Top Recruiter Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Recruiter interview by going through these most asked Recruiter interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: How important is money to you?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine how a candidate views compensation and their motivation to succeed.

    Sample Answer: Money is not my primary motivator. I’m driven by the desire to help others and to be successful in my career. I’m proud of my accomplishments and the value I bring to my company. I’m confident that my work ethic and passion for recruiting will help me achieve success.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - How the candidate views compensation
    • - How the candidate views success
    • - How the candidate views their career

  • Question: How many positions have you handled at most?
  • Question Overview: This question determines how well a candidate can handle multiple tasks and responsibilities.

    Sample Answer: I’ve handled as many as 20 positions at one time. I’ve learned to prioritize my time and tasks to ensure that I’m meeting the needs of all candidates. I make sure that I’m able to respond to all candidates in a timely manner, even if it means taking a break from other tasks or delegating responsibilities.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to multitask
    • - Prioritization
    • - Time management

  • Question: How do you find people when you are looking for a specific candidate?
  • Question Overview: This question determines how the candidate finds candidates and how they leverage their network to find the best talent.

    Sample Answer: I leverage my network to find candidates. I’ve always been a strong networker, and I’m proud to say that I have a large network of contacts. I also use social media outlets like LinkedIn to find candidates. I’ve found that posting job openings on LinkedIn is a great way to reach passive candidates who are not actively looking for a job.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Networking skills
    • - Ability to find talent
    • - How they leverage their network

  • Question: What do you think is important in a good recruiter?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine how well the candidate understands the role of a recruiter and how they can positively impact the role.

    Sample Answer: A good recruiter is one who is able to build relationships with candidates and hiring managers alike. I believe that a recruiter should be able to listen to a candidate’s needs, understand their motivations and help them find a position that fits their career goals. I also believe that a recruiter should be able to listen to a hiring manager’s needs, understand their motivations and help them find a candidate that fits their team.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of role
    • - Desire to succeed
    • - How they can positively impact the role

  • Question: Why are you interested in this position?
  • Question Overview: This question allows the recruiter to assess the candidate’s interest in the position and how well they understand the role.

    Sample Answer: I’m very interested in this position because I believe my experience as a recruiter will be a great asset to your company. I’ve been successful at building relationships with candidates and hiring managers, and I believe my ability to listen and communicate effectively will help me build a strong rapport with your team.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of the position
    • - Interest in the role
    • - How the candidate can contribute to the role

  • Question: What are you looking for in a company?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine what motivates a candidate to accept a position and how their motivations can positively impact the role.

    Sample Answer: I’m looking for a company that is willing to invest in its employees. I want to work for a company that values its employees and provides opportunities for growth. I want to work for a company that is willing to invest in its employees. I want to work for a company that values its employees and provides opportunities for growth.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Desire to succeed
    • - Desire to help others
    • - Desire to grow

  • Question: How do you think your previous work experience relates to this position?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine how well a candidate can identify how their previous experiences can be applied to the role.

    Sample Answer: My previous experience as a recruiter has provided me with the opportunity to work with a variety of candidates. I’ve learned that each candidate has different needs and wants, and I’ve gained the ability to adapt my approach to meet their individual needs. I’ve also learned that the best way to help a candidate is to listen and understand their needs.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to reflect
    • - Consideration put into the decision
    • - How their past experiences can help

  • Question: Where are you from originally?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine if the candidate is familiar with the area and if they have a network of contacts in the area.

    Sample Answer: I was born and raised in the Midwest. I’ve lived in the same city my entire life.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of area
    • - Familiarity with area
    • - Network of contacts in area

  • Question: How would you show that Google's cubicles promote efficiency?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to determine how well a candidate can think on their feet and how they can use their knowledge to support a position.

    Sample Answer: Google’s cubicles promote efficiency by allowing employees to work independently. The open layout allows employees to easily communicate with each other and collaborate on projects. The ability to work independently also allows employees to work at their own pace and take breaks when needed.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of Google
    • - Ability to think on feet
    • - Ability to support position

  • Question: What would you like to do in your career?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine how a candidate’s career goals align with the role.

    Sample Answer: I want to continue to grow as a recruiter, and I see myself in a director-level role within the next five years. I’d like to continue to develop my skills and expertise in the area of social media recruiting and lead a team of recruiters. I’d also like to help develop and implement new recruiting strategies that will help my company attract top talent.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Career goals
    • - How the candidate’s goals align with the role
    • - How the candidate’s goals align with the company’s goals

  • Question: What are your strengths/weaknesses?
  • Question Overview: This question is a classic interview question, but it is important for a recruiter to determine how a candidate views their own strengths and weaknesses.

    Sample Answer: My strengths as a recruiter are my ability to listen and communicate effectively. I pride myself on being able to communicate effectively with candidates and hiring managers alike. My weakness is that I sometimes get so caught up in the excitement of a new opportunity that I fail to see the bigger picture.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Self-awareness
    • - Ability to identify strengths and weaknesses
    • - Self-improvement

  • Question: What is your current job status?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine if the candidate is actively seeking employment or if they are simply interviewing to keep their options open.

    Sample Answer: I am currently employed as a recruiter at Company XYZ. I am looking for a new position because I feel that my career has plateaued and I am ready for a new challenge.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Current job status
    • - Why they are looking for a new position

  • Question: How do you source candidates?
  • Question Overview: The methods a candidate uses to source candidates can help determine how effective they are at identifying and attracting top talent.

    Sample Answer: I utilize a variety of methods to source candidates, including social media, networking and job boards. I’ve found that using a combination of these methods helps me reach a broader audience. For example, I recently attended a networking event where I met a candidate who was looking for a new opportunity. I followed up with him via email and phone to schedule an interview.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Methods used
    • - How the candidate has used those methods to generate results
    • - How the candidate has used those methods to generate results

  • Question: How long do you plan to stay with us?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine how long a candidate plans to stay with a company and how their goals align with the company’s.

    Sample Answer: I plan to stay with Company XYZ for as long as I can contribute to the success of the company. I am driven by my desire to help others succeed and my passion for recruiting. I believe that my career as a recruiter will be successful as long as I continue to learn and grow, and I am confident that Company XYZ will provide me with the opportunities to do so.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Long-term goals
    • - Desire to succeed

  • Question: What are your past experiences?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine how a candidate’s past experiences can positively impact the role.

    Sample Answer: I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of companies and industries, including Company XYZ. I’ve learned a lot about what makes a company successful and how to build relationships with candidates. I’ve also learned how to adapt to different personalities and styles of management.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Past experiences
    • - How past experiences can positively impact the role

  • Question: What are some of the strategies you use while sourcing candidates?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine how a candidate identifies and attracts top talent.

    Sample Answer: I’ve found that the best way to attract top talent is to be where the candidates are. I’m active on social media and use it to connect with candidates who are seeking new opportunities. I also attend career fairs and networking events to meet candidates face-to-face. I’ve found that the best way to attract top talent is to be where the candidates are. I’m active on social media and use it to connect with candidates who are seeking new opportunities. I also attend career fairs and networking events to meet candidates face-to-face.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Communication skills
    • - Knowledge of candidate sources
    • - Ability to adapt

  • Question: What is your attitude towards money?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine how a candidate views money and how it can impact their career as a recruiter.

    Sample Answer: Money is a necessity in life, but it should never be the driving force behind a career. I’ve seen too many people lose sight of what they truly enjoy and value in life because they’re chasing a paycheck. I’m fortunate to have found a career that I truly enjoy and that I feel is making a difference in the lives of others.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Attitude towards money
    • - How money can impact the candidate’s career

  • Question: How do you go about doing your job?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to determine how a candidate goes about their job and what they do to ensure success.

    Sample Answer: I’m a big believer in the 80/20 rule. In recruiting, 80% of your time should be spent on activities that generate results, while 20% is spent on activities that generate leads. I’ve found that the most effective way to spend my time is to spend 80% of my time on activities that generate results, like networking and researching candidates, and 20% on activities that generate leads, like posting jobs on job boards and social media sites.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - How the candidate goes about their job
    • - How the candidate ensures success

  • Question: Would you rather make 70k at a 9-5 job or 100k at a 9-9 job?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to determine how the candidate views their career and how they approach their work.

    Sample Answer: I’ve always been a hard worker and have never shied away from long hours. I’m willing to put in the time to make sure that I’m doing my job well and that my company is successful. I believe that a 9-5 job is not conducive to success. I want to be challenged and rewarded for my efforts. I want to be able to provide for my family and ensure that they are taken care of. I’m willing to work hard for the 100k at a 9-9 job.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for career
    • - Desire to succeed
    • - Work ethic

  • Question: What is the worst thing that happened to you at work?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine how a candidate responds to adversity.

    Sample Answer: I was working with a candidate who was very interested in a position. I had been in contact with him for several weeks and was excited to meet him in person. When I arrived at his office, he was not there. I called his cell phone and left a message. He never returned my call. I was upset and disappointed. I immediately called him back and left a message apologizing for missing him and asking him to call me back. I also sent an email. The next day, he called me back and apologized for missing our meeting. He said he had been out of town on business and had not checked his messages. He said he would be in touch with me soon about the position. He followed up with me later that day and we scheduled an interview for the following week. He was offered the position and accepted it.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Response
    • - How the candidate handled the situation
    • - How the candidate learned from the experience