Questions to Ask Recruiter on First Call
Strategic questions to ask a recruiter during your first phone screening to assess role fit, company culture, hiring process, compensation expectations, and next steps—helping you decide if it's worth pursuing further.
1Can you tell me more about the role and what a typical day looks like?
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Can you tell me more about the role and what a typical day looks like?
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Why this works
Gets beyond the job description to understand actual responsibilities and workflows.
2What are the top priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
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What are the top priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
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Why this works
Reveals immediate expectations and how success will be measured early on.
3Why is this position open—is it new, backfill, or restructuring?
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Why is this position open—is it new, backfill, or restructuring?
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Why this works
Context about turnover, growth, or org changes helps you assess stability and opportunity.
4What skills or experiences are must-haves versus nice-to-haves?
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What skills or experiences are must-haves versus nice-to-haves?
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Why this works
Clarifies if you're a strong fit or if there are dealbreaker gaps.
5Can you share more about the team structure and who I'd be working with?
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Can you share more about the team structure and who I'd be working with?
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Why this works
Helps you understand reporting lines, collaboration, and team dynamics.
6What's the company culture like, and how would you describe the work environment?
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What's the company culture like, and how would you describe the work environment?
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Why this works
Surfaces values, pace, and whether the culture aligns with your preferences.
7What does the interview process look like, and what's the timeline?
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What does the interview process look like, and what's the timeline?
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Why this works
Sets expectations for number of rounds, format, and decision speed.
8What's the salary range for this position?
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What's the salary range for this position?
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Why this works
Avoids wasting time if compensation doesn't meet your needs—ask directly and early.
9Is this role remote, hybrid, or in-office, and is there flexibility?
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Is this role remote, hybrid, or in-office, and is there flexibility?
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Why this works
Clarifies work arrangement expectations upfront.
10What opportunities exist for professional growth and career advancement?
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What opportunities exist for professional growth and career advancement?
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Why this works
Assesses whether the role is a stepping stone or a dead end.
11What are the biggest challenges facing the team or company right now?
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What are the biggest challenges facing the team or company right now?
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Why this works
Uncovers pain points, risks, or organizational struggles you'd inherit.
12How does the company support work-life balance?
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How does the company support work-life balance?
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Why this works
Reveals whether long hours, constant availability, or flexibility is the norm.
13Can you share examples of people who've been successful in this role and why?
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Can you share examples of people who've been successful in this role and why?
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Why this works
Provides a profile of what the company values and rewards.
14What benefits and perks does the company offer beyond salary?
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What benefits and perks does the company offer beyond salary?
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Why this works
Total compensation includes healthcare, PTO, equity, learning budgets, etc.
15Are there any concerns about my background or fit that I can address now?
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Are there any concerns about my background or fit that I can address now?
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Why this works
Opens the door to proactively resolve objections before they become silent disqualifiers.
16What's the best way to prepare for the next stage of interviews?
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What's the best way to prepare for the next stage of interviews?
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Why this works
Shows initiative and gives you insider guidance on what to emphasize.
17Why do you personally think this is a great opportunity?
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Why do you personally think this is a great opportunity?
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Why this works
Recruiter enthusiasm (or lack thereof) can signal whether the role is genuinely compelling.
18Is there anything else I should know about the company or role that we haven't discussed?
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Is there anything else I should know about the company or role that we haven't discussed?
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Why this works
Invites additional context or red flags you might have missed.
19What are the next steps, and when can I expect to hear back?
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What are the next steps, and when can I expect to hear back?
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Why this works
Clarifies follow-up timeline and keeps the process moving.
20Is there anything else you need from me to move forward?
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Is there anything else you need from me to move forward?
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Why this works
Shows proactiveness and ensures you're not leaving gaps that could slow things down.
Maximizing Your Recruiter Phone Screen
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Treat It as a Two-Way Evaluation
You're assessing the role as much as they're assessing you—ask questions to ensure mutual fit.
Be Direct About Dealbreakers
If salary, location, or other factors are non-negotiable, surface them early to save everyone time.
Take Notes
Capture key details about role expectations, interview process, and recruiter contact info for follow-up.
What to Accomplish on the First Call
First Call Objectives
Common Pitfalls
Avoiding Salary Questions
Skipping compensation talk wastes time if ranges don't align—it's professional to ask early.
Not Asking Any Questions
Lack of curiosity signals disinterest—always have questions prepared.