Questions to Ask a Staffing Agency Recruiter
Smart questions to understand pay structure, job fit, contract terms, and how staffing agencies can support your career goals.
1What is the pay rate or salary range for this position, and is it negotiable?
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What is the pay rate or salary range for this position, and is it negotiable?
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Why this works
Establishes comp expectations upfront and whether there's room to negotiate.
2Is this a temporary, temp-to-perm, or direct-hire position?
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Is this a temporary, temp-to-perm, or direct-hire position?
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Why this works
Clarifies job type and whether there's potential for permanent placement.
3What is the expected duration of the assignment if it's a contract role?
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What is the expected duration of the assignment if it's a contract role?
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Why this works
Helps you plan financially and understand timeline before committing.
4What benefits are included—health insurance, PTO, retirement, or other perks?
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What benefits are included—health insurance, PTO, retirement, or other perks?
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Why this works
Reveals total compensation and whether benefits offset lower base pay.
5How does the conversion process work if this is a temp-to-perm role?
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How does the conversion process work if this is a temp-to-perm role?
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Why this works
Clarifies criteria, timeline, and whether conversion is guaranteed or discretionary.
6What is the work schedule, and is overtime expected or available?
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What is the work schedule, and is overtime expected or available?
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Why this works
Sets expectations for hours and whether you can earn additional income through OT.
7Can you tell me more about the company culture and team I'd be working with?
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Can you tell me more about the company culture and team I'd be working with?
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Why this works
Provides context on fit and whether the environment aligns with your preferences.
8Why is this position open, and how long has it been vacant?
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Why is this position open, and how long has it been vacant?
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Why this works
Reveals turnover patterns and whether the role has been hard to fill for a reason.
9What are the must-have skills versus nice-to-have skills for this role?
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What are the must-have skills versus nice-to-have skills for this role?
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Why this works
Helps you assess fit and whether you meet the core requirements.
10How quickly does the client want to fill this position?
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How quickly does the client want to fill this position?
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Why this works
Clarifies urgency and whether you'll need to move fast or have time to evaluate.
11What does the interview process look like, and how many rounds should I expect?
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What does the interview process look like, and how many rounds should I expect?
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Why this works
Sets expectations for time investment and helps you prepare accordingly.
12What is the commute or work location, and is remote or hybrid an option?
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What is the commute or work location, and is remote or hybrid an option?
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Why this works
Ensures logistics are feasible and aligns with your work style preferences.
13How does the staffing agency support candidates during the assignment—check-ins, feedback, career coaching?
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How does the staffing agency support candidates during the assignment—check-ins, feedback, career coaching?
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Why this works
Reveals whether the agency will be an active partner or hands-off once you're placed.
14What happens if the assignment ends early or the client isn't satisfied?
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What happens if the assignment ends early or the client isn't satisfied?
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Why this works
Clarifies risk and whether the agency will help you find another role quickly.
15Are there other opportunities you think I'd be a good fit for if this one doesn't work out?
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Are there other opportunities you think I'd be a good fit for if this one doesn't work out?
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Why this works
Shows the recruiter's commitment to your broader career and pipeline of roles.
16What training or onboarding will be provided when I start?
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What training or onboarding will be provided when I start?
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Why this works
Ensures you'll be set up for success and not thrown into the deep end.
17How is performance evaluated, and who will I report to—the agency or the client?
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How is performance evaluated, and who will I report to—the agency or the client?
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Why this works
Clarifies reporting structure and how feedback will be delivered.
18What percentage of your placements convert to full-time if it's temp-to-perm?
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What percentage of your placements convert to full-time if it's temp-to-perm?
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Why this works
Assesses the agency's track record and whether conversion is realistic.
19Are there any skills or certifications I should pursue to be more competitive for future roles?
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Are there any skills or certifications I should pursue to be more competitive for future roles?
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Why this works
Invites coaching and shows you're thinking long-term about your career.
20What's the next step in the process, and when should I expect to hear back?
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What's the next step in the process, and when should I expect to hear back?
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Why this works
Sets clear expectations and shows professionalism in managing the timeline.
Working Effectively with Staffing Agencies
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.