Questions to Ask Recruiters During a Phone Screen?

We know you’ve already spent time preparing answers to common questions recruiters ask candidates. After, they can easily be found online:

• Why are you looking to leave your current company?
• What are your salary expectations?
• Why are you interested in this role?

But have you spent any time thinking about what questions YOU should ask the recruiter?

While many candidates don’t prepare questions to ask on these preliminary screening calls, it doesn’t mean you should not ignore them altogether. As a matter of fact, this could be a big mistake.

This is your chance to demonstrate genuine interest in the company and role, determine if it’s the right fit for you, and gather intel to ace future interviews.

Ask Strategic Questions From Recruiters

What questions should you have teed up to ask the recruiter? Here are 7 savvy questions to choose from:

1. When does your client hope to have someone in place?

This question not only gives you an idea of the urgency behind filling the role but also signals that you’re interested in understanding the client’s top priorities and how quickly they want to move.

2. Is this a newly created position or a backfill?

There are strategic reasons for asking this:

• If it’s a new role due to growth, that indicates the company is expanding. You’ll be able to get additional context around new products, services, markets, etc they are moving into. Most importantly, new positions oftentimes have senior people in-house who can onboard and guide you through any questions.
• If it’s a backfill, understanding why the previous employee left can give you insight into company culture, leadership changes, etc. And can even serve as a warning that the client company is not a great place to work, or they have less than stellar management team. One warning – sometimes taking the place of someone who suddenly left can have “challenges”.

3. What qualifications is the hiring team actually seeking?

Pay attention to the recruiter’s response. This is your chance to highlight where your background, skills, and interests align with what the hiring manager is looking for.

4. What concerns does your client have about filling this position?

Listen closely to understand the hiring manager’s top worries, objections, or “must haves” for this role. Then get ready to directly address them in future interviews. This question shows the recruiter you aim to make their job easier!

5. What are the steps in the interview process?

Understanding the next steps, stakeholders you’ll meet with and timing gives you a chance to get aligned on expectations. At the same time, asking about the process signals that you’re interested in moving forward.

6. Is there anything that gives you hesitation about my background for this position?

Smart question to ask at the end of an interview to uncover any reservations or red flags you’ll want to proactively address. This gives you a chance to highlight why you’re a fit.

7. Do you have any other questions about my experience that I can answer?

Opens the door for the recruiter to voice concerns or gather clarification. You demonstrate confidence by offering to provide more detail and reassure them you’ve got the skills to succeed.

Bottom line, going into a recruiter screen armed with thoughtful questions positions you as an interested, strategic candidate. And helps you gather crucial intel for the interview process.

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Software Recruiters

Questions For Recruiters FAQs

How long should I expect a phone screen with a recruiter to last?

Plan for a recruiter phone screen to last 20-30 minutes. That allows enough time for the recruiter to gather information on your background and interests, provide an overview of the role, and answer any questions you have.

How should I prepare for a recruiter phone screen?

• Research the open position, hiring manager, and company so you can speak knowledgeably.
• Review your resume and refresh yourself on key accomplishments and projects.
• Prepare answers for common recruiter screening questions.
• Lastly, draft a list of 4-5 strategic questions you want to ask the recruiter.