Questions to Ask a Recruiter to Stand Out
During a job interview, you’re not the only one in the hot seat. At the end of the meeting, the recruiter will turn the tables and let you ask the questions.
Inquiring about vacation days and work hours won’t make a good impression. Not only do shallow questions send the message you’re more interested in the paycheck than the job, they also keep you from learning key information to help you gauge your fit.
Stand out from the crowd by asking questions that show you mean business.
Is this a newly created position? If not, can you tell me where the previous employee went and describe them a little?
This multifaceted question can accomplish so much. It will indicate if the company is currently in growth mode — i.e., a new position — or explain what happened to the person who previously held the job. You might find out the former occupant was promoted or they couldn’t handle the long hours associated with the position.
Asking the interviewer to describe the previous employee shows you’re serious about the job because you want to find out what the two of you have in common.
How is performance assessed and how often is it evaluated?
It’s important to learn how the company measures success, to make sure their definition aligns with your own. This will stand out to a recruiter because it shows you’re trying to determine whether you’re the right fit. Taking it a step further and asking how often performance is measured indicates you welcome feedback as a way to learn and grow.
What are the company’s plans for growth in the next five years?
Recruiters want a candidate interested in both the company and the opportunity. Expressing an interest in the direction the organization is headed shows this is a place you’d like to build a future. Their response will also give you an idea of what you’d be in for if hired, so you can decide if you’re excited about what’s in store for the business.
If hired, how will I be trained?
Most job seekers don’t even think about new hire training until they’ve been offered the job. This question demonstrates your desire to succeed, if hired. These insights will allow you to determine if the training process is robust enough to foster success, and the recruiter will be impressed you’re trying to envision yourself in the job already.
How would you define the company culture?
Responsible candidates know finding the right company is actually even more important than the right job. The recruiter will be pleased you asked this question, because it displays your understanding of cultural fit and desire to make sure you’d mesh with the organization before accepting the job. Their response can either confirm you’re in the right place or keep you from making a huge mistake.
Employers aren’t the only ones who work with recruiters. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you find your next behavioral health position, contact us today at (513) 651-9500 or by email at [email protected].