Questions to Ask Recruiters

by Wayne Ripley - Oct 30, 2009

Choosing a recruiter is not unlike choosing a realtor to sell your house. You need to be thoughtful and make sure the one(s) selected can actually help you. Merely sending a resume to a recruiter and waiting for a response is likely to be a waste of time and paper. Interview a prospective recruiter to insure that he/she is familiar with your industry and profession as well as your geographical and salary preferences.

Talk directly to the recruiter, preferably in person or on the telephone if necessary. Introduce yourself and provide a brief description of your background and experience. Then ask the following questions:

1. Do you work with people who have my background?
   
   
2. When is the last time you placed someone with my background?
   
   
3. How will you go about marketing me? Preferably you want a recruiter who will be proactive in getting your resume out to potential employers?
   
   
4. Do you have relationships with any particular companies that might need someone with my background? But don’t expect the recruiter to give you the names of those companies.
    
5. How often will I hear from you?
    
6. What do you think of my resume?
    
7. Are my salary requirements realistic?
    
8. Will I be expected to pay for your services? You should never pay a recruiter. They are paid by the company. But, while this is generally understood, it’s best to confirm it.
    
9. What is the next step?

You represent a commission to a recruiter. Although, he/she is paid by the company, without you (or another well-qualified candidate) there is no commission. If he/she is unwilling to take 15 minutes to answer the above questions that may suggest a passive approach on their part.