Keep in mind these top 10 questions to ask your recruiter in order to simplify your job search.
Recruiters have diverse relationships with hiring managers and other recruiters and you’ll want to help them in any way that you can.
These top 10 questions to ask your recruiter will help them narrow things down to the perfect fit.
- What’s the job description and what matters most to them?
- How did this position become available?
- How long has this position been open?
- What is turnover like for this position and company?
- Why hasn’t this position been filled yet?
- Which skills of mine should I highlight for this position?
- What is your relationship with the hiring manager?
- What should I expect within the company culture?
- Which types of interview questions does this hiring manager ask?
- Can you give more information on their overall hiring process?
Top Question #1: What’s the job description and what matters most to them?
During the hiring process, be sure that not only does your recruiter share the official “job title” with you, but also the complete job description.
With this, you’ll be able to see if you will potentially be taking on more responsibilities than in the past. Or if this position will allow you to expand your skillset within this role.
Ultimately, you should look for positions that help you grow, learn, and advance your career. Be sure to communicate this to your recruiter as well.
Top Question #2: How did this position become available?
Online job postings won't give you an idea of what happened to the previous employee in the position you’re interested in. But, a recruiter can!
By asking one of these top 10 questions to ask your recruiter, you’ll be more aware of whether the job is a newly-created position or a backfill. The recruiter may let you know whether the last employee left the company or was promoted internally.
A promotion is a good sign of increased opportunity within the organization.
Top Question #3: How long has this position been open?
Understanding how long a particular position has been open will give you valuable insights. The length of time will relate to how well the hiring process is going.
This is one of the top 10 questions to ask your recruiter. It will help you glean insight into likelihood of being hired for the position.
So, if the job was recently listed, you may have the privilege of being one of the first candidates interviewed. But, keep in mind that as an early applicant, this can lead to a longer hiring process.
During the hiring process, many managers prefer to see at minimum three or four potential candidates before selecting one for the final fit.
Try to relax, be confident in your abilities, and keep a calm, positive demeanor. Throughout the interview, the employer needs to feel as though you’re engaged and interested.
So, keep eye contact, use good posture, and feel free to talk with your hands to demonstrate enthusiasm and interest.
Top Question #4: What is turnover like for this position and company?
Another benefit of a recruiter is being able to ask some of the harder questions.
For instance, it's helpful to have an idea of the average amount of turnover at a company. But, that might not be a question that you would feel comfortable asking your interviewer.
So, touch base with your recruiter. Ask them what turnover looks like at the company you’re interested. Businesses with high turnover may present some challenges.
Ask this top 10 question before your interview. It will help you better evaluate whether the company is a good fit for you and a place that you would like to stay long-term.
Top Question #5: Why hasn’t this position been filled yet?
Having a clear idea as to why previous candidates were not selected will help you better understand what is important to the hiring manager.
For instance, your recruiter may inform you that the company rejected other applicants due to their lack of experience with the company's software system.
Now that you know this, you can make the effort to showcase your skills in this area on both your resume and during your interview.
Top Question #6: Which skills of mine should I highlight for this position?
Your recruiter will be able to inform you which qualifications the company and hiring manager values. With this, you’ll be able to structure your resume and cover letter to highlight these skills.
Additionally, understanding the required skills for the position will help you evaluate if you're well-suited to the job. If you don’t feel as though your skillset matches up, don’t worry! Just be honest with your recruiter.
They want to find the right fit for you just as much as you do.
Top Question #7: What is your relationship with the hiring manager?
Getting a good read on how well your recruiter knows this hiring manager will give you a better understanding of the recruiter's knowledge of the job.
Ideally, your recruiter is working directly with the hiring manager.
The closer the relationship between your recruiter and the hiring manager, the more likely you are to get an inside scoop.
Top Question #8: What should I expect within the company culture?
The culture of a company impacts close to every aspect of the workday.
For instance, an organization with a team-based culture will allow for more participation across different levels.
But, one with a more formal management style tends to keep projects more siloed.
When discussing this culture with your recruiter, take the time to consider your personal preferences.
That way, you can be sure that the business that you’re interviewing with is a good overall fit.
Top Question #9: Which types of interview questions does this hiring manager ask?
If your recruiter has a close relationship with the hiring manager, they can often provide you with examples of potential interview questions.
This can be helpful as you prepare to meet with the hiring manager. Your recruiter may even offer to conduct a practice interview with you.
A practice interview can you work out kinks in your responses. Your recruiter can also offer valuable feedback based on the hiring manager’s interviewing style.
Opportunities like these provides a unique chance to hone your overall interview skills while also preparing for the interview itself.
Top Question #10: Can you give more information on their overall hiring process?
Your recruiter will be able to explain the full interview process to you. That way, you will know what to expect.
They also can let you know “insider tips”. Like if there are multiple interviews before the company extends a job offer. Or the length of time you should expect to wait between calls.
Being able to understand the interview process from the beginning is an edge that you will never take for granted. Having this additional information will help you plan accordingly and wait patiently.
Looking for more interview resources?
Here’s some further reading to make sure you really nail your interview:
Common Mistakes That Will Keep You From Landing the Job
5 Job Search Tips That Are So Basic People Forget Them
How To Help Your Recruiter So That They Can Help You
What people say about our recruiters and recruiting process:
“I have worked with Gary and his team for over 20 years and have found them to be one of the best and most knowledgeable recruiters I’ve ever worked with. Their candidates are spot on, the follow up is impeccable, especially with their guaranteed replacements. You will not go wrong working with Peterson Consulting Group. I recommend them without hesitation.” – Jerry Miller, Exec VP Ames Construction, Inc
“Peterson Consulting Group and my recruiter Josh changed my life. You won’t feel like you’re working with a recruiter, you will feel like you’re working with a friend who has your best interest. I would say good luck in your job search but you won’t need it if you work with Josh. I’m 100% confident you will find what you’re looking for.”
– Bryan Scates
“We have known and worked with Gary for many decades and seen him be a true leader and teammate to the industry. Gary and his team are leaders in heavy civil placement through knowledge, networking and having a finger on the pulse of the industry. I’m proud to do business and highly recommend Gary and his team at Peterson Consulting Group for any construction recruiting needs. – George Wehner, Monks Construction
