kansas City's PEO Since 1988 | [Privacy Policy](https://www.axcethr.com/privacy-policy/) | [Terms and Conditions](https://www.axcethr.com/terms-conditions/) | [**Join our Team – Careers »**](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) 10975 Grandview Drive Suite 200, Corporate Woods Building 27, Overland Park, KS 66210 | Call us: 913-383-2999 *The IRS does not endorse any particular For more information on [certified professional employer organizations](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/), go to [www.irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov).* Remove cookies ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=43031&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Lacey Conner, SHRM-CP", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/lacey-conner" }, "dateModified" : "2026-08-11T17:18:17.279Z", "datePublished" : "2020-03-17T14:45:00.000Z", "headline" : "Don't Hire Another Employee Without Asking These Questions", "image" : [ "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/mar%2016%20blog%20image%203.webp" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/dont-hire-another-employee-without-asking-these-questions", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/_logo_axcethr_primary.png" }, "name" : "Axcet HR Solutions" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.axcethr.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Kansas City", "addressRegion" : "MO" }, "aggregateRating" : { "@type" : "AggregateRating", "bestRating" : "5", "ratingValue" : "5", "reviewCount" : "100" }, "areaServed" : { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "United States" }, "award" : [ "IRS Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO)", "Award-Winning HR Solutions Provider", "SHRM Certified HR Professionals", "HRCI Certified HR Professionals" ], "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "US", "availableLanguage" : "English", "contactType" : "Customer Service" }, "description" : "Award-winning Professional Employer Organization (PEO) providing comprehensive HR solutions, payroll services, employee benefits, and risk management to small and mid-sized businesses. 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Within the interview process, asking the right questions is critical to making informed, consistent hiring decisions. The Cost of a Bad Hire Studies that have set out to measure the cost of a bad hire have produced conflicting reports ranging from 50% of the employee's annual salary to $240,000. These costs include the following factors, which aren't all applicable in every situation but must be considered: dollars spent on recruiting investment in onboarding and training decline in morale turnover of other team members as a result of the bad hire loss of customer loyalty safety and quality issues Common Interview Challenges Perhaps the most common interview challenge is the "like-me" bias, in which the interviewer immediately connects with a candidate who reminds them of themselves, leading to an overly casual interview and an impulsive hire decision. Staffing shortages often contribute to rushed decisions, too, as leaders may hire the first applicant or the applicant who is able to start soonest rather than the best candidate for the job. 5 Interview Questions That Should Never Go Unasked 1. What led you to apply for this position? Better understanding a candidate's motives can help you measure their fit in the organizational culture and alignment with the company's core values. An employee who feels drawn to the mission and vision of the organization or who is seeking more challenge in their work, for example, may score higher than a candidate who thought the job would be easy or who doesn't like a current leader. 2. Tell me about a time a project didn't go as planned. A candidate's answer to this question can help you gauge one of the most critical traits: personal accountability. A candidate who discusses how they contributed to the problem and credits a team for getting it back on track will be a better hire than one who places blame on others and takes credit for redirecting. 3. Describe a time you had to work with somebody who was difficult. All of your employees will face adversity and each will be required to work with imperfect coworkers and clients. Look for a candidate who takes ownership for the relationship, seeking to better understand other perspectives and address differences respectfully and directly. 4. Share with us a time you faced an ethical dilemma at work. Look for candidates who consider all of the viewpoints presented in the dilemma without labeling or making judgments about intentions, dividing the team into right and wrong or good and evil. Additionally, seek out candidates who sought to work through the dilemma collaboratively. 5. What questions can we answer for you? A candidate's questions are often the best reflection of their motives. A candidate who says they were drawn to the mission and vision of the organization should ask questions about company culture, retention, or philanthropy; if they bring only inquiries about pay and benefits or hours, that might indicate well-rehearsed but disingenuous responses to previous questions. Ask Smarter, Hire Better: The Questions That Lead to Great Hires Hiring the wrong person can be costly—not just financially, but in morale, productivity, and time. Before extending that next job offer, make sure you’re asking the questions that truly uncover a candidate’s fit, both for the role and your company culture. A deliberate and insightful hiring process sets the foundation for long-term employee success and stronger team performance. Need help refining your hiring strategy? Axcet HR Solutions is here to support you with expert HR guidance tailored to small and mid-sized businesses. Schedule a free consultation today and take the guesswork out of your next hire.", "author" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/lacey-conner#author", "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Lacey Conner, SHRM-CP", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/lacey-conner" }, "dateCreated" : "2020-03-17", "dateModified" : "2026-08-11", "datePublished" : "2020-03-17", "description" : "The interview is perhaps the single most important step in the hiring process—it determines who enters your organization and directly influences your company culture, quality, safety, and even client relationships. Within the interview process, asking the right questions is critical to making informed, consistent hiring decisions. 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