6 Questions to Ask Recruiters Before an Interview 

Many interviewees prepare for an interview by looking up everything they might be asked without considering what questions to ask recruiters before an interview. 

We asked Olha Madych, Lead Recruiter, EPAM, about the appropriate questions to ask while you get ready for your first interview. Take a look and prepare for your big day with confidence. 

Key questions to ask before an interview with a recruiter 

Working with a recruiter gives you exposure to their professional thoughts and suggestions. 

Recruiters aim to identify the best prospects for their candidates. Therefore, they frequently have a clear understanding of what it takes to be an impressive applicant for that organization. Here are some key questions to ask a recruiter before an interview so that you have everything you need before you go in. 

1. How does the interviewing process work? 

While prepping for an interview with a company, it’s crucial to understand their interview procedure, including the number of interviews and required tests of assessments. 

Olha Madych, Lead Recruiter, EPAM, highly recommends gathering information about the interview process, the structure and types of interviews, the duration of each stage and the expected timeline for receiving feedback. Knowing these specifics allows you to manage personal schedules effectively and omit uncertainty throughout the process.   

“It's important to clarify the communication channels for receiving feedback and maintaining communication with a responsible Talent Acquisition (TA) specialist. In doing so, you can ensure that messages regarding the hiring process will not be lost.”  

2. How quickly does the company need to fill the position? 

The answer to this question provides you with a timetable for when the organization needs personnel. Do they intend to recruit someone in the coming days, weeks or months? This information will assist you in determining which interviews to prioritize.  

3. How long have you been with the organization? 

In your questions, try to understand the relationship between the recruiter and the company. The more time the recruiter has spent working with the prospective employer, the more knowledge they should have about them. They should have a strong awareness of their management style, how they handle people and the organization's culture. 

4. Who is the best candidate for this position? 

You might ask the recruiter to outline the company's ideal applicant. You can look at the job description, but the recruiter will likely have more information. Take extensive notes and ask follow-up questions. You can use the information offered to decide whether or not this position is a suitable fit for you — and it may even affect your responses to future interview questions. 

5. How would you define the team with whom I'll be working? 

This question can help you learn more about the team you'll interact with daily. Some teams may have their own customs, so inquire about the team and the overall organization. Hopefully, you'll leave with a sense of the team's size, how you'll fit in and some facts like average working hours and the team’s overall direction. 

6. What do most individuals who hold this position go on to do? 

Discovering what others in the job have gone on to do later will provide context for the abilities you'll gain in the function, especially if it appears to be a transitory role, and whether the company has a history of internally promoting people.  

What do the questions you ask a recruiter say about you? 

Talking to a recruiter and asking questions, whether before or during a screen interview, is a chance for you to get more information from them. 

However, they don’t exactly work for you — rather, they are looking to hire the best person for the job. Because of that, they will be seeking to gauge your abilities and compare you with the job description and other candidates. Asking thoughtful questions will help them single out your most prominent soft skills. When mentioning your background, you can highlight a case where you showcased determination or proactiveness to benefit the project. 

These are not all of the things a recruiter may deduce from talking to you. Other considerations include your manners, how you speak and how your questions are posed. 

If you ask relevant and well-thought-out questions, the recruiter will find you memorable and be prompted to engage with you more than if you only take questions and pose none. 

Browse and apply for our open tech jobs today. We look forward to working with you!