A recruiter can be an important advocate for you during the interview process and help you achieve your professional goals. The key, however, lies in building a good rapport.

When the interview comes to a close, don’t give your recruiter the silent treatment. This list of interview questions will help you build your relationship with your recruiter and create a dialogue that benefits both of you.

1. WHAT WAS IT ABOUT MY RESUME THAT PIQUED YOUR INTEREST?

There was obviously something about your resume that made you stand out to the recruiter. Asking this question will help you gauge what skills are the most important markers of success in this role.

2. IS THIS A NEW ROLE, OR IS IT A BACKFILL?

There’s no right or wrong answer to look for here, but asking this interview question will give you a better idea of job expectations and the history of the position. Keep in mind: a new role will likely require the development of a brand new compensation package, so salary negotiations may take a bit longer.

3. HOW LONG HAS THIS ROLE BEEN OPEN?

The length of time a position has been open can be indicative of a couple of different things.

1: If the role has been open for a short amount of time, prepare yourself for additional time during the interview process. Most managers like to meet with a few potential candidates, so this could potentially draw out your timeline.

2: If the role has been open for quite some time, you might have a bigger problem on your hands. A long time-to-fill might be due to a picky hiring manager, undesirable job requirements, or a challenging skill set required for the role. Use the other questions in this list to start digging into the “why” if this is the case.

4. WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE HIRING MANAGER?

Recruiters have a unique understanding of the objectives and culture of the hiring company. Use this insight to your advantage to better understand the hiring manager’s priorities and personality style. Doing so will help you decide what areas of your skills and experience to highlight if you move on to the next phase of the interview.

5. WHAT’S YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH THIS HIRING COMPANY?

The best agency recruiters tend to have deep connections with the companies that they hire on behalf of. Interview questions like this will tell you how knowledgeable the recruiter is about the company, its history, and how open their line of communication is.

6. WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE COMPANY’S CULTURE?

We all know that culture is king in today’s tight labor market. Ask your recruiter a couple interview questions their impression of the company’s culture so you can begin to decide whether this organization is the right fit for you.

7. WHAT DOES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT LOOK LIKE AT THIS COMPANY?

If growth is on your mind, be sure to sneak in a question about the opportunity for internal mobility. This question is especially important if you’re looking for a role with longevity.

8. WHAT ARE SOME REASONS OTHER CANDIDATES HAVEN’T BEEN SELECTED?

The initial conversation with your recruiter is the perfect time to get the lowdown on the skills or traits other candidates exhibited that halted them in the process. A hiring manager likely won’t be as apt to answer later on, so use this time to understand what mistakes to avoid.

9. WHAT DOES THE REST OF THE HIRING PROCESS LOOK LIKE?

Try to lean in to your recruiter’s knowledge of the hiring company and how they operate during the interview process. Asking this question upfront demonstrates that you’re eager to move forward in the process. It will also help you understand the timeline and mindset of the hiring company so you can be prepared for what’s to come.

To take a step forward in your career or discuss any other recruitment matter, contact EG. info@eg-us.com