Questions to Ask Agency Recruiters
Strategic questions to ask staffing and recruitment agency recruiters about their process, client relationships, job specifics, representation, and fees to ensure they're a good partner in your job search.
1What types of roles and industries do you specialize in?
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What types of roles and industries do you specialize in?
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Why this works
Ensures they have relevant expertise and client relationships in your field.
2Do you work on a contingency or retained basis with clients?
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Do you work on a contingency or retained basis with clients?
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Why this works
Reveals their business model and how motivated they are to place you quickly.
3Can you tell me about the specific companies and roles you're recruiting for right now?
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Can you tell me about the specific companies and roles you're recruiting for right now?
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Why this works
Assesses whether they have active opportunities matching your goals.
4How long have you been working with this client, and how many placements have you made there?
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How long have you been working with this client, and how many placements have you made there?
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Why this works
Gauges strength of relationship and insight into company culture and hiring.
5What's your process for vetting candidates and matching them to roles?
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What's your process for vetting candidates and matching them to roles?
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Why this works
Shows whether they'll invest time understanding your fit or just blast your resume.
6Will you submit my resume to companies without my explicit approval first?
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Will you submit my resume to companies without my explicit approval first?
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Why this works
Protects you from being submitted to roles or companies you're not interested in.
7How do you prepare candidates for interviews with your clients?
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How do you prepare candidates for interviews with your clients?
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Why this works
Reveals level of support and insider knowledge they'll share to help you succeed.
8What feedback have you received from clients about candidates for this role?
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What feedback have you received from clients about candidates for this role?
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Why this works
Surfaces what the hiring manager is really looking for beyond the job description.
9Are there any concerns about my background or fit that we should address?
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Are there any concerns about my background or fit that we should address?
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Why this works
Gives you a chance to proactively resolve objections before submission.
10How often will you update me on my application status and interview feedback?
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How often will you update me on my application status and interview feedback?
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Why this works
Sets communication expectations and accountability.
11What's the salary range for this position, and is it negotiable?
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What's the salary range for this position, and is it negotiable?
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Why this works
Avoids wasted effort on roles that don't meet your compensation needs.
12Is this a contract, contract-to-hire, or direct-hire position?
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Is this a contract, contract-to-hire, or direct-hire position?
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Why this works
Clarifies employment structure and long-term prospects.
13What benefits are included if this is a contract role through your agency?
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What benefits are included if this is a contract role through your agency?
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Why this works
Contract roles through agencies often have different benefits than direct hires.
14How do you handle situations where a candidate has multiple offers?
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How do you handle situations where a candidate has multiple offers?
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Why this works
Tests their professionalism and whether they'll pressure you or support your decision.
15Can you share success stories of placements you've made in similar roles?
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Can you share success stories of placements you've made in similar roles?
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Why this works
Validates their track record and expertise.
16What happens if the role doesn't work out during the probation period?
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What happens if the role doesn't work out during the probation period?
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Why this works
Clarifies guarantee periods and whether they'll help you find another role.
17How do you stay informed about industry trends and client needs?
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How do you stay informed about industry trends and client needs?
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Why this works
Assesses whether they're knowledgeable consultants or just resume pushers.
18Will you represent me exclusively, or are you submitting me alongside other candidates?
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Will you represent me exclusively, or are you submitting me alongside other candidates?
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Why this works
Manages expectations about competition and agency strategy.
19What advice do you have for standing out in this hiring process?
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What advice do you have for standing out in this hiring process?
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Why this works
Leverages their insider knowledge for practical, role-specific guidance.
20How can I best stay in touch with you about future opportunities?
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How can I best stay in touch with you about future opportunities?
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Why this works
Builds a long-term relationship beyond just this one role.
Working Effectively with Recruitment Agencies
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Vet the Recruiter, Not Just the Job
A good recruiter advocates for you, provides coaching, and respects your preferences—bad ones spam your resume.
Be Clear About Your Non-Negotiables
Communicate your salary floor, location constraints, and role requirements upfront to avoid mismatches.
Maintain Control of Your Job Search
Never give blanket permission to submit your resume—approve each submission to avoid conflicts.
Red Flags with Agency Recruiters
Submitting Without Permission
Ethical recruiters always get approval before sending your resume to a client.
Vague or 'Confidential' Job Descriptions
Legitimate roles have real details—beware of mysterious opportunities used just to collect resumes.
Pressure to Accept Quickly
Good recruiters respect your decision timeline and don't rush you into bad fits.