8 Questions to Ask Your Recruiter
If you want to make the most of your experience working with a recruiter, ensure that you know the right questions to ask as a candidate. This will help you make your expectations clear and show the recruiter you are serious about the process and potential job opportunities. There are a variety of questions you can ask, and they fall into three distinct categories: ask about the recruiter, the hiring company, and the opportunity at hand. They include:
Questions About Your Recruiter
1. How long have you been a recruiter?
This is a simple question that is often overlooked, especially if the recruiter approaches you. A recruiter’s primary role is to evaluate your experience and see if you are the right fit for the position. You should make sure this works in both directions. Evaluate the recruiter’s experience before agreeing to work with them. You may be able to find this information on their LinkedIn profile or website.
2. Do you recruit candidates for one particular industry?
Follow up on the question above by inquiring about the industry or industries they work in. There are advantages to working with a recruiter that has a specific niche because they will have in-depth knowledge of that industry, will be up-to-date on industry trends, and better understand salary expectations and negotiations for that niche.
3. What is your relationship like with the company?
If your recruiter has worked with the hiring company or manager in the past, that is an advantage. You will also want to find out basic information like how frequently your recruiter communicates with the hiring manager. The more closely your recruiter works with the hiring manager, the more influence he or she may have on decision making, especially when the competition for candidates is high.
Questions About the Company
4. What is the company culture like?
Ask a bit about the company's core values and how they put them into practice. While everyone's experience at the company will be a little different, this question gives you a look into the company's culture. You can use that information to determine if your values align with theirs and if they truly live their values through company programs or structure.
5. What is turnover like at the company?
Most mature companies should have an idea of what their turnover rate is. Ask about turnover for the company in general and specifically for your type of position. This will allow you to identify red flags and ask more questions before you sign on for a new position.
Questions About the Opportunity
6. How long has this opportunity been open?
It is important to ask this question because it can give you an idea of whether the position is coveted or hard to fill, or if the hiring manager and recruiter cannot agree on candidates.
7. Is this a newly created position?
Whether the position is a back-fill or newly created, this question will help you get more context. You can find out why the last person left or why this position is being created. This will help shape the questions you ask and how you frame your skillset if you continue further in the process.
8. Why have other candidates not been successful?
Also, why is the job not being offered to an internal candidate? Your recruiter can help you identify any deal breakers the hiring manager may have mentioned and mistakes past candidates have made. They may not always be able to disclose this information, but it certainly does not hurt to inquire.
Remember, while a recruiter is evaluating you for a potential position, you should be evaluating them right back. Asking the questions above will provide you with more information about the role and the company that could eventually be your employer.