5 Questions to Ask a Recruiter Before an Interview

Knowing which questions to ask a recruiter before an interview can help you not only ace the interview — it can also help you pick an employer that best fits your needs and lifestyle.

Effective recruiters aren’t just trying to fill an open position. They’re also hoping to find a good match for both the candidate and the employer. So don’t be afraid to ask a recruiter as many questions as you have about the job, the company and the entire interview process.

If you’re unsure of where to start, consider these expert-recommended questions to ask a recruiter before an interview.

1. How long has the position been available?

Has the position been open for five minutes? Five months? If it’s the latter, you may be interviewing for a position with unique challenges or job responsibilities, according to the employment website Indeed.

And a position that’s been open for a year or more might be a red flag, according to Apollo Technical, an engineering staffing firm. In that case, the employer may be expecting too much of the candidate for too little compensation, according to Apollo Technical's website.

If the role has only recently become available, that’s good to know, too. You may be one of the first applicants and interviewees, which could translate into a relatively long interview process. That’s because many companies prefer to interview multiple candidates before making a decision, per Indeed.

» MORE: 11 signs an interview might have gone badly

2. How is the interview process structured?

No two job interviews are the same, and having a clear understanding of the upcoming process can help you more effectively prepare, says Johnny Roccia, director of career services at Ama La Vida, a career and life coaching firm.

“Is this going to be seven rounds? Are there panel interviews? It’s helpful to know what the interview structure is,” Roccia says.

Roccia also encourages candidates to focus on interview-specific questions about the format or length or hiring timeline, as many recruiters don’t have much insight into the inner workings of the company.

3. What’s helpful to know about the hiring manager?

If you get the sense that the recruiter actually does know the hiring manager — and it doesn't hurt to ask — Indeed recommends asking about their personality traits.

Will you be interviewing with a buttoned-up professional or somebody who prefers to keep things casual? Do they gravitate toward serious straightforward candidates, or are they looking for somebody super personable?

Knowing the answers to questions like these can help you tailor your approach — or potentially help you determine whether you’d be a good fit for the role.

» MORE: How to withdraw from the job interview process

4. What do you know about the employer’s development programs?

A company’s professional development programs could benefit you at any stage in your career. Particularly if you're new to the workforce, development opportunities are often “such rich opportunities to learn and grow,” says Shonna Waters, vice president of executive advisory at BetterUp, a behavioral career coaching company.

A study conducted during the fourth quarter of 2020 by Randstad, an international human resources firm, found that 80% of companies with 10,000 or more workers view employee development as “a must-have in today’s changing business landscape.” So given these types of programs’ significance to career development, and to employers, it’s worth asking if recruiters know anything about the employer’s offerings.

Some examples of professional development could look like attending industry conferences, job shadowing and career coaching, as well as mentorships and assistance with paying for graduate school or a professional certification, according to Indeed.

Of course, your recruiter may have limited insights on this topic. In that case, consider asking the recruiter to reach out to the employer and get back to you with that information.

5. What kind of people has the company typically preferred?

It’s a slightly more creative way of asking, “What’s the ideal candidate for the role,” though that’s a good one to add to the list, too. But asking specifically about the characteristics of successful candidates can serve as “an open door to get some intel,” Waters says.

She also recommends asking about “particular pain points or preferences” of either the company or the hiring manager. These could range from the manager being particularly adamant about timeliness, to enforcing a strict dress code. Knowing those may help you understand how to approach the interview and figure out whether the company’s a good fit.

Bonus: a question for yourself

Finally, before reaching out to the recruiter, candidates should take time for “self-reflection on what's the most important,” Waters says. She suggests they consider, “what their ideal scenario is in terms of the environment, what their priorities are, compensation packages and things like that.”

A recruiter’s job is to connect good candidates with jobs they’re excited about, so think about what activities would get you pumped to go to work, such as public speaking, organizing events or working with large groups. Then, ask the recruiter if this role would provide you with the opportunities you're looking for.

» MORE: How to turn down a job recruiter

Consider your deal-breakers, too. Is it crucial that you’re able to telecommute sometimes, for example, or work independently most of the time? Checking in with the recruiter about your own potential pain points can help you avoid taking a job where you wouldn’t thrive.

For some help identifying a job where you would flourish, Waters suggests that candidates consider what’s worked for them (or hasn’t) in previous roles.