Recruiters are a great source of information about job openings, company culture, and the hiring process. Before you go to an interview, it's important to know everything you can about the position and the company. Here are nine smart questions to ask recruiters before your interview:
1. Do you work for the hiring company?
There are two types of recruiters out there, and it's important to know the difference. An internal recruiter works exclusively with the company that's hiring, while an external recruiter works as a third-party entity, acting as a go-between for the hiring company and the job candidates.
Knowing the difference will help inform the questions you ask — and will even provide context about the answers you receive. For example, an internal recruiter might have more information about the company's culture, but with an external recruiter, you might end your conversation by asking about any additional job opportunities.
2. What is the company culture like?
Understanding the culture of a company is crucial to determine if it's a good fit for you. The best way to do this is to study a company's website and poke around social media, but it can be difficult to pick up the vibe from behind a screen.
So if you've got a recruiter on the phone, why not ask? A recruiter should be able to provide some additional insight and color. Ask the recruiter about the work environment, management style, and team dynamics.
3. What are the primary responsibilities of the role?
You may have a general idea of what the job entails, but it's important to get specific information on the day-to-day responsibilities. This will help you prepare for the interview and understand the expectations of the role.
4. What are the most important skills for the position?
Knowing the key skills required for the job will help you focus your preparation for the interview. It's also important to see if your skills align with what the company is looking for.
5. What is the hiring process like?
Recruiters can give insight into the hiring process from start to finish. Understanding the steps involved can help you mentally prepare and stay organized during the process.
6. How does the company support professional development?
Asking about professional development opportunities shows that you are invested in your career growth. Recruiters may provide information on training programs, workshops, or mentorship opportunities.
7. What types of interview questions shall I expect?
Some recruiters will offer to set up a mock interview with you so you can feel prepared for the real one. Always accept this offer if you're available. This can help alleviate those day-of nerves.
If this isn't the case, you can always ask if there are certain questions you should prepare for ahead of time. If the answer is no, that's OK — it never hurts to ask.
8. What do employees enjoy most about working for the company?
This question can help you gauge employee satisfaction and how well the company lives up to its values. It can also help you identify areas that are particularly attractive to potential employees.
9. What is the timeline for making a decision?
Knowing the timeline for decision-making can help you plan your next steps. It also shows that you are organized and interested in moving forward in the process.
Any other questions about the process along the way? The recruiter will likely remain your go-to contact for anything you need. Overall, asking these smart questions can help you stand out as a thoughtful and proactive candidate who is invested in the job and the company.
Got advice from a recruiter, but still feel overwhelmed with the interview process? Our expert Interview coaches can guide you through.
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