Qs to ask your recruiter before interview
A top recruiter is a gold mine of information on positions you’re applying for. They have valuable insights. They provide sound advice and ideas. The best are there for you and want you to perform well.
It’s worth meeting with your recruiter before an interview to uncover answers to key questions you may be asked.
If you’re using face2face Recruitment, you’ll know we’re proactive in coaching before interviews to prepare you as best as possible. If you’re not using us and haven’t heard from your recruiter as you inch toward the big day, here are the top questions we believe you’ll benefit from asking.
What nuts and bolts do I need to know about?
To be well-armed and confident, it’s essential to get the interview nuts and bolts (logistics) sorted. This includes:
- mandatory details like date, time, location, duration and format (face-to-face, video or other format)
- suggestions on correct attire (suit and tie, or less formal)
- whether you’ll need to complete assessment testing
- whether there’s anything you need to take with you.
Have you been pitched to the client?
Our recruiters are in touch with employers regularly. Discussions are often ongoing, including on potential candidates. We also have long-term, well-established relationships with many employers and know them in-depth.
It’s wise to take advantage of this by asking your recruiter if you’ve been presented to the potential employer and, if so, in what way. Is there anything you need to know? Anything you can prepare for?
Who will be interviewing you?
It’s critical to gain perspective on who will interview you, so you’re not caught off guard. It’s always comforting to have some background before walking into the interview room. With this detail, you can head to the company’s website in advance to see if there are photos or information of interest online.
Think about these types of questions:
Will you be interviewed by an individual or a panel?
Who is involved?
What is their position and/or level?
Are there insights on their personality type or interview style (relaxed, formal, high-level, detailed)?
What skills, experience and qualities are of value?
Yes, you’ve submitted your resume, but it doesn’t hurt to explore the skills, experience and qualities the potential employer is looking for. The employer or hiring manager may have shared details with your recruiter, so definitely ask the question.
Ask about questions exploring your hard (technical), soft (personality) skills and transferrable skills. Ask about mandatory skills and desirable ones. Also discuss with your recruiter how to work around skills the job description refers to that you may not have.
Read more:
Transferable skills: What you need to know
Soft vs hard skills: Care about the difference
Why is the role open?
It’s always great to understand if the role is new or existing and now vacant.
Ask your recruiter if internal candidates are in the mix, and if someone is already acting in the role (if so, for how long).
Your recruiter might even have insights on whether the position was vacated voluntarily or involuntarily. If involuntarily, you may be able to discover the reason. If it was lack of cultural fit, for example, emphasising how you can add value to the organisation’s culture is key.
What type of role is it?
Does the role involve being a member of a team? An independent operator? A mix of both?
While this may be covered at a high level in the job advertisement or description, your recruiter may have another layer of information to share.
Don’t be shy about asking for specifics. If it’s a team membership position, how big is the team? How does the team perform (style of operation)?
What is the salary?
No doubt you’ve already chatted to your recruiter about salary and/or noted the range in the job advertisement or description.
Chat about your comfort levels with the salary. If, for example, you think it’s low, does your recruiter know if there’s wiggle room?
How will your performance be measured?
It’s important to understand, before the interview, how you’ll be measured on your performance if you get the role, if this information is available.
Will you be expected to meet tight deadlines? Strict KPIs? Multi-task in a high-volume, fast-paced environment?
This can help you decide if you want to proceed to interview. If you’re not comfortable with set KPIs, for example, the role may not be for you …
What steps are involved in the recruitment process?
Understanding the steps involved in the recruitment process will give you perspective on what will happen after the interview. This can save you from stressing over issues like timelines and will help you manage your expectations.
Want to learn more about how to perform your best at interview?
22 most frequently asked interview qs
Scored an interview? Steps for staying calm
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