While interviewing for a job is about making a positive impression, remember it’s a two-way conversation. In addition to selling yourself, the job interview is an opportunity to learn more about the company, role and environment so you can assess whether it’s the right fit. As you prepare, think about what questions to ask a recruiter during the job interview. By posing intelligent questions, you let the recruiter know that you’ve done your homework and are serious about the position. While you don’t want to turn the meeting into an interrogation, you do want to ensure you clearly understand the job responsibilities, team dynamics and work culture.
Recruiters are typically classified as in-house or part of an agency. In-house recruiters cover the hiring needs of a specific company. They are most concerned about the candidate experience and are interested in finding best-in-class talent. In-house recruiters are also usually paid a base salary. On the other hand, agency recruiters work with multiple clients on a commission basis. Both types of recruiters perform outreach campaigns, review job applications and conduct introductory interviews.
One of the first steps in the interview process is meeting with a recruiter for an initial screening interview—most often through Zoom, Google Meet or another video conferencing platform. As the interviewee, your goal is to learn as much as you can while convincing the recruiter why you are the right fit for the job. These ten questions will help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of receiving a job offer.
1. What does the interview process look like?
This question clarifies what you should expect in upcoming interviews. The recruiter should clearly know who you will be meeting with and how many interviews the process typically includes. This question is also helpful if you’re searching for a job with an immediate start date. If the recruiter tells you the process will take weeks or months, you might want to consider interviewing for other roles that fit your timeline.
2. Is this a new role or an existing position?
By asking whether the role currently exists, you’ll learn about the organization. If the previous person left the company, ask why they decided to move on. However, if the position is newly created, ask why and whether you will have the ability to shape the role. If you are someone who enjoys creating a position from the ground up, it might be the perfect opportunity. However, if you’re a person who requires more structure, it may not be the ideal situation for you.
3. What qualities do you look for in new hires?
While a job description lists skills and qualifications, this question can be very revealing. For example, the recruiter may share that they are looking for someone who can work cross-functionally and bring innovative ideas. Or they might stress that a strong work ethic and being a self-starter are priorities. These insights can help you prepare for future interviews and determine whether you’re the right fit for the position.
4. To whom would I report, and what can you tell me about them?
The recruiter can help describe the hiring manager and their work style. Ask questions about their personality and leadership approach. For instance, are they a micromanager or more hands-off? Do they prefer a formal business relationship, or are they more easygoing? It also might be helpful to learn how long they’ve been a manager. Once you know who they are, you can review their profile on LinkedIn, which will be helpful as you prepare for upcoming interviews.
5. Can you tell me more about the role?
The last thing you want is to start a job and realize it’s different from what you thought. To avoid this situation, ask about the day-to-day responsibilities. For more detail, ask whether any projects have already been identified as a top priority. You might also want to know what the biggest challenges a person in this role might face. Ideally, gather as many specifics as you can so that you leave with a detailed overview of the role.
6. What is the salary range for the job?
The initial interview with a recruiter is the ideal time to ask about salary. Companies usually have a budget range for positions, and it helps if they are transparent. Also, be prepared for the interviewer to ask you about your salary expectations. Ideally, you want the employer to reveal compensation first. That way, you’ll have an edge when it comes to negotiating. Prior to the interview, do your homework and research the typical salary for someone with your skills and experience in this role. If the recruiter asks, you can provide a range.
7. How would you describe the company culture?
They say people leave companies due to bad bosses. However, according to a survey from the American Psychological Association, a toxic company culture is driving 1 in 5 American workers to leave their current jobs. To avoid this scenario, don’t just ask what the company culture is like. Think about questions to ask a recruiter that will reveal more detail. For example, you can ask how the organization practices its core values and whether any areas need improvement.
8. How would you describe the team I would be working with?
While it’s important to understand the company culture, it’s just as crucial to shed light on your future team. Ask about the team structure and how it fits into the larger organization. Also, have the recruiter describe the team’s current goals and priorities. That way, you’ll better understand what projects you’ll be working on and what is expected of you. Finally, ask how new team members are onboarded. Learning about the onboarding process (or lack of one) will give you an idea of whether there is a structure or whether the company employs a sink-or-swim approach.
9. How does the company support career development and advancement?
One of the most important questions to ask a recruiter is the typical career path for someone in this position. To assess the environment, find out whether the company provides either formal or informal mentorship opportunities. Also, ask whether they encourage professional development. For example, do they offer company-sponsored training or tuition reimbursement? Finally, ask specific questions about how employees are evaluated for promotions. By being confident and specific, you’ll impress the recruiter while learning more about growth prospects.
10. Do you have any concerns about my qualifications?
This last question is another way of asking whether there is any reason you would not move to the next stage in the interview process. While it might seem scary, it’s a great way to address any reservations the recruiter might have. It will also give you an idea if there is anything you can do to improve your chances of getting the job.
An interview with a recruiter is usually your first introduction to a potential employer. Because these meetings tend to be shorter than a standard interview, learn what questions to ask a recruiter. That way, you’ll be in the best position to determine whether it’s the right role for you.