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: Do you plan to continue looking for other job opportunities?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine if a candidate is truly interested in the position and the company or if they are just looking for any job.

    Sample Answer: I am very interested in this position and I am committed to the company. I have been looking for a career that will allow me to grow and develop professionally. I am confident that this position will provide me with the opportunity to do so.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Interest in the position
    • - Commitment to the company
    • - Desire to find a career

  • Question: Tell me about each position on your resume, how it pertains to this job, and why you left.
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine how well a candidate can relate their past experiences to the job at hand.

    Sample Answer: My resume highlights my experience as a recruiter, but I’d like to take a moment to discuss my experience as a sales representative. I was responsible for generating new business and maintaining existing relationships with clients. I was able to use my communication skills to build rapport with clients and close deals. I left the position because I wanted to pursue a career in recruiting that would allow me to use my communication skills in a more meaningful way.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Communication skills
    • - Ability to explain past roles
    • - Ability to explain past roles

  • Question: Why do you want to work in this industry?
  • Question Overview: This question allows you to determine the candidate’s interest in the industry and how they can contribute to the role.

    Sample Answer: I have always been fascinated by the impact that technology has on our lives. I love that I can work in an industry that is constantly evolving and changing. I am excited to be a part of an industry that is always looking for ways to improve and grow.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for the industry
    • - Desire to contribute
    • - Understanding of the industry

  • Question: What is your dream job?
  • Question Overview: This question lets you know how a candidate envisions their career as a recruiter.

    Sample Answer: My dream job is to be a recruiter at Company XYZ. I’ve always admired the company’s mission and values. I’m also impressed with the company’s history of promoting from within. I’ve always been a strong believer in the importance of developing from within and I’m confident that my experience and drive will help me succeed in this role.

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

  • Question: What was your high school experience like?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine the candidate’s level of maturity and how they interacted with others.

    Sample Answer: I was involved in many activities in high school, including Student Council, National Honor Society, and the Math Club. I was also a member of the track team and played on the tennis team. I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to Europe with my school’s Model United Nations team. Answer Description: This question helps determine the candidate’s level of maturity and how they interacted with others.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Maturity
    • - Interaction with others
    • - Leadership

  • Question: What attracts you to the media industry?
  • Question Overview: This question allows you to determine if the candidate is passionate about the industry they are recruiting for and how they can positively impact the role.

    Sample Answer: I’ve always been fascinated by the media industry. I’m drawn to the fast-paced environment, the constant change and the opportunity to help others. I’ve always been a strong communicator and I’m able to use my interpersonal skills to build relationships with candidates and hiring managers alike.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for industry
    • - Desire to help
    • - Knowledge of industry

  • Question: Why do you want to work for us?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine how well a candidate is informed about your company and how well they can articulate their interest in the position.

    Sample Answer: I’ve always been a fan of Company XYZ. I’ve read about your company’s history, I’ve seen your products in action and I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback from friends and family. I know that Company XYZ is a great place to work and I’m excited to be a part of the team.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of company
    • - Passion for the position
    • - Ability to articulat

  • Question: What is your greatest strength?
  • Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the candidate’s self-awareness and how they view their own strengths.

    Sample Answer: My greatest strength is my ability to remain calm and focused in stressful situations. I’ve learned that in recruiting, there are always obstacles to overcome. I’ve found that remaining positive and confident in my abilities helps me to remain focused on the task at hand.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Self-awareness
    • - Confidence
    • - Self-improvement

  • Question: What is your research experience?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine how well a candidate can identify and utilize information to help them succeed as a recruiter.

    Sample Answer: I’ve always been an avid researcher. In college, I was a member of the research team that helped develop a new drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease. I learned how to identify and locate information, as well as how to analyze and interpret data. My research skills have proven useful in my current role as a recruiter. I’ve used my research skills to identify trends in the job market, as well as locate candidates who are a good fit for open positions.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Research skills
    • - Ability to identify information
    • - How the candidate has used information in the past

  • Question: When would be a good time to connect with you?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine if the candidate is available to speak with you and when they are most likely to be available.

    Sample Answer: I am available most weekdays from 9am to 5pm. I am also available on weekends, but only in the morning. Answer Description: This question helps determine if the candidate is available to speak with you and when they are most likely to be available.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - When the candidate is available
    • - How the candidate communicates